I love books that captivate my time and my thoughts. “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” is just such a book, and in this review I want to use all possible praise. When I hear about the TikTok phenomenon, I’m 1 999% sure I’m in for another disappointment, but here the reputation is more than protected.
Book Review: “The Serpent and the Wings of Night”
- Seriers: Crowns of Nyaxia Book #1
- Author: Carissa Broadbend
- 504 pages, Kindle Edition
- First published August 30, 2022
Tropes in this book:
- From Enemies to Lovers
- Slow burn
- Forced Intimacy
- Forbidden Love
Obitraes
Carissa Broadbent takes us into the harsh world of Obitraes, where vampires are the apex predators and humans are hunted and oppressed. The protagonist, Oraya, is the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn King of Vampires. In a world where she is nothing more than prey and food, the heroine tries to win her place at the side of her powerful father. The only way is to take part in the Kejari, a wild tournament with 5 trials that lasts 4 months and ends with a single winner. The winner receives the most valuable prize – a gift from the goddess of death Nyaxia herself.
For a human who is inferior in strength and magic to all other participants, the task is a challenge. Oraya must survive and face the fiercest warriors of the three vampire clans. She cannot count on her father’s protection and is forced to ally herself with Raihn. Raihn is a ruthless killer, an enemy of the crown, and Oraya is drawn to him.
The Kejari
“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” presents a world that completely captivated me. In my opinion, Carissa Broadbend has built it very well. We have 3 feuding vampire clans, each with their own special qualities and magic. Brutal rivalries, bloody battles and ruthless competition. And it couldn’t be any different when a throne depends on winning games.
The book is really dark fantasy and I advise you to heed the warnings at the beginning. I have some issues with vampire books in general and blood drinking is not one of my favorite elements, but this book pulverized all my preconceptions. The story is full of action, suspense, magic and intrigue. The gradual development of the attraction between Raihn and Oraya, coupled with the relentless challenges, left me hungry and eager for more. I’m not sure how many days it took me to finish the story, but it was no more than 3.
Vincent and Oraya
The relationships between the characters and their development are some of the things I liked about the book. The relationship between Oraya and the vampire king is quite complex and intriguing, in my opinion. I really like that most of the characters aren’t just good or evil. And those are my observations after just one book. Carissa Broadbent wraps them in layers so skillfully that you want to peel and cry to get to the bottom of the story. It’s not just about good and evil; there are shades of gray that make the story even more compelling. Everything about these characters leaves you conflicted and puts your value system to the test.
Rating
This captivating book combines action, romance, magic, death, horror and suspense. Everything I love about good fantasy is served up in an unforgettable way. An interesting world with memorable characters and an excellently told plot. “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” is the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia fantasy series, and I can’t wait to read on. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for dark fantasy and isn’t afraid of excessive bloodshed. My rating is 5 stars and an absolute favorite for 2024.
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King Book #2
Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.
The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.
But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.
Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.
But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book in a new series of heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
