In a world oversaturated with fantasy novels, few manage to leave a lasting impression. The Serpent and the Wings of Night does just that.
This dark fantasy by Carissa Broadbent blends danger, romance, and mythology into an epic tale that grips readers from page one. If you’re a fan of Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, or The Hunger Games, this book deserves a place on your shelf.
But what makes it stand out? Let’s break it down.
About the Author: Carissa Broadbent
Carissa Broadbent is quickly establishing herself as a force in indie fantasy publishing. Her previous work, Daughter of No Worlds, gained traction for its rich storytelling and emotional depth.
With The Serpent and the Wings of Night, she explores even darker themes and more intricate worldbuilding. Fans praise her for:
- Emotionally intelligent characters
- Immersive, darkly magical settings
- Complex, morally gray plots
- Dialogue that feels sharp and natural
Her ability to blend fantasy and romance with grit and stakes is rare in the genre today.
Overview: What is The Serpent and the Wings of Night About?
The story follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. Despite being the only human in a kingdom of vampires, Oraya is fierce, intelligent, and lethal.
To earn her place, she enters the Kejari, a deadly tournament held by the goddess Nyaxia. The winner gets one wish—but the path to victory is lined with blood, betrayal, and ancient magic.
Enter Raihn, a rival vampire warrior whose presence stirs confusion, danger, and attraction.
The novel dances on the edge of enemies-to-lovers, survival fantasy, and court intrigue—all with high emotional stakes.
Main Characters and Their Complexity
Oraya
Oraya is a survivor, trained in secrecy and shadow. She’s not your typical heroine—she’s brutal when necessary and always calculating. Her humanity in a world of monsters makes her journey even more compelling.
Vincent
Her adoptive father, the Vampire King of House of Night. His character walks the line between protective and terrifying. Their bond is one of the book’s most powerful dynamics.
Raihn
Mysterious, powerful, and morally ambiguous, Raihn is the perfect foil to Oraya. Their slow-burn chemistry is electric but grounded in survival, not fantasy.
This triad creates a web of loyalty, deception, and desire that propels the plot.
Themes That Cut Deep
- Survival in Hostile Worlds – Oraya’s humanity forces her to outthink and outfight her vampire peers.
- Power and Sacrifice – What are you willing to lose for freedom or control?
- Chosen Family vs Blood – Oraya and Vincent challenge the idea that blood is thicker than bonds.
- Feminine Strength – Oraya isn’t soft or broken—she’s fierce, capable, and sharp.
The emotional weight and ethical dilemmas elevate the novel far beyond surface-level fantasy.
Worldbuilding: Vampires, Magic, and the Kejari
The setting is a triumph of dark fantasy. Broadbent’s vampire world isn’t just blood and shadows—it’s a layered society ruled by goddess Nyaxia, vampire factions, ancient magic, and cutthroat politics.
Highlights:
- House of Night vs House of Blood – Feuding vampire clans with ancient grudges
- The Kejari Trials – A series of lethal games testing strength, strategy, and alliances
- Goddess Mythology – Adds a divine layer, reminiscent of Greek or Egyptian mythos
There’s a depth to the lore that invites re-reading.
Writing Style and Pacing
Broadbent’s prose is clean, emotional, and cinematic. She writes for the modern reader—balancing poetic depth with snappy pacing.
- Dialogue: Witty and sharp without being overdone
- Action Scenes: Clear, intense, and strategic
- Romance: Never cheesy—always earned
- Narrative Pace: Fast enough to grip, slow enough to savor character moments
Her ability to manage tension is one of her greatest strengths.
Comparison to Similar Fantasy Books
If you’re wondering how The Serpent and the Wings of Night stacks up, here’s how it compares:
| Book | Vibe | Similarities |
|---|---|---|
| Throne of Glass | Assassin fantasy | Deadly trials, female lead |
| ACOTAR | Romance-forward fae fantasy | Dark romance, complex love |
| The Hunger Games | Dystopian competition | High-stakes tournament |
| From Blood and Ash | Vampire mythos + romance | Gods, betrayal, steamy tension |
This book is perfect for readers craving mature themes, strategic worldbuilding, and believable romance.
Reader Reactions and Community Buzz
On TikTok (#booktok), Instagram, and Goodreads, this book has become a sensation.
What readers are saying:
- “The best indie fantasy I’ve read in years.”
- “Oraya is everything I wanted in a heroine.”
- “Raihn ruined other book boyfriends for me.”
- “That ending—how do I recover?”
With thousands of 5-star reviews, it’s clear The Serpent and the Wings of Night is hitting emotional and narrative sweet spots.
Why It Stands Out in the Fantasy Genre
The fantasy genre is flooded with tropes—but this novel The Serpent and the Wings of Night subverts them:
- Enemies-to-lovers that feels earned
- Trial-based plot without becoming predictable
- Vampire romance with genuine world stakes
- A heroine that doesn’t rely on fate but on skill
It’s rare to find a book that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. That’s Broadbent’s magic.
Spoiler-Free Review: What We Loved Most
- The emotional depth of Oraya and Vincent’s father-daughter bond
- The moral complexity of Raihn as a love interest
- The Kejari trials—action-packed without feeling repetitive
- Broadbent’s ability to build romantic tension without sacrificing character agency
- The explosive ending that sets up a promising sequel
This is not just a fantasy book—it’s a story about identity, choice, and love in the face of power.
The Upcoming Sequel and What’s Next
The sequel, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, continues Oraya’s journey—and fans are already counting down.
Without spoilers: if you thought The Serpent and the Wings of Night book ended on a cliffhanger, the sequel expands the world, deepens the mythos, and challenges every assumption from book one.
Broadbent is building a saga, not just a series.
Where to Buy and Read the Series
You can purchase The Serpent and the Wings of Night from:
- Amazon (Kindle & Paperback)
- Barnes & Noble
- Bookshop.org (for supporting indie stores)
- Audible – The audiobook narration has also received rave reviews
- Local bookstores – Many now stock popular BookTok titles
If you’re an indie author supporter, buying directly or via Bookshop.org is highly encouraged.
Final Thoughts: Should You Read It?
Absolutely.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the dark fantasy romance readers didn’t know they needed. With a fierce protagonist, heart-pounding trials, and a world dripping with lore and atmosphere, it’s a book that lingers long after the last page.
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or dipping your toes into dark romance, this The Serpent and the Wings of Night deserves a spot in your reading queue.
FAQ: The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Q: Is The Serpent and the Wings of Night part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first in The Crowns of Nyaxia series. The second book is already out, with more expected.
Q: Is this suitable for young readers?
The content is mature. It includes violence, romance, and emotional trauma. Best for older teens and adults.
Q: How long is the book?
Approximately 500+ pages, but the pacing makes it a fast read.
Q: Is it available in audiobook format?
Yes, with highly rated narration.
Q: Is it self-published or traditionally published?
It’s independently published but professionally edited and widely distributed.
