Underworld meets Hunger Games

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent is the first book of the Nightborn Duet, part of the Crowns of Nyaxia series. My understanding is each of the three vampire houses will have a duet of books, plus there will be some standalone stories. The novel follows the story of the Vampire King’s adopted human daughter who enters a vampire tournament to be granted a wish. Despite the risk she allies with vampire Raihn and his friend to complete one one of the challenges, knowing she will ultimately be forced to kill him in order to win. Tropes include competitors to lovers, forced proximity and who hurt you.

The Lovely: This book shined in so many aspects and almost became a five star. The plot line wasn’t so far out there and was unique, especially for a vampire story. The author kept the story moving with tournament challenges and the characters and it flowed beautifully. I also thought the romance was does well - especially the tension that built up to the “relations before battle” scene. You could feel the pressure of time bearing down on the couple.

The Mundane: The character development for the main character was done well but we didn’t see a lot of change in the other characters, which made those characters feel a bit flat. I liked how the female main character, Oraya, was human in a world of vampires but she was not made to appear weak. She had her own power and adapted well to the challenges of the tournament.

The Dreadful: The ending. The final challenge ripped my heart out and threw it against the wall a few times. That was amazing. What happened right after the challenge though I really don’t agree with. !*spoiler!* It wasn’t that the writing was bad, it was that what happened went against everything the female main character had done and worked toward. In her own words, she “lost my autonomy, my name, my blood.” This didn’t make me sad - it makes me angry. It feels like a cheap way to end the book. !*spoiler end*!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Recommendation: Despite the dreadful ending, this book is worth reading. The author’s writing is top notch and really the reason this wasn’t five stars was just the ending. I really connected with the characters, especially Oraya, and her relationship felt real. I’m going to read the novella next as those chapters apparently pop up in the second book of this duology. I’m not sure I’m exactly looking forward to the next book (after the novella) but I’m going to read it as I want to see how it turns out for the female main character. ( )

This is a really slow start and I can't really get a handle on Oraya (I had to llok up her name). I get that she wants to survive, but why does this competition even exist? What are the stakes of her losing beyond dying? COmpleted about 25%.

Really enjoyable read.
Loved the romance element.
Guessed part of the twist but not all of it.
Will def continue the series. ( )

Page 25: Very interesting so far. Some of the names are difficult and I have no idea how to pronounce them.
Page 125: Okay, something is going on with Raihn and Mische. I don't think it's bad. I think they're good. But they know something Oraya doesn't. I think many of the vampires at the Kejari know this thing But I've no idea what it could be. But I think it has to do something with the blood curse. And I'm so curious as to why Raihn and Mische don't have the uncontrolable urge to kill Oraya. Maybe they're different and although they might want her, it's not a consuming feeling like the rest of them. I like the idea of this alliance though. I see them becoming friends. But with only one victor, I don't know how this will turn out.
Page 347:Why does Raihn want her to be his ally so badly? Like he's so adament about. Another thought, she always feels like she's being watched. But I wonder who it could be. I think it's Raihn. Like in the sky or hiding or something. OH! He's turned! This is getting interesting. Oh the cave scene!!! And his little comments like "how I imagined it the first time" OH! I love Raihn. I'm still skeptable though. And something is seriously about to go down with daddy Vincent. Like what was his decision that he didn't tell her? What is his plan? Why is he keeping so much from Oraya.
Last day: Vincent is cruel. Sort of. My heart breaks for Oraya, realizing that her only 'family' is a monster.
Well it's about time they did it! omg this scene! So worth it.
PLOT TWIST AFTER PLOT TWIST.
Carissa.... CARISSA! You know how to write. You are gifted. I don't even know what to feel right now. Mad? Happy? Hurt? Betrayed? Tf if I know. I want to throw this book right now but I can't put it down. Raihn and Vincent... I have so many emotions about them both. oh look here we go, MORE PLOT TWISTS! I am physically shaking. Only the most amazing books can cause a physical reaction in me.
This is already in my top 5.
These last 8 chapters are so much. Like the book was good all throughout but it was kind of slow and then BAM! Every page is something different. Like Oraya is an heir?? Who saw that coming?!?! Are Raihn and Oraya going to be enemies now or come together as lovers and be the most powerful leaders of all? Joined forces? Can you imagine!

OkayI have finished it now and wow. All I can say is wow. This book is spectacular. Not at all what I expected. And that is my favorite. I love that they got married. I hate that it wasn't full of love and all of that but I'm still happy about it. I think that Oraya is going to accept her role and help Raihn. At least I hope she does. I think if they could win the hearts of the people, they could make an amazing kingdom.
The excitement and emotion of following Oraya through this journey of the Kejari was portrayed so well and i really felt immersed in the words! I felt fear and nervous and love and grief.

Ix's tits Carissa, your readers NEED the next book. ( )

Very excited for Book 2!

I came here after a tiktok promised the romance of ACOTAR and the action of the hunger games. It delivered! I really enjoyed all the characters, story line etc. This book will probably be one I read and reread. A favorite! ( )