"What to do when the rules are written against you?" · The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent · Episode 2, Season 1

Imagine you are the only human in a world built entirely for vampires. Every rule, every system, every social structure exists to keep you weak, keep you prey, keep you small. And then imagine deciding — not just to survive it — but to beat it at its own game.

That's Oraya. And today we're going to talk about what that actually means — not just as fantasy, but as something that maps onto every system that was designed without you in mind.

⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚ Join the Margins community on Instagram @eighthhousebooks! Drop your answer to this week's reflection prompt and let's think together.This episode we are diving into The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. We will cover:

• Existing in a system designed to destroy you
• Trust as the ultimate vulnerability and the cost to live a life being known
• Identity when the world defines you as less than
• Recognizing systemic disadvantage

This Episode's Critical Thinking Skill

Recognizing systemic disadvantage

Systemic disadvantage is when the rules of a system — not individual bad actors — create unequal outcomes. Oraya isn't losing because individual vampires are being cruel to her on any given day. She's losing because the entire structure of her world treats humans as prey. Recognizing the difference between individual behavior and systemic design is one of the most important and underused critical thinking skills there is. It changes how you read situations, institutions, and power — and it starts with noticing when a system produces the same outcomes over and over regardless of who's in charge of it.

Reflective Prompt

This week's question: what system in your life were you handed a role in — and did you choose it or did it choose you? Drop your answer on Instagram. I want to hear it.

The Book

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Available wherever books are sold your local bookstore, library, or audiobook app.

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🎙️ New episodes every Thursday!

Find Margins

☾ Follow on Instagram @eighthhousebooks

⭒ If Margins made you think harder today, leave a review please? It helps more readers find the show.

🎙️ New episodes every Thursday!