The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia) Paperback – 16 Aug. 2022

Ah, The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent! What a ride that book was. From the moment I cracked it open, I was completely swept away into the brutal and beautiful world of Oraya and the terrifying yet alluring Raihn.Broadbent has crafted a truly immersive experience. The world-building is rich and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the vampire houses, the human prey, and the ancient, dangerous Karados Games. You can practically feel the grit of the arena and the chill of the night air.Oraya herself is a compelling protagonist. Her resilience and determination, despite being a human in a world that sees her as weak, make her incredibly easy to root for. She's not your typical damsel in distress; she's sharp-witted, resourceful, and possesses a fierce inner strength that blossoms throughout the story.And then there's Raihn. Oh, Raihn. The brooding, powerful vampire king with secrets simmering beneath the surface. Broadbent masterfully builds the tension and chemistry between Oraya and Raihn. Their interactions are charged with a delicious blend of animosity and undeniable attraction. It's the kind of slow-burn romance that keeps you absolutely hooked, desperate for every stolen glance and whispered word.The plot is a thrilling blend of high-stakes competition, political intrigue, and ancient lore. The Karados Games are brutal and unforgiving, keeping you on the edge of your seat with each challenge. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Broadbent throws in a twist that leaves you gasping.While the pacing is generally excellent, there were moments where the exposition felt a little heavy, slightly slowing down the momentum. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise captivating story.Overall, The Serpent & the Wings of Night is a fantastic start to what promises to be an enthralling series. It's a perfect blend of dark fantasy, compelling characters, and a romance that will leave you breathless. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to a dangerous and alluring world and keep you turning pages late into the night, then definitely pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, little twist at the end. Can’t wait to read the next one! Hopefully you all enjoy it too!

Soo good! Gripping, heart-pounding, beautiful enemies to lovers and action-packed read!This book is a riveting blend of revenge, betrayal and political intrigue with themes of violence, abuse, slavery and torture. A must-read for fans of fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy centered on survival and power struggles. The book has a strong foundation of a brutal "Battle Royale" premise, where the competitors must fight for their lives. In this arena, not only are your competitors out to eliminate you but the arena itself is designed to ruin you, mind, body and soul. The story also delves deeper into themes of deception, vengeance and personal trauma.We follow Oraya, the adopted daughter of the vampire king. She grew up in a vicious world where every day is a battle for survival. The vampires around her look at humans as lesser individuals either for consumption or slavery. The novel excels in its portrayal of complex power dynamics, Oraya's relationship with her father is tinged with manipulation and cold-affection. She convinces herself that his coldness and harsh actions are forms of protection, rationalising that as a king, he must maintain an air of detachment, as showing too much affection would be perceived as weakness by others. In this vicious world, showing one's weakness means death. This emotional justification creates a complex dynamic between them, blurring the line between genuine care and strategic control.Oraya is thrust into the Kejari, a brutal competition designed for vampires to prove their worth, with the promise of a single wish granted to the victor by the goddess Nyaxia herself. Oraya must learn who to trust in an environment steeped in lies and hidden motives. Will falling for her enemy be the right choice? If she wins, what will be her ultimate wish?The battle sequences are fast-paced and violent but never gratuitous. Each brutality comes with a revelation, exposing vulnerabilities and defining alliances in the most unexpected ways. The story's unpredictability keeps the readers on edge, adding to the suspense when deception and betrayal are skillfully deployed. While violence and abuse are integral to the narrative, they are handled with care and never glorified. They are used as a backdrop to the characters' motivations and internal battles.A great start to a new series. Full of danger at every turn, with a sprinkling of romance, political dynamic and character traumas. A wonderful foundation for what promises to be a thrilling saga. I cannot wait for book 2!