A review by natashareadsbooks
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wow. I don't even know what to say about this book! 
Oraya was a human. She was taken in by the vampire king, taught never to trust others because she wouldn't be safe. Never safe. Taught to fight so she could protect herself. She used those skills to hunt down vampires trying to harm the innocent humans in the human district. And was taught to protect her heart at all costs. 
She threw herself into the Kejari- a tournament held every century, the winner granted just one wish from the goddess herself. And Oraya knew exactly what she wanted - she didn't want her human weaknesses anymore. 
But in the tournament she needed to form an alliance. Everything about Raihn was dangerous. He was her greatest competition and rival. But she still found herself drawn to him. But there was no room for compassion. Raihn may have understood her more than anyone ever had before. And their attraction may end up being her downfall in a world where nothing was more deadly than love. 
So, it took me a little longer to get into this book than I would have liked, I have been in a huge book slump for weeks. But it was intriguing and interesting and despite me taking awhile to get into the story, I wanted to know more. 
I was drawn to the characters, and their stories, and wanted to know all I could about them. How strong Oraya was, and brave - not only living in a world that was designed to kill her but to over come that every day, and to fight back against the injustices every chance she could despite her not having vampire strength, or powers. She fought for what she could, and still had compassion despite the world trying to beat it out of her. 
And I wanted to know more of Raihn. He was mysterious, and dangerous. He was ruthless and cunning. But he was also intriguing and curious. 
The world may be on the precipice of war, offering up horrors despite the characters being in the Kejari- the trials spanning weeks. Truths coming to light. 
I loved the dark fantasy world of magic. The depravity of the world but also the small glimpses of hope too. 
If you are looking for a new fantasy world to dive into filled with blood and carnage then I recommend this book! 
4 Asteris ⭐ out of 5⭐. 
2🌶️ out of 5 🌶️. - a couple detailed scenes. 

Tropes: 
→ Enemies/Rivals to lovers 
→ Trials/tournament 
→ slow burn 
→ romantasy 
→ dark fantasy 
→ vampires 
→ dark magic 
→ shadow daddy 
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