I really enjoyed the writing and the storyline in this novel! At first I was not sure if I would like this book, but towards the middle I really started to enjoy it! All of the twists at the end blew me away and I was honestly so hurt for Oraya! I felt pain for each character actually…. The romance in this really made me enjoy the storyline more though. It was beautiful. I am excited to dive into the next book in this series because I need more of Raihn and Oraya!

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! I understand why Forth Wing is getting so much attention, but this book is SO MUCH BETTER! I love the houses, the vampires, the storytelling is so good! I read this and then listened to it on Audible. I cannot get enough of this series or this author!

Absolutely loved this one. The Hunger Games but make it vampires. I was hooked from the beginning. The action was exciting, I was constantly looking forward to the next competition, and the competitions themselves actually were interesting and easy for me to visualize. I feel like that’s something that can either be difficult or repetitive with books like this. I loved the romance elements, it was forbidden and believable and just swoon worthy. Our leading lady was badass and fun to watch, she actually was trained and worked for everything she had. She wasn’t just a useless helpless human who happened to be amazing at everything she did. This girl was REAL. I get so annoyed with so many fantasy leads but did not find that here. The end GOT ME. So many little twists here and there that absolutely shocked me. I loved it. Such a fun read, and cannot wait to read the sequel!

If you are looking for something to read after Fourth Wing, this is it. I quite literally could not put this book down. The world building gave me everything I needed to match with this telling of a human girl battling everything against her. Not only did I root for Oraya, but the development in the relationships she has with everyone she interacts with reflects her personality and is developed as much as needed to advance the story. Also, it is rare to find such an active parental influence on a character in any sort of romance/fantasy that accurately reflects the characters actions/inaction. And to top it all off, you get a small dose of spice to satisfy your romance heart. The chemistry between Oraya and Raihn literally crushed my soul and pieced it all back together. Sorry Fourth Wing fans, I like Raihn more than Xaden.

"I give you my body. I give you my blood. I give you my soul. I give you my heart. From this night until the end of nights. From daybreak until our days are broken. Your soul is my soul. Your heart is my heart. Your pain is my pain. I bind myself to you."

I can’t even begin to describe how much FUN I had with this book! I am newer to the fantasy/romantasy genre but this one felt so fresh and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The romance is central and incredibly addictive, but there is SO MUCH story to fill up every page. From a huge life-or-death competition, incredibly complicated family dynamics and action from start to end — The Serpent and the Wings of Night was a brilliant escape and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this copy!

What else can I say but that The Serpent & The Wings of Night is addictive, bloody, violent, sexy and so, so satisfying. I haven't enjoyed a vampire book since they sparkly ones circa 2005. The vampires of Nyaxia are winged, use magic and are 100x more deadly. In The Serpent & The Wings of Night we meet Oraya, the human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. After growing up and surviving the brutalities of court, her only option for continued survival is to enter the Kejari. The champion of this tournament will be granted one wish by the goddess of death. Many predictable things happen: alliances form; friendship, romance and betrayals occur; Oraya must fight tooth and nail to come out on top; the leading male MC is irresistible. Yet, this story felt fresh and fun and I devoured the book over one weekend. This is the start of a great series and would be highly enjoyed by fans of Sarah J Maas and Fourth Wing.

Really lacked the world building necessary to have the plot make any sense. I left the book with too many basic questions like where even are we?, how exactly do the vampires turn?, and how often do they need to eat? Vampire stories have to have some pretty strict rules to make it work and to also make it interesting so our characters aren't overpowered. This book just doesn't have any clear definition on what the rules were so it was hard to know what the stakes were at any given time.

The romance part is okay. I didn't really like the characters too much but appreciated the attempt to have them experience some sort of emotional intimacy before flying between the sheets.

The dad character was by far the most interesting character in the book, but unfortunately he wasn't in it a whole lot.

I'm pretty sure that this book fundamentally changed my life forever.

Starting this book I had no idea what to expect, how to feel, or if I'd even like it at all. The beginning was skeptical for me, and it wasn't until I got to the end of the prologue that I was almost immediately hooked on the idea of the plot in its entirety. I realize that the prologue only gives the reader a small glimpse of the story, but truthfully that's all I needed to know that I would love Vincent and Oraya.

And I absolutely adored them.

While Vincent may not have been the best father at times, the fact that he was trying so hard really struck me as a reader and I couldn't help but love his character the more into the book I got. Oraya was a little trickier for me to like right off the bat, but when I read about her interactions with Ilana, I started to feel for her and like her as a character. Her character growth through book one was quite literally one of the best things I've ever read and something I'll be thinking about for a long time after reading this book.

As the story progressed, even Raihn started to grow on me. Carissa does a fantastic job at making him seem sketchy and untrustworthy but as a reader you can't help but sort of like him because of his charm and humour. All of the character's in book one were so well written and so complex, half the time I didn't know who to trust next but I knew that I wanted to find out as quickly as possible.

Respectfully the ending tore me to shreds, without spoiling to much, Nyaxia hit it on the nose and simply watched the chaos unfold. Perhaps it was a predictable way to end book one, but I was like Feyre in ACOTAR trying to solve the riddle, absolutely DID NOT see that ending coming after everything our characters had been through. Sometimes it's better to be ignorant and just revel in the bliss that was the ending of The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

I will be running to start book two, because I so desperately need to know what'll happen next. This book series has completely rocked me, in the best way possible.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

I’m admittedly late to the party on this one. Everyone and their mother has been telling me I need to read The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and they were right. If you love the idea of a vampire ‘Hunger Games’ with some enemies-to-lovers, well-earned spice, you’re going to love the first installment of the Crowns of Nyaxia fantasy romance series by Carissa Broadbent. I read Broadbent’s other series, The Queen of Lost Hearts trilogy earlier this year and really enjoyed it, so I had a feeling I would like this one as well. And it’s the final book I needed to check off on my BAMTP Summer Reading Challenge! I will say there are some darker themes in this series, so definitely check the trigger warnings to make sure you’re comfortable reading it.

Things to Know:
- Self published, and available for free on Kindle Unlimited, but a new traditionally published hardback comes out December 5th
- Vampires with wings and magic
- Hunger Games-eque trials
- Forced proximity
- Enemies to lovers
- Rival Houses
- Book one of a completed series

I immediately liked Oraya, our FMC. A young human woman adopted and raised by a powerful vampire king, she’s had to live on her toes her entire life. After all, everyone around her wants to kill her. Think Kate Beckinsale in Underworld, except she’s human. I really love how Broadbent uses flashbacks to give the reader backstories, but only reveals snippets at a time that pull you in immediately and make you want to know more. She did this with her other series as well, and I was hooked.

“Never trust. Never yield. Always guard your heart.”

We find out Oraya’s entering the Kejari. A once-a-century set of trials that pits the strongest warriors from all three vampire houses against each other. There can be only one winner (aka survivor), and they get the chance to have a wish fulfilled by the goddess. Not everyone’s motivations are pure. While Oraya’s focused on winning, she’s forced to team up with a mysterious vampire rival, Raihn. He’s got swagger and skills. There’s some forced proximity, great banter, and plenty of training to entertain. Plus, if you loved Alice from Twilight, you’ll loooove his bestie, Mische. She oozes Alice energy.

“I’ve lived through some injustices in the last couple of centuries. Seen some f**king travesties. But one of the biggest, Oraya is that anyone taught you that you should become anything other than exactly what you are.”


While the contestants battle it out in trials designed to whittle them down, there’s also a massive war brewing between the vampire Houses. And you’re constantly wondering who you can trust. And why did the vampire king let Oraya live all those years ago? More will be revealed…and you might not be happy with the answers.

I highly recommend reading the novella after you finish book one!

“Death isn’t frightening when weighted against an insignificant existence.”

4.25 stars

I loved this book!!

There are some themes that aren’t super original or unique, but I’m still here for it! I loved the romance, the hunger games vibes, and the world building. The first book in a fantasy series can be overwhelming, but this book is exactly what I needed. It’s never boring and really fast paced.

Go into this book blind! I promise it’s better that way. I loved the ending so much. And now that book 2 is out, it’s the perfect time to start it!

Truly can’t believe this was an indie book. It’s phenomenal and now my go to fantasy recommendation!

The Serpent & the Wings of Night is like if The Hunger Games and every vampire book you've ever loved had a twisted half-human baby. I loved it. It's nothing you haven't read before, but everything you'd love to read again.

This book was simply amazing! It is the vampire version of Hunger Games, only the prize is a gift from a goddess. I loved the enemies to lovers trope, fighting for your life as an underdog, unsure of who to trust in the games, and an adopted father (who happens to be the king of the vampires) who raises his human daughter to be able to compete in the games against vampires.
I could not put this book down, and obviously was rooting for the FMC who seemed to have a lot stacked against her, being that she is the king's human daughter amongst vampires, after all. The ending is a twist you will not see coming, which is why I needed to dive into the 2nd book (and novella) immediately! This is a must read for fantasy lovers.

I absolutely loved this book! The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because the story did drag at times.

I loved the vampire worldbuilding in this book. Broadbent was able to make them bloodthirsty and brutal while also humanizing them with a few integral characters.

The ending completely had me shook, and I can’t wait to finish the series.

"The Serpent & the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent is a captivating and spellbinding tale that seamlessly weaves romance, dark magic, and political intrigue into a richly imagined fantasy world.

The story revolves around Oraya, an adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, and her journey to survive the Kejari, a legendary tournament hosted by the goddess of death herself. To succeed, Oraya must form an unlikely alliance with Raihn, a ruthless vampire and her fiercest competitor. Their growing connection adds layers of complexity to a plot already brimming with tension.

One of the book's standout features is its intricate world-building. Broadbent crafts a vivid and immersive realm inhabited by different vampire houses, each with its own unique culture and power dynamics. The details and history of this world are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement.

The characters in this story are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Oraya is a strong and relatable protagonist who grapples with her identity, her loyalty to her father, and her growing attraction to Raihn. Raihn, on the other hand, is a complex character with a mysterious past and hidden motives, making him a compelling figure in the story.

The romance between Oraya and Raihn is a central theme and is portrayed with depth and emotion. Their relationship evolves naturally, and the chemistry between them is palpable. As they navigate the treacherous waters of the tournament and political intrigue, their love story adds layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of action and suspense interspersed with quieter, character-driven scenes.

Overall, "The Serpent & the Wings of Night" is a gripping fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of romance and dark fantasy. Carissa Broadbent's storytelling is both compelling and enchanting, making this book a must-read for those who enjoy immersive and character-driven fantasy tales. It's a promising start to the Crowns of Nyaxia series, and readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment.

You all, if I could give this book 10⭐️, I would. It was such an amazing, well written story! I was sad, happy, scared, nervous and surprised all at one time!

Oraya and Raihn were such fun characters to follow in such a bleak and depressing world. I felt that the world building was easy to understand but yet still in depth.

I can’t wait to learn all about the other side characters and houses in the next books!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

I seriously can’t stop thinking about this book, I loved it so much!

Read this if you:
🩸 Need a book after an ACOTAR hangover
🩸 Like enemies to lovers too ?
🩸 Like the Hunger Games tuned adult with vampires

Read this book if you like:
-drama & suspense
-a snarky hero & heroine
-touch her and I'll unalive you
-prophecies
-vampire + human romance

**perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout

Oraya is the adopted daughter of the vampire King, Vincent. It has been her fathers greatest desire for Oraya to truly become his daughter, not in name but also in blood. The only way for Oraya to achieve this is to enter the Kejari so that when she wins she can ask the goddess Nyaxia to bond herself to her father.

Oraya is determined to win the competition, but her competitors are fierce. No one as fierce as Raihn Ashraj. Oraya and Raihn ultimately form a tentative relationship. They will become allies for the duration of the competition. They both know that if they were to end up the only two left to battle - one of them will have to die.

But what happens when they start to get close...and their feelings for one another become muddled. Both Oraya and Raihn must face some hard truths and determine which one of them will be left the victor of the competition.

Gah, how I loooooved this book! Raihn and Oraya together were perfect! I loved their banter, their chemistry and how these two ended up caring so much for one another. The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a slooooooooooow, but Carissa Broadbent knows how to bring the heat!

One of my favorite parts of this book was Oraya's relationship with her father Vincent. They didn't always have an easy relationship, but Vincent's love for Oraya is present throughout the entire book if you're looking close enough.

This book made me laugh, had my heart racing during the competition and also shedding so many tears into my pillow. If you're looking for a book that you won't be able to put down once you pick it up - grab The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

I. Loved. This. Book.
As soon as I started reading I couldn’t put it down. The characters were incredible, the trials were nail biting, and the overall mysteriousness of the whole world had me wishing I could read faster. The world felt unique but with enough familiarity that I didn’t feel overwhelmed while reading. I absolutely adore Carissa’s writing style and have loved every book by her that I’ve read. I’m dying for more of the series and I cannot wait to see where everything is going to go!

Thank you for the early e-arc!

This was a fast, engaging read - great if you're looking for something similar to ACOTAR. However, I found the world building and the relationship between the main characters a little flat. I had a hard time picturing where they were, how the tournament looked, or what the main character looked like.

There was also a formatting error in the book. Chapters 46-50 were missing. I kept reading anyway, and discovered those missing chapters were at the end of the book.

Oh my gosh I LOVED this book so freaking much. Rhain and Oraya are everything and I can’t wait for the next!!

human girl adopted and raised by a king of vampires, enters a cutthroat magical tournament which honors the goddess of vampires, who will grant the winner any one wish of their asking, also with a romance brewing in the backdrop which is making each new trail more and more difficult and confusing. oh friends, i ate this up with a spoon and i am here typing this mini review and begging my postman to deliver the novella and second book of this series immediately!

for the twilight girls, the hunger games girls, the girls who love enemies to lovers with a different hidden enemies to lovers within. the girls who love complicated father daughter relationships (the “never you” truly broke me into a million pieces) !! i really had a good time with this one, and carissa broadbent really knows how to write an endearing main character that you can’t help but put your entire heart into rooting for. the hype is totally warranted for this fantasy romance, in my opinion.

trigger + content warnings: loss of family/loss of loved ones throughout this book, blood, parental abuse, murder, gore, self harm to get blood, nightmares, ptsd, grief, self harm mention in past, vomit, violence, anxiety, war, torture, battle, sexual assault in past, insinuation of rape in past, forced starvation (vampires with blood), animal death, slavery, captivity, fire, ableist terms for disabilities