The Wrath of the Serpent

Scottish Folklore #1

by Allison Aldridge

A Mortal Champion, The Prince of Death, Entangled in a Deadly Game. Gaining the Power She Craves May Cost Her Everything
Magic is a myth in Adamore, but when Caelen Elliston captures an ancient flag she unknowingly makes a deal to enter a dangerous game. Dragged into the treacherous land of the Sìth Realms, Caelen discovers her captors are the lethal, and ruthless creatures who once coexisted in the mortal lands. As she falls deeper into the games unlikely bonds begin to form and Caelen is determined to avoid the burning desire that she feels every time she locks eyes with the General.
But something sinister is hiding beneath the surface of the games and soon Caelen begins to unravel secrets of her own heritage that could shatter the realms. As rebel forces descend upon the throne, Caelen must decide if she is willing to risk it all to gain the power she craves.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Romance, Ebooks, Fae, Dark Romance

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Allison Aldridge is an Arizona native who currently resides in Georgia. With a love for all things that have to do with storytelling, she continues to be an active member of the online book community. When she is not writing, you can find her watching hockey with her family or talking about her newfound book boyfriend that has appeared in her life on her social media accounts. Allison graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's in English with a concentration in Literature.

LINKS TO CONNECT WITH ALLISON!
*Instagram: @authorallisonaldridge
*Tik Toks: @authorallisonaldridge
*Website: https://www.allisonaldridge.com
*Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc4J...
*Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alli_Nichole96

Reviews

[Allison Aldridge]

AUTHORS NOTE:

Hi friends! I wanted to pop on here via my assistant posting this to let everyone know there is an updated edited version of The Wrath of the Serpent on kindle/KU! If you got the book via Stuff Your E-Reader Day you can still update the book through your Amazon account! I was made aware of some editing issues by a lovely reader and wanted to make sure I got those taken care of for anyone that it takes away from their reading experience to see grammatical issues! I am severely dyslexic and rely heavily on my editors to find mistakes and sometimes things slip through the cracks! If you have any questions please reach out to me via my socials and I can walk you through the updating process!

-Allison Aldridge

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

*is this thing on? Welcome to my first GoodReads review...I'm kind of nervous*
I am just getting back into reading and saw a friend review this book and thought I would give it a go. I absolutely loved this book! It had a little bit of everything, and the characters were so easy to fall in love with. I'm already counting down the days until book two comes out, because I am dying to know more about characters like Sylas and Freya. The world in the book is just getting bigger, and I am super excited to see where the plot takes us next!

[Corianne B · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This book has Throne of Glass vibes except Caelen is the snarky main character I needed. I love the relationships and world building and can’t wait for book 2.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t really decide how much I liked this book. Ordinarily I wouldn’t pick it out, but I got it in “stuff your kindle” day and I’m sort of glad I did because it was a good bit of fun. But I’m not the biggest fan of the tropes and themes it contains.

Let’s start with characters. Caelen is so volatile and aggressive at nearly every point in this book - whenever someone speaks to her, little more than vitriol is released. Now, I can understand why, but I will not lie, it becomes tiring after a while to watch this ‘mortal champion’ do battle with every single bleeding person she comes up against. Thinking on it, she was even like this a little with Kol. Jeez, just calm down.

Lochlan and Eoghan are… very similar annoyingly. I don’t know if this is intentional or not. It’s not ideal though, when the two personalities blend and the only way you can tell the difference is because one of them has POV chapters and the other does not. Despite this, I liked them both. There are times when they come off as quite dangerous in in what they’re saying but in reality they seem to be all bark and no bite. No goods to back up their big talk.

Plot-wise, on the surface this is a pretty standard war games story. It’s a very tangible target for the characters to aim for and it’s done well. Normally I become very bored but this was interspersed with enough interesting content for me to keep turning the proverbial pages of my kindle. I won’t lie, the conclusion of the novel had me all sorts of confused. A LOT happened in a very short space of time, many reveals and such.

This book is perfect for a YA/NA audience who loves a bit of fantasy with a feisty female main character. This is not your typical love story, which I also liked.

[Jessica Goodman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably one of the worst books I’ve ever read. There were no fewer than 2 grammatical/spelling errors per page. The story felt very jumpy and disconnected. The main character was annoying. I had to force myself to finish out of spite (I refused to DNF). Honestly, I think the author could improve with some genuine editing support, so no hate to her or anything, but woof. This was a rough go of it.

[Micah Spandau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. When I first started reading and we were introduced to the games, I thought it would be like The Huger Games and Caelen would just get dropped in, and then the last team stabding wins. However, I love that I was wrong and really appreciate the way these games are set up, where they do a battle, and then have time to recover. One thing that surprised was the Dual POV not being the lovers. I have never read a book where the two different POVs are not lovers (not to say that they wont be in the future) but it was so interesting and I really enjoyed the different perspectives it brought to the story.
I think for the first book, the world building was done well, meaning for me, it kept my attention. It reminded me of the way Sarah J Mass did world buimding in ACOTAR, and I loved it.
I love how direct Caelen is, and she doesn't take shit from anyone. I think it's very realistic for someone in her position.
I also liked the plot point of the second sister coming back - I think it opens a lot of doors for how book two can go.
Needless to say, I am really excited for book two, and I can't wait to see how Caelen learns and grows into her power.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't really believe the romance that much and honestly had a hard time trying to figure out who the romantic interest was. I did really like how it was like magical capture the flag. I thought that was a really cool concept. The magic in this was cool, but it was just missing something for me.

[Courtney Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could be SO good, but I think it needs a rewrite. There were parts that just felt like they didn’t belong and other parts that just went so fast that I feel like I missed things. The story is good it just needs some fixing. I LOVE the characters though.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

pookie i’m waiting for book 2 very impatiently

[A.S. Lorenzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t leave reviews on goodreads very often unless it’s for ARCs or Beta reads…but this book was so good that I have to.

“Promise me something, Caelen. Cut my heart out if they capture me and turn me into one of those mindless soldiers. I mean it, sweetheart. If I am taken and return a different male than the one standing in front of you, cut my heart from my chest. It belongs only to you now.“

😭😭😭😭

I got this on stuff your kindle day and now I don’t know what to do until book two comes out. That ending has left me in a glass case of emotion. Everything about this book was amazing. The world building, the characters, the plot, the slow burn, the conflict…I have no complaints.

Caelens character arc is done beautifully as she ends up discovering a family she didn’t expect to find after being brought to a foreign realm against her will. Not to mention, this is different from other fantasies I’ve read because my girl did not come by anything easy. She struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally before coming out on top.

And can we please talk about the execution of enemies to lovers?! Eoghan is swoon worthy 🫠

Additionally, I enjoyed the dual POV from someone who did not end up being the main love interest. It’s the first time I’ve read a book where that is the case and I adore it! Lochlan is the best golden retriever energy shadow daddy ever and if there is anything to say by that ending…he’s in for it with Caelens sister 🫡😉

[Casey Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Thoughts:
Ehhhh, I'm torn.
On one hand, really interesting premise. As someone who has recently been learning about scottish heritage, I was intrigued with this inclusion. The magic system, names etc were all interesting and a unique spin on a typical trope.
One the other hand.... it needs some work. Some editing further character development. The things that were occurring and what the characters said didn't really match up. Even calling the main character a "beast, strong, etc" there wasn't enough foundation on her behaviors to match those things.
There was so much emphasis put into Lachlan, and making it appear that he was going to be the love interest when really it was the general (which I was expecting) but there was no development for Eoghan!
It appears there will be a second book and I may read it....

Quick recap for my terrible memory:
We are introduced to Caelen, a poor girl who lives with her eccentric aunt and sister. One day they decide to go exploring in an abandoned castle, where Caelen finds a flag tucked away, when she grabs it a mark is branded on her hand. That night she is taken from her house by a sith general, Eoghan and Gideon (right hand man). Her finding the flag meant she accepted a role in fighting in the games for the Druid of death, prince Lachlan. Caelen trains with the general, Eoghan, and they have a weird relationship. Eventually they go into the games, each round has a different challenge. Surprisingly Caelen and her team are able to eventually win, but when they get back after the last challenge they are greeted by the queen who has killed the king and surprise! is the bad twin sister Soren (I think that was her name) and she has her sister Mai as bait to encourage her to do stuff.
Caelen gives up her necklace (which is Soren's power?) and they leave to the rebels camp (which is not really the rebels, they're friendly people fighting for what they believe is right, the other rebels are bad) And again, surprise, Mai had actually be in talks with Lachlan to get back to her sister.

[Kaylynn McDonough · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the first five chapters I knew I was going to give this one a 3 star or less. I liked the premise of the story but the execution was severely lacking. It read like an SJM-universe fanfic. The writing style was difficult to get through and none of the chemistry made any sense. We're supposed to believe that the two characters who fall in love are supposed to be these super mate things when they've barely spent any time together and never talk and the people you think are going to get together are irrelevant. None of the reasons they made any of their decisions made any sense because one second they're saying how much they hate this mortal and the next second everyone suddenly seems to love her with no events in between that changed their minds. I had to really really talk myself out of DNF-ing every ten pages or so, but I persevered. Wish I hadn't.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such a fun and fast-paced read! I really enjoyed the main character, Caelen, because unlike some of the other fantasy books I have read, Caelen didn't get everything super easy. She faced various struggles, not just physically with her training for the supernatural games but also internally with her thoughts of who she left behind and what she was going through for the developing feelings for the person who took her from her home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for the next one to come out!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunger Games meets capture the flag

Hunger Games meets capture the flag in a universe similar to the fae, but they're called the Sith.

Liked the plot, the focus on sisters, and the formed bonds through a competition of power. The enemies to lovers were a little quick, and the friendship that bloomed between characters happened fast but needed more context.

I liked the first book and will read the next.

The biggest problem is quite a few grammatical errors. Often, transition words are missing, or the text leaves out a word that would make a sentence complete.

[Simoné · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing

I really loved the twists and turns, but there were some unfinished scenes that i think really could've helped you understand more. It got confusing at some parts, but the overall story kept you so intrapped that you just need to finish the book to see what happens.
I really hope the second book comes out because it really would suck if i can't see how this book will really end.

[Brittany Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice start to the series!

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I love how the author was able to take a childhood game of capture the flag and build the story line around it. The plot twists for Eoghan and Caelen were wonderful and the cliffhanger makes the reader unable to miss the next book in the series. I look forward to reading more about Mairead, how she’s a songbird and if Lochland gets his happy ever after.

[Beersbooksandboos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found my new favorite series, and it filled a void left in my soul. What I loved about FMC Caelen is that she was perfect. She had flaws and acted like how a human would have acted when thrown into a fantasy world. I also liked that the other POV wasn't the love interest, and I can't wait to see if Allison Aldridge does that in the next book. Which I need the 2nd book ASAP cause of that damn cliffhanger book one left me on.

[Kris]

DNF. I've barely started and it's clear that the author is still trying to find her voice; the language is a bit clunky, there are grammatical errors, and the story just isn't pulling me in. A good editor might help, but for right now this feels too unfinished to continue. I might give this author another go after they write a bit more and tighten up their writing style and language choices, but for now, pass.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alison can do me no wrong. Trust the process and make it least through the first 100 pages where it really starts to pick up. The games really add the perfect aspect to character development and personalities. I hope we get to see more from our side characters as the series continues. BUT THAT ENDING. Currently has me in a chokehold

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’ve read any SJM books please spare yourself the trauma of reading this one. I am not one to bash anyone’s writing but this is just off. Completely.
Maybe it’s just not for me? But this was a disaster. I dragged myself through it, praying it would be ok in the end. No. Just, no.
Don’t do it.

[Courtney Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.. I don’t even know where to start. This book was everything for me. This was amazingly written and I loved it. Allison knows how to break you, that’s for sure. I’m not one for slow burn was I was definitely here for the enemies to lovers. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.

[B C · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 39%
I was so excited to read a book inspired by Scottish folklore but the character of Caelin is so inconsistent that it's giving me whiplash. The book also feels like it's rushing and jumping about. I keep hoping it will get better but I can't with the MFC anymore.

[C Ferguson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Frankly an insult to Scottish people to call it the Scottish Folklore series. DNF. Interesting concept but littered with misuse of culture. My biggest grievance is being told how to pronounce Sìth wrongly at the start. Please do more research when writng about existing languages.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow in the start, but understandably, with a first book, you have to do a little world building and that can sometimes get a little slow, all in all though, decent book, good cliff hanger at the end.

[K.M. Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison Aldridge is my enemy.
This book is my villain origin story

But on a real note though this book had me completely sobbing through multiple parts of it and had me sweating screaming crying throwing up can’t breathe dying

[Sierra Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention from the start! It is fast paced, the world dynamic is intriguing, and I liked how the dual POV was different then most. That is all I can say without giving anything away!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capture the flag

The story was good overall, but it was a bit confusing at times. I wasn't sure if the story centered around the two main characters or not. That's why I gave it four stars.

[Jennifer Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

Tri-wizard tournament meets Hunger Games meets Throne of Glass. Caelen is thrust into a world she only thought was legend. She fights for survival while trying to help people she’s learning to love

[Elena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was going to give it 3 stars, but this is ominously sounding like a love triangle situation & I hate those. Esp when not disclosed in synopsis.

Okay, yup, this is a damn love triangle. Eff this. Would habw dumped this immediately had it known from the beginning

[J.L. Beers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg 😱 this book had me on the edge of my seat and made me laugh and cry OUT LOUD! I fell in love with the characters 🥰 HungerGgames meets ACOTAR! Type vibes!! Seriously love Allison and I met her in person at Apollycon she is legit so sweet and adores her fans!! I am looking forward to book 2!!!!!