Unlike anything that has come before, this is the apotheosis of fantasy and emotional drama; one of the very moral tangle character that high-ticket narrations-the serpent and the wings of night-is going to pull one into its shadowy recesses from page one. This book transcends the dark vampire romance genre-it speaks of power, identity, and the severe price paid for survival. Unravel with me the numerous layers in this unique fantasy book that’s sweeping readers and BookTok by storm.
Overview of The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Set in Crowns of Nyaxia, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the debut novel from New Yorker Carissa Broadbent. It entangles in dark fantasy, high-stakes contest, and forbidden romance within a richly constructed world of vampire courts, ancient magic, and devastating politics.
Genres: Dark Fantasy/New Adult.
Main theme: Power, loyalty, identity, sacrifice.
Target reader: adult readers que adore la fantasía oscura con emociones.
Keywords focused on: the serpent and the wings of night
An orphan human girl raised by the king of vampires, the Nightborn, Vincent, she is of course mortal in an immortal world where she must take part in the deadly Kejari, a very brutal tournament created by the goddess Nyaxia.
About the Author: Carissa Broadbent.
This lush prose and indomitable feminine heroes have made Broadbent a name in the indie fantasy world. In her new book, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, she offers an unusual dimension to vampire fantasy, from the age-old lore of vampires down to their burdenful emotional meanings and very strong ground fabrications.
She is recognized for:
Creating morally gray characters
Exciting romantic tension
Gritty high-stakes plots
Strong female leads grow through trauma and power
Broadbent brings both experience and authority to the genre, with an expanding fan base and critical acclaim for her originality and emotional storytelling.
Setting the Scene: The World of Vampiric Power
In this world of Nyaxia, it carved into vampiric courts, each one ruled by an imposing faction:
The House of Night (Nightborn vampires): Oraya’s adoptive family.
The House of Blood (Bloodborn vampires): Brutal, powerful, dominant.
The House of Shadow: Mysterious and secretive.
These courts are in constant conflict with each other, and the Kejari-a divine tournament hosted by Nyaxia-offers a chance for power, but at an extreme cost. Only the strongest of the strong survive, and the prize? A wish granted by the goddess herself.
Blood and shadow form the setting, where loyalty is a currency and trust can prove fatal.
Blood, Trials, and Destiny: Summary
Oraya is the one human being in this vampire court, and she has spent her entire life preparing for survival. The announcement of the Kejari opens her chance for obtaining the power needed for survival.
During the trial, she confronts:
Monsters of nightmares, puzzles, and treachery.
She is allied with Raihn, a Bloodborn rival vampire against her better judgment.
Theirs becomes a relationship where enemy, tension, distrust, and even desire get entangled.
But as Oraya battles her way through deadly trials, she uncovers secrets and her own motives.
This plot expertly weaves romance, survival, and political intrigue, making it impossible to put down.
Key Characters and Their Arcs
Oraya
Who: A mortal raised by a vampire king
Growth: From sheltered and fiery to painfully open and powerful
Struggles: Identity, trust, love, survival
Vincent
Role: Nightborn king, Oraya’s adoptive father
Dynamic: Protective but ruthless
Secrets: Holds key truths about Oraya’s origins and the tournament
Raihn
Who he is: Bloodborn warrior, rival and romantic interest
Complexity: Witty, dark, and morally ambiguous
Chemistry: His evolving relationship with Oraya adds depth and fire
These characters are not caricatures; they have layers, flaws, and constant changes, driving the emotional engine of the novel.
Themes the Novel Explores
Power and sacrifice, such topics do pack a punch. Seems to dig into deep and painful subjects:
Power and Sacrifice
What does it take to gain power in a world such as this, set against you? Oraya is constantly at war with her mortality; she relies on guts, training, and wit.
Identity and Belonging
Always the outsider, Oraya has grown up in a vampire world, and her journey is a fate of belonging rather than survival.
Love and Loyalty
This is not just an appendage to the plot, but one of the centerpiece arms. But love in a world of lies is dangerous.
Feminine Strength
Oraya is not saved by others; Oraya fights and bleeds for her strength. A strong evolution for readers looking for ferocious representations of women.
Reader Experience and Reception
Since its release, The Serpent and the Wings of Night has done its job of casting a spell on fans across platforms:
BookTok exploded with quotes, fan art, and emotional reactions.
Goodreads reviews highlight its gripping plot and magnetic characters.
Readers note for the emotional depth, pace, and unpredictability.
With averages above 4.5 stars, the book quickly became a must-read for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Rebecca Yarros.
Books Like and Influence.
Loved The Serpent and the Wings of Night? These are some great follow-ups:
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy.
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair.
All such touching romantic tension, deadly trials, and myth-inspired magic.
Conclusion: Why This Book Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s an emotional journey of survival, identity, and forbidden love. With compelling characters, deadly trials, and a world that feels both mythic and intimate, it’s a powerful example of what dark fantasy can achieve.
Whether you’re drawn to slow-burn romance, brutal world-building, or simply want a book that makes you feel something, this one delivers.
FAQs About The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Is The Serpent and the Wings of Night part of a series?
Yes, it is indeed the first book in a Crowns of Nyaxia series. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, the second part of the saga, continues the spell.
Is this book suitable for young readers?
It has been classified as New Adult, mature in content, or violent and bloody and romantic.
How long is the book?
It clocks in at about 500 pages, so a hefty but great read as far as fantasy goes.
Where can I buy it?
On Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and local indie bookstores. Also available digitally and in audiobook forms.
Will it be adapted into a movie or series?
There’s no official announcement yet, but many think it will be made into a movie or series.
Call to Action:
Loved this breakdown?
Subscribe for more epic fantasy reviews, share this with a fellow book lover, and drop a comment with your favorite Oraya moment!