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veryreaderie's review
4.0
A fantastic read. The setting was incredibly vibrant (I don't think you could read a Kingdom of Xia book without falling in love with the setting) and our heroine—the endlessly practical handmaiden Skybright, who occasionally turns into a snake-woman—was the perfect change of pace for a fantasy book. Her emotions were as genuine and compelling as a heroine's should be, but her loyalty and practicality stood out as just that bit different. An excerpt:
[[Nanny Bai gave a low chuckle. "You have always been practical to a fault."
Skybright kissed Nanny on the cheek before she left, wondering how practicality could ever be a fault.]]
This made me laugh, as Skybright's internal dialogue did tend to be pretty "well this is just how it has to be".
Other things to love: the concept of platonic jealousy explored without real judgement (what do you do when your best friend falls in love with someone, and you can feel that person slipping into territory that used to belong to just the two of you?), a sweet romance that would have been cliché if the 'telling you I don't care so you leave' ploy had worked, except it totally didn't and all is well (at least in that arena), SNAKE-WOMAN, mysterious immortal being whose morality is fairly questionable despite continuing benevolent acts. Skybright's dual identity as both a human girl and a monstrous predator was beautifully set down. The book suffered from occasional not-sure-where-this-is-going-ness (as in, the fantasy elements often seemed impossible to predict/random) but that doesn't matter very much in context of all there is to enjoy.
[[Nanny Bai gave a low chuckle. "You have always been practical to a fault."
Skybright kissed Nanny on the cheek before she left, wondering how practicality could ever be a fault.]]
This made me laugh, as Skybright's internal dialogue did tend to be pretty "well this is just how it has to be".
Other things to love: the concept of platonic jealousy explored without real judgement (what do you do when your best friend falls in love with someone, and you can feel that person slipping into territory that used to belong to just the two of you?), a sweet romance that would have been cliché if the 'telling you I don't care so you leave' ploy had worked, except it totally didn't and all is well (at least in that arena), SNAKE-WOMAN, mysterious immortal being whose morality is fairly questionable despite continuing benevolent acts. Skybright's dual identity as both a human girl and a monstrous predator was beautifully set down. The book suffered from occasional not-sure-where-this-is-going-ness (as in, the fantasy elements often seemed impossible to predict/random) but that doesn't matter very much in context of all there is to enjoy.
dreamofbookspines's review
4.0
This was a book I heard about on Spilled Milk (super fantastic podcast from Molly Wizenberg and Matthew Amster-Burton) and couldn't wait to get my hands on. I promptly forgot about it, then (re)discovered it about a year later. I absolutely love the premise. There are a few relatively small details that drive me a little nuts, but overall this was an enjoyable read.
Details that bug me a little bit but aren't enough to dissuade me from reading the book
- The mix of Anglicized and Chinese names. Zhen Ni vs Skybright. Really, if I'm going to read a book that's steeped in Chinese legends, I'm not interested in super Anglicized names. Not sure why the author chose to do it this way.
- I've never really been a fan of "girl meets boy" type stories, which is what this one is on the side. But since Kai Sen and Skybright have a relationship outside of just the boring straight sexytimes, it's something I can overlook.
Like other reviewers have said, the ending did feel a little abrupt, and I'm still trying to figure out Stone's motivations, but I'll likely read the next one in this series. I'm curious to see Skybright grow into herself more.
Details that bug me a little bit but aren't enough to dissuade me from reading the book
- The mix of Anglicized and Chinese names. Zhen Ni vs Skybright. Really, if I'm going to read a book that's steeped in Chinese legends, I'm not interested in super Anglicized names. Not sure why the author chose to do it this way.
- I've never really been a fan of "girl meets boy" type stories, which is what this one is on the side. But since Kai Sen and Skybright have a relationship outside of just the boring straight sexytimes, it's something I can overlook.
Like other reviewers have said, the ending did feel a little abrupt, and I'm still trying to figure out Stone's motivations, but I'll likely read the next one in this series. I'm curious to see Skybright grow into herself more.
kentcryptid's review
3.0
Serpentine features really interesting mythology and a lovely friendship between the two main female characters. However, the love interest who occasionally wanders into the plot at convenient moments is a complete cypher and the plot itself becomes increasingly meandering and unsatisfying towards the end. I'd recommend it to any 12 year-old who likes fantasy fiction, but I won't be reading the sequel myself.
gemmapaynter's review
2.0
2.5*
It was fine. Not bad, not good, just fine.
Serpentine started with promise - beautiful descriptions, strong characters and an interesting, different fantasy world. The first half of this book was really engaging.
Unfortunately the second half slowly became more and more similar to countless other faceless YA fantasies. The Chinese mythology and atmosphere, which made it so refreshing, began to drift away and the story lost itself to the all to familiar YA love triangle.
I don't think I'll continue reading the series. I really wanted to love it but I just couldn't.
It was fine. Not bad, not good, just fine.
Serpentine started with promise - beautiful descriptions, strong characters and an interesting, different fantasy world. The first half of this book was really engaging.
Unfortunately the second half slowly became more and more similar to countless other faceless YA fantasies. The Chinese mythology and atmosphere, which made it so refreshing, began to drift away and the story lost itself to the all to familiar YA love triangle.
I don't think I'll continue reading the series. I really wanted to love it but I just couldn't.
tracythewriter's review
5.0
This book had everything I love about Cindy Pon's writing: beautiful world-building, well-drawn characters, and suspense! I absolutely loved this book and am desperate to read the sequel. Skybright was such a wonderful protagonist....I can't wait to read more of her adventures!
thecolorsofhelen's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
laurablackwell's review
4.0
Well-written, and centered around a sisterly-friend relationship. Going to put the sequel on my list.
etiberland's review
5.0
An impossible to put down, action-packed fantasy! I have been anticipating Cindy Pon's latest book and it did not disappoint. Seriously, everyone should have this book in their collection. It poses the question: What if you discovered a dark secret about yourself, a secret that revealed more of your true self - but one that would make you hated by those around you? (Sound familiar, anyone...)Lush language makes this story a sensory feast. But the character of Skybright, an orphan who discovers that secret, is what makes this story compelling and emotionally riveting.
valhecka's review against another edition
3.0
It's kind of like [b:The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet|7141642|The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet|David Mitchell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320540908s/7141642.jpg|7405757] but with teenagers and - extremely importantly - lesbians. And nagas. Rated mediocre because the writing style annoyed me. Complete sentences are gifts.
pun1sher's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Didn't expect to like this one a lot but it was surprisingly good. Skybright was a great protag but the whole romantic subplot with Stone and Kai read like the Henry and Luc drama in Addie LaRue??? Like literally it's the same