The Serpent and the Wings of Night--Winged Vampires and Deadly Trials

This was one of those fantasy romances that grabs you early and refuses to let go. From the brutal world to the sharp banter and emotional gut punches, The Serpent and the Wings of Night delivered tension, spectacle, and heartbreak in equal measure.

Oraya is a human woman raised among vampires—winged, deadly, and merciless. What I loved most about her is that she doesn’t survive by luck or being “special” in a convenient way. She survives because she’s smart, ruthless when necessary, and fully aware of how dangerous the world around her is. Her anger, fear, and determination are always at war, and Carissa Broadbent captures that internal tug-of-war beautifully. Oraya’s rage feels earned, and her strength never feels performative.

At a Glance

Oraya: A Human Who Refuses to Break

Oraya is a standout heroine. Human in a world ruled by vampires, she survives not by being protected, but by being clever, hardened, and unflinchingly self-aware. Her anger, fear, and determination are constantly at odds, and the author captures that internal tug-of-war beautifully.

I especially loved how Oraya’s rage is allowed to exist on the page. It's raw, messy, and justified. She’s not soft, she’s not naïve, and she never forgets what it costs to stay alive in a world that wants her dead.

Raihn & the Banter That Burns

Raihn is everything you want in a morally gray vampire MMC: sharp-tongued, guarded, and impossible to fully trust. The banter between him and Oraya was one of my favorite parts of the book—biting, flirtatious, and layered with tension.

One quote that perfectly captures their dynamic:

“You don’t give an inch, do you?”

My eyes flicked coldly up his body.

“Do you? Or is an inch all you have to offer?”

Their grumpy-sunshine energy, combined with mutual respect and constant testing of boundaries, made every interaction crackle.

What didn't Land

Skip this section of my review if you want to avoid spoilers!

There's a part of this brutal vampire society that didn't make sense (to me). I suppose it could be explored in later books, but I can't see a logical explanation for it. Since vampires are immortal and constantly fighting for supremacy, it's been explained that some vampires kill their parents to take their place. Therefore, the same vampires that killed their parents will defang and cripple their own offspring to prevent them from doing the same. Brutal, right? But hear me out. Why have offspring at all if you fear they'll kill you to take your place? And what if another vampire kills you and the Heir Mark appears on your now crippled offspring? They'll be seen as weak and probably killed or enslaved. Why would you set up your flesh and blood for such cruelty? 

World-Building, Trials & Schemes

The world-building is incredibly visual and immersive. The vampire society, the brutal trials, and the constant political scheming create an atmosphere where no one is safe and trust is always a liability.

There’s never a dull moment—this story is packed with action, tension, and power plays. The betrayals cut deep, and the plot twist near the end genuinely left me reeling.

Side Characters & Emotional Weight

Mische deserves a special mention. She’s a memorable secondary character, and her friendship with Raihn was one of the most wholesome elements in an otherwise ruthless world. That relationship added emotional depth and balance to the story.

And the ending? Absolutely heartbreaking. The kind that leaves you staring at the page, stunned, knowing you’ll be thinking about it long after.

Final Thoughts

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a gripping fantasy romance filled with winged vampires, sharp banter, high-stakes trials, and devastating emotional turns. Especially at the end. If you love badass heroines, morally gray MMCs, and stories where betrayal hurts because you didn’t see it coming, this one will destroy you.

Highly recommended—but prepare to be angry when the story ends.