The Serpent and the Wings of Night

The title alone had me sold. I just think it sets the mood before you even open the book. I love it! This book was hunger games meets vampires. It’s told from Oraya’s POV. She’s the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. She’s a human living among vampires. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari, a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. Oraya has spent her entire life being scared and not trusting anyone but she reluctantly becomes allies with a fellow Kejari participant(who is a vampire), Raihn. It’s her best chance to win and winning is all that matters. This whole book is the trials of Kejari. It’s so good. I knew about 15% in that I was going to show more absolutely love it and I did! It’s action packed and I loved every minute of it. I also liked that she was 23 and not a teenager! show less

5 stars because this book was everything I love in a fantasy romance, dark, intense, emotional, and completely addicting. From the first chapter, I was locked in. The world is so rich without being confusing, and the stakes are so high. It’s got danger, blood, betrayal, slow burn tension… all the good stuff.
The main character? Obsessed. She’s strong, smart, and just trying to survive in a world that’s literally designed to kill her. And don’t even get me started on Raihn, the tension between them had me screaming internally. It’s one of those stories where every little glance and moment matters, and the way their relationship builds is everything.
This book gave me Hunger Games meets vampires with a dash of brutal romance, show more and I ate it up. The plot moves fast, the writing is beautiful, and the last few chapters had me holding my breath. If you're into badass heroines, high-stakes trials, and slow burn that hurts so good, this is da oneee show less

THE SERPENT AND THE WINGS OF NIGHT by Carissa Broadbent brings you more vampires, and I am once again thankful that vampires are popular again. These are proper vampires - beautiful killing machines who look at humans the way we look at cows and not a sparkle in sight. There are three sects of vampires, each with a different power. Magic exists in this world, and goddesses grant favors. I am in love!

Nestled among them is the very human Oraya. How she comes to live among vampires, not as food, but as a princess, is only a fraction of the story. THE SERPENT AND THE WINGS OF NIGHT occurs many years after Oraya's adoption, but Ms. Broadbent allows us to experience Oraya's life growing up in a vampire court through interludes, short chapters show more that begin each section. Not only do we get insight into Oraya's past, but we can also see where Oraya's youth and innocence helped form her current opinions and loyalties.

All this comes into play as Oraya participates in the Kejari, a once-every-two-hundred-years contest among vampires. What follows is your typical storyline wherein Oraya partners with another vampire who just so happens to not meet her expectations. The Kejari itself is exciting and suspenseful, even if it is a bit predictable. The sparks occur in the last few chapters as Oraya and her partner reach the final battle. The truth will out, and the consequences are spectacular.

While I didn't find THE SERPENT AND THE WINGS OF NIGHT as compelling as Fourth Wing, I still had a lot of fun reading it. Scary vampires, political intrigue, lots of secrets and deliberate misdirection, and one lone human, fierce and every bit as lethal as the vampires that surround her - there is a lot to love here. The ending upset me if only because I didn't share her feelings about what happened, an attitude I suspect Ms. Broadbent deliberately sought to make her readers feel. With the final book in the duology set for a June 2024 release, we don't have to wait long to find out the rest of Oraya's story. I can't wait! show less

There's something about deadly competitions that always pulls me in, and this one absolutely delivered.

Every trial raised the stakes, but the quiet moments between the characters were what kept me turning pages. Trust was fragile, alliances shifted constantly, and I never quite knew who would make it through unscathed.

The atmosphere is dark and immersive, balancing danger with just enough hope to keep you rooting for everyone involved. By the end, I realized I cared far more about these characters than I expected to.

It's the kind of story that makes you look up and wonder where the last few hours disappeared.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night was one of those fantasy romances that grabs you early and refuses to let go. From the brutal world to the sharp banter and emotional gut punches, the story delivered tension, spectacle, and heartbreak in equal measure.

Oraya is a human woman raised among vampires. She survives because she’s smart, ruthless when necessary, and fully aware of how dangerous the world around her is. Her anger, fear, and determination are always at war, and Carissa Broadbent captures that internal tug-of-war beautifully. Oraya’s rage feels earned, and her strength never feels performative.

Raihn is everything you want in a morally gray vampire MMC: sharp-tongued, guarded, and impossible to fully trust. The banter show more between him and Oraya was one of my favorite parts of the book—biting, flirtatious, and layered with tension.

One quote that perfectly captures their dynamic:

“You don’t give an inch, do you?”

My eyes flicked coldly up his body.

“Do you? Or is an inch all you have to offer?”

Their grumpy-sunshine energy, combined with admiration and constant banter, made every interaction crackle.

Read more at: https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews/the-serpent-and-the-wings-of-night-winged-.... show less

Reader's Annotation: A fierce vampire fantasy with deadly trials, slow-burn romance, and a powerful, resilient heroine.

Summary & Review: In The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Oraya, a human raised among vampires, enters the deadly tournament to earn a wish. Forming an uneasy alliance with Raihn, a fearsome vampire warrior, Oraya navigates a world of political intrigue, brutal trials, and a slow-burn romance. Can she trust Raihn?

The Serpent and the Wings of Night offers a blend of dark fantasy and romance, perfect for fans of either genre. Broadbent's world-building is rich and intricate. The Kejari tournament provides a thrilling backdrop, filled with high-stakes challenges that test our main character's trust in themselves and their show more allies. The romance between Oraya and Raihn is a highlight However, some readers may find the plot predictable at times, especially if they have read many other fantasy romances in recent years.

CAWPLIE Rating:
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 6
Plot: 6
Intrigue: 7
Logic/Relationships: 8
Enjoyment: 7 show less

A New Favorite

"The Serpent and the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent invites readers into a world that seamlessly blends elements reminiscent of "The Hunger Games" and the supernatural intrigue of "Underworld." Eagerly anticipating the release, I initially sought the book on Netgalley but, undeterred by the unavailability, I happily purchased and delved into its pages.

Set in a universe teeming with diverse vampire factions, the narrative centers around the Kejari, a once-in-a-century competition where participants engage in a fierce battle for the favor of the goddess of death. For Oraya, the adopted daughter of the Nightborn vampire King Vincent, the Kejari represents a chance to prove herself and secure a better life. Raised amid show more predators, Oraya, though human, emerges as a formidable warrior under the tutelage of her adoptive father. As the Kejari unfolds, it becomes a test of strategy, strength, and the alliances Oraya forms to navigate the perilous trials.

This being my first venture into Carissa Broadbent's work, the initial intrigue was palpable. The story swiftly captivated me with its depiction of Oraya's upbringing by Vincent, evolving into a tale of empowerment as she matures into a resilient woman. Oraya's character, evident from the first chapter, exudes a determined spirit, promising a protagonist who refuses to succumb without a fight.

The narrative wastes no time immersing readers in action, showcasing the skills Oraya must employ for survival. The "Hunger Games" comparisons prove valid, given the brutality, gore, and chaos that permeate each trial. Every moment is a life-or-death struggle, a fact not lost on Oraya, whose control and precision become vital for her survival. The introduction of Raihn, a powerful and enigmatic vampire, adds an intriguing dynamic to the story, sparking questions about their inevitable connection.

The backstory of Oraya's adoption by Vincent is seamlessly woven into the narrative, revealing her early awareness of the dangers surrounding her. Oraya emerges not as a vulnerable character, but as one with the means to protect herself, marked by strength and a guarded emotional stance cultivated through years of survival.

Each trial not only demands Oraya's physical prowess but unveils unexpected facets of herself and her relationships, particularly with Raihn. Surprising revelations, such as Oraya's latent magical abilities, add depth to her character, enhancing the narrative's complexity. Oraya's resilience amidst bloodshed and injuries reinforces her as a compelling protagonist.

As the story concludes, the unexpected ending leaves readers yearning for more. The promise of a second book adds to the anticipation, as the duet's conclusion remains shrouded in mystery. Overall, "The Serpent and the Wings of Night" delivers a riveting narrative filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a protagonist whose journey captivates from beginning to end. For those seeking a thrilling and enchanting experience, I highly recommend diving into this captivating tale by clicking the link below. show less