The Serpent & the Wings of Night

i really liked this book up until the very end! * spoilers ahead :p * she watches him kill her father, her only loved one left, and then he makes a speech about taking her captive and assaulting her and she's just kind of like... not as mad as i thought she would be? it just seemed kind of weird/insensitive to me that even considering the issues vincent and oraya had been having, she would kind of let raihn back in so quickly. i understand that he felt this was the only way to save her and that he was willing to die instead of her, but i mean that's still... your father?? that you loved?? maybe i'm being too critical but i hope the next book shows that she's a little more upset about the entire situation lol

3.5 stars. There is a lot of background that could have been expanded upon, that wasn't making some of the plot confusing. I would have liked to know more about the bloodborn and what exactly the curse was. We are told Oraya is somehow half human, but with no explanation as to how or the background behind it. I would have rather a longer book which explained more of the history. Especially why Nyaxia and her husband were so forbidden. The book had a strong start but I wasn't tied to the ending. Probably will not continue the series.

I meannnnnnnnn

La verdad no soy mucho de hacer reseñas pero me dieron ganas. Termine el libro y no se si me gustó o no.

Cuando comencé a leerlo me emocioné por que me gustó como estaba narrando la protagonista el mundo en el que vivía, creo que tiene una muy buena historia, muy interesante la verdad, me dio vibras a los juegos del hambre y también the maze runner.

Pero aquí empieza lo no tan bueno, todo bien hasta como la mitad, me hubiera gustado mucho más si no se hubieran hecho más cercano los protagonistas tan rápido, yo esperaba un slow burn, pero no me quejo.

Siento que tenían mucho potencial dadas las circunstancias para realmente ser enemies

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

I loved the story, the characters, the plot, the romance... pff I couldn't put it down!

I enjoyed this book way more than I expected, especially having a strong FMC. I loved the romance, not cheesy, it also had its evolution. And Oraya's development in terms of becoming as powerful was very inspiring, to not give up even when odds are against you or that the world taught you it is impossible.

I took half star out just because I needed more world-building, a map to understand where every kingdom was, the places, distances, politics, the reason the trial took place (it is stated as something that happens every century to honor Nyaxia, as a ritual, and you learn some of Nyaxia's trial-from which the Kejari is based on- along the way but there's just something vague about it).

I would only advice to beware of some trigger points:

• Blood (like a lot of it)
• Forced s*x
• M*rder
• Enslavement

Other than that to me it is an amazing read and totally recommend 👌🏻

2.5 - 3 ⭐️

My kingdom to never hear the words “there she is” ever again.

Interesting concept and writing style but the characters are beyond frustrating, specially Oraya. If listening to reason was a disease, she'd have it.

I'm finding I have a really low tolerance for insufferable bull headed MC's who are still barking at each other 200 pages in these days.

P.S. New enemy spotted: Audible exclusive audiobooks. Talk about a commitment. It's... not great

Good balance between the plot and the relationship. I liked the characters and enjoyed seeing them and their relationship develop and the tournament was an interesting backdrop. I also really liked Mische, she's so sweet and fun. I thought the relationship between Oraya and her father was also very interesting, with their conflicting sides/feelings.

4 stars

I enjoyed this book, great world building, politics, class system, and character development. I loved how Oraya and Raihn's relationship developed, enemies to allies to lovers.

I was waiting for the ball to drop with her Oraya's adoptive father, it reminded me of the Underworld Movie universe Selene/Viktor dynamic.

I didn't see the ending coming. I liked it, I will read the next one. However, something was missing for me. I didn't like the characters much until 50% of the book.

A New Favorite

“The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent invites readers into a world that seamlessly blends elements reminiscent of “The Hunger Games” and the supernatural intrigue of “Underworld.” Eagerly anticipating the release, I initially sought the book on Netgalley but, undeterred by the unavailability, I happily purchased and delved into its pages.

Set in a universe teeming with diverse vampire factions, the narrative centers around the Kejari, a once-in-a-century competition where participants engage in a fierce battle for the favor of the goddess of death. For Oraya, the adopted daughter of the Nightborn vampire King Vincent, the Kejari represents a chance to prove herself and secure a better life. Raised amid predators, Oraya, though human, emerges as a formidable warrior under the tutelage of her adoptive father. As the Kejari unfolds, it becomes a test of strategy, strength, and the alliances Oraya forms to navigate the perilous trials.

This being my first venture into Carissa Broadbent's work, the initial intrigue was palpable. The story swiftly captivated me with its depiction of Oraya's upbringing by Vincent, evolving into a tale of empowerment as she matures into a resilient woman. Oraya's character, evident from the first chapter, exudes a determined spirit, promising a protagonist who refuses to succumb without a fight.

The narrative wastes no time immersing readers in action, showcasing the skills Oraya must employ for survival. The “Hunger Games” comparisons prove valid, given the brutality, gore, and chaos that permeate each trial. Every moment is a life-or-death struggle, a fact not lost on Oraya, whose control and precision become vital for her survival. The introduction of Raihn, a powerful and enigmatic vampire, adds an intriguing dynamic to the story, sparking questions about their inevitable connection.

The backstory of Oraya's adoption by Vincent is seamlessly woven into the narrative, revealing her early awareness of the dangers surrounding her. Oraya emerges not as a vulnerable character, but as one with the means to protect herself, marked by strength and a guarded emotional stance cultivated through years of survival.

Each trial not only demands Oraya's physical prowess but unveils unexpected facets of herself and her relationships, particularly with Raihn. Surprising revelations, such as Oraya's latent magical abilities, add depth to her character, enhancing the narrative's complexity. Oraya's resilience amidst bloodshed and injuries reinforces her as a compelling protagonist.

As the story concludes, the unexpected ending leaves readers yearning for more. The promise of a second book adds to the anticipation, as the duet's conclusion remains shrouded in mystery. Overall, “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” delivers a riveting narrative filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a protagonist whose journey captivates from beginning to end. For those seeking a thrilling and enchanting experience, I highly recommend diving into this captivating tale by clicking the link below.

I wanted to at minimum, enjoy this book (in a junk food sort of manner). I've been craving a good vampire novel for a while, but this is not it.

1. The writing itself wasn't bad fundamentally, but suffered from a lot of tell instead of show. We're told over and over again how powerful Vincent was, yet we don't see it ever (quite literally - all his actions happen off screen and are only briefly mentioned).

2. I'm terribly tired of the sassy, bitchy heroines that plague this genre nowadays. Nothing wrong with a headstrong heroine, but I feel like there's a severe lack of empathy for others that have been a common theme amongst all these heroines and Oraya is not an exception. Her driving motivation for going back to her hometown doesn't even make sense. It's demonstrated quite well that her whole town was razed. In what world does it even make sense for someone related to her to still be alive?

3. Plot-driven book with so many plot holes I don't even know where to begin. Lack of explanation of magic, lack of explanation for the whole trial (frenzied killing only happened the first night - then?). Oraya is a human living in a vampire-centric world, yet she always gets away because she's more powerful. When she's not, her father conveniently intervenes to save her. No sense of real danger or urgency whatsoever.

4. Can we please stop using the “fuck” an exorbitant amount of times when the setting is clearly not modern? Reading curse words every few sentence makes the whole story feel childish.

5. The least convincing romance I've ever read. Raihn and Oraya literally just exist in the same place, and there is little development between them between hating to suddenly loving each other.

5 estrellas y MERECIDAS

Es una historia que se fue ganando cada una de las estrellas a medida que lo iba leyendo. Al principio me costó un poco engancharme, había cosas que no llegaba agarrarle la mano, pero a medida que avanzaba, más me gustaba.

Se volvió uno de mis libros favoritos de este año y puedo llegar a decir que de la vida también