The Serpent King
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Andersen Press Ltd
Published:3rd Mar '16
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A darkly passionate novel set in a small town in Tennessee. Three friends face poverty and prejudice in their senior year of high school: but what comes next?
Longlisted for the Carnegie MedalWinner of the American Library Association Morris Award for best debut YA A Buzzfeed Best of 2016 book Goodreads Choice Awards finalistA Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2016Publishers Weekly Best of 2016Dill's father is in jail for an unspeakable crime.Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal Winner of the American Library Association Morris Award for best debut YA A Buzzfeed Best of 2016 book Goodreads Choice Awards finalist A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2016 Publishers Weekly Best of 2016 Dill's father is in jail for an unspeakable crime. Shunned by the neighbours in their small religious Tennessee town, Dill and his mother try to make ends meet. Dill’s only respite from poverty and prejudice are his two friends: Lydia and Travis. Travis is an oddball, finding sanctuary from his violent father in his obsession with an epic fantasy saga. Lydia is fast-talking and fiercely creative, pinning her hopes on her achingly cool fashion blog. Dill fears his heart will break when she escapes to a better life in New York. Dill wants to get through his final year of high school in one piece. But there’s a dark secret at the heart of his family, a serpent poisoning his blood, filling him with despair. Dill must confront this legacy of madness and desperation before it tears him apart.
"Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read." * Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places *
"This moving, character-driven story is sure to stick with you long after you finish." * Buzzfeed, Best YA Books of 2016 *
"Dazzlingly written ... A tale to make you weep, and be glad, about big questions and small joys" -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *
"A richly textured tale... The universal highs, lows and power shifts in friendship are played out by three compelling characters until tragedy brings loyalty to the fore." * Observer *
"An acute portrayal of small-town secrets and a moving take on faith and friendship." -- Martin Chilton * Telegraph *
"An intensely moving, enthralling debut" -- Imogen Russell Williams * Metro *
"Zentner manages to blend humor, optimism and ominous Southern-style moodiness in this tale of three devoted teenage friends" * New York Times, Notable Children’s Books of 2016 *
"Zentner explores difficult themes head on while tempering them with the saving grace of enduring friendship" * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
"Zentner writes with understanding and grace – a new voice to savor" * Kirkus, starred review *
"Just a few chapters into Zenter’s debut and I was in love" * Book Riot *
- Long-listed for CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 (UK)
- Long-listed for Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 (UK)
ISBN: 9781783443819
Dimensions: 196mm x 131mm x 20mm
Weight: 307g
384 pages