Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent, the first book in the War of Lost Hearts trilogy, has carved a special place in the hearts of fantasy romance fans. This self-published masterpiece has gained immense popularity for its compelling characters, unique magic system, and great balance of emotional depth and thrilling adventure.
Often recommended to Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas fans, Broadbent’s work shines with its emotionally complex protagonists, gripping plot twists, and a heroine whose strength and determination resonate deeply with readers. But Broadbent’s storytelling prowess doesn’t stop there. Romantasy bookworms have also fallen in love with her Crowns of Nyaxia series, starting with The Serpent and the Wings of Night, a tale of deadly trials, vampire intrigue, and a heart-stopping romance that further cements her as a standout voice in the genre.
For our Crowns of Nyaxia fans, check out our Serpent and the Wings of Night summary, character breakdown, and quote collection.
In this character guide, we’ll dive into Daughter of No Worlds, exploring its plot, characters, and themes in detail. And if you’ve missed our summary of the first book, make sure to check it out! However, if you haven’t yet completed the trilogy, we would recommend you bookmark this article for later since there are character spoilers that could ruin the book for you.
Proceed at your own risk!
Daughter of No Worlds, the first book in the War of Lost Hearts trilogy, is a fantasy romance novel that has gained popularity, with comparisons to Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass. The story follows Tisaanah Vytezic, a former Valtain slave, and Maxantarius Farlione, a reclusive ex-soldier, as they navigate a world of magic, political intrigue, and war. Tisaanah seeks freedom from the cruel empire of Threll, hoping to join the magic wielders in Ara. She is forced to train with Max, which leads to a slow-burn romance. As she becomes more powerful, she uncovers the corruption within the Orders. She is presented with a magical weapon, Reshaye, and forced into a blood pact with Zeryth Aldris, the Arch Commandant of the Orders. Ultimately, she, Max, and others travel to Threll to save her best friend, Serel, and she battles for control over Reshaye, learning that it was once Max's prison. The book explores themes of resilience, romance, political intrigue, and found family, and it is not heavily focused on explicit scenes. The magic system includes Valtain and Solarie wielders, with Valtain magic being inward and Solarie magic outward. There is also a deeper level of magic that can be accessed by some, such as the Syrizen and those who host Reshaye. The story ends with Zeryth waging war in Ara, setting the stage for the next book.
Tisaanah is—rightfully—beloved by any bookworm who loves a strong FMC, and we think that this is where parallels with Throne of Glass are drawn from. Sold into slavery as a child, she is driven by a singular determination: to free her people and bring justice to those who oppressed them. Sharp-witted and powerful with a mind made of steel, Tisaanah grows from a survivor to a warrior, navigating personal demons and the dangerous entity Reshaye that resides within her.
Her relationships—especially her deep bond with Serel and her love for Maxantarius—are central to her character.
Max is a fire wielder with a dark past, haunted by the atrocities he committed while under Reshaye’s influence. Initially grumpy and reluctant to train Tisaanah, he grows to admire her strength and determination, and their relationship evolves into a deeply emotional and transformative love story.
Max is not just a warrior, but a protector, fiercely loyal to those he cares for. His internal struggles—grappling with guilt, self-worth, and the weight of his past—make him a deeply layered character. Despite his gruff exterior, Max yearns for a simple life with Tisaanah, far from the chaos of the Orders and the war.
Esmaris was the most powerful Threllian lord for a reason. Ruthlessly cunning and sharp, he never needed to flaunt his authority because his reputation for intelligence and control spoke for itself. His manipulative nature made him a terrifying figure in Tisaanah’s life, and his refusal to release her set off a chain of events that led to his death.
Despite his cruelty, Esmaris’s feelings for Tisaanah were disturbingly complex. In his own twisted way, he loved her—not as a person, but as something he owned, a possession he valued.
Serel is Tisaanah’s best friend and a fellow survivor of slavery. His presence serves as a reminder of what Tisaanah is fighting for—freedom and justice for those she left behind. Her determination to rescue Serel after fleeing Esmaris’s grasp showcases her unwavering loyalty and love for those who have suffered alongside her.
Zeryth is the ultimate opportunist, a low-born Valtain wielder who clawed his way to power and will stop at nothing to maintain and expand it. His hunger for dominance drives him to manipulate, betray, and even wage war, including the assassination of the child queen of Ara. While his charisma and cunning make him a formidable leader, his relentless ambition blinds him to the cost of his actions, meddling with dark magic that drives him to insanity.
Nura is Zeryth’s second-in-command, a pragmatic and fiercely loyal warrior who values the safety of Ara above all else. Her love for her homeland runs so deep that she’s willing to destroy anything—even Ara itself—if it means securing its future. While she harbors feelings for others—especially her ex-flame Maxantarius, her decisions are always guided by what she believes is best for Ara, making her both a powerful ally and a dangerous foe.
Sammerin is a calming presence in a world of chaos, both in his healing magic and his steady spirit. He was there for Max when he needed saving the most, offering both physical and emotional support to his broken friend. Fiercely loyal, Sammerin will do anything for those he cares about, but at his core, all he desires is peace—a quiet life spent at his medical practice, away from the turmoil of the world.
*If you haven’t read Mother of Death and Dawn, please skip this section*
We begin following Aefe’s story parallel to Tisaanah’s in Children of Fallen Gods. She was once a royal blade and a princess, but she was stripped of her title. However, betrayed by her companions, she was abducted by the humans and became the malevolent entity, Reshaye. Saved by her long-lost-love Caduan, Aefe begins to reclaim who she once was. She battles her trauma while hoping for a better future, and her choices are crucial to the war's outcome.
Caduan is a passionate and driven character whose life was irrevocably changed by the loss of Aefe 500 years ago. Once an inspiring young leader, Caduan's grief and rage over Aefe's fate have transformed him into a vengeful force, willing to tear the world apart to avenge the wrongs done to her. His love for Aefe remains an integral part of his identity, driving his actions and decisions. His longing for Aefe and the life they might have had makes him a deeply romantic and tragic figure, as his inability to let go of the past blinds him to the possibilities of the present.
From its complex characters to its emotionally gripping narrative and world building, Daughter of No Worlds is a great fantasy novel. Tisannah’s fierce determination and strength—or stubbornness, Max’s quiet strength and reluctant vulnerability, and the supporting characters’ unique personalities create a story that is as much about human connection as it is about magic and adventure. Their journeys, filled with sacrifice, growth, and hard-won trust, will linger with readers long after the final page.
Craving more insights into these characters and their world? Explore our deep dives into Tisaanah’s complex backstory, Max’s layered emotions, and the intricate dynamics of the War of Lost Hearts trilogy. And don’t forget to sign up to our crewfiction for exclusive character analyses, book recommendations, and sneak peeks at more unforgettable stories to add to your TBR!
The main character of Daughter of No Worlds is Tisaanah Vytezic, a former slave-turned-warrior who is determined to free her people and bring justice to those who have wronged her. Ripped from her homeland as a child and sold into servitude, Tisaanah endured years of suffering under the cruel hand of Esmaris Mikov, the most powerful Threllian lord.
Tisaanah is quite unique, with albino-white skin interspersed with patches of darker pigmentation, giving her a fragmented and otherworldly appearance. Her platinum hair, streaked with strands of dark hair, and mismatched eyes—one green and the other gray—further set her apart.
Daughter of No Worlds includes romantic elements, but it is not heavily focused on spice. The romance between Tisaanah and Max unfolds as a slow burn, emphasizing emotional depth, trust, and vulnerability before leading to moments of physical intimacy. While the book does include a few steamy moments, these are not the focus. Instead, the narrative prioritizes character growth, intricate world-building, and an engaging plot.
