A review by kageraven
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This novel is realistic fiction that follows the lives of three teenagers: Dill, Lydia, and Travis. As they approach graduation from high school, the three friends face discrimination, religious pressures, and many struggles associated with low income families, Dill and Travis specifically while Lydia comes from a life of privilege. The setting of a small-town in the southern U.S. defines the uncertainty of their futures.

Lydia often serves as a driving factor for the plot, Dill is the main protagonist growing and changing, and Travis effectively serves as just a plot point. Although the story is about finding hope, having compassion, and persevering through impossible circumstances, the story felt lack-luster. Since Lydia and Travis undergo minimal growth, it doesn’t feel like they are actually main characters and the chapters from their perspective aren’t as engaging. The story often seems to drag on, and many of the characters lack depth. Although I enjoyed the general story, it isn’t very memorable.