I have been on an absolute roll this year for 5 star reads, and The Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent is no exception.
In the dangerous realm of Nightborn vampires, Oraya, the human adopted by the vampire king, strives to survive in a perilous world. Her chance at a better life lies in the Kejari, a legendary tournament hosted by the goddess of death.
Winning won’t come easy, as she competes against the fiercest warriors from three vampire houses. To increase her odds, she forms an unexpected alliance with Raihn, a mysterious and dangerous rival who threatens her father’s rule.
To throw confusion into the mix for poor Oraya, is her inexplicable attraction to Raihn, a sentiment at odds with the merciless Kejari. War looms within the House of Night, shattering her perception of home. While Raihn appears to understand her like no other, their burgeoning romance could be her undoing in a world where love is the deadliest weapon.
The Serpent & The Wings of Night is one of those books that starts off kind of confusing and you’re not sure if you’re going to like it, and then it HITS you out of nowhere and suddenly you can’t put it down. At least that’s what it was like with me!
Raihn, oh, Raihn! What a character! I’m absolutely smitten with how he’s portrayed. He exudes care, romance, and a sense of completeness that’s just so 🫠. His relationship with Oraya is nothing short of perfection.
“I would beg… for you, I would. You have fucking destroyed me, Oraya. Do you know that?”
What makes Raihn so compelling is the depth of his character. He’s not your typical brooding hero; he’s nuanced, layered, and relatable. His genuine caring nature is a breath of fresh air in a world where vampires are often portrayed as cold and ruthless. His romantic side is heartwarming, and the chemistry between him and Oraya sizzles off the pages.
Oraya herself is a character who undergoes major growth throughout the story. She starts off as a somewhat timid character, thrust into a complex world where survival is paramount. Her journey of self-discovery and transformation is one of the book’s best aspects. As a reader, you’ll find yourself rooting for her every step of the way.
Now, let’s talk about that ending! The Serpent & The Wings of Night is not afraid to challenge your assumptions and take you on a wild ride. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the story takes a sharp turn, leaving you with a case of literary whiplash (in the best possible way!). I don’t think I’ve ever changed my mind about something so frequently and in such a short span of pages. It’s a testament to the author’s skill in crafting a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance, intricate world-building, and characters who leap off the page with authenticity, The Serpent & The Wings of Night is a must-read. It may start off a bit perplexing, but trust me, it evolves into a gripping and emotionally charged tale that you won’t want to put down. Raihn and Oraya’s story is a journey filled with surprises, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. So, dive into the captivating world of The Serpent & The Wings of Night and prepare to be lost in it!
“I’ve lived through some injustices in the last couple of centuries. Seen some fucking travesties. But one of the biggest, Oraya, is that anyone taught you that you should become anything other than exactly what you are.”
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would or have used myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, allow me to earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.
