So you've devoured The Serpent and the Wings of Night and now you're scrambling for details about the sequel? You're not alone. When I finished that cliffhanger at 2 AM last month, I immediately started hunting for The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2 updates. Let me save you the midnight Google searches – here's everything we actually know (plus some educated guesses).
Real talk: This sequel anticipation is killing me too. That ending with Oraya and Raihn? I nearly threw my Kindle. But after digging through author interviews and publisher crumbs, I've pieced together what matters.
No-Nonsense Release Updates
Carissa Broadbent's team finally gave us concrete news in March 2023: The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2 officially has the title The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King. We're looking at an April 14, 2024 release for the physical and ebook versions. Audible fans get it earlier – April 9, 2024.
| Format | Release Date | Pre-order Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | April 14, 2024 | $24.99 (USD) | Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent sellers |
| Ebook (Kindle) | April 14, 2024 | $9.99 (USD) | Amazon Kindle Store |
| Audiobook | April 9, 2024 | 1 Audible credit/$24.95 | Audible, iTunes |
| Special Edition (Barnes & Noble) | April 14, 2024 | $28.99 (USD) | Barnes & Noble exclusive |
Pre-ordered my copy the day it went live. Worth noting? Those B&N exclusive editions with bonus content sell out fast. Learned that the hard way with book one.
Plot Predictions That Actually Make Sense
Let's cut through the fan theories. Based on Broadbent's writing patterns and that brutal ending, here's what the serpent and the wings of night book 2 will likely tackle:
Immediate Fallout from Book 1's Ending
Oraya literally holding Raihn's severed ring finger? Yeah, that's not something you just brush off. Expect:
- Power vacuum chaos: With Vincent dead, the Kejari winner's throne claim gets messy
- Raihn's survival (obviously) but with permanent consequences
- Oraya's internal war between vengeance and... whatever that thing is with Raihn
Personal theory? That "gift" from Vincent in the box wasn't just sentimental. Might be a game-changer for Oraya's power development. Broadbent loves her hidden magical loopholes.
New Threats Emerging
The first book focused on the tournament. Book two? Wider political nightmares:
- Rebellion factions exploiting the instability
- Ancient vampire houses making power plays
- Potential gods/mythical beings involvement (remember those serpent references?)
Character Arcs We're Actually Invested In
This is where The Serpent and the Wings of the Night Book 2 needs to deliver:
| Character | Book 1 Ending Status | Predicted Book 2 Development |
|---|---|---|
| Oraya | Emotionally shattered, holding Raihn's finger | Dark power awakening, leadership challenges, revenge vs redemption crisis |
| Raihn | Severely wounded, possibly dying | Survival through unconventional means, grappling with betrayal consequences |
| Mische | Alive but loyalty questioned | Potential triple-agent role, key to political maneuvering |
| New Antagonist | N/A | Likely a vampire lord from rival house or ancient power awakened by the chaos |
Honestly? I'm nervous about Raihn's recovery. Broadbent doesn't shy away from permanent damage (physical or emotional). That finger thing wasn't just for shock value.
What We Know About the Writing Style Shift
Broadbent's hinted that The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2 won't just rehash the tournament structure. Expect:
- Dual POV expansion: More Raihn chapters (confirmed by author)
- Slower burn romance: Rebuilding trust takes page time
- Worldbuilding beyond the palace: Exploring the human territories and other vampire courts
My hot take? The first book's pacing was breakneck. Hope book two lets characters breathe between bloodshed.
Fan Questions We're All Asking
When exactly does The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2 come out?April 14, 2024 is locked in for print/ebook. Audiobook drops April 9. Set phone reminders now.
Is there an official title?Yes! The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King. Rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?
Will Raihn survive his injuries?Broadbent's not killing her cash cow. But permanent disability? Possible. Vampire healing has limits apparently.
Do I need to re-read book 1 before the sequel?100% yes. The political nuances and Vincent's clues matter more than you remember.
Any special editions planned?Barnes & Noble gets an exclusive with bonus content. Dust jacket art looks fire based on early mockups.
Smart Pre-Order Strategy
Don't just click "buy" randomly. Based on book one's release:
- Amazon: Best for ebook price drops day-of-release
- Audible: Narrator choice is crucial - wait for sample audio
- Indie bookstores: Often signed stock if ordered early
- B&N Exclusive: Sells out within 48 hours typically
Made the mistake last time paying full price when Kindle had it half-off at midnight release. Learn from my wallet's pain.
What Could Go Wrong in Book 2
Look, I adore this series. But sequels can stumble. Potential pitfalls for the serpent and the wings of night book 2:
- Rushed reconciliation: That betrayal needs proper emotional labor
- Power creep: Oraya can't become invincible too quickly
- New characters overshadowing core cast
My biggest fear? That political worldbuilding bogs down the character intensity that made book one unputdownable. But Broadbent's earned my trust.
Survival Guide While Waiting
April feels far away? Try these to fill the void:
| Similar Series | Why It Fills the Void | Commitment Level |
|---|---|---|
| A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J. Maas) | High-stakes romance + political intrigue | Long series (5 books) |
| Kingdom of the Wicked (Kerri Maniscalco) | Dark romance + vengeance plot | Trilogy - complete |
| The Bridge Kingdom (Danielle L. Jensen) | Enemies-to-lovers + betrayal themes | Duology + spinoffs |
Re-reading while annotating helped me spot Vincent's clues about Oraya's mom. Those details will matter in The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2.
Early Reviews (What We're Hearing)
ARC reader whispers from Goodreads suggest:
- "Even darker than book one - brace yourselves"
- "Raihn's POV chapters are worth the wait"
- "Expands the world beyond the palace beautifully"
- "That plot twist in chapter 17? I screamed"
No spoilers obviously. But early buzz is strong.
At the end of the day? We're all just counting days until The Serpent and the Wings of Night Book 2 lands. Pre-order secured? Good. Now go hydrate and reread Vincent's last scenes. Trust me.