The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner is a young adult novel that follows three friends, Dill, Lydia, and Travis, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in the small town of Forrestville, Tennessee. The story delves into themes of individual, family, and social identity, exploring love, loss, and religion. Sensitive topics include familial imprisonment, religious extremism, online romance, and the impact of violence and abuse.

Jeff Zentner's The Serpent King is a compelling Young Adult novel praised for its complex characters and emotional depth. Readers appreciate its heartfelt depiction of friendship and resilience. However, some critique its pacing and length. Overall, it is celebrated for its authenticity and moving narrative.

Readers who enjoy The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner are often young adults who appreciate heartfelt, coming-of-age stories set in small towns. This audience relates to themes of friendship, family, and personal struggles. Fans of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower will find similar resonance.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet

- The Serpent King is Jeff Zentner's debut novel, and it was published in 2016, quickly garnering critical acclaim and earning a place on the 2017 William C. Morris YA Debut Award list, where it was recognized as a finalist.
- Jeff Zentner was inspired to write The Serpent King after volunteering at a music camp, where he was touched by the resilience and authenticity of the young people he met, which led him to explore similar themes in his book.
- The title of the novel, The Serpent King, is a reference to the character Dillard Early's grandfather, who was a snake-handling preacher, adding layers of complexity to the novel's exploration of faith and family legacy.

**Dillard Early Jr. (Dill)**  
A teenage protagonist musically talented and intelligent, struggling with his identity due to his father's imprisonment and growing closer with his friends Lydia and Travis.

**Lydia Blankenship**  
A precocious teenager who aspires to be a writer and influencer in New York, known for her blog about life in a small Southern town and her friendship with Dill and Travis.

**Travis Bohannon**  
A tall, strong, smart, and kind friend of Dill and Lydia, who finds solace and inspiration in fantasy books and develops a romantic interest online.

**Dr. Blankenship**  
Lydia's father, a dentist in Forrestville who serves as a mature and supportive figure to both his daughter and her friends, Dill and Travis.

**Dillard Sr.**  
Dill's father, a former Pentecostal preacher imprisoned for a crime, casting a shadow over Dill's life and embodying a complex familial influence.

**Dill's Mom**  
A nameless, religious character influenced by her husband, who struggles with passivity and repeats her husband's viewpoints, impacting Dill's life choices.

Jeff Zentner

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The Serpent King Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6	

The Serpent King Chapters 1-6	

Chapters 7-13	

The Serpent King Chapters 7-13	

Chapters 14-21	

The Serpent King Chapters 14-21	

Chapters 22-30	

The Serpent King Chapters 22-30	

Chapters 31-41	

The Serpent King Chapters 31-41	

Chapters 42-53	

The Serpent King Chapters 42-53	

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The Serpent King Character Analysis

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The Serpent King Symbols & Motifs

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The Serpent King

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