The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Consider Oraya’s relationships with her two parental figures. Do you recognize elements of any relationships in your own life?

2. The influence of fear is a prevalent thread throughout the novel. What do you fear most? Are your fears similar to those of the characters?

3. Oraya’s loyalty to her father is ultimately a source of coercion and weakness. Can loyalty ever be a source of strength? Discuss a time when you had your loyalty tested.

4. Consider the way Broadbent’s work depicts vampires as compared to more traditional vampires. How did this affect your experience of the story? Did anything about her portrayal surprise you? 

5. Part of Oraya’s journey involves coming into her power and mastering her gift of Nightfire. What might Nightfire symbolize in your own life?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Oraya lives in a world where vampires live in privilege and feed off underprivileged humans. Where might this dynamic be reflected in real-world societies? What is the author trying to achieve through this portrayal? Why do you think vampires are such a prevalent storytelling motif? What does the popularity of this novel and others like it communicate about our society as a whole?

2. How does the novel’s divine mythos draw from real-world mythologies? What other cultural influences can be seen in this world?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Vincent’s teachings are undoubtedly toxic, yet their intention is to make Oraya safe and strong. Discuss ways in which Vincent achieves this aim.

2. What role do gender and gender expectations play in the novel? Is being a woman an advantage or a disadvantage in Oraya’s journey?

3. What tools does the author use to encourage the reader to continue the saga and engage with the novel’s sequel, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King? 

4. Discuss the way the novel draws from traditional character archetypes such as the hero, the mentor, the shadow, the threshold guardian, and so forth.