Book Review: The Serpent & the Wings of Night

Book Summary – Spoiler free

The story follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the vampire king, who has trained her entire life to survive in a world that sees her as prey. Her one shot at securing her place in the vampire realm? Entering the Kejari—a brutal tournament held by the goddess of death, where the strongest fight for power, survival, and divine favor.

As the competition unfolds, Oraya must navigate shifting alliances, deadly trials, and her growing connection to a mysterious rival, Raihn. The setting—a gothic, immersive world filled with old magic, political intrigue, and ancient power—serves as the perfect backdrop for the brutal beauty of the story.

Analysis and Opinion

What I loved about this book was the complexity of its characters, especially Oraya. She’s fierce, vulnerable, and smart—exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. Her inner struggles and the emotional walls she’s built are so well written. Raihn, the love interest and rival, is equally compelling, with his own secrets and layered morality.

Carissa Broadbent’s writing is sharp and lyrical, with just the right amount of world-building—enough to suck you in without overwhelming. The pacing is tight, especially in the second half, and the tension (both romantic and action-driven) is chef’s kiss.

If I had to nitpick, there are a few tropes you’ve likely seen before—like the deadly tournament setup—but Broadbent breathes new life into them with emotional depth and mature storytelling. And the ending? No spoilers, but I audibly gasped. Painfully good. I honestly fall for any book with a trials or tournament trope so this was of course a great book for me.

One of the most unexpectedly refreshing parts of the story was Oraya’s relationship with her father, Vincent. In fantasy—just like in TV—we so often see parents either killed off early or reduced to backstory, usually wrapped in some form of childhood trauma that haunts the protagonist. But here, Vincent isn’t just a shadow of the past. He’s an active part of Oraya’s life and strength.

Death isn’t frightening when weighed against an insignificant existence.

Carissa Broadbent

Despite being the terrifying vampire king, Vincent is also a father. A real one. Protective, calculating, and fiercely proud of his human daughter. Their bond added so much emotional depth to the story. You can feel the tension between his role as a ruthless ruler and a father who genuinely wants the best for his daughter—even if his version of “the best” comes with a high cost.

Seeing a parental figure remain present and influential in a fantasy heroine’s life, rather than being part of her trauma, was powerful. Vincent wasn’t perfect, but his presence added a layer of complexity and grounded Oraya’s motivations in love, not just survival or vengeance. And honestly? That made the stakes hit even harder.

Another standout element was the web of alliances and political tension running throughout the story—especially the unexpected and uneasy connection between Oraya and Raihn. From the start, Vincent raised Oraya to see all other vampires as threats, particularly those from rival houses. Trust was never an option—it was a weakness. So when Oraya forms a fragile alliance with Raihn, it immediately sets off emotional and ideological alarms.

Their partnership is born from necessity; both need each other to survive the Kejari. But that forced cooperation slowly turns into something more nuanced—and more dangerous. There’s respect, understanding, and a grudging admiration that simmers into something that looks a lot like love… but with that love comes the looming threat of betrayal.

He was on his knees, staring up at me. And that–the way he looked at me–was the first thing that felt real. Real, and raw, and…and confusing.

Carissa Broadbent

What makes it so compelling is that the trust between them never feels easy or convenient. It’s cautious, complicated, and constantly tested by the very things they’ve been raised to believe. For Oraya, choosing to trust Raihn is also choosing to question Vincent’s worldview—and that internal conflict gives the romance a razor-sharp edge.

As a reader, you’re never quite sure if what’s growing between them is salvation or ruin. That tension makes every scene between them crackle with intensity, and it elevates the romance from trope to tragedy-in-the-making… or maybe a miracle, depending on how the next book goes.

Final Thoughts

Set in a richly built vampire world full of blood, betrayal, and emotional depth, this book balances high-stakes action with powerful character dynamics—and trust me, it doesn’t hold back.

If you’re a fan of morally gray characters, deadly competitions, and slow-burn romance, The Serpent and the Wings of Night might just become your next obsession. Written by Carissa Broadbent, this dark fantasy novel is the first book in The Nightborn Duet and has been making waves in the romantasy community for all the right reasons.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s the kind of book that leaves you hollow and hungry for the sequel in the best way.

If you’re into Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, or The Hunger Games with vampires, you’ll absolutely devour this. I’d recommend it for readers 16+ due to violence and dark themes, and especially to fans of enemies-to-lovers, strong female leads, and lush, dangerous fantasy settings.