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The Absent Gods #1
The Silver Serpent
The frost creeps again... Taught the sword from childhood, Shanis Malan's only dream is to be a soldier, but a woman cannot join the Galdoran army. She thinks her dream has come true when Prince Lerryn hosts a tournament in her town, but circumstances snatch her from her home and carry her into the midst of a quest for a legendary artifact that can save the world from the minions of Tichris the Ice King. Join Shanis and her friends on a perilous quest for the Silver Serpent. Hugo Award-winner Ron Miller calls The Silver Serpent "A superb story told believably and unpretentiously by a superb new author." The Asgard Oracle calls The Silver Serpent "A gripping epic fantasy in the tradition of Robert Jordan, Raymond Feist and David Eddings."
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2007
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338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this story a lot and was prepared to give it 4 (4.5 even) stars, until not once, but twice, the author actually mixed up the brothers Lerryn and Larris. A scene would revolve around Lerryn and there would suddenly be a line "Larris said...". To me, that's a pretty big mistake to let slip by you twice, and it really disrupted the flow. Outside of that, and a couple other mistakes some editing might have caught, the story is very good and engaging. I'd like to read the next.
March 11, 2013
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book as part of a free promotion the author's publisher, Gryphonwood Press, ran last Halloween and although I took a while to get around to reading it I have been pleasantly surprised at what I've found.
Set in a fantasy world, the story is about a group of teenagers who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves on an adventure to find the mysterious Silver Serpent - a relic from an earlier age - which it is hoped will help prepare their country against the threat of an ancient enemy reborn.
This sounds pretty standard fare, but there was enough twists and turns and unexpected developments in the story to set this book apart from others of its type, at least for this reader.
This is book one of a series called 'The Absent Gods'. Book 2 is now out and I will be reading it soon.
Set in a fantasy world, the story is about a group of teenagers who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves on an adventure to find the mysterious Silver Serpent - a relic from an earlier age - which it is hoped will help prepare their country against the threat of an ancient enemy reborn.
This sounds pretty standard fare, but there was enough twists and turns and unexpected developments in the story to set this book apart from others of its type, at least for this reader.
This is book one of a series called 'The Absent Gods'. Book 2 is now out and I will be reading it soon.
December 4, 2023
This felt like the starts of a journey to find who they are.
We have 4 young adults who are of the age to start adulthood. But... they have other ideas about what they want to do compared to what their parents say they are to do. And with the news Oskar shares about a big tournament for champions announced to happen in their little village with the Prince present, Shanis and Hierm are excited to enter. However, when the Princes guards and many others are in town for the competition, one guard gets an idea to have his way with a young girl. Shanis helps Khalyndryn and the four young adults go on the run, fearing what would happen to them with a princes guard killed.
This leads them to find two "merchants" and join them on their mission... to find the Silver Serpent.
As they embark on this journey, these four young adults along with the two new friends learn more about themselves, the kingdom, and countries around them. They learn about friendship, love, and who they are.
This story does have a feel of young growth to it as I listened.
The audio version was nice, though the names are so, so close to the same that it's hard to tell who's name it being said. There was a few times I thought Larris was mentioned instead of his brother's name, and vise versa. This makes it hard to follow at times when talking about family. Other than the names, the audio was nice.
We have 4 young adults who are of the age to start adulthood. But... they have other ideas about what they want to do compared to what their parents say they are to do. And with the news Oskar shares about a big tournament for champions announced to happen in their little village with the Prince present, Shanis and Hierm are excited to enter. However, when the Princes guards and many others are in town for the competition, one guard gets an idea to have his way with a young girl. Shanis helps Khalyndryn and the four young adults go on the run, fearing what would happen to them with a princes guard killed.
This leads them to find two "merchants" and join them on their mission... to find the Silver Serpent.
As they embark on this journey, these four young adults along with the two new friends learn more about themselves, the kingdom, and countries around them. They learn about friendship, love, and who they are.
This story does have a feel of young growth to it as I listened.
The audio version was nice, though the names are so, so close to the same that it's hard to tell who's name it being said. There was a few times I thought Larris was mentioned instead of his brother's name, and vise versa. This makes it hard to follow at times when talking about family. Other than the names, the audio was nice.
April 4, 2021
It's an interesting story to begin with and builds well, the story itself seems decent enough and it is enticing enough for me to keep reading the series, I just have one issue to air out.
Shanis...I loathe her, she's one of the most detestable central characters I've ever read, the uncontrolled outbusts of anger, the spitefulness, the petulance, the arrogance on top of a superior sense of knowing things while being one of the most childish people I've ever read in fiction is SUCH a damn chore to read through.
The ending does not make up for it, the "oh yeah, I'm pretty much the worst" is not enough to make up for the idea that she's just awful as a person.
Surprisingly I like Hierm, Oskar, Khalyndryn and Larris far far far more than her. They're flawed people but they're not insufferable.
And now Shanis has got the Serpents sword. lord on a leaping post there had better be a better arc for her because I had to choke down a set of terrible characters recently and I do NOT want to do that again with the central lead of this series.
I'm also a little miffed at the "oh we're at the end" style of the book, Shanis fights and defeats the serpent and then BOOM! ending. Could've been done better.
Shanis...I loathe her, she's one of the most detestable central characters I've ever read, the uncontrolled outbusts of anger, the spitefulness, the petulance, the arrogance on top of a superior sense of knowing things while being one of the most childish people I've ever read in fiction is SUCH a damn chore to read through.
The ending does not make up for it, the "oh yeah, I'm pretty much the worst" is not enough to make up for the idea that she's just awful as a person.
Surprisingly I like Hierm, Oskar, Khalyndryn and Larris far far far more than her. They're flawed people but they're not insufferable.
And now Shanis has got the Serpents sword. lord on a leaping post there had better be a better arc for her because I had to choke down a set of terrible characters recently and I do NOT want to do that again with the central lead of this series.
I'm also a little miffed at the "oh we're at the end" style of the book, Shanis fights and defeats the serpent and then BOOM! ending. Could've been done better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2019
This was a good read, but not great. I didn’t feel like David really fleshed out a good finish for the characters. I liked the majority of the book, until the last 4 or so chapters. They he took a giant leap into the mystical, magical realm with out really developing the characters further and what this mystical realm would do or not do for the people trying to live a normal life.
This review isn’t as detailed because I am writing it several months after I finished the reading of the book. There is great potential in David’s writing, but there needs to be more detail developing up to the giant leap that made the book totally disappointing.
I picked this book up because it was interesting in the beginning and I was needing another book to read while I waited for my husband to finish another book we had both started at the same time. We liked to read while vacationing rather than watch TV or movies. I hope that David will understand what I mean my taking a giant leap after building up so many other things that were good and interesting about the main characters. The ending just left me feeling like the story was incomplete.
This review isn’t as detailed because I am writing it several months after I finished the reading of the book. There is great potential in David’s writing, but there needs to be more detail developing up to the giant leap that made the book totally disappointing.
I picked this book up because it was interesting in the beginning and I was needing another book to read while I waited for my husband to finish another book we had both started at the same time. We liked to read while vacationing rather than watch TV or movies. I hope that David will understand what I mean my taking a giant leap after building up so many other things that were good and interesting about the main characters. The ending just left me feeling like the story was incomplete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
Fantastic adventure!
What a great start for a wonderful adventure. Clever characters and unique circumstances all brought together in this well written fantasy adventure series. I’m not fond of cliffhangers but I have the complete series so it worked.
The narration was really good. He has a wonderful story telling voice. This is book 1 with a cliffhanger.
I highly recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
What a great start for a wonderful adventure. Clever characters and unique circumstances all brought together in this well written fantasy adventure series. I’m not fond of cliffhangers but I have the complete series so it worked.
The narration was really good. He has a wonderful story telling voice. This is book 1 with a cliffhanger.
I highly recommend this book/series.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
December 20, 2021
Historical fantasy at its best!
An enthralling story of Shanis and her friends quest for the ancient relic The Silver Serpent.
It has action, mystery, and a hint of love and drama.
We follow multiple characters' POVs as they embark on their quest.
Highly recommended and I can't wait to get going for book 2!
An enthralling story of Shanis and her friends quest for the ancient relic The Silver Serpent.
It has action, mystery, and a hint of love and drama.
We follow multiple characters' POVs as they embark on their quest.
Highly recommended and I can't wait to get going for book 2!
July 26, 2024
great storytelling
I really enjoyed the storyline. The author did a wonderful job with world building. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is the need for editing. It really pulls you out of the story to mentally correct a sentence so that it makes sense in context.
I really enjoyed the storyline. The author did a wonderful job with world building. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is the need for editing. It really pulls you out of the story to mentally correct a sentence so that it makes sense in context.
January 4, 2018
Enjoy
I enjoyed the fantasy world in this book and was kept engaged in the characters and story. It is a good look on the tried and true fantasy of a nobody makes good.
I enjoyed the fantasy world in this book and was kept engaged in the characters and story. It is a good look on the tried and true fantasy of a nobody makes good.
October 11, 2018
3 stars. So-so
June 15, 2015
Actually a 4.5, but rounded^.
One sentence, "Almate looked as if he was going to sick up", made absolutely no sense to me; a spear mistakenly changes into a sword and back again in the same sentence; and a couple of misused words made this book structurally imperfect.
Reviewed by others as a coming of age tale of four 16 year olds doesn't describe this book very well. It's more than that.
Firstly, this is a trilogy and, admittedly it starts out with elements of the oft misused vehicle, it already shows there is more potental than, "Young, naive sub-adults face a few tribulations but grow up wiser after being bitten by a few of lifes misadventures".
The wielder of the Silver Serpent can only relinquish the Serpent by dying, and the wielder will be betrayed by a traitor. Death of the protagonist and betrayal are a bit much in a routine, "coming of age"novel. Harry Potter never faced sure death and betrayal by a friend certainly was never a concern.
Shanis has grown up, encouraged by her father, wanting to be a master of the sword and a soldier. Almost everyone in her village has mocked and reviled her for this. A mere woman should know her place (married, barefoot and pregnant with a babe in arms and one holding to the back of her skirt is never said, but certainly implied).
Sure of herself, Shanis pursues her destiny, but unseen and unknown (to her) hormonal changes cause her to stumble and doubt her worth. I hope the trilogy allows her to find her self worth. I see her as a strong young woman who simply needs some experience and wins to confirm she is someone to be taken seriously.
After a fuzzy start, this universe quickly became more solid and believeable and has enough detail to maintain a short "epic".
Allyn is the one I don't trust
One sentence, "Almate looked as if he was going to sick up", made absolutely no sense to me; a spear mistakenly changes into a sword and back again in the same sentence; and a couple of misused words made this book structurally imperfect.
Reviewed by others as a coming of age tale of four 16 year olds doesn't describe this book very well. It's more than that.
Firstly, this is a trilogy and, admittedly it starts out with elements of the oft misused vehicle, it already shows there is more potental than, "Young, naive sub-adults face a few tribulations but grow up wiser after being bitten by a few of lifes misadventures".
The wielder of the Silver Serpent can only relinquish the Serpent by dying, and the wielder will be betrayed by a traitor. Death of the protagonist and betrayal are a bit much in a routine, "coming of age"novel. Harry Potter never faced sure death and betrayal by a friend certainly was never a concern.
Shanis has grown up, encouraged by her father, wanting to be a master of the sword and a soldier. Almost everyone in her village has mocked and reviled her for this. A mere woman should know her place (married, barefoot and pregnant with a babe in arms and one holding to the back of her skirt is never said, but certainly implied).
Sure of herself, Shanis pursues her destiny, but unseen and unknown (to her) hormonal changes cause her to stumble and doubt her worth. I hope the trilogy allows her to find her self worth. I see her as a strong young woman who simply needs some experience and wins to confirm she is someone to be taken seriously.
After a fuzzy start, this universe quickly became more solid and believeable and has enough detail to maintain a short "epic".
Allyn is the one I don't trust
June 14, 2009
As a voracious fantasy reader, it's hard these days to find a new series to get excited about. So, as you can imagine, I'm giddy to share a new discovery. I found The Silver Serpent a truly enjoyable and entertaining read. It's definitely David Debord's first novel and has weaknesses, but it's fun and your love of the characters sneaks up on you. The heroine, Shanis Malan, seems, at first, to be the typical fantasy heroine trapped by her society's expectations of a woman's role. As the story progresses, you realize that this girl is no victim and full of flaws. It is within her struggle to control her own identity, as well as her temper, that you begin to really care for this girl and her companions.
Debord approaches the classic, questing, epic fantasy novel with a sense of humor and an optimistic voice grounded by realistic characters and intriguing implications about the greater context of the world, which hooked me completely. His presentation of the world initially is fuzzy and nebulous, but as the characters move out of a small village and step into this world's legends (ala Eddings or Jordan), you've found solid footing within his world. The fight scenes are well done with impressive clarity and brevity. The prose is straightforward, but engaging. Though the characters are flawed, your affection grows fast. Its ending seemed disjointed, vaguely described, and abrupt, but it leaves you wanting more. As book one of "The Absent Gods" series, I thought it provided a great foundation. I'm just happy to have found a new series that's right out of the gate. Now I have something to look forward to again within fantasy
Debord approaches the classic, questing, epic fantasy novel with a sense of humor and an optimistic voice grounded by realistic characters and intriguing implications about the greater context of the world, which hooked me completely. His presentation of the world initially is fuzzy and nebulous, but as the characters move out of a small village and step into this world's legends (ala Eddings or Jordan), you've found solid footing within his world. The fight scenes are well done with impressive clarity and brevity. The prose is straightforward, but engaging. Though the characters are flawed, your affection grows fast. Its ending seemed disjointed, vaguely described, and abrupt, but it leaves you wanting more. As book one of "The Absent Gods" series, I thought it provided a great foundation. I'm just happy to have found a new series that's right out of the gate. Now I have something to look forward to again within fantasy
May 30, 2015
The Silver Serpent is the first in the three part fantasy series The Absent Gods by David DeBord (aka David Wood). It is written for young adults, however everyone would enjoy the series.
Our main players are Shanis, Hierm, Oskar, and Khalyndryn, a group of 16 year olds. Excitement has come to their little village in the form of the Prince of the realm and a tournament. Shanis and Hierm make it to the final rounds of the sword competition however, something goes awry, and they find themselves along with their two friends running from the prince’s elite guard. Fairly soon in their travels they assist two young men in repealing a group of thieves. Seems the young men, Larris and Allyn, are on a quest following clues from prophesy to find a weapon that has been hidden for centuries.
In a world of magic and missing gods, the kids are on the adventure of a lifetime. With several storylines interweaving we are introduced to a wonderful world with all too human problems. Those who enjoy fantasy, magic, adventure, and, yes, some fun, will find it well worth their while to spend some time getting to know this special world.
Our main players are Shanis, Hierm, Oskar, and Khalyndryn, a group of 16 year olds. Excitement has come to their little village in the form of the Prince of the realm and a tournament. Shanis and Hierm make it to the final rounds of the sword competition however, something goes awry, and they find themselves along with their two friends running from the prince’s elite guard. Fairly soon in their travels they assist two young men in repealing a group of thieves. Seems the young men, Larris and Allyn, are on a quest following clues from prophesy to find a weapon that has been hidden for centuries.
In a world of magic and missing gods, the kids are on the adventure of a lifetime. With several storylines interweaving we are introduced to a wonderful world with all too human problems. Those who enjoy fantasy, magic, adventure, and, yes, some fun, will find it well worth their while to spend some time getting to know this special world.
January 17, 2011
This one is a "road trip fantasy" and "teens coming of age" story, and this one drew me in. I liked the characters, the world building, and thought that the action moved along at a good pace. I was definitely left wanting more, and I will read the next one whenever it comes out.
My only complaint was the ending. The writing style changed and it was disconcerting. Several "what the-" moments. Luckily it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book, as usually happens when I dislike an ending. Probably because I was more confused than angry at it.
My only complaint was the ending. The writing style changed and it was disconcerting. Several "what the-" moments. Luckily it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book, as usually happens when I dislike an ending. Probably because I was more confused than angry at it.
November 22, 2016
I liked this book. Shannis is a good flawed character, and I enjoyed her tenacity and even her occasional tantrums. The supporting characters are interesting and well-flushed-out.
A couple other reviewers mentioned the naming mixups of "Larris" and "Lerryn" (two brothers in the story), and I also found this quite jarring. It is almost as if the author decided to switch their names for some reason halfway through writing the story, and he didn't do a good job of "Search and Replace."
I'm engaged enough to read on because of the interesting characters and plot.
A couple other reviewers mentioned the naming mixups of "Larris" and "Lerryn" (two brothers in the story), and I also found this quite jarring. It is almost as if the author decided to switch their names for some reason halfway through writing the story, and he didn't do a good job of "Search and Replace."
I'm engaged enough to read on because of the interesting characters and plot.
January 23, 2016
Ancient Relic
Shanis loved learning the sword, even though there wasn't a place she could use the he sword. Because she was a girl, most areas wouldn't take women. Being able to participate in the tournament made Shanis very happy. She was waiting together last round when she saved a girl from a drunk soldier. In doing so, she killed a guard. She and her friends decided to escape in case no one believed her. As they escaped in a canoe, she wondered what would happen next st.
Shanis loved learning the sword, even though there wasn't a place she could use the he sword. Because she was a girl, most areas wouldn't take women. Being able to participate in the tournament made Shanis very happy. She was waiting together last round when she saved a girl from a drunk soldier. In doing so, she killed a guard. She and her friends decided to escape in case no one believed her. As they escaped in a canoe, she wondered what would happen next st.
July 16, 2020
I am not a big fan of fantasy books but this is an exception. A really good "coming of age" story, like a medieval version of "Stand By Me." While the characters are a bit stereotypical (you have a smart guy and a rebellious girl and a stuck up girl...) they are still well written and likable. The story was entertaining and is full of delightful minor characters that just fill the book out wonderfully.
March 20, 2016
The Silver Serpent - the absent gods
Five stars for the setting, details and character development. I was taken in by action, anticipation and dialogue. I love the way that Shanis finds out what her mission is to be, and the route that she had to take in order to come to this understanding. Well with the read.
Five stars for the setting, details and character development. I was taken in by action, anticipation and dialogue. I love the way that Shanis finds out what her mission is to be, and the route that she had to take in order to come to this understanding. Well with the read.
July 5, 2015
The Silver Serpent
A truly grand adventure, a gifted young red head joins forces with the second Prince of her land in a quest to find the Silver Serpent. A gifted writer unleashes a new saga upon us. Read at your own peril, beware you will become hooked.
A truly grand adventure, a gifted young red head joins forces with the second Prince of her land in a quest to find the Silver Serpent. A gifted writer unleashes a new saga upon us. Read at your own peril, beware you will become hooked.
May 3, 2012
I liked the overall story but the ending was off for me. After I have read the entire series I might like this book more.
March 5, 2015
Captivating world
Great read. One small item - mixed up characters names - laris lerryn. Disconcerting. Can't wait for sequel. Thank you
Great read. One small item - mixed up characters names - laris lerryn. Disconcerting. Can't wait for sequel. Thank you
July 29, 2015
I liked this book so well I just bought the series so I could finish it. I loved this.
June 10, 2016
LOVED this book! Came across it as a donation to the library and the cover caught my eye. Was so glad I gave it a chance-- and can't wait to read more of this story!
June 30, 2016
Enjoyable
While the formatting was sometimes awkward, this was a fun and enchanting story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
While the formatting was sometimes awkward, this was a fun and enchanting story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
November 2, 2016
Enjoyed this book and will carry on with the series
Good storyline and the book caught my attention from the second chapter I will read on from this book and continue the zseries
Good storyline and the book caught my attention from the second chapter I will read on from this book and continue the zseries
April 22, 2017
The Silver Serpent by David Debord is the first book in the The Absent Gods series, a fantasy story that revolves around a group of teens; Shanis, Hierm, Oskar, Khalyndryn and Prince Larris, who are on a journey to find the Silver Serpent, a lost relic that is thought to save the world from Tichris the Ice King.
I really liked this story, but there were several issues of mixing up two of the characters names, Prince Larris and Prince Lerryn. It also had quite a few grammatical errors, which I overlooked. If not for these issues, this would easily have been a five star read.
I really liked this story, but there were several issues of mixing up two of the characters names, Prince Larris and Prince Lerryn. It also had quite a few grammatical errors, which I overlooked. If not for these issues, this would easily have been a five star read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews