The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Ibrihim makes it to the very end of the Kejari despite being mutilated by his family and underestimated by his peers. What does this feat suggest about his character?

Using what the novel reveals about Nyaxia’s journey to becoming goddess of vampires (the journey the Kejari trials are modeled after), compare and contrast Oraya and Nyaxia. In what ways are their stories aligned? And in what ways does Oraya deviate from Nyaxia’s path? Cite the text to support your answer.

Name three popular tropes that often appear in the fantasy romance genre, and explore their significance in the novel. In what way does Broadbent subvert these tropes, or approach them from a different angle?

In the novel, Oraya is likened to a serpent. What animal would Raihn be likened to? Vincent? Use the text to support your answer.

Mische is described a few times by Oraya as a butterfly. Using evidence from the text, detail three ways in which Mische seems to fit this description.

Oraya seems to despise her humanity and doesn’t mind throwing it away for the strength and power associated with vampirism. What are some ways that her humanity actually helps her or others during the Kejari that wouldn’t be possible if she was a vampire?

The novel devotes significant attention on the dangers of vulnerable hearts. What are some examples of moments where vulnerable hearts had disastrous consequences? Cite the text to support your answer.

Raihn provides Oraya with an example of healthy, unconditional love. Yet in the end, he betrays Oraya’s trust for the same reasons Vincent has—for power. What does this say about the two relationships? How might this perpetuate Vincent’s teachings about love and how Oraya might approach relationships going forward?