DNF @ 60%

I’ve reached the point where I no longer care about how this book ends, and it’s feeling like a chore to pick it up. We're immediately thrown in to the story expected to know a lot of things we're not told. I enjoy the info dumping in the beginning of a fantasy. I like learning about the world and its history, the characters and who they are and their motivations for why they're doing things, and why it all matters. Bottom line, I need a solid foundation that allows me to connect with the characters and become invested in their stories. This book has almost no world building. I kept waiting to learn why this place is like it is, and I got pretty much nothing before Oraya was thrown into battle. There’s no character development. Who even is Raihn? Why am I meant to fall for him? There’s also a lot of repetition and odd sentence structure. The narrative style doesn’t match Oraya’s speaking voice, even though the book is written in first person from her point of view. I could look past some of these things, but so much of this story didn't even make sense.

There's plot holes everywhere, and the more I thought about these missing pieces, the more questions I had and the more everything fell apart for me. First, WHY did Vincent save Oraya as a child and take her in as his adoptive daughter? Why did her family die? Vincent, doesn’t want to outlive Oraya. He wants her to become a vampire so that both of them will no longer have to live in fear that she will be killed. But he won’t turn her himself because she could die, so he sends her to fight to the death in a very Hunger Games-like tournament against 50+ vampires so that Nyaxia will grant her that wish. These vampires are centuries old, extremely powerful, and violent. And she has to try to not be killed by one of them while also fighting monsters and demons at the same time. That doesn’t even make sense. Why would he send her into a situation so much more dangerous than if he just turned her himself? At least he would have more control over her fate, especially since the book introduces us to multiple vampires who survived being turned. At least she wouldn't be brutally killed by someone while he helplessly watches from the audience. Two of the contestants, who are best friends, voluntarily sign up to go compete together knowing that they will either both die or one will have to kill the other to win. And… for what? I have no idea what their wishes even are. Two brothers volunteer to participate. WHY!? Again, they either both die or one has to kill the other. How is Oraya, a human with a flicker of an unexplained magical power that she can’t control at all, so hard to kill when she has very little difficulty killing them? There are two factions of vampires, and they are always at war with one another. WHY? What happened back in history that made them hate each other so much? Humans and vampires live among each other, not always peacefully since vampires do have human snacks from time to time but... How are humans not outright extinct? They're easy food and they say human blood is the best. What is protecting them from not being imprisoned and used as a living blood bank? There are just no answers! There's no information on any of this, and that brings me back to the complete lack of solid world building.

A new guy, who I’m assuming is going to be a second love interest, has entered the book now and I’m seeing a Tamlin versus Rhys kind of story about to unfold that I'm not in the mood for. Oh, and Vincent calling Oraya “little serpent” all the time was kinda weird.

First, the chapters in this ARC are out of order at the end. Thankfully I was just confused and didn't have anything spoiled. Chapter 45 was chapter 50 and then chapter 50 was 45.

Is this book good? Probably not. Does it feel like an adult version of all the popular YA series of the early oughts? Kind of. Did I have a blast reading it? Yes. Do I need book two ASAP? Absolutely.

This is just fun turn your brain off and have a good time read. It's quick and engaging. There's a few fun twists at the end and it definitely set me up to be excited for book two.

Did you read Fourth Wing and love it? This is your next read!!

Full of heartbreaking romance, action packed thrills, and a whole lotta vampires. This very much game me Hunger Games vibes and I couldn't put it down.

<i>ARC Provided by NetGalley<i>

I am back in my vampire era it seems. I cannot get enough of high stakes fantasies with romance plot!
The enemies to lovers was executed perfectly, addictive from the start!

I enjoyed the world and the setting, the pacing was great too. However, I would have felt more in love with the whole story if the scenes would have not been predictable. Which is fine, because sometimes a predictable, angsty, character driven story is all we need. But regarding its hype on Booktok and Bookstagram I wanted it to be a bit more. :)

Thank you so much for the publisher,NEtgalley for the free e-ARC!

It was quite well done however the file was in the wrong order and skipped several chapters. A very well done dark romance!

“There she is."

this was incredible. such an exciting, thrilling, and fast paced fantasy read that had me in a chokehold. it took me about halfway to really get into, but once I did, I was hooked. Oraya was a badass, she was strong and fought twice as hard as everyone else because she's human in a world of vampires.

This has everything I love in a fantasy book:
Vampires with wings and powers
Slow burn romance
hate to love/enemies to lovers
witty banter (the sarcasm is my fav)
incredible world building

“I would beg,” he murmured. “For you, I would. You have fucking destroyed me, Oraya. Do you know that?”

I don't care what they say, Daddy Vincent stole the show, okay? He had me in a puddle. this stone cold vampire king was absolutely weak for his little serpent. I just-- *screams*

“I can’t take credit for everything that you’ve become, Oraya. Even if sometimes I wish I could. But if I’m responsible for just one small piece of that, it will have been the greatest accomplishment of my life.”

I can see why this book is popular but overall I found it predictable in the least interesting ways. I don’t know if I will continue the series but the book was an easy fast paced read. I just don’t think it was for me.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the perfect suggestion for someone looking for the next great Romantasy read. I liked that the setting was a departure from some of the go-tos in Romantasy and I will definitely be recommending to our customers. Many are already very excited to see this title back on the shelves.

Not my usual genre at all but I DEVOURED this. The story follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the nightborn king, Vincent, as she enters the Kejari, a hunger games-esque fight to the death amongst vampires. In it, she meets and allies with Raihn, a ruthless vampire from a rival race of vampires.

Likes: the world building, twists and turns, spice, chemistry, and characters.
Dislikes: Did not love Vincent calling his daughter his little serpent. I also felt like some of the magical/paranormal details were thrown in without adequate background explanation, but maybe I'm just not used to the genre.

Definite recommendation to anyone wanting to dip their toe into romantasy.

Thanks to Tor Publishing Group, Bramble and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Carissa Broadbent starts a tale set in a world ruled by flying vampires created by the goddess Nyaxia. Oraya doesn’t know why she was adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, but she grew up in his court preparing for a one a century contest, the Kejari, in which the winner gets a wish granted by the goddess. Rather than risk being turned, she plans the ultimate risk of this deadly contest to become vampire. Raihn , who had survived being turned, is the potential love interest if he doesn’t kill her first. The Serpent & the Wings of Night (hard from‎ Bramble) is difficult to put down with numerous twists and turns. It is very bloody and I can’t wait for part two.

Whoever said this book was Underworld meets The Hunger Games wasn't lying! What an engrossing fantasy world, anchored by a heroine who has been hardened by her upbringing as the adopted human daughter of a vampire king, now tasked to fight in a competition where the stakes are life or death and her only ally is a vampire of a rival family that she'll need to get close to in order to get an advantage over in the weeks to come. The tension between Oraya and Raihn is delicious and reaches a breaking point in the best possible way, and that ending! I know there's even more to come, and I'm going to need it after everything I just read within the last few chapters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Broadbent for giving me the opportunity to review "The Serpent & the Wings of Night." A mix of "Twilight" and "Hunger Games" this book is action packed. A well written story line and interesting characters keeps the reader engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was so surprised at the ending. A definite read for fantasy lovers and fans of Sarah Maas.

I was sucked into a world run by vampires, traditional and new with compelling, dark characters and an engaging plot. A romantic fantasy, enemies to lovers and unexpected twists.

Thank you NetGalley and TOR Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4-4.5

"Don't f#$*ing touch her," he growled as black light cracked through the air.

I don't know what I was expecting but it WASN'T THIS. Difference species of vampires? An adopted human daughter (Oraya) of the most legal King? A massive kill everyone competition (Kejari) where a Goddess bestows a gift if you win? A vampire questioning his abilities and his place in the world?

I was hooked from the first 10 pages and it never stopped. I will immediately be picking up the next book in the series that's out as well - The Ashes and the Star Crossed King.

For fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, TOG ...

The Serpent & the Wings of Night is everything fans of vampires and Hunger Games never knew they needed in a book together. Have a Fourth Wing hangover? This is absolutely the book to cure it.

Seeing this book on social media, I'm so thankful to Tor for publishing and giving Carissa Broadbent the wider audience this book truly deserves.

I'm at the beginning of my fantasy journey, but for me this is a must read, and I can't wait to purchase a physical copy and read it again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the digital arc in exchange for review. My opinions are my own.

All of these indie titles are being published traditional and man are they opening up the world to more books that we wouldn't have even known about!! This one was one that I probably never would have looked at and that would have been sad. Because this was incredible.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent is a captivating and thrilling novel that delves into the intricate dynamics and dangers of a world where humans and vampires coexist. Set in a universe where survival is paramount, the story takes us on a gripping journey with Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, as she navigates the treacherous realm she inhabits. Oraya's struggle for acceptance and her quest for personal growth form the central pillars of the narrative. In order to transcend her vulnerable position, she seizes the opportunity to participate in the Kejari, an illustrious tournament organized by the goddess of death herself. However, the competition is fierce, with warriors from all three vampire houses vying for victory. To survive, Oraya must form an unusual alliance with Raihn, a mysterious rival with a dangerous reputation. Broadbent skillfully weaves together elements of action, romance, and political intrigue in this enthralling tale. The forbidden allure between Oraya and Raihn adds an additional layer of complexity to the plot, as their connection grows stronger amidst the chaos of the tournament. The author expertly captures the dilemmas faced by both characters, who find themselves torn between their own desires and the demands of their respective factions. Throughout the story, the author masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The brewing war for the House of Night serves as a backdrop, creating a sense of impending doom that hangs over Oraya and her allies. It challenges everything she thought she knew about her home and forces her to confront the true nature of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. "The Serpent and the Wings of Night" is a testament to Carissa Broadbent's immersive storytelling and her ability to create multidimensional characters. Oraya's evolution from a vulnerable outsider to a resilient and formidable force is compelling, and her emotional journey resonates with readers as they witness her struggle to find her place in this complex world. With its deftly crafted plot, richly developed characters, and themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery, "The Serpent and the Wings of Night" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and vampire lore. Carissa Broadbent's eloquent prose and vivid descriptions bring the world to life, leaving readers hungry for more. This book is a testament to the eternal allure of the supernatural and the enduring power of the human spirit.

4/5 Stars:

This book has gotten a lot of hype recently so I'll admit I went into it with a lot of skepticism. And at first, that skepticism felt justified: It seemed unlikely that the FMC would have really survived for so long in a castle full of vampires; it feels icky how she wants to become her adoptive father's Coriatae (this doesn't feel like a spoiler since it's mentioned pretty early); and the F-bombs dropped every 3 lines got old very fast.

But then I got to the first trial and that's when this book really took off for me (~20% in). The things that I mentioned were still there but were definitely overshadowed by the intense and well-written trial scenes. And the plot just took off and took me with it.

This book did feel like it had elements of other favorites in it: Hunger Games, FBAA, ACOTAR but it didn't feel repetitive or even like a copy, just homage to elements that made these series so great. Oraya our FMC is smart, strong, and super relatable (well as relatable as a human raised by vampires competing for her survival can be). And Rhain, our MMC is funny, snarky, and very very likable. Their plot and relationship is well thought out without become too drawn out. The timing is key in slow-burns and this one hit it just right. The trials are really the best part of this book for me as the backstory and challenges could be a story all on its own (and I'm sure it will be some day).

Overall this is a great story for anyone who's looking for a Romantasy with some action sequences and I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the ARC of The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

The Serpent & the Wings of Night, by Carissa Broadbent, is the first installment in the authors Crown of Nyaxia series. In the world of Obitraes, humans living in this world are prey, pests, or both. The vampires who rule this world bow to the Goddess Nyaxia who has decided that every 100 years, the three great houses, House of Night, House of Shadow, and House of Blood, will provide participants in a game that there can only be one winner. When the Kejari takes place, people from all over Obitraes can participate.

The contestants have to go trough five trials over the period of four months to win. The winner will be granted one wish by Goddess Nyaxia, the mother of all vampires. The House of Night is divided into two rival vampire clans: the Hiaj and the Rishan vampires. Oraya has been chosen for greater things. Vincent, the Vampire King of House of Night, found Oraya when she was eight years old. He called her his little serpent because she doesn't back down from any fight, especially when she is hunting vampires who prey on humans.

He has trained her to survive in a world that even vampires can't stand the sight of each other, and there have been rebellions squashed by Vincent, including one that left Oraya an orphan. For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart. Oraya's 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. A rival who belongs to the Rishan clan. Everything about Raihn Ashraj is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown and her greatest competition. He even has one of his best friends, Mische, along for the 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. Oraya is a character who is delightfully complex. She is shown to be caring and desperate to make a change, yet her fierce ambition is limited by her weakness as a human. He relationship with Vincent is both curious and puzzling. The puzzling part is how she didn't put two and two together and figure out why Vincent was so focused on her.

The positive for Vincent is that he truly wants Oraya to win so that she can be powerful like him, and that means giving her tools like a poisoned knife and healing to keep her alive. Her relationship with Raihn is even more complex because he is supposed to be the enemy. The enemy who is ready to challenge Vincent and take away his powers. To make things even more maddening, is that apparently I am the one that I know that found the final chapters discombobulating.

The story is going along, the end of the games is coming to an end, it is down to two expected participants, when suddenly, it was like an entire different story was taking place within this story. Chapters 50 thru 56 seem to have been written to take place after whoever wins the Kejari. The other curiosity of this story is that all of the powerful vampires have wings, and the contestants can go anywhere they want, as long as they are back inside when the the night turns to day. It is fair to say that trials and tournaments done right peak my interest greatly. That being said, I wish the author can explain the brutal ending to the story to me before I search for the sequel to this story!

As a human living in the vampire courts, Oraya’s life is under constant threat. Sure, she’s the adopted daughter of the brutal king Vincent, but vampire’s aren’t exactly known for their impulse control. The orders of their king are easily disregarded in a moment of bloodlust – a fact that Oraya knows all too well. A smart and skilled human warrior is still no match for a strong vampire…unless she has a little help from a Goddess. To win a life-changing boon from Nyaxia, Mother of Vampires, Oraya risks her life to enter the Kejari.

The Kejari is a sacred rite for vampires, a series of trials where Nyaxia’s followers fight to the death to pledge their lives to their goddess. Held once every several centuries, the Kejari draws vampires from the three kingdoms. These people have centuries of bitter conflict along political and religious lines, and Oraya will need to ally with someone if she’s going to make it through. Enter Raihn, a talented warrior from another kingdom with a sense of humour and compassion. Throw in his rugged good looks, and Oraya’s intrigued despite herself. Of course, she isn’t stupid: they may have forged a tentative alliance, but they don’t trust each other. They don’t care for one another. That would be suicide. Wouldn’t it?

The Serpent and the Wings of Night does what many fantasy romance novels cannot: it blends elements of the expected and unexpected to create a story that’s both familiar and fresh. You’ll find classic tropes like deadly tournaments, human protagonists among the supernatural, and a forbidden romance between two misunderstood loners, but the world building is surprisingly robust. Broadbent takes her time to slowly develop multiple vampire Houses with distinct cultures, magic, and bloody political history. This does have an impact on the pacing, which is decidedly slower than your average fantasy romance.

The story unfolds rather slowly, and the relationship between Oraya and Raihn develops even more gradually – to good effect. Once the unlikely pair finally act on their feelings, readers will be fully on board. I understood their attraction and believed in their love, and felt torn over their circumstances. Broadbent cleverly constructs the narrative so that we compare their current circumstances with those of Nyaxia and her own doomed romance, adding to the epic feeling of their love. These glimpses into Nyaxia’s mythology were some of my favourite parts of the whole story. Her journey from a minor figure in a pantheon of gods to the single most powerful Goddess in history is compelling, and there are clear echoes of that story in Oraya’s own unexpected rise in the ranks.


It’s the combination of world building and character work that makes this fantasy romance worth recommending. While the romance receives the most page-time, the father-daughter relationship between Oraya and Vincent was the most compelling. The angst DELIVERS, let me tell you. Vincent is a centuries old, brutal, and cruel vampire king who shocked his subjects when he adopted a nobody human child out of the blue. Oraya should be grateful towards him – and she is. Vincent is her father and he loves her. But he’s also manipulated her, isolated her, and emotionally abused her for his own purposes. He’s forced her to cut off the human sides of herself, hardening her heart to become “strong”. Oraya’s slow realization of these facts is painful to watch, but it’s also satisfying to see her become aware of her circumstances. Three cheers for character growth!

Although the ending wasn’t entirely surprising, there are some major bombshells dropped in the last three chapters. I’m excited to see where it all goes in the sequel, which promises to be just as angsty, bloody, and satisfying as The Serpent and the Wings of Night. Highly recommended for fantasy romance readers.