Book Review: The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1)
When I first stumbled upon The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, it wasn’t the usual buzz surrounding vampires or tales of supernatural realms that drew me in. Nope! What grabbed my attention was a stubborn, grumpy single daddy who loves his daughter fiercely while preparing her for life’s harsh realities. I mean, a man who doesn’t coddle but instead arms his child with the tools for survival? Yes, please! So, with a heart already a bit mushy over this dear character, I dove into the story—and boy, was I in for a whirlwind of emotions!
This book toes the line between gripping fantasy and heartfelt narrative. The main characters, especially Oraya, are beautifully crafted. Oraya is not just any protagonist; she’s a badass implemented with a healthy dose of sarcasm that made me chuckle and cheer for her simultaneously! I deeply appreciated how she wasn’t just reacting to her circumstances. Instead, she held her own against the myriad of vampires and dangers that surrounded her, bringing a refreshing female perspective to a genre often burdened by tropes.
Let’s talk about the romance, shall we? The gradual build-up between Oraya and Raihn is like that exquisite slow burn you crave—each interaction carefully woven to produce an eventual explosion of passion. Their connection is heartfelt, with moments that had me swooning and gasping. The dialogue is laced with humor and warmth, and those small, tender moments? Absolutely to die for! Their banter left me cackling, while poignant exchanges broke my heart in the best way possible.
Broadbent’s writing is a breath of fresh air, with prose that immerses you completely in the world she’s built. The pacing kept my heart racing, especially in the last twenty percent where plot twists had me practically gasping for air. I truly felt like I was living through the story rather than just reading it—each action scene vivid and alive, painting a cinematic experience in my mind.
A particular quote that still resonates with me is, "I loved it—really, truly loved it—when they underestimated me." Such a powerful encapsulation of Oraya’s growth and her fight against expectations! It’s moments like these that validate the expert craftsmanship in Broadbent’s work.
Now, let’s not gloss over Vincent! This character has wedged himself firmly into my heart. His tender care for Oraya and his unwavering support had me teary-eyed more times than I can count. That soul-crushing ending? I can’t even… sniffle. Let’s just say I’m not accepting his supposed fate!
In conclusion, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a tantalizing read for anyone who enjoys reverse grumpy x sunshine romances, complex characters, and beautifully imagined worlds. If you love your stories with a sprinkle of action reminiscent of The Hunger Games and heartfelt emotion akin to ACOTAR, look no further.
This book left me breathless and already hungry for more. Broadbent, you have a new fan in me! If you’re looking to lose yourself in a gripping tale that combines sharp wit, romance that’ll make you sigh, and heart-wrenching moments, then I wholeheartedly recommend you take the plunge into this fantastic journey.
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