literary gluttony

Carissa Broadbent’s The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a blood-drenched, slow-burn fantasy romance that hits a lot of the right notes—dangerous magic, deadly competition, and a romance that simmers with tension. If you’re craving a story with a morally gray heroine, a richly imagined vampire world, and a romance that toes the line between enemies and allies, this book is going to sink its fangs into you and not let go.

We follow Oraya, a human raised by the vampire king in a cutthroat world where humans are typically food, not family. In a bid for power—and her own survival—she enters the Kejari, a tournament held by the goddess of death. The story is sharp and fast-paced, and Broadbent keeps the stakes high from the first page. Oraya is fierce, strategic, and layered, and her reluctant partnership with Raihn, a rival vampire contestant, gives the story its emotional punch.

The romance? Deliciously slow-burn. Oraya and Raihn have real chemistry, and their dynamic shifts organically from distrust to something deeper. Their interactions are full of tension and tenderness, without ever veering too far into melodrama.

The worldbuilding is another strength—Broadbent doesn’t just give us vampires; she gives us a hierarchy, politics, divine lore, and a history that feels expansive. The Kejari itself is brutal and creative, filled with terrifying challenges and smart character moments.

That said, while the pacing is mostly tight, there were a few moments—especially in the first third—where the worldbuilding got a bit dense, slowing the momentum. And though the romance is compelling, some of the emotional beats felt slightly rushed toward the end, especially as the plot barrels toward its final twist.

Devour or Nibble?
🍷 Devour. This one’s for fans of dark fantasy with bite. While not flawless, it’s gripping, atmospheric, and packed with emotional tension. Perfect for readers who like their romance slow-burn, their battles bloody, and their heroines with knives up their sleeves. Just be warned—you’ll want the sequel on hand.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)