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

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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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