The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia #1)

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

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 is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death 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 is the first book in a new series of heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

That ending was devastating. And I know I need to write this review before I start book 2...

1. I wasn't expecting this book to have the vibes it did. But the vibes it did HAVE, were close to perfect. I thought this book was going to be my next 5-star read from page one. And the prologue was the best I've read.

2. Let's honor Vincent for a second. He has a place in my heart. Was he technically the bad guy? Sort of. I loved that the love between Oraya and Vincent wasn't just portrayed as toxic but as a valid connection. He had a complex character and it was one of the main things that made this book.

3. Raihn. Effing. Ashraj. Nuh uh. I don't know if he will ever recover from that ending, in my eyes.

-There wasn't enough buildup to him blatantly true-loving her.

-His character really didn't have that much TENSION

-AND YET i fell for him

-He killed Vincent. I was prepared for the death, but not for the BRUTALLITY of it. Sometimes the trope of he-killed-my-dad-but-its-ok turns out fine. But in the case of Raihn effing Ashraj? No. Unforgivable.... unless book 2 severely upgrades Ruihn.

4. Oraya, I happened to like. However, she wasn't very relatable, which makes sense. I loved that she was well-trained. Again, her relationship with Raihn didn't make very much sense in it's progression. Her love for Vincent, and her determination to her people felt REAL.

5. The side characters had a lot more potential. ALL of the characters could have been developed more, especially Raihn.

6. I am both vary of and anticipating the next book. I'd love to see some more DEVELOPMENT. A politically strong Oraya. And please a little more TENSION.