logo

59 pages 1 hour read

Jeff Zentner

The Serpent King

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner is a young adult novel that follows three friends, Dill, Lydia, and Travis, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in the small town of Forrestville, Tennessee. The story delves into themes of individual, family, and social identity, exploring love, loss, and religion. Sensitive topics include familial imprisonment, religious extremism, online romance, and the impact of violence and abuse.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Jeff Zentner's The Serpent King is a compelling Young Adult novel praised for its complex characters and emotional depth. Readers appreciate its heartfelt depiction of friendship and resilience. However, some critique its pacing and length. Overall, it is celebrated for its authenticity and moving narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Serpent King?

Readers who enjoy The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner are often young adults who appreciate heartfelt, coming-of-age stories set in small towns. This audience relates to themes of friendship, family, and personal struggles. Fans of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower will find similar resonance.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tennessee • Contemporary

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

630L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.