In the crowded landscape of fantasy romance, few debuts have made waves quite like Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night. This novel, the explosive first entry in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, has captivated readers with its brutal world, complex characters, and a romance that burns as fiercely as it bleeds. It's more than just a story; it's an experience that plunges you into a deadly tournament where the prize is survival and the cost is everything. This review will explore the elements that make this book a standout in the dark fantasy novels genre and a must-read for fans seeking a series with teeth.
The premise is deceptively simple yet utterly compelling. Oraya, a human girl adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, has spent her life in a gilded cage, mastering the art of survival in a world designed to kill her. To claim her own power and secure a future, she must enter the Kejari: a legendary, merciless tournament held by the goddess of death, Nyaxia. Her only ally is Raihn, a mysterious and dangerous vampire competitor. What follows is a masterclass in tension, weaving together lethal competition, forced proximity, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic that feels both inevitable and devastatingly earned.
What Makes This Vampire Romance Series So Addictive?
Broadbent's greatest strength lies in her character work. Oraya is not a passive heroine waiting for rescue. She is fierce, calculating, scarred by trauma, and fueled by a desperate love for her adoptive father that borders on tragic. Her voice is sharp, vulnerable, and compelling from the very first page. Raihn, her rival and eventual partner, is equally complex. He is charming and brutal, hiding depths of pain and ambition beneath a cavalier exterior. Their relationship is the engine of the story, built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared danger, and undeniable chemistry that crackles off the page. It's a partnership forged in blood and strategy, making it a cornerstone of modern vampire romance series.
Beyond the Romance: A Rich and Brutal World
While the romance is central, the world of The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a character in itself. Broadbent builds a intricate mythology around the vampire courts, the gods they serve, and the brutal history that shapes their politics. The Kejari tournament is not just a backdrop; it's a crucible that tests the characters' morals, alliances, and will to live. The action sequences are visceral and well-paced, the magic system is intriguing, and the political machinations add layers of suspense that extend far beyond the romantic plot. This depth is what elevates the book from a simple romance to a epic fantasy romance saga.
The Crowns of Nyaxia Series: A Complete Journey
This first book sets a staggeringly high bar, and the good news is that the story only deepens. The narrative continues directly in The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King, which picks up the pieces of the explosive cliffhanger and expands the scope of the conflict, delving deeper into grief, power, and reclaiming one's destiny. The recently released third book, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, shifts focus to new characters within the same rich world, promising to explore different corners of Nyaxia's realm. For readers who hate waiting between releases, acquiring the complete book collection is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this unputdownable series from start to finish.
Common Questions from New Readers
Is it spicy? Yes, but the spice is well-integrated into the character development and plot. It serves the story rather than distracting from it.
How dark is it? This is a true dark fantasy. It features graphic violence, depictions of trauma, morally grey characters, and high emotional stakes. It's not for readers seeking a light, fluffy romance.
Do I need to read the series in order? Absolutely. The Crowns of Nyaxia series is a continuous, evolving story. Each book builds directly on the events and emotional fallout of the previous one.
Why is Carissa Broadbent so popular? Author Carissa Broadbent has a unique talent for crafting emotionally resonant characters and placing them in high-stakes, beautifully brutal worlds. Her writing is sharp, evocative, and utterly immersive.
Who Will Love The Serpent and the Wings of Night?
This book is a perfect match for fans of Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series, particularly those who enjoyed the trials in Heir of Fire and the complex dynamics of A Court of Mist and Fury. It will also appeal to readers of Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash for its blend of vampire lore and romantic tension, and to devotees of Leigh Bardugo's gritty character work. If you love fantasy where the romance has real stakes, the heroes are flawed, and the world feels dangerously alive, this bestseller book set is your next obsession.
Final Verdict: A Dark Fantasy Masterpiece
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is not just a successful debut; it's a landmark in contemporary fantasy romance. Carissa Broadbent announces herself as a major voice in the genre, delivering a story that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally devastating. It's a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the terrifying vulnerability of love in a world that rewards cruelty. The journey begun in this first book is epic, painful, and profoundly satisfying. For anyone looking to dive into a new, completed series that will consume your thoughts for days, the entire Crowns of Nyaxia collection promises an unforgettable adventure.
