In the ever-expanding universe of dark fantasy romance, few series have captured readers' imaginations quite like Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia. At the heart of this captivating world lies the entry point for countless fans: The Serpent and the Wings of Night. This first installment isn't just a book; it's a gateway to a richly imagined realm of vampires, deadly tournaments, and complex relationships that blur the lines between enemy and lover.
A World Forged in Blood and Shadow
The Serpent and the Wings of Night: Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 1 introduces us to Oraya, a human girl raised by the Nightborn vampire king in a world where her kind are little more than prey. The novel's brilliance lies in its masterful blending of genres—part dark fantasy, part intense romance, and part survival thriller. Broadbent creates a setting that feels both terrifying and mesmerizing, where every alliance comes with a price and trust is the most dangerous currency of all.
The story centers around the Kejari, a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. Victory promises a single wish—any wish—but the cost is competing against the most powerful vampires in the realm. For Oraya, it represents her only chance to gain the power needed to secure her survival in a world designed to destroy her. This premise alone has cemented the book's status as a bestseller in the fantasy romance category.
Beyond the First Book: The Expanding Saga
What begins in The Serpent and the Wings of Night expands dramatically in The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King: Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 2. This direct sequel continues Oraya's journey, delving deeper into the consequences of her choices and the complicated dynamics of the world Broadbent has created. The emotional stakes heighten, the political intrigue deepens, and the romance evolves in unexpected ways that have captivated the Romantasy community.
For readers who become invested in this universe, there are multiple ways to continue the journey. Many opt for the Crowns of Nyaxia Series 3 Books Collection Set, which provides the complete core narrative experience. This set typically includes the first two main novels plus the third installment, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, which expands the universe with new characters and perspectives while maintaining the series' signature blend of danger and desire.
Companion Stories and Collections
The Crowns of Nyaxia experience extends beyond the main sequence. Six Scorched Roses: A Crowns of Nyaxia Novella offers a compelling side story that enriches the main narrative. This standalone tale provides additional world-building and character depth, making it essential reading for completists and those who want every piece of the Nyaxia puzzle.
For international readers, there's even The Serpent and the Wings of Night (German Edition), bringing this dark fantasy romance to a broader audience. And with The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk: Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 4 on the horizon, the series continues to grow, offering new entry points and expanding narratives for fans.
Why This Series Stands Out
The enduring appeal of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and its sequels lies in several key elements. First, Broadbent's writing balances visceral action with emotional depth. The fight scenes are tense and vividly described, while the character relationships—particularly the central enemies to lovers dynamic—develop with satisfying complexity.
Second, the world-building feels fresh within the vampire fantasy subgenre. Rather than rehashing familiar tropes, Broadbent creates her own mythology around the Nightborn vampires, their society, and their relationship with humans and gods. This originality has generated extensive discussion in book review circles and fan communities.
Finally, the series understands its audience. It delivers the romantic tension and fantasy elements that readers of the genre crave while maintaining strong plotting and character development that elevates it beyond mere escapism. Whether you're reading the individual books or a Crowns of Nyaxia Series 2 Books Set, the experience is consistently engaging.
Starting Your Journey into Nyaxia
For newcomers, beginning with The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the obvious choice. This first book establishes the rules of Broadbent's world, introduces the core conflict, and sets up relationships that will evolve throughout the series. From there, readers can continue with the direct sequel or explore one of the collection sets that bundle multiple installments.
The series has spawned numerous guides and reviews that delve into its themes, characters, and place within the dark fantasy series landscape. These resources can enhance the reading experience, offering insights into Broadbent's creative choices and the series' evolution from its beginnings in The Serpent and the Wings of Night to its expanding universe in later installments.
Whether you're a seasoned fantasy romance reader or new to the genre, Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia series offers a compelling, emotionally resonant experience that begins with one of the most talked-about novels in recent memory. The journey starts with a serpent, wings, and the long night—and continues through ashes, songbirds, and roses, each element adding depth to a world that readers are reluctant to leave.