Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Ok, thankfullllly and finallyyyyy a romantasy that is well freaking written. I have been looking and trying to find one, but they are being rushed to publication becuase they got so popular so fast and the writing suffersssss. But this one had solid dialogue and an intriguing plot (with good pacing on it). I enjoyed following things as they developed and unfolded. There are characters whose roles are probably guessable (Raihn and Vincent especially), but they aren’t too obvious/telegraphed to the point that reading it isn’t interesting (like, I know what’s coming but haven’t guessed motives, and I’ll take that). And*then* there were a few turns I wasn't expecting and hats off for that. I appreciate the complexity of these characters - morally grey but without the "too swoony for the FMC to explore what that actually means* that you often get with the rushed romantasies. Also, I would just like to say that Oraya is tough and prickly, like she would be after years living in danger, and not stupidly falling for anything. I appreciate it...it is clear who she is going to end up falling for, of course, but the journey there is paced reasonably and that has me much more bought in. I would have personally loved a few more spicy scenes, but I also respect the writing enough to be ok without them...which, considering that some current romantasy series have *only* spice going for them, is a major compliment. And the final scenes/explanations have me excited for the next one to see how the duology wraps…I’ll take it!

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khristinewithak's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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skeletor23's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Such a fun read. Great for any dark romance lovers and some good plot twists. Not too much thrown at you world building wise, and good romance build and depiction of person who has trust issues navigating their first major relationship in a crazy circumstance. Look forward to next book!

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bexthebookworm's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Do you want to change this world, little serpent? Then climb your cage until you are so high no one can catch you. Break its bars and make them your weapons. Nothing is sharper. I know because I did it
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-Raihn I'm on my knees for you and you're so sexy but if you say "there she is" one more time 🧎🏼‍♀️.. that was my only ick with this book but I know it's just a me thing but I don't like it when characters repeat phrases alot.
- Loved the banter, fight scenes, and characters! I feel like it touched well on having complications with parental figures. Main character gave me massive Nesta Archeron energy and I love her for that. Can definitely see myself recommending these to adult fantasy lovers and also finishing the series myself!

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kayanoelle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I liked the premise of this book but felt like too much was left undiscovered.
1) The characters weren’t explored to their fullest (maybe due to the fact that Oraya didn’t even know who she was herself) but that made me feel like all of the emotions were unrealistic and kind of shallow.
2) I didn’t understand why the different clans have beef. I feel like we were only told “there’s three houses and these two clans in the House of Night” and that was it. There was no context on the contest, on the uprisings, etc.

What I do like is that we’re going into the second book with a lot of unanswered questions (about Oraya and her heritage, about everyone’s true motivations etc.) so there is potential for this ‘lacking’ world building to be redeemed in the second book.
I also like that

maybe our two protagonists will get the chance to get to know each other under different circumstances and deepen their bond, hopefully AFTER they’ve both decided what they actually want.

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eleek0609's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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kaydeechy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

It took me a few times picking this book up before I was finally able to sit down and finish it, but once I was hooked, I was hooked until I had finished.

If I had to sum this book up it would really be The Hunger Games meets vampire lore. I love the relationship between Oraya and Mische. To be honest, I think I am more excited to read Mische's story, but that's just me lol.

This book is definitely a slow-burn romance. The tension is there and is so well done and delicious I ate it up.

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renergy's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So. Good.
I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. Such a refreshing take on fantasy tropes and themes that we see a lot. I got lost in this world and in the characters. Plot twists had my jaw on the floor. Cannot wait to start the next book.

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