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The Serpent's Shadow

Name: The Serpent's Shadow
ISBN: 9781423140573

by Rick Riordan

8.54 / 10 186K ratings

Language: English
Published: 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Pages: 406
ISBN: 9781423140573

The chaos serpent Apophis is rising, and with only a few days until the world plunges into eternal darkness, magicians Carter and Sadie Kane are running out of options. The forces of chaos are growing stronger, the gods are disappearing, and the magicians of the House of Life are divided, with some even siding with the enemy. The Kanes believe they have found a way to defeat the serpent, but it involves an ancient spell lost for a millennium, one so dangerous it might cost them their own lives.

To have any chance of succeeding, Carter and Sadie must embark on a desperate journey through the mystical realms of ancient Egypt, facing gods, monsters, and uncertain allies. Their quest forces them to trust the ghost of a treacherous magician and confront not only the serpent threatening to devour the sun but also the personal turmoil of growing up. This final installment of their adventure will determine the fate of the world and reveal whether two teenagers can truly restore order against impossible odds.

Genres: Fiction › Speculative fiction › Fantasy › Urban fantasy
Themes: Family › Siblings Magic
Mood: Adventurous
Where and when: Ancient Egypt
Style: Audience: Middle grade Audience: Young adult

Original edition

Cień węża

Originally published in 2012 Polish Galeria Ksiazki

Other editions (88)

What other readers say

Liked

Many readers found this to be a strong and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, with some even calling it the best book in the series. It is frequently praised for its fast-paced, exciting narrative and well-executed action sequences that build tension and uncertainty towards the finale. The humor that fans expect from the author is largely present, contributing to an enjoyable reading experience. Characters like Sadie are particularly beloved, noted for their growth and impressive development throughout the story. The sibling relationship between the main protagonists is highlighted as a core strength, and the exploration of Egyptian mythology continues to be a captivating element, adding depth to the narrative. For many, character arcs felt appropriately concluded, leaving a sense of completeness and satisfaction.

Disliked

Despite its strengths, some reviewers found the book to be less impactful, describing it as perfunctory or contrived, with certain character portrayals feeling like empty shells or clichés. The romantic elements, particularly the central love triangle, were a point of contention for several readers, with criticisms ranging from a lack of sparks to a predictable or unsatisfying resolution. Some felt the plot logic could be unclear, or that the pacing around the final conflict diminished its impact compared to earlier books. Additionally, a few reviewers believed the humor didn't always land effectively, and the protagonists occasionally fell for overly simplistic tricks. The overall series, for some, did not reach the heights of the author's other popular works, with certain side characters and mythological figures feeling underutilized.

In short

Ultimately, The Serpent's Shadow serves as a generally well-received finale that wraps up the trilogy with a mix of excitement and emotional depth. While it may not resonate equally with all readers, especially those who found previous installments lacking or disliked certain romantic developments, it largely delivers a powerful and warm conclusion. This book is highly recommended for existing fans of the series and the author's distinctive style, offering a satisfying wrap-up to the protagonists' journey. It is also suitable for young readers who enjoy adventure stories infused with mythology, though some suggest it might not be the ideal starting point for newcomers to the author's works. The ending also hints at potential future adventures, which will appeal to those eager for more.

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