Let’s take a closer look at the characters that make The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent the latest obsession in the fantasy romance scene. You’ve got Oraya—our fierce, underestimated heroine with a knack for getting into trouble and a heart that’s as complicated as the vampire houses and their politics. And then there’s the enigmatic love interest and mysterious rival, Rhain, who’s practically dripping with those classic enemies-to-lovers vibes we can’t get enough of.
Set during the Kejari trials, where ambition and betrayal are the name of the game, the world-building is lush and immersive in this fantasy book. You can feel the tension crackling in the air, and trust us, you’ll want to know exactly who’s who in this slow-burn romantasy that has BookTok buzzing. Fierce rivalries to unexpected alliances, our favorite tropes, and every character adds a layer of complexity that keeps us hooked!
So, if you’re already obsessed with The Crowns of Nyaxia series and are ready for a little gossip about the key players in this thrilling tale, you’re in the right place. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to check out our other blog posts, where we break down the full summary of the first book and share our personal favorite quotes from the Nightborn Duet duology. Spoilers ahead, but you know you love it—so let’s spill the tea on these unforgettable characters!
The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Abandoned and starving in the dangerous vampire territories, Oraya was certain she would die when Vincent, one of the most feared vampire lords, found her. But she refused to go down without a fight, biting his hand in a final act of defiance. Instead of killing her, Vincent was impressed by her bravery and took her in, calling her his "little serpent." Though he raised and overprotected her, teaching her how to survive in a brutal vampire world, Oraya always knew her humanity was her greatest weakness. Everything changes when she enters the deadly Kejari trials, stepping out from Vincent’s shadow to fight for her own power. But meeting Raihn forces Oraya to question everything Vincent taught her about trust, loyalty, and her place in the vampire world. Their connection sparks a shift in her beliefs, as she navigates the tension between them and discovers the true power within herself.
As a Rishan vampire, Raihn is an outsider in more ways than one, navigating a world where survival is an art form. His power isn’t just for show—he’s efficient, ruthless when necessary, and never misses a step in the Kejari, eliminating other contestants with ease. Raihn’s not here to make friends, yet he’s fiercely loyal to those who earn it. Just ask Mische; his bond with her reveals a side of him most don’t get to see: loyal, protective, and surprisingly caring in a cutthroat world. But Raihn’s past as a survivor of brutal circumstances makes him dangerous, adaptable, and always one move ahead. His connection with Oraya challenges everything he’s been taught about loyalty and enemies, but it’s hard to deny the chemistry between them. For Raihn, it’s not just about power—it’s about finding where he truly belongs, even if it means breaking every rule along the way.
Vincent, a Hiaj vampire and King of the Nightborn, is as ruthless as they come. The man slaughtered his entire family to secure his throne, proving there’s no limit to how far he’ll go for power. Cunning and calculating, he commands respect and fear in equal measure, ruling his court with an iron grip. Yet, beneath that cold exterior, there’s one undeniable vulnerability—his human daughter, Oraya. For all his brutality, Vincent has a soft spot for the human girl he raised as his own, calling her his "little serpent." His protectiveness over her shows a rare side of him, a crack in the armor, though it never dims the ruthless ambition that made him king. For Vincent, power is everything, but Oraya is the one thing that could make him reconsider how far he’s willing to go to keep it.
Mische is a refreshing ray of sunshine in the dark world of The Serpent and the Wings of Night. While the others are consumed by ambition and power plays, she brings a sense of levity and warmth that’s hard to overlook. Even as a fierce warrior with the powers of her previous god, she manages to balance her formidable strength with a vibrant personality that lights up any room. Her friendship with Raihn is particularly heartwarming, providing him—and Oraya—with a much-needed reminder that hope and joy can exist even in the direst of circumstances. Mische’s ability to find light in darkness not only makes her an essential ally but also a grounding force for those around her. In a realm where survival often means sacrificing one’s humanity, Mische retains her spirit, proving that kindness and strength can coexist.
Nyaxia, the banished Goddess at the center of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, is the revered mother of all vampires—known as the House of Night. She embodies both beauty and terror, wielding immense power over the fates of mortals and vampires alike. Widow of the God of death, she rules over the domains of night, shadow, blood, and death, representing the duality of creation and destruction. Once a lesser goddess, Nyaxia defied the White Pantheon by marrying Alarus, but their forbidden love ended tragically when he was murdered, fueling her wrath. Nyaxia’s presence can be felt in every corner of the realm, as she is often invoked in prayers and curses, shaping the lives of those who inhabit her world. Her influence is particularly palpable through the god-cursed illness that plagues Lilith’s town, serving as a reminder of her capricious nature. Known by various titles, including the Mother, Goddess of Death and the Goddess of the Ravenous Dark, Nyaxia’s motives and unpredictable interventions remind everyone that in her realm, nothing is ever truly certain.
Ilana’s untimely death in the early chapters of The Serpent and the Wings of Night serves as a shocking turning point for Oraya. Having lived in the dangerous vampire world for so long, Ilana’s disregard for the lurking threats around her ultimately costs her life. Her vibrant spirit and fierce loyalty were the last reminders of Oraya’s humanity, and losing her shakes Oraya to her core. Ilana’s death forces Oraya to confront the harsh realities of her existence, stripping away the remnants of her innocence and leaving her to grapple with the brutal truths of the world she inhabits.
Lilith, the protagonist of the novella Six Scorched Roses, is shaped by a lifetime of impending doom. Born with a terminal condition, she has accepted her own mortality, but is fiercely protective of her loved ones as a mysterious illness ravages her town. Driven by desperation, she strikes a risky bargain with Vale, a vampire, offering six roses in exchange for the vampire blood needed to save her community.
So, do the characters of The Serpent and the Wings of Night live up to the hype? In our not-so-humble opinion—absolutely! With a fierce heroine like Oraya, a mysterious vampire love interest in Raihn, and a cast that keeps you on your toes, this fantasy vampire book delivers everything you crave. The slow-burn tension and intricate world-building immerse you in the drama and intrigue of the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
If you’re as captivated by these characters as we are and love discussing new fantasy reads with fellow bookworms, make sure to join us at crewfiction to discover your next book. And for the latest gossip and updates and topping up your TBR, don’t forget to subscribe to our Tea & Cakes Newsletter! You won’t want to miss a thing as we explore more about this enchanting world and its unforgettable characters.
Originally a human slave who endured abuse under King Nikolai, he was eventually turned into a vampire, forever bound to the world of vampires that had oppressed him. After Vincent kills Nikolai with Raihn’s help, Raihn inherits Nikolai’s claim to the throne, positioning him as a key player in the Kejari trials. Raihn is ultimately killed by Oraya during the trials, driving the knife to his own heart. However, when Oraya wins the Kejari, her wish is to save Raihn, and he is resurrected. This act sets off a chain of events leading to Raihn’s final confrontation with Vincent, whom he kills, claiming his rightful place as the Vampire King.
Oraya was always a half-vampire, as she is Vincent’s biological daughter, though he kept this a secret from her for most of her life. Despite her heritage, Vincent never allowed Oraya to develop her vampire abilities, suppressing her powers and raising her to believe her humanity was her greatest weakness. It’s only later, through her experiences in the Kejari trials and her evolving relationship with Raihn, that she begins to discover and embrace her true nature in the second book, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
Yes, The Serpent and the Wings of Night has its share of steamy moments, though the romance is largely a slow-burn. The tension between Oraya and Raihn builds throughout the book, with intense chemistry and emotionally charged scenes that keep readers on edge. While the book doesn’t focus solely on explicit scenes, the romantic and physical connection between the characters does heat up as their relationship deepens, adding spice to the overarching fantasy romance plot.
