In “Mother of Death & Dawn,” Carissa Broadbent brings her War of Lost Hearts trilogy to a stunning and heart-wrenching conclusion. This final installment sees Tisaanah, Maxatarius, and Aefe thrust into the center of a cataclysmic war between the human and Fey worlds, facing impossible choices and sacrifices that will reshape the very fabric of their reality.
Broadbent’s writing is at its most powerful and evocative in this book, painting vivid scenes of battles both physical and emotional. Her prose is lyrical and haunting, capturing the raw intensity of her characters’ struggles and the profound stakes of the conflict they find themselves embroiled in. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter building to a crescendo that leaves the reader breathless and eager for more.
The character arcs in this book are nothing short of spectacular. Tisaanah, Max, and Aefe each face their own unique challenges and inner demons, and Broadbent explores their journeys with sensitivity, nuance, and a deep understanding of the human (and Fey) heart. The themes of love, duty, sacrifice, and the weight of the past are woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and resonance to every choice the characters make.
One of the strengths of “Mother of Death & Dawn” is the way it subverts expectations and delivers shocking twists and revelations. Broadbent keeps readers on their toes, constantly recontextualizing earlier events and revealing new layers to the world she’s created. The ending, in particular, is a masterful blend of heartbreak and hope, leaving readers simultaneously satisfied and longing for more.
The audiobook performances by Dan Calley and Esther Wane are once again superb, bringing the emotional depth and intensity of Broadbent’s writing to vivid life. Calley captures Max’s inner turmoil and growth with sensitivity and power, while Wane embodies Tisaanah and Aefe’s fierce determination and the weight of the choices they must make. Together, they create an immersive listening experience that elevates an already breathtaking story.
It’s worth noting that this book contains mature themes and depictions of violence, as befits the epic scale and high stakes of the story. However, Broadbent handles these elements with care and uses them to explore the complex realities of war, love, and the human experience.
Overall, “Mother of Death & Dawn” is a triumphant conclusion to The War of Lost Hearts trilogy. With its stunning prose, heart-wrenching character arcs, and epic world-building, this book cements Carissa Broadbent’s place as a master of fantasy fiction. A must-read for fans of the series and anyone who loves a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant fantasy saga.
Rating: 5 / 5 stars
I’d love to hear from other readers in the Tokybook community. Have you had a chance to read “Mother of Death & Dawn” and the rest of The War of Lost Hearts trilogy? What did you think of the epic conclusion to Tisaanah, Max, and Aefe’s story? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below, but please remember to mark any spoilers!
