59 pages • 1 hour read
The Serpent King
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Tennessee • Contemporary
2016
Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House
YA
14-18 years
630L
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
23,077 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
23,077 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lydia Blankenship
Lydia Blankenship
A precocious teenager who aspires to be a writer and influencer in New York, known for her blog about life in a small Southern town and her friendship with Dill and Travis.
Travis Bohannon
Travis Bohannon
A tall, strong, smart, and kind friend of Dill and Lydia, who finds solace and inspiration in fantasy books and develops a romantic interest online.
Dr. Blankenship
Dr. Blankenship
Lydia's father, a dentist in Forrestville who serves as a mature and supportive figure to both his daughter and her friends, Dill and Travis.
Dillard Sr.
Dillard Sr.
Dill's father, a former Pentecostal preacher imprisoned for a crime, casting a shadow over Dill's life and embodying a complex familial influence.
Dill's Mom
Dill's Mom
A nameless, religious character influenced by her husband, who struggles with passivity and repeats her husband's viewpoints, impacting Dill's life choices.
384
Novel • Fiction
Tennessee • Contemporary
2016
Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House
YA
14-18 years
630L
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