The story for The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1) by Carissa Broadbent follows Oraya, the human adopted daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. In a world where humans are prey, she must enter the Kejari—a brutal tournament held by the goddess of death—to earn her safety and power. Plot Summary
is more than a tale of magic and monsters; it is a meditation on the cost of survival. By the novel’s conclusion, Broadbent subverts the reader's expectations of victory, proving that the most dangerous "wings" are often the ones we build for ourselves. Oraya’s journey reminds us that while blood may define a lineage, it is the choices made in the dark that define a soul. specific character analysis
🩸 The World-Building: Broadbent creates a distinct vampire lore with different houses (Night, Blood, and Shadow) that have unique cultures and abilities. It’s dark, atmospheric, and immersive.
The introduction of Raihn, a rival vampire with a mysterious past, serves as the catalyst for Oraya’s growth. Unlike the mindless predators she grew up fearing, Raihn represents a nuanced threat. Their alliance is born of necessity, but it flourishes because they recognize a shared marginalization; Raihn, a "turned" vampire, is as much an outsider to the aristocratic Nightborn as Oraya is. Broadbent uses their evolving relationship to dismantle the protagonist’s defenses, suggesting that true strength lies not in isolation, but in the vulnerability required to trust another. Atmospheric World-Building
, a legendary tournament held once every century in honor of the goddess of death, Nyaxia. The winner is granted a single wish by the goddess herself.
Analysis of the novel typically centers on survival, identity, and the corruptive nature of power.