Sibling Quarrels Turn to Unity: Shadow of the Serpent Curse

Book Review: Shadow of the Serpent Curse

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Summary:

It spread like a virus, driving each nation into a war that drastically changed our world.

An enchanter’s world.

As sisters we were destined to be best friends, but our differences divided us and we never could agree on anything.

Not us. Not even close.

Our realities clashed on every level, driving our intense hatred to penetrate each arena of our lives. Even with our high-status alchemy abilities, aligning in our new magical world became an impossible task.

But then those tear-filled eyes displayed the child’s terror, and it broke us wide open.

We fought on every decision until her life depended on our unity.

***This is the PREQUEL to DESCENDANT OF THE SERPENT QUEEN, giving a quick glimpse into the events leading to Audrey’s predicament. It is recommended for ages 18+ due to its dark and twisted elements.

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First Sentences:

“No.” Somehow, I squeezed the word through my burning throat. Red-hot fury crashed through me like a blown volcano.

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My Thoughts:

This lovely little novella is the prequel to Descendant of the Serpent Queen. It goes back to when the main character of the series, Aubrey, is still just a little girl.

Shadow of the Serpent Curse follows Audrey’s mom, Gina and Gina’s sister, Fawn. Each chapter switches back and forth between Gina and Fawn’s point of view. We can see the growing rift between the sisters, who have completely different personalities and motives in how they live in the new world of enchanters. Just when it seems the sisters may forever be at odds, little Audrey brings the two together in unity, and the sisters agree that Audrey’s safety far outweighs their own differences and disagreements.

Gina works for some very powerful Elven enchanters that are running the country’s new government and is dedicated to keeping these leaders pacified by doing their bidding. A particular order of business, which involves Gina using her mage abilities to cast a barrier around the State of Montana so that any and all vampires can be contained there, separates Fawn from her love, Janessa.

In a fit of rage and heartbreak, Fawn shape shifts into her panther form and runs far away from the scene after Gina solidifies the barrier. She eventually wakes up in a park in her human form, and crosses paths with a couple of friendly witches, who believe it is destiny that they have met.

Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of Audrey’s biological father as he confronts Gina about keeping his daughter away from him, and demands to see Audrey and be a part of her life. Gina, of course, isn’t having any of it and sees him as dangerous. I can’t say too much more without giving the full details of the story away, as it is a super quick read.

I love that this prequel gave us a better glimpse into Fawn’s character, as the role she played in Descendant of the Serpent Queen was important, yet relatively small. I think as this series moves forward, Fawn is probably going to end up being my favorite character.

Fawn is feisty and passionate, wanting to fight for those she loves and what she believes is right. Fawn seems to have the most heart out of all the Infernal Crystal characters so far, and I hope that we will see much more of her in book 2 of the series than we did in book one.

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Favorite Lines:

“You’ve done it, sister. There isn’t much that would keep my mouth shut for you, but keeping that little girl safe will always be my number one priority. Congratulations, Gina. You have found a way to tame me.”

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