Summary
Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night presents a narrative centered on fantasy, romance, and dark magic in a world of vampires. The story follows Oraya, who is adopted by the Nightborn vampire king. She navigates a dangerous existence shaped by the Kejari tournament. In this event, she must balance alliances and rivalries. The plot includes themes of survival, the pursuit of power, and complex relationships. Each decision carries life-or-death implications.
Plot
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent presents a world characterized by intrigue and magic. The main character, Oraya, is a human girl found in Salinae's ruins and adopted by Vincent, the Nightborn King. She faces disdain and danger due to her humanity. Vincent trains her to survive. Oraya enters the Kejari, a high-stakes tournament created by the vampire goddess Nyaxia, which offers the winner a wish that can alter destiny.
In the vampire stronghold of Sivrinaj, Oraya seeks to uncover her human origins through the Kejari. The competition attracts warriors from three vampire factions. Oraya forms an alliance with Raihn, a mysterious vampire. They endure trials testing physical endurance, mental resilience, and their alliance. Oraya faces challenges and questions trust while developing feelings for Raihn.
As the tournament unfolds, stakes rise and deception increases. Relationships strain under secrets and betrayals. Oraya links psychically with Raihn, confronting hidden fears. This connection intensifies their bond, though the competition threatens it.
Tensions increase when Raihn's past affiliations with the previous Rishan king surface, complicating vampire politics. Their partnership grows through shared adversities, and they reach an emotional peak before a crucial trial.
Spoiler Alert: In a climactic New Moon trial, Oraya faces a life-or-death battle with Raihn. His sacrifice allows her victory, but she uses her wish to resurrect him. Raihn's true identity as the Rishan Heir emerges, disrupting trust with Oraya. He seeks Vincent's throne, adding to the narrative's complexity.
Revealing Oraya as Vincent’s biological daughter brings new threats. Raihn proposes a political marriage to protect her, but past betrayals endanger their alliance. As tensions escalate, their complex relationship points toward an uncertain future, with challenges threatening the fragile peace in the vampire realm.
Characters
Oraya: Oraya, a human in a vampire-dominated world, is the adopted daughter of Nightborn vampire king Vincent. Trained to survive, she participates in the Kejari tournament to gain a divine boon. Her journey involves strategic alliances and challenges to her beliefs. Known as "little serpent," her ingenuity and survival instincts are crucial.
Raihn: Raihn, a powerful vampire, enters the Kejari and forms an unexpected alliance with Oraya. Part of a rival clan with royal ties, his motivations reveal a noble spirit beneath his confident facade. His relationship with Oraya evolves from mistrust to romance, adding depth to the story.
Vincent: Vincent, the Nightborn king and Oraya's adoptive father, exhibits fierce yet conditional love. He instills a survivalist mindset in Oraya to help her navigate vampire society. Despite his stern exterior, he shows deep affection for Oraya in moments of vulnerability.
Mische: Mische, Raihn’s adopted sister, is a lively and compassionate vampire who befriends Oraya. Her openness contrasts with harsh vampire society, providing camaraderie and insight during the Kejari trials. Her supportive friendship helps build trust between Oraya and Raihn.
The world of vampires
In The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Carissa Broadbent presents a world controlled by vampires, featuring a society defined by political intrigue and complex hierarchies. The realm contains three main vampire houses: the House of Night, the House of Shadow, and the House of Blood. Humans are primarily viewed as prey. Power struggles and political maneuvers shape interactions and alliances among these factions.
Vampires, motivated by a desire for power, often make ruthless decisions. This increases the dangers for the protagonist, Oraya, within a hazardous environment. This setting forms the backdrop for Oraya’s journey.
Magic plays a role in this world, introducing unpredictability into the narrative. The magical elements, although not fully explained, intensify the plot’s tension. The centennial Kejari tournament, held in honor of Nyaxia, the goddess of death, combines magic and politics. Vampires from all houses compete for a wish from the goddess. The tournament serves as a catalyst, testing participants and forming alliances.
The Kejari is central to the novel as a contest of strength and strategy. It exposes the dynamics of power and allegiance. Oraya, often seen as an outsider, navigates this dangerous arena and builds connections, including with Raihn, another competitor. Their linked destinies drive the narrative, weaving fantasy with a reflection on societal and individual choices.
Themes
In The Serpent and the Wings of Night, the narrative centers on the evolving relationship between Oraya and Raihn, which begins as an enemies-to-lovers trope. Oraya initially views Raihn as a threat, describing him as "a ruthless vampire" and "an efficient killer." However, as they continue through the Kejari tournament, their relationship changes from reluctant allies to devoted partners.
Their romance unfolds amid the tournament's dangerous environment, where survival instincts often overshadow emerging emotions. Oraya agrees to work with Raihn from necessity, based on initial suspicion and fear. Over time, shared experiences lead to a mutual respect and growing attraction. Raihn’s intentions become clearer through their interactions and collaborations, deepening their connection.
Key chapters in the book focus on the tension between Oraya and Raihn. These sections highlight their emotional complexity, as they balance vulnerability with determination. Oraya struggles to maintain an "emotionless façade" while seeking connection. Raihn’s past grievances add depth to his relationship with Oraya.
A pivotal moment occurs when Raihn confronts his feelings, saying, "You have fucking destroyed me, Oraya." This admission marks the peak of their emotional development, underscoring the impact of their romance amid adversity and conflict.
Exploring emotional dynamics
The relationship between Oraya and her adoptive parent, Vincent, involves themes of emotional dependency and psychological influence. Vincent teaches Oraya survival instincts that shape her views on trust and vulnerability in a predominantly vampire world. He imparts guidance through the mantra: “Never trust. Never yield. Always guard your heart.” These principles indicate a harsh upbringing, with Vincent serving as both mentor and sole refuge.
Oraya's development under Vincent’s care involves both affection and manipulation, forming her into a reflection of his unyielding nature. In the vampire realm, she possesses formidable skills but struggles with self-worth and belonging. Her loyalty to Vincent is personal yet conflicts with her desire for love and acceptance beyond his influence.
This relationship demonstrates Vincent’s impact as both protective and restrictive. It compels Oraya to examine her dependency and the challenges of self-identity within the limits of conditional affection.
Quick facts
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
It's also the first installment of the Nightborn Duet within the series.
The plot revolves around a legendary, deadly tournament called the Kejari, held by the goddess of death, Nyaxia.
Oraya, the protagonist, is a human adopted by Vincent, a vampire king, after a devastating vampire attack.
Oraya's survival hinges on winning the Kejari, a contest typically reserved for vampires.
The novel explores intense themes of forbidden romance, trust, betrayal, and political intrigue.
Oraya and vampire Raihn Ashraj's relationship evolves from enemies-to-lovers through a slow-burn romance.
The story has been likened to The Hunger Games, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and From Blood and Ash, noted for its blend of fantasy and romance.
Carissa Broadbent, the author, is known for creating strong female protagonists within immersive fantasy worlds.
Initially self-published, the novel was later acquired by Bramble, a romantic imprint of Tor Books.
The book features intricate world-building and a comprehensive magic system connected to vampire lore.
Fans and reviewers have praised the novel for its emotional depth, complex characters, and gripping plot twists.
About the author
Carissa Broadbent is a recognized author in the fantasy romance genre. Works like The Serpent & the Wings of Night, part of the Nyaxia series, contribute to her reputation. Her stories often feature characters navigating fantastical worlds with emotional and moral challenges. Her books, including magical and romantic themes, have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Broadbent's focus on the intersection of romance and the supernatural attracts a varied audience.
