Synopsis

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

Review

The Hunger Games, but with vampires. Sexy vampires. Don’t pretend you’re not a little bit curious about that… I certainly was, even though when it comes to the world of bloodsuckers, I’m more old school, preferring Dracula and The Historian to the shimmery frivolities of Twilight.

Or so I thought…

Carissa Broadbent has shown me that sometimes, all you need is a sexy vampire who cooks. Yes cooks. These vampires are not your average undead creatures; they eat food as well as blood, they’re lascivious and easier to kill. I have to say I wasn’t sure about them at first, because Oraya being human didn’t really seem that much of a disadvantage in the games themselves, but I mellowed and relaxed into this particular interpretation.

The Serpent & the Wings of Night is very much a character-driven story. We have a gladiator style tournament where vampires fight to the death, albeit with a few twists, but this is actually less interesting than the relationships that develop and our protagonists.

Vincent (or Daddy Vincent as he will forever be known) adopted Oraya – a human child – when she was very tiny; she has grown up amongst vampires, never quite fitting in and learning how to defend herself against those surrounding her. Raihn was turned when he was in his 30s, but is still clinging onto his humanity, desperate to preserve his former self and not become a monster. This contrast is fascinating, especially when we add Mische – beautiful, kind Mische – into the mix. Protected by Raihn and determined to help him gain what he has lost, she is a vampiric rose between two thorns.

That said, these thorns have hella chemistry, despite their prickly natures. Oraya is a typical fantasy heroine: stubborn, independent and attacks without thinking. Raihn is brooding, broken and handsome. Naturally they clash at first, but mellow (and fall in love) over time.

Broadbent is an excellent storyteller, weaving elements of history and fantasy together to produce an action-packed, fast-paced tale with twists, cliffhangers and sexual tension.

Highly recommend for fantasy novices and seasoned readers.

Thanks to Bookbreak and PanMacmillan for my copy. Opinions my own.