The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Embracing the Darkness: A Thrilling Vampire Fantasy

In a world where vampires reign supreme and humans are little more than prey, Carissa Broadbent sinks her teeth into the fantasy romance genre with “The Serpent and the Wings of Night.” This first installment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series is a blood-pumping, heart-racing adventure that will leave readers thirsting for more.

Imagine “The Hunger Games” with fangs, or “Vampire Academy” with a dash of “Game of Thrones.” That’s the intoxicating cocktail Broadbent serves up in this dark, sensual tale of survival, ambition, and forbidden desire. It’s a story that asks: What happens when the line between predator and prey begins to blur?

A Bite-Sized Synopsis

Meet Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. She’s spent her life trying to prove she’s more than just a snack-in-waiting. Her chance comes in the form of the Kejari – a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. Win, and she could become her father’s immortal right hand. Lose, and… well, let’s just say the consequences are bloody.

Enter Raihn, a mysterious and dangerously attractive vampire competitor. He’s everything Oraya should hate—ruthless, deadly, and her greatest rival. But as they form an uneasy alliance to survive the brutal trials, Oraya finds herself drawn to him in ways that could spell her doom.

As the tournament progresses, Oraya uncovers dark secrets about her home and her past. Suddenly, she’s caught between her loyalty to her father, her growing feelings for Raihn, and the truth of who she really is. In a world where trust is a weakness and love is a death sentence, Oraya must decide what—and who—she’s willing to sacrifice to survive.

Sink Your Teeth Into This: What Works

1. A Fresh Take on Vampire Lore

Broadbent breathes new life into the vampire genre by creating a rich, complex world with its own mythology, politics, and social hierarchies. The vampire houses—Night, Shadow, and Blood—each have distinct characteristics and abilities, adding depth to the world-building. The goddess Nyaxia and her dark arts provide a fascinating magical system that feels both familiar and fresh.

2. Complex, Flawed Characters

Oraya is a protagonist you can really sink your teeth into (pun absolutely intended). She’s fierce, determined, and deeply conflicted. Her struggle to reconcile her human nature with her vampire upbringing is compelling and relatable. Raihn, too, is more than just eye candy. His mysterious past and inner turmoil make him a worthy romantic interest and a fascinating character in his own right.

3. Heart-Pounding Action

The Kejari trials are brutal, bloody, and utterly gripping. Broadbent doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the violence and gore, creating high-stakes scenarios that keep you on the edge of your seat. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and visceral, making you feel every punch, slash, and bite.

4. Slow-Burn Romance

The relationship between Oraya and Raihn simmers with tension from their first meeting. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry electric, and their gradual shift from enemies to allies to something more is deliciously slow and satisfying. It’s a romance that feels earned, not forced.

5. Political Intrigue

The power struggles within and between the vampire houses add a layer of complexity to the story. The looming war and the secrets Oraya uncovers keep the plot twisting and turning, ensuring that the Kejari isn’t the only source of conflict.

A Few Drops of Criticism: What Could Be Improved

1. Pacing Issues

While the action scenes are thrilling, the pacing can be uneven at times. Some sections, particularly in the middle, drag a bit as we wait for the next trial to begin. A tighter edit could have streamlined these slower moments.

2. Familiar Tropes

While Broadbent puts her own spin on things, some elements of the story feel familiar if you’re well-versed in YA fantasy. The deadly tournament, the chosen one narrative, the forbidden love—these are well-worn paths. However, the author’s fresh take on vampires and the strength of her characters help overcome this familiarity.

3. Supporting Cast Development

While Oraya and Raihn are well-developed, some of the supporting characters could use more depth. Characters like Mische and Ibrihim have potential but sometimes feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. Hopefully, future books will expand on these secondary characters.

Final Verdict: A Bloody Good Read

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” is a thrilling start to what promises to be an addictive series. Broadbent’s writing is immersive, her world-building is rich, and her characters are compelling. The blend of action, romance, and political intrigue creates a story that’s hard to put down.

Is it perfect? No. But its flaws are easily overshadowed by its strengths. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy romance, vampire lore, or just enjoy a good, bloody adventure, this book is definitely worth sinking your teeth into.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series
• Readers who enjoyed Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood and Ash“
• Anyone who likes their romance with a side of danger and their fantasy with a dash of political intrigue
• Vampire enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre

Who Should Skip It?

• Those who prefer their fantasy light and fluffy
• Readers sensitive to violence and gore
• Anyone looking for a standalone novel (this is definitely the start of a series with some unresolved plot threads)

What’s Next?

If you’re left hungry for more after finishing “The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” you’re in luck. Broadbent has already released a novella, “Six Scorched Roses,” set in the same world. The second full-length novel in the series, “The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King,” is also available. The third book, “The Songbird & the Heart of Stone,” is slated for release in November 2024.

In the Words of Oraya…

“I’d spent my entire life trying to avoid being in this situation: trapped with powerful vampire warriors twice my size. But maybe… maybe I’d find my own kind of strength here.”

And find strength she does. Oraya’s journey from prey to predator is as thrilling as it is treacherous. In “The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” Carissa Broadbent proves that in the game of love and survival, sometimes the most dangerous move is opening your heart.

So, dear reader, are you ready to enter the Kejari? Just remember: in this tournament, the stakes are high, the nights are dark, and the only thing more deadly than a vampire’s bite… is falling in love with one.

Just be warned: once you start, you might find it impossible to stop until you’ve drained every last drop of this intoxicating story.