What an amazing debut from a talented author. There are many thought provoking quotes that really made me think. There are some hard things that happen that are difficult to read at times. But I was able to finish, but the topics were ones I normally would avoid in books I read.

I had a review written in my head before I even finished reading The Serpent King, but honestly, I don’t have words that could do this book justice. It is beautifully written and chock full of emotions. I laughed, I “awww”d, I got angry, I cried. I worried about these characters like they are real people. I even rambled and flailed to non readers about it.

Some days I need a fluffy book to read, other days I need something that is going to grab me and not let go. TSK is one that did not release me, even now that I’ve finished it.

Definitely worth the emotions it rung out of me. I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. Well done Jeff Zentner!

This is probably a great book for a lot of other people, but for me, it was just... not. I couldn't--didn't want to--get into it. DNF

So good. Three small town friends, growing up: one with dreams, one with darkness, and one with just an imagination. This book is compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful, in the end.

This was a great read and not really what I was expecting. The story is told through the three points of view of the characters Lydia, Dill and Travis. All are very different from each other but they share a friendship among each other as they deal with the difficulties in their life: living in the wrong hometown/dreaming of the big city, a father who was a former pastor now a convicted criminal, and having an abusive drunkard of a father. The story pulled at my heartstrings and I cried in a couple parts. This will be a keeper on my shelves and I will highly recommend to all my readers.