A review by ems693
The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

It’s been a long time since I read a romantasy in which the actual story and plot had me in as much of a chokehold as the romance itself. Not once did I feel an urge to skip forward and miss key details that enhance the story of Oraya. 

The FMC in itself was refreshing. She was not weak or feeble. She was not easy to manipulate. She was intelligent and a force but not in a way the felt unrealistic or unstoppable. Instead, in a way that slipped me into the edge of my seat wondering how she would navigate each circumstance. Her relationship with each character was built with intention, there were no characters that were there just to be there. Wonderfully done.

The way the author both made me root for and against the men in her life was masterful. The last 20% took me on a whirlwind I did not anticipate and yet as it was occurring, it was incredibly easy to drink despite the emotional shocks and twists. 

Lastly, the subtle nudges toward the diversity in its characters is a breath of fresh air. 

I cannot wait to dive into the next book.