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grandtheftautumn's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
samantha_randolph's review
5.0
In the Kingdom of Xia, Skybright is a handmaid to Zhen Ni, the youngest daughter of a wealthy family. Skybright grew up alongside Zhen Ni, and the two are as close as sisters. When Skybright is 16, she changes in a way she can’t even tell her best friend about; at night, she becomes part serpent. Skybright never anticipated being half-demon, but when Zhen Ni runs away, Skybright must rely on her newfound skills to save her. To make matters worse, a war between demons and monks is going on, and if Skybright isn’t careful, she’ll be caught right in the middle.
Filled with Chinese mythology, a sisterly bond, first loves, and more, SEREPENTINE is a magnificent fantasy that demands to be read in one sitting. Author Cindy Pon creates a kind, loyal protagonist in Skybright, whose world is shaken as she discovers a new half of herself. What will leave readers spellbound is the seamless way Pon brings together layers upon layers of story, world-building, character, and a dazzling voice. From the first chapter, readers won’t be hooked by one aspect of the opening: they will be hooked by all of them.
The pacing is steady and strong, making it far too easy to tell yourself “Just one more chapter,” and instead find several chapters (and hours) have passed. While so much is happening in the plot, one key part that drives it is Skybright’s relationship with Zhen Ni. As close as the two are, Zhen Ni is part of Skybright, and though the two have differences and conflicts, they care deeply for each other. Kai Sen, Skybright’s love interest, is another great character, and their interactions offer a nice amount of swoons, even as star-crossed as their relationship becomes.
Cindy Pon’s SERPENTINE is a masterpiece with its rich world, lovable and dynamic characters, and a story that won’t let you go.
Review originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18376-serpentine
Filled with Chinese mythology, a sisterly bond, first loves, and more, SEREPENTINE is a magnificent fantasy that demands to be read in one sitting. Author Cindy Pon creates a kind, loyal protagonist in Skybright, whose world is shaken as she discovers a new half of herself. What will leave readers spellbound is the seamless way Pon brings together layers upon layers of story, world-building, character, and a dazzling voice. From the first chapter, readers won’t be hooked by one aspect of the opening: they will be hooked by all of them.
The pacing is steady and strong, making it far too easy to tell yourself “Just one more chapter,” and instead find several chapters (and hours) have passed. While so much is happening in the plot, one key part that drives it is Skybright’s relationship with Zhen Ni. As close as the two are, Zhen Ni is part of Skybright, and though the two have differences and conflicts, they care deeply for each other. Kai Sen, Skybright’s love interest, is another great character, and their interactions offer a nice amount of swoons, even as star-crossed as their relationship becomes.
Cindy Pon’s SERPENTINE is a masterpiece with its rich world, lovable and dynamic characters, and a story that won’t let you go.
Review originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/18376-serpentine
mouseyhare's review
3.0
Well... I wish Pon could write more interesting viewpoints, but the world itself was pretty cool!
shays's review
3.0
Cindy Pon’s writing style is straight-forward and the story moves along quickly. Though the interpersonal relationships take centre stage for much of the tale, there is also a good amount of action as the monks do battle with the demons who have slipped through the breach between the worlds. read more
samreads12's review
3.0
This review has also been posted on my blog, Where's My Bookmark?
Inspired monstrous beauties and mythological folklore like Medusa, Serpentine follows Skybright, who on her sixteen birthday learns and experiences a life-changing event.
I was so excited to get Cindy Pon’s newest book. I determined it was going to be my birthday gift to myself, especially since it was released about two weeks before my actual birthdate.
I missed out on seeing her at the book signing, but I picked up my book that was paired with original art by Pon and some fanart.
I read the book in one day. I was engrossed by the relationship between Skybright and her childhood friend, the growing relationship between herself and a not-really-a-monk, the odd appearance of someone from her past, and the otherworldly phenomenons occurring during the storyline.
But that’s it. I felt that it fell short in the world-building aspects and it didn’t necessarily paint the world suitable enough for readers who have no experience with it (especially if one hasn’t read her other series).
I was interested to see where the relationships were going to go, but I felt a little disappointed for one of them, in that it felt too much like an “insta-love” situation.
But the ending hooked me in and I look forward to the second book with fingers crossed that it will be build up some more tension, action, and create some more developed and well-founded relationships.
Inspired monstrous beauties and mythological folklore like Medusa, Serpentine follows Skybright, who on her sixteen birthday learns and experiences a life-changing event.
I was so excited to get Cindy Pon’s newest book. I determined it was going to be my birthday gift to myself, especially since it was released about two weeks before my actual birthdate.
I missed out on seeing her at the book signing, but I picked up my book that was paired with original art by Pon and some fanart.
I read the book in one day. I was engrossed by the relationship between Skybright and her childhood friend, the growing relationship between herself and a not-really-a-monk, the odd appearance of someone from her past, and the otherworldly phenomenons occurring during the storyline.
But that’s it. I felt that it fell short in the world-building aspects and it didn’t necessarily paint the world suitable enough for readers who have no experience with it (especially if one hasn’t read her other series).
I was interested to see where the relationships were going to go, but I felt a little disappointed for one of them, in that it felt too much like an “insta-love” situation.
But the ending hooked me in and I look forward to the second book with fingers crossed that it will be build up some more tension, action, and create some more developed and well-founded relationships.
ramseyhootman's review
5.0
This is a beautiful coming-of-age book. Cindy Pon perfectly captures the difficult, often emotional transition from child to woman. Skybright, the protagonist, sees her mistress getting her period and developing a romantic interest, and all Skybright wants is for everything to remain the same as it always was. The nuances in their shifting, changing relationship are reflected literally - but also metaphorically - in the change Skybright experiences... not from child to woman, but from child to... serpent demon?! It sounds ridiculous but the metaphor here is perfect, as Skybright attempts to deal with shame, confusion, and estrangement from her own body which is both unique to her struggle but so common to girls undergoing the transition to womanhood. I think most girls will recognize some of themselves in Skybright as she struggles to find her new voice.
I really loved the relationship between Skybright and Zhen Ni. It was unique and interesting and definitely counter to what one would expect. Skybright is Zhen Ni's handmaiden, which basically means she's her lifetime servant. Some might call her a slave. Most narratives would have played this off as a relationship inherently fraught with conflict and cast Zhen Ni as the villain - but such is not the case here. In this Asian fantasy, it is clear that this is the expected order of the world, and Skybright accepts her place in it as part of a community. She sees Zhen Ni honestly-- as a bit spoiled and needing to have her own way-- but she also loves her deeply, and takes ownership of her mistress's appearance and accomplishments. I really appreciated this - it felt much more authentic, and Pon really steered away from imposing our own cultural expectations on the narrative. It allows the reader to appreciate that other social structures are not "evil" or "oppressive" simply because they do not reflect our expectations. I also loved the contrast between her servant-master relationship with Zhen Ni and that between her and Stone.
I also loved the pantheon of gods and demons. They were very authentically "Asian" in the sense that they are very removed and aloof, so ancient and perfect that the concerns of mortals are fairly irrelevant to them.
My one criticism is minor: people and events happen way too conveniently. Skybright wonders about demons or Kai Sen, and the instant she goes into the forest she sees them appear. Or she travels a long time to get somewhere, and Kai Sen is also magically there. It's something that bugged me, but honestly I doubt any kid reading this is going to mind.
I should say that although this book is ideally suited for girls around, say, 10-16, it definitely has broader appeal. I "read" it via audio book, and my 7 year old son caught snippets here and there in the car. He was soon begging me to let him listen along, and I finally just bought him his own paper copy, which he is reading now. I mean, serpent demons and fighting monks. What's not to love?
I really loved the relationship between Skybright and Zhen Ni. It was unique and interesting and definitely counter to what one would expect. Skybright is Zhen Ni's handmaiden, which basically means she's her lifetime servant. Some might call her a slave. Most narratives would have played this off as a relationship inherently fraught with conflict and cast Zhen Ni as the villain - but such is not the case here. In this Asian fantasy, it is clear that this is the expected order of the world, and Skybright accepts her place in it as part of a community. She sees Zhen Ni honestly-- as a bit spoiled and needing to have her own way-- but she also loves her deeply, and takes ownership of her mistress's appearance and accomplishments. I really appreciated this - it felt much more authentic, and Pon really steered away from imposing our own cultural expectations on the narrative. It allows the reader to appreciate that other social structures are not "evil" or "oppressive" simply because they do not reflect our expectations. I also loved the contrast between her servant-master relationship with Zhen Ni and that between her and Stone.
I also loved the pantheon of gods and demons. They were very authentically "Asian" in the sense that they are very removed and aloof, so ancient and perfect that the concerns of mortals are fairly irrelevant to them.
My one criticism is minor: people and events happen way too conveniently. Skybright wonders about demons or Kai Sen, and the instant she goes into the forest she sees them appear. Or she travels a long time to get somewhere, and Kai Sen is also magically there. It's something that bugged me, but honestly I doubt any kid reading this is going to mind.
I should say that although this book is ideally suited for girls around, say, 10-16, it definitely has broader appeal. I "read" it via audio book, and my 7 year old son caught snippets here and there in the car. He was soon begging me to let him listen along, and I finally just bought him his own paper copy, which he is reading now. I mean, serpent demons and fighting monks. What's not to love?
aschwennsen's review
5.0
This was by no means a perfect book but I enjoyed it thoroughly from start to finish. I have been reading books this year that I put on my to-read list years ago, and I have forgotten pretty much everything about these books. I've found it really fun to be constantly surprised by these books I'm picking up. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a story about two girls growing up and all of a sudden there were demons and monks fighting and myth and magic and I was like, "WOAH". This book is a pretty typical YA book, it moves quickly, there are a lot of strong emotions, love triangle going on, friendship, etc. but I just loved it. Honestly, and I mean this very affectionately, this book felt a lot like I was watching a B movie and it was great. I also really enjoyed the fact that there was diversity represented in both race and sexuality. If you like YA and want a fun, mythological read, then I'd super recommend this.
crescent13's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
archergal's review
2.0
I am all about stories with elements of Chinese/Japanese/other Asian mythology and story. I saw this book and thought it looked interesting. I was hopeful.
I does have those elements, I guess. But it's mostly A Kissing Book. (pace Princess Bride.)
I know there's nothing wrong with romance books. A lot of good readers adore romance books. I'm just not one of them. :( One character longing after another, all conflicted about the relationship, etc. just bores me. And the romance bits took over the story. There were other things going on in the background, but it all fell before the "I love him, but I don't DARE to love him" and "I love her in spite of what she it/might be" and "Ooh, mysterious third party that I'm strangely drawn to." There was a nice, small lesbian relationship elsewhere, but it was also full of angst.
I said the 8 Deadly Words to myself: "I don't care what happens to these people."
I finished it, but won't bother with any others. If you do like romance, this may be just the thing for you. I don't know.
I does have those elements, I guess. But it's mostly A Kissing Book. (pace Princess Bride.)
I know there's nothing wrong with romance books. A lot of good readers adore romance books. I'm just not one of them. :( One character longing after another, all conflicted about the relationship, etc. just bores me. And the romance bits took over the story. There were other things going on in the background, but it all fell before the "I love him, but I don't DARE to love him" and "I love her in spite of what she it/might be" and "Ooh, mysterious third party that I'm strangely drawn to." There was a nice, small lesbian relationship elsewhere, but it was also full of angst.
I said the 8 Deadly Words to myself: "I don't care what happens to these people."
I finished it, but won't bother with any others. If you do like romance, this may be just the thing for you. I don't know.