I LOVED this book! My review on Goodreads literally just said "This. Is. So. Good." because I had no words!
It was fast-paced with high stakes, the romance felt believable and it was the type of book I seriously couldn't put down! I love Oraya and Raihn and I seriously can't wait to see what happens next!
Carissa is fast becoming an instant buy author for me and I am so excited to continue on with this series!

The Hunger Games, except with vampires and written for adults. Oraya is a human adopted and raised by a vampire king, and the story begins just before she enters a deadly Hunger Games inspired fight to the death competition in which only the victor will remain alive. Predictably this leads to a forbidden love/enemies-to-lovers trope. Don't let the Hunger Games comparison fool you though, this is a much darker, violent story than one written for young adults. The twists and big reveals at the end were well done in that there were enough clues that they made sense to the story but not so many clues that they were predictable. Overall this was a quick and enjoyable first book romantacy of a planned 5-book series.

I was generously given this ARC from Tor Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Will likely end up being the best book I read in 2023. Read it on my honeymoon and bought the second on my kindle while on the beach. An impeccable read.

I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book, but I didn't realize how much! With intricate world building and phenomenally written characters, this was absolutely fantastic.

This has everything you'd want in a fantasy. All the boxes are checked...

Oraya is ripped from her devastated home, taken in by a powerful vampire and is raised as his daughter. She is trained in combat and all skills she would need as an heir, though she could never be one, not sharing his bloodline, or simply because of the fact that she is human.

When the legendary Kejari approaches, a deadly five trial tournament, Oraya and her father Vincent have decided she will compete. she is determined to survive the bloodthirsty vampires and the daunting trials, earning her the ability to link her meager powers to her father, where his would be linked to her as well, making her so much stronger.

Raihn, a dangerously beautiful vampire from a rivaling house is the most unlikely alliance to have in this tournament, but alas, the two join forces... but working with another so closely and under such high stakes, a bond begins to form. Only one can win, though, meaning one of them will have to ultimately kill the other.

With all of this happening, we get more and more of the history that surrounds these different vampiric houses, the blood, the gore and the devastation. And while I LOVED Oraya and Raihn and the turbulent air that surrounds them, its the whole of the entire story that truly pulled me in.

Oraya is such a strong person, never losing her humanity after the years and years being the daughter of a vampire. Her extracurricular actives prove that time and time again.

This book annihilated me! The push and pull of not knowing who Oraya could trust, watching her come into her own, thinking for herself and making difficult decisions... just so powerful! In books like this, you know there will be huge revelations, there will be betrayal (but from whom), and there will be intensity. This book had all of that and more.

At first glance, this book offers an addictive, fun, and flashy experience, fitting into the typical mold of a 'competition' fantasy romance. However, it defied my expectations and, like a sudden plot twist, transformed into something both devastating and brilliant. This unexpected depth elevated it to a new favorite in my reading collection.

I just reviewed The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. #TheSerpenttheWingsofNight #NetGalley

This series is such a high step above most of what is being published for young adult fantasy, and I am doing my best to recommend it to everyone. It is so well-written, the characters are so real and well-drawn that it feels like it should be winning every award imaginable. I adore this series. It has become one of my favorites and I am very grateful for this ARC. This fantasy world is unlike the more tame ones you will find on the bookshelf - and the plot is very original. It oozes romance, intrigue, danger, action, meaningful relationships, and a main character that kicks major ass. I highly, highly recommend this entire series. Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, but I actually liked this series and main character better!

I am SHOCKED by how much I enjoyed this. I nearly DNF at about 15% because I wasn’t sure it was my kind of book. I have never before been so glad I stuck with a book.

The slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance was *chef’s kiss* and we even got a bit of the “don’t you touch her” trope which had my toes curling. By the time we get some spice, I was practically begging for it in my mind. I also really appreciated the grumpy vs. sunshine dynamic.

Oraya initially appears to be your typical “I can’t afford to be weak and therefore will never love anyone” sort of protagonist. But she’s human, and while she may hate that part of herself in a world dominated by vampires, her humanity is what makes her strong and allows for some nice character development. Plus she’s sarcastic af which I always love.

Raihn is going down on my list of book boyfriends. I mean seriously. How does anyone date anymore when their standards are fictional men like him?

Mische reminded me so much of Alice from Twilight, and Alice was one of my favorite characters, so naturally Mische became a favorite as well. Little ball of sunshine. Love her.

Also, HOLY PLOT TWISTS. The last couple chapters were so satisfying. I can’t wait to devour the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! Even if you did mess up the order of several chapters and I read something I shouldn’t have too early. But I forgive you

I had a tough time with the writing, but it's easy enough to follow, and I can see why it's popular on TikTok.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

A great debut. I think this qualifies as romantasy but I think the fantasy elements are very well fleshed out. Oraya is a human living in a vampire world, the adoptive daughter of the king of the vampires. It is a brutal world, and she has had to harden herself to live among those who would love only to drink her blood. Oraya knows better than to trust any vampire, but things change when she is forced to to ally with one in a competition for a blessing by their goddess. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, romance and fantasy.

Where to begin on this wonderful book? It's got violence and vampires need I say more? I devoured this in a day and I am left wanting to dive right into the sequel! Oraya and Raihn are exceptional and carry the story all the way to my heart!

OMG I lovvveddd this book! It reminded me of Sarah J Maas’ writing. I also love the trope of a girl seeming weaker in a competition full of people who are essentially stronger than her. Raihn and Orayas relationship was really swoon worthy. However, THE END HURTTTT I was not expecting the plot twist and betrayal at the end of the book. I’m excited for book 2 and I wonder how the story will play out. Definitely would recommend this to people shopping in the store I work for.

Thank you for the ARC! I think this book was a very solid first book. There needed to be some edits and more of a development in terms of plot and characters but overall it was a very enjoyable book. The ending was super entertaining and made me want to read the next one. I think it’s a great book for fans of fantasy romance!