If you’re searching for the best romantasy books of 2024, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent deserves a spot on your list. The book, which is the first novel of The Crown of Nyaxa series was published in 2022 but gained some popularity through #booktok this year. This dark, thrilling vampire tale has earned a devoted following with its high-stakes tournament, morally complex characters, and slow-burn romance. Fans of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses and books like Fourth Wing will find plenty to love in this vampire romantasy novel. So here is my ‘The Serpent and the Wings of Night’ by Carissa Broadbent review.
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The Serpent and the Wings of Night summary
“Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart. – via Goodreads.
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 for vampires is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. If she wins the Kejari, she will be granted any wish by the goddess 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.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent: Review
Slow-Burn Romance That Feels Earned
The romance between Oraya and Raihn is a true slow burn. Rather than diving straight into a whirlwind romance, the story takes its time allowing these characters to connect. Starting as rivals and reluctant allies, their relationship builds gradually, beginning with trust and friendship before evolving into something deeper. This deliberate pacing makes their connection feel authentic and satisfying. If you love slow-burn romances or books with enemies-to-lovers dynamics, this novel delivers in spades. Is The Serpent and the Wings of Night spicy? It has one spicy chapter but other than that, it is more of a really slow burn romance with build up through the book.
Complex Characters With Layers
One of the book’s standout elements is its character development. Oraya, as the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, is a fascinating protagonist. Her struggle to prove herself in a world that sees her as prey is both heartbreaking and empowering.
Raihn, her mysterious ally and rival, is equally intriguing. He’s ruthless and dangerous but has a depth that makes him more than just a brooding love interest. The side characters are just as engaging, from Oraya’s complicated relationship with her father to her friendship with Mische, which is one of my favorite character. Every character feels layered, with shades of good and bad, making them feel real and relatable. The evolution of the alliance between Oraya, Raihn and Mische is truly engaging through the novel.
A High-Stakes Tournament With Thrills and Danger
The Kejari tournament, central to the plot, is fast-paced and full of twists. With brutal battles and life-or-death stakes, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action scenes are vivid and intense, filled with bloodshed and suspense. The last battle might be a little too chaotic but it will definitely leave you breathless.
If you enjoyed the deadly competition of The Hunger Games or the survival-focused plots of books like Divergent and want to read this kind of story plot in a vampire world, you’ll love this aspect of The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
Intricate World-Building
Broadbent’s world-building is another highlight of the book. The three vampire houses, the mythology of the goddess of death, and the intricacies of the Kejari tournament all create a fascinating backdrop for the story. The lore feels both expansive and well thought out, drawing you deeper into the world of Nyaxia.
Why You Should Read This Book
Even if you’re not usually a fan of fantasy books, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is worth a try. Its strong focus on relationships, both romantic and familial, makes it a highly relatable read. The gradual development of love between Raihn and Oraya is intertwined seamlessly with the brutal competition of the Kejari, creating a perfect balance of romance and action. For fans of vampire romantasy novels, morally complex characters, or high-stakes stories with emotional depth, this book delivers on every front. And if you loved Twilight for its vampires and The Hunger Games for its edge-of-your-seat action, this book is the perfect blend of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
So, is The Serpent and the Wings of Night book worth the hype? Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of romantasy or just dipping your toes into vampire fantasy books, this one deserves a spot on your TBR list.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a dark, thrilling tale that will leave you craving more. The morally complex characters, intricate world-building, and intense action make it a standout in the fantasy romance genre. The ending sets up plenty of intrigue for the next book in The Crowns of Nyaxia series, leaving readers eager to dive back into this world.
The best part? The Crowns of Nyaxia series will be 6 books total, broken up into three duologies following the three different vampire houses: The Nightborn Duet, which follows the House of Night, The Shadowborn Duet, which follows the House of Shadow, and The Bloodborn Duet, which follows the House of Blood. Book 1 : The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Book 2 : The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King are already out. Book 3 : The Songbird & the Heart of Stone was just published on November 19, 2024.
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