Title: The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Author: Carissa Broadbent
Type: Fiction
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Bramble
Date published: December 5, 2023
A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Bramble in exchange for an honest review.
For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the 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 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.
⤖ My Review ⬻
I had heard about The Serpent and the Wings of Night a few times before it was picked up by Bramble. But when Bramble decided to publish it, I was inspired to pick it up. The synopsis was intriguing, and I was itching to pick up a book that might get me back into vampires. While the vampires in The Serpent and the Wings of Night aren’t the vampires I’m used to, I was definitely intrigued by their history and world. I found myself drawn into the unique take on vampiric lore and relations between humans and vampires.
Something that particularly intrigued me was the tournament aspect of the story. The high-stakes competition added an extra layer of tension and excitement, keeping me engaged as the plot unfolded. Additionally, the promise of romance woven throughout the narrative definitely held my attention. I found myself invested in the evolving relationships between the characters, eager to see how they would develop. I was so eager in fact, that when I couldn’t read from the hardcover, I listened to the audiobook. I wanted to note that the narrator was talented and I greatly enjoyed the experience!
The world-building in The Serpent and the Wings of Night was immersive, drawing me in from the start. I enjoyed unraveling the secrets of this captivating world alongside the characters, and I appreciated the author’s attention to detail in crafting a vivid and atmospheric setting. Not everything was revealed at the beginning, and I was also kept guessing throughout the book, which is something those of you who have been following me for a while will know I appreciate.
As I reached the end of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, I was left eager for more. The book delivered an engaging blend of romance, fantasy, and mystery, leaving me excited to continue the journey with the next installment, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, getting re-published this June. I hope that the audiobook will also be released at the same time and anticipate further developments as the duology reaches its conclusion. I look forward to seeing where the story will take me next.
⤖ About the Author ⬻
Carissa Broadbent has been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since she was roughly nine years old. Since then, her stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, she writes novels that blend epic fantasy plots with a heaping dose of romance. She lives with her husband, her son, one very poorly behaved rabbit, and one perpetually skeptical cat in Rhode Island.
⤖ Get Your Copy ⬻
⤖ Let's Chat ⬻
Thank you for reading my review! Have you read this book? What did you think? And if you haven’t read it yet, do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!
Great review! I love this series so much. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the next installment!