Daughter of No Worlds #1

Book Review

A Story of Survival and Magic

Carissa Broadbent’s Daughter of No Worlds throws readers into a beautifully woven tapestry of magic, trauma, and self-discovery. At its heart is Tisaanah, a woman who has known nothing but cruelty and survival. After securing her freedom, she faces an even more perilous challenge—securing a place in the Orders, a magical organization that promises power, but at a deadly cost.

The story begins with Tisaanah’s escape from slavery, driven by her determination to save those she left behind. Her journey takes her to Ara, where she meets Maxantarius, a fire wielder who wants nothing to do with the Orders or their political machinations. Tisaanah’s apprenticeship with Max is filled with tension, not just because of their contrasting personalities, but because of the growing affection between them—an affection neither can afford to explore.

Complex Characters: Tisaanah and Max

Max is a wounded soul, his past a battlefield of regret and loss. His character is an intriguing mix of gruff exterior and hidden vulnerability, making his slow-burn connection with Tisaanah all the more compelling. Broadbent carefully layers their relationship, teasing the reader with moments of warmth amidst the chaos surrounding them. Max, for all his brooding, is a protector, and watching him open up to Tisaanah, acknowledging her scars while carrying his own, feels both raw and real.

Tisaanah, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with. She’s fierce, determined, and complex, navigating the trauma of her past while embracing her emerging powers. Her struggles with the Orders, the weight of her responsibilities, and the terrifying magic of Reshaye—a dark force she reluctantly accepts—create a deeply human character. Broadbent excels in portraying Tisaanah’s vulnerability, her moments of doubt, and her resilience.

Magic and Worldbuilding

The magic system in Daughter of No Worlds is fascinating, particularly how it ties into the characters’ emotional arcs. Tisaanah’s magic, rooted in her pain and past, serves as both a tool and a burden. Reshaye, the dark entity she harbors, feels less like a typical villain and more like a tragic, misunderstood force. There’s a beauty in how Broadbent turns this dynamic into a reflection of Tisaanah’s internal struggles—her fight for control, for autonomy, and for her own redemption.

One of the strongest aspects of Broadbent’s writing is her worldbuilding. Ara and the Orders feel lived-in, with political intrigue simmering beneath the surface. The Orders are not just an institution of power but also one of corruption, and Tisaanah’s fight to understand their motives adds a layer of complexity to the plot. While the first half of the book leans more into training and character-building, the second half explodes with action, intrigue, and emotional stakes.

Emotional Pacing and Relationships

For all its strengths, there are moments where the pacing stumbles. Some training scenes feel repetitive, and the romance, while deliciously slow-burn, could benefit from more tension in the earlier chapters. Additionally, the motives of some side characters, like Nura and Zeryth, feel underdeveloped, leaving room for more clarity in the subsequent books.

That said, Daughter of No Worlds is a story that lingers. It’s about more than just magic and war; it’s about healing, love, and the fight to reclaim one’s identity. Broadbent’s writing is lyrical, balancing moments of intense action with introspective character development. And while there are dark, heavy themes, there’s a thread of hope that runs throughout, reminding readers that even in a world full of pain, there is still light to be found.

Final Thoughts:

Daughter of No Worlds is an epic fantasy that captivates with its rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and emotionally charged story. Broadbent’s careful crafting of Tisaanah and Max’s relationship, combined with the intricate magic system, makes for an immersive read. It’s not without its minor flaws, but fans of romantic fantasy will be more than satisfied with this compelling start to the series. Highly recommended for those who enjoy slow-burn romance and intricate magic.