Honest Book Review of The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Author: Carissa Broadbent
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Let me just say, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Cariss Broadbent delivered everything I want in a fantasy romance with a dash of danger and actual plot. I’ve read Daughter of No Worlds, the author’s War of Lost Hearts series and really enjoyed it. But The Serpent and the Wings of Night completely blew it out of the water. This vampire romantasy had me hooked from the very first chapter. With high-stakes tension, morally gray characters, and a brutal competition filled with betrayal and bloodshed, it was impossible to put down. This is a fantasy romance that is worth the BookTok Hype.
Unsure about purchasing this book? Read this on Kindle Unlimited to try it out before buying.
The heroine, Oraya, is everything I look for in a female lead: smart, fierce, emotionally complex, and brave. Bonus points: she is not a butthole to be a AKA “strong female” in this one.
Raised by the vampire King Vincent, she enters the Kejari—a deadly trial where the winner is granted one wish from the goddess of death. The trials themselves are packed with danger, mystery, and clever world-building that never feels overwhelming. I felt immersed in the dark, gothic atmosphere without getting lost in it.
What truly impressed me was the balance between action and romance. The simmering chemistry between Oraya and Raihn adds so much emotional depth, and the slow-burn tension was executed perfectly. The romance never overshadowed the plot—it enhanced it. For fans of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden bonds, or powerful heroines who make their own way, this one delivers.
Raihn is such an amazing shadow daddy in this one. *chefs kiss*
And the ending? It was everything. Bold, heartbreaking, and unexpected in the best way. I was left both satisfied and desperate for the sequel. It’s rare that a romantasy hits so many high notes with compelling characters, vivid writing, and emotional payoff—but this one did. It’s clear why this series is all over BookTok and Goodreads.
If you’re searching for a dark fantasy romance with vampires, deadly trials, and morally complex love interests, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is so worth the hype.
⚠️⚠️SPOILER⚠️⚠️
Let’s talk about that jaw-dropping ending. Just when I thought Oraya and Raihn had fought their way to a well-earned victory, Carissa Broadbent ripped my heart out. Oraya had to kill Raihn to win the Kejari. What did she wish for? That Raihn be brought back to life and be the one to win the Kejari instead.
Oraya winning the Kejari only to discover her entire life King Vincent has been keeping secrets from her? Gut-wrenching. And the twist with her true identity—as the daughter of King Vincent? I did not see that coming. She basically is a vampire and half human. Which is what I am lead to believe because we didn’t get much insight on. So bring on more plot twist Broadbent. Bring on the plot twist.
Also lets talk about another part of the ending that was wild—and honestly, it made the entire journey worth it. Just when you think Raihn is the loyal underdog with a tragic past, the truth drops: he’s a dethroned vampire king who used the Kejari as his opportunity to reclaim power and take down Vincent. Talk about a twist. The political layers and betrayals here were so well done.
Oraya learns she’s not just a human girl raised by a vampire king, but actually a royal heir herself? That reveal changed everything. And then Raihn forcing her into marriage—not for romance (though the tension is very much there), but as a strategic move to protect her from being assassinated? Brutal. Smart. And a little heartbreaking.
The final chapters flipped everything on its head. Raihn might still care about her, but power games are now front and center. The marriage of protection, the shifting alliances, and Oraya’s internal conflict all set up the sequel perfectly. If you weren’t fully sold before, that ending guarantees you’ll be reaching for book two immediately.
In short: the ending delivered betrayal, heartbreak, and a major power shift—and it was so worth it.
