The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of emotional abuse and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What did you think of Broadbent’s expansive worldbuilding? Did it remind you of the worlds presented in any other fantasy novels, including genre classics like J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings or George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire?

2. Was Oraya an effective protagonist? Did you find her compelling, or were her imposed limitations frustrating to read?

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.