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Serpent Rising
Ever since her great aunt left her alone in a cave when she was ten, Serena Mendez has been haunted by the traumatic incident. Now she’s an unemployed, pill-popping twenty-one year old suffering from nightmares and PTSD. When her psychiatrist suggests she visit her great aunt to get to the root cause of her ailment, she reluctantly agrees it’s time to confront the past.
Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they travel to a Navajo Reservation to meet with her great aunt and return to the cave where it all began. But what she discovers points to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis—and she appears to be at the center of it all. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.
But sinister forces oppose her. Pursued by a powerful enemy, Serena must evade capture and fulfill her true destiny. Can she expose dark secrets and a hidden conspiracy? Or will those who wish to remain in the shadows find her first?
Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they travel to a Navajo Reservation to meet with her great aunt and return to the cave where it all began. But what she discovers points to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis—and she appears to be at the center of it all. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.
But sinister forces oppose her. Pursued by a powerful enemy, Serena must evade capture and fulfill her true destiny. Can she expose dark secrets and a hidden conspiracy? Or will those who wish to remain in the shadows find her first?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
5 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 2020
Serpent Rising sparked my interest with its promise of ancient mysteries and overlays of spirituality. What is Truth? How do we recognize it? Where does it lead us? Do we truly want what it will reveal, or do we only think we do?
For Serena, our heroine, the quest for Truth leads her across the globe in a high-octane, gripping tale brimming with legends, symbolism, and the yearning for healing. Healing from a trauma she suffered in her childhood. Healing from the inescapable identity-contorting effects of repressed memories. Her story is compelling and relatable. Her struggles are familiar and, sometimes, haunting. They draw the reader in and along with her as theories and tensions intensify.
I enjoy reading intelligent stories. Ones that prompt me to consider diverse concepts, beliefs, and perspectives. Serpent Rising was as much a Tomb Raider action-packed fantasy as it was a philosophical exploration of harmony, yin and yang duality and the complexities of metaphysical science.
If you're looking for a unique tale that engages, compels, and questions, look no further!
For Serena, our heroine, the quest for Truth leads her across the globe in a high-octane, gripping tale brimming with legends, symbolism, and the yearning for healing. Healing from a trauma she suffered in her childhood. Healing from the inescapable identity-contorting effects of repressed memories. Her story is compelling and relatable. Her struggles are familiar and, sometimes, haunting. They draw the reader in and along with her as theories and tensions intensify.
I enjoy reading intelligent stories. Ones that prompt me to consider diverse concepts, beliefs, and perspectives. Serpent Rising was as much a Tomb Raider action-packed fantasy as it was a philosophical exploration of harmony, yin and yang duality and the complexities of metaphysical science.
If you're looking for a unique tale that engages, compels, and questions, look no further!
August 9, 2020
At it's heart Serpent Rising is a quest. Serena Mendez, a 21 year old with PTSD stemming from an incident in her childhood, goes on a far-flung journey first to revisit her aunt and go back to the site of her trauma. Serena and her friend Bryson have no idea that a simple road trip will become much, much bigger. There is a lot of mysticism and conspiracy theories, suspense and fast moving action. I enjoyed the book and saw some similiarities to books like the DaVinci Code. Good suspense and moved well, except in a few places where it got a little bogged down in deep background. I found it was a good escape from the pandemic and the real world.
(Review based on complimentary Advance Reader copy received as a giveaway through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program .)
(Review based on complimentary Advance Reader copy received as a giveaway through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program .)
March 3, 2022
DNF 37%
This book fell flat for me, the dialouge was boring and wierd. The characters were meh, i mean i enjoyed the geeky friend, but the main character were a pain.
This book fell flat for me, the dialouge was boring and wierd. The characters were meh, i mean i enjoyed the geeky friend, but the main character were a pain.
June 30, 2020
What bothered me from the start was the way in which the dialogues are constructed. This is confirmed on the whole story: the explanations are made in a professorial style.
Let's move on to the plot: Serena's quest really begins when her therapist advises her to face her demons. Indeed, she spent her whole life avoiding doing so, preferring to hide behind her PTSD. She declares many times in the history that she suffers from it and even if I understand that it is a handicap, I found that it is as easy as when a person who makes spelling mistakes declares to be dyslexic. I hate it!
Objectively, this is quite the kind of adventure that I like to read. Serpent rising had everything on paper to please me.
Alas!
Serena's initiation process left me insensitive. It is told very factually, which prevents any empathy. I felt like I was reading travel notes, not living it. It is the same for the mythologies that color this trip. Usually, I love to discover how the authors shape them to explain their intrigue. Except that there, we do not feel any stake. I feel frustration and a certain annoyance because this element could have brought up this first volume in my esteem.
Despite everything, I wanted to see where the author was taking me. I was interested in the “thriller” aspect which is carried by Bryson. Serena is fully immersed in a spiritual quest while Bryson symbolizes the down-to-earth side of the action. So it was the part that concerned him that made me force myself not to abandon this reading.
The end of the novel sees the heroes gathered. Thus, the stakes of the story are finally explained to us but that is not enough to interest me sufficiently afterwards. Unfortunately. I completely missed the universe proposed by Victor Acquista .
Let's move on to the plot: Serena's quest really begins when her therapist advises her to face her demons. Indeed, she spent her whole life avoiding doing so, preferring to hide behind her PTSD. She declares many times in the history that she suffers from it and even if I understand that it is a handicap, I found that it is as easy as when a person who makes spelling mistakes declares to be dyslexic. I hate it!
Objectively, this is quite the kind of adventure that I like to read. Serpent rising had everything on paper to please me.
Alas!
Serena's initiation process left me insensitive. It is told very factually, which prevents any empathy. I felt like I was reading travel notes, not living it. It is the same for the mythologies that color this trip. Usually, I love to discover how the authors shape them to explain their intrigue. Except that there, we do not feel any stake. I feel frustration and a certain annoyance because this element could have brought up this first volume in my esteem.
Despite everything, I wanted to see where the author was taking me. I was interested in the “thriller” aspect which is carried by Bryson. Serena is fully immersed in a spiritual quest while Bryson symbolizes the down-to-earth side of the action. So it was the part that concerned him that made me force myself not to abandon this reading.
The end of the novel sees the heroes gathered. Thus, the stakes of the story are finally explained to us but that is not enough to interest me sufficiently afterwards. Unfortunately. I completely missed the universe proposed by Victor Acquista .
July 18, 2020
Seven levels of mysticism the world over . . . and one young girl hunted for who she is. Is it all that simple, or is there something more diabolical at play?
Serena travels six continents to find the truth of who she is, and what lies within. Along the way, she eloquently stumbles across various truths. Among these, and one of my favorites, "...We are not here to do someone else’s bidding, to let someone else exercise our free will for us, to deprive us of our birthright. If we have all the facts and decide to hand over decision-making to others that is fine because we do so fully informed. But if we remain ignorant, if we are fed lies, if we remain in the dark, we are manipulated and controlled and are fettered in our ignorance."
This is an action/adventure with deep roots in the world's various legends and mysticism. Had I not won this book as a Library Thing ARC, I may not have read it; I am so glad I was given the opportunity to try a genre I normally don't find interesting. After a few few bumpy pages in the beginning, this book lit up with action! Character development may not have been the greatest, but the reader is rewarded with a fast pace and never a dull moment!
Definitely a fun read for someone looking for a strong female protagonist and action, action, action.
Serena travels six continents to find the truth of who she is, and what lies within. Along the way, she eloquently stumbles across various truths. Among these, and one of my favorites, "...We are not here to do someone else’s bidding, to let someone else exercise our free will for us, to deprive us of our birthright. If we have all the facts and decide to hand over decision-making to others that is fine because we do so fully informed. But if we remain ignorant, if we are fed lies, if we remain in the dark, we are manipulated and controlled and are fettered in our ignorance."
This is an action/adventure with deep roots in the world's various legends and mysticism. Had I not won this book as a Library Thing ARC, I may not have read it; I am so glad I was given the opportunity to try a genre I normally don't find interesting. After a few few bumpy pages in the beginning, this book lit up with action! Character development may not have been the greatest, but the reader is rewarded with a fast pace and never a dull moment!
Definitely a fun read for someone looking for a strong female protagonist and action, action, action.
June 7, 2020
Will you ever get over the trauma from your youth? Serena is having nightmares and is convinced that she will never amount to anything. So when her friend Bryon suggests that it is time to find her great aunt and to make peace with what happened when she visited. But she is afraid and when Bryon offers to come with she decides that it is the right time to get it over with. But the find that her aunt has died and that there is something strange going on and they are both in danger. But before they can figure out anymore it is time to go back home but Serena will need to take the next part of the journey on her own so that she can find the answers that she needs. But why has she been chosen as a Lightbringer? Will Serena be able to follow all the teachings to reach her full powers and why is everyone after her?
She will need to travel to India first to unlock her first powers but just as she is finding her place she is taken but she doesn't know if she can trust the man that has taken her but Bryon gives her the courage to carry on and she lands up in Australia but she is hurt and she escapes in time again. She is now in Cairo for the next stage of her quest but the others aren't far behind and this time she almost doesn't make it.
Bryon is having major problems at home as the FBI has found where he is living and they think that they have him caught but Bryon isn't about to allow that to happen. He needs to figure out who he can trust and what his father was really doing when he died. He worries about Serena but he knows that they will be together again soon.
When they do eventually meet do they realize that their feelings have changed and that they both want me. But can they allow themselves this time together without someone finding them? Where will this quest lead them to next and will they have luck on their side again? Will Serena reach her full powers before it is too late? Will everything become clearer? A good thrilling read? I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
She will need to travel to India first to unlock her first powers but just as she is finding her place she is taken but she doesn't know if she can trust the man that has taken her but Bryon gives her the courage to carry on and she lands up in Australia but she is hurt and she escapes in time again. She is now in Cairo for the next stage of her quest but the others aren't far behind and this time she almost doesn't make it.
Bryon is having major problems at home as the FBI has found where he is living and they think that they have him caught but Bryon isn't about to allow that to happen. He needs to figure out who he can trust and what his father was really doing when he died. He worries about Serena but he knows that they will be together again soon.
When they do eventually meet do they realize that their feelings have changed and that they both want me. But can they allow themselves this time together without someone finding them? Where will this quest lead them to next and will they have luck on their side again? Will Serena reach her full powers before it is too late? Will everything become clearer? A good thrilling read? I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2022
Title: Serpent Rising
Author: Victor Acquista
Release Date: August 6th, 2020
Page Count: 306
Start Date: September 27th, 2022
Finish Date: October 9th, 2022
Review:
Story: I wasn’t really into this book at first. I was really putting serious consideration into setting it down. Maybe even giving my copies of this and the sequel to my mom. Something told me to keep trying. I wound up buying the audiobook and giving it an open and honest second chance. I'm glad I did. This is a very unique and twisted story. Just when you think things are calming down, BAM! It's all move move move again! I can't wait to dive into the second book! I wound up getting it in audiobook as well.
Characters: Serena is a very complex character. I mean at times it seems she's kind of a damsel in distress. Then other times she's a take no ish kind of girl. Bryson is her best friend. He's a genius computer hacker with an eidetic memory. These two make such a great team! I love the dynamic between the two of them.
Critiques: There were parts that were rushed and other parts that jumped a little too much for my liking.
Narration: The narration itself was really great. It was really obvious that the narrator really got into the story. The only issue I really had was the hollow sound. I know that there really shouldn't be any background noise in audiobooks, but sometimes I think that narrators take a bit too much noise away. It just gave a creepy factor for me. Maybe that was done on purpose. Who knows?
Final Thoughts: This was a real lesson to me. Give a book a couple of chapters before making a final decision. It may be a really great book that you're throwing to the side. Some books just have slow starts. And that's okay. I wouldn't say this is at the top of my favorites list. I would read it again though.
Author: Victor Acquista
Release Date: August 6th, 2020
Page Count: 306
Start Date: September 27th, 2022
Finish Date: October 9th, 2022
Review:
Story: I wasn’t really into this book at first. I was really putting serious consideration into setting it down. Maybe even giving my copies of this and the sequel to my mom. Something told me to keep trying. I wound up buying the audiobook and giving it an open and honest second chance. I'm glad I did. This is a very unique and twisted story. Just when you think things are calming down, BAM! It's all move move move again! I can't wait to dive into the second book! I wound up getting it in audiobook as well.
Characters: Serena is a very complex character. I mean at times it seems she's kind of a damsel in distress. Then other times she's a take no ish kind of girl. Bryson is her best friend. He's a genius computer hacker with an eidetic memory. These two make such a great team! I love the dynamic between the two of them.
Critiques: There were parts that were rushed and other parts that jumped a little too much for my liking.
Narration: The narration itself was really great. It was really obvious that the narrator really got into the story. The only issue I really had was the hollow sound. I know that there really shouldn't be any background noise in audiobooks, but sometimes I think that narrators take a bit too much noise away. It just gave a creepy factor for me. Maybe that was done on purpose. Who knows?
Final Thoughts: This was a real lesson to me. Give a book a couple of chapters before making a final decision. It may be a really great book that you're throwing to the side. Some books just have slow starts. And that's okay. I wouldn't say this is at the top of my favorites list. I would read it again though.
June 7, 2020
Serpent Rising is the story about Serena Mendez, a 21 year old girl who hasn't been the same ever since her great aunt left her alone in a cave when she was ten. Now, to overcome this trauma, she is encouraged to go visit her great aunt, getting herself into a world full of conspiracy theories becoming true.
Okay, so that was a lot. I really, truly wanted to like this book. When I first read the synopsis, I was immediately attracted to it, but it was definitely not my thing.
I believe there are two kinds of books that I end up not liking: books that are simply bad, and books that are not bad, but are just not for me. I think this one is a second kind type of book. Therefore, I do recommend giving it a chance, but I just really didn't like it.
The reason why I didn't like it is because there is way more objective information than fictional story. What I mean by this is that I felt like I was reading a book about different cultures and conspiracies more than a fictional story per se. Probably, because of this, I just didn't feel any connection with the characters, because even them spoke as if they were giving a long history lesson. I found it kind of boring and way too long, like half of the book was not necessary.
But as I said before, I think this book does have an audience and could totally work for many other people, just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so that was a lot. I really, truly wanted to like this book. When I first read the synopsis, I was immediately attracted to it, but it was definitely not my thing.
I believe there are two kinds of books that I end up not liking: books that are simply bad, and books that are not bad, but are just not for me. I think this one is a second kind type of book. Therefore, I do recommend giving it a chance, but I just really didn't like it.
The reason why I didn't like it is because there is way more objective information than fictional story. What I mean by this is that I felt like I was reading a book about different cultures and conspiracies more than a fictional story per se. Probably, because of this, I just didn't feel any connection with the characters, because even them spoke as if they were giving a long history lesson. I found it kind of boring and way too long, like half of the book was not necessary.
But as I said before, I think this book does have an audience and could totally work for many other people, just not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
Serpent Rising is the story of a two-person team: Serena, the woman who inherits the bloodlines of people with a special connection to the truth, and Bryson, the brains working from home who faces the challenges of unlocking the mysteries that will advance their progress.
If this were a book club book, the sexual themes would certainly provide a rich discussion. For instance, Serena, a woman who has never had a romantic relationship, travels to India and undergoes a ritual where her divine feminine energy is awakened. The awakening leaves her racked with a headache and an extreme throbbing, burning pain like a “urinary tract infection.” And knowing that Serena is in such pelvic “misery” sends the Reverend Mother of this spiritual community into a fit of laughter so strong that she literally falls down and rolls on the ground laughing.
Bryson probably also has never had a romantic relationship, and yet he casually addresses his platonic friend Serena as “girlfriend.”
And Serena’s ovaries are among the things the bad guys are after. So just with the sexual themes, there’s enough for a rich book club conversation.
I received Victor Acquista’s first novel in his two-novel Saga of Venom and Flame for free in exchange for an honest review.
If this were a book club book, the sexual themes would certainly provide a rich discussion. For instance, Serena, a woman who has never had a romantic relationship, travels to India and undergoes a ritual where her divine feminine energy is awakened. The awakening leaves her racked with a headache and an extreme throbbing, burning pain like a “urinary tract infection.” And knowing that Serena is in such pelvic “misery” sends the Reverend Mother of this spiritual community into a fit of laughter so strong that she literally falls down and rolls on the ground laughing.
Bryson probably also has never had a romantic relationship, and yet he casually addresses his platonic friend Serena as “girlfriend.”
And Serena’s ovaries are among the things the bad guys are after. So just with the sexual themes, there’s enough for a rich book club conversation.
I received Victor Acquista’s first novel in his two-novel Saga of Venom and Flame for free in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2020
We meet Serena Mendez, a young woman suffering from PTSD after a childhood trauma. Her therapist recommends that she addresses her fears, she takes a car ride with her friend and fellow conspiracy theorist Bryson Reynolds. That simple car trip turns into a global journey that combines personal and spiritual exploration with an old-fashioned chase. Who is chasing Serena, and why? And what will Serena learn about herself along the way?
The premise seemed interesting, but the story was quickly overwhelmed by the long passages describing spiritual subjects and locations. It felt more like a mysticism textbook than fiction. The plot was hard to follow through the concept discussions. Characters were not developed, which made it difficult to care about what happened to Serena and Bryson. The ending felt slapped together, leaving plot points unanswered or providing thin, unsatisfying resolutions to the rest.
I cannot recommend this book to other readers, even those who enjoy mysticism and conspiracy theories.
Thanks to LibraryThing and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
The premise seemed interesting, but the story was quickly overwhelmed by the long passages describing spiritual subjects and locations. It felt more like a mysticism textbook than fiction. The plot was hard to follow through the concept discussions. Characters were not developed, which made it difficult to care about what happened to Serena and Bryson. The ending felt slapped together, leaving plot points unanswered or providing thin, unsatisfying resolutions to the rest.
I cannot recommend this book to other readers, even those who enjoy mysticism and conspiracy theories.
Thanks to LibraryThing and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2020
(Audible Version) Serena Mendez is on a hunt for a treasure buried deep within her being, and it will take her to far flung places on a journey whose complexities rival the those within the best works of Dan Brown and Umberto Ecco. The truth might set us free, but it might also kill us in the process. The author of Serpent Rising, will take Serena and her friend, Bryson, through convolutions of Gnosticism, spirituality, and just plain esoterica that will keep you wanting to know what follows and how it will all end. If you’re like me and you like this genre of fiction, get ready to have your google search ready as every chapter will have you checking the internet to see where Acquista’s storytelling and truth merge and diverge. If you’ve always wondered about the “Veil” and what it’s hiding and why it must be hidden, you will love this novel. It promises a saga in the title and delivers on every page leading you along to an unexpected but strangely familiar climax --no spoiler alert follows! You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. 5 Stars and few more that are hidden with the book. I can’t wait for Book Two!
March 24, 2021
Like the finest banquet, this is a story that does it all, and does it adroitly, with spice and substance that never cease to satisfy.
I found Serpent Rising to be a unique and multifaceted jewel, a feat of storytelling that delivers a rare and eminently desirable mix of suspense, entertainment, and profundity. Serpent Rising is true to its namesake by taking the reader on an exhilarating heroes' journey that keeps rising to new heights both adventuresome and thoughtful. Somehow the author has managed to serve up an entire feast in one novel: Serpent Rising is at once a suspense story, a highly engaging tale of spiritual awakening, and a commentary on our peculiar and regrettable zeitgeist circa 2016-2020, with a uniquely presented good vs. evil struggle that contains many-layered twists of direct relevance to our times. With an incredible breadth of cultural knowledge and a one-of-a-kind synthesis of diverse spiritual beliefs, all told in a suspenseful six-continent chase for “the truth,” Serpent Rising is brilliant, substantial, and alluring. This is a rare story that does it all, and does so with flair and skill that reward the reader with much to enjoy… and to ponder.
I found Serpent Rising to be a unique and multifaceted jewel, a feat of storytelling that delivers a rare and eminently desirable mix of suspense, entertainment, and profundity. Serpent Rising is true to its namesake by taking the reader on an exhilarating heroes' journey that keeps rising to new heights both adventuresome and thoughtful. Somehow the author has managed to serve up an entire feast in one novel: Serpent Rising is at once a suspense story, a highly engaging tale of spiritual awakening, and a commentary on our peculiar and regrettable zeitgeist circa 2016-2020, with a uniquely presented good vs. evil struggle that contains many-layered twists of direct relevance to our times. With an incredible breadth of cultural knowledge and a one-of-a-kind synthesis of diverse spiritual beliefs, all told in a suspenseful six-continent chase for “the truth,” Serpent Rising is brilliant, substantial, and alluring. This is a rare story that does it all, and does so with flair and skill that reward the reader with much to enjoy… and to ponder.
December 27, 2022
The book is gripping and unputdownable. It gives a mysterious vibe. Serena is desperately looking for job and dealing with PTSD. As she had a painful past where she has experienced loss and was left alone. She was oblivion to her destiny but when the time comes, it gradually unfolds. Accompanied by her close friend, Bryson, they both ventures on a heroic odyssey and finds out about the one of the seven chakra openings. There is something mysterious about them that sets them apart. Dive deep in this world, they are seeking connection followed by awakening and trying to solve the unsolved puzzle to get close to the destiny. Sometimes destiny drops clues in the form of disheveled pieces to puzzles. You can expect revelations, adventure and battle between truth and falsehood, light and darkness. And book one ends on a fine note, ‘A candle emits more than just light… They are gonna burn’. Though there is book 2 too. Will they get at the heart of the things? Will they learn about dark secrets and hidden conspiracy?
June 20, 2022
DNF @ 38%.
I'm giving this 2 stars for the history involved and attention to detail, but the characters are very lackluster. I thought I'd get behind this book with no problem. I even have the ARC to read for the second book, however I won't be getting to it because it's just so difficult to get through. It screams more of non-fiction than fiction (which if you're into that, I would actually recommend the book) but the characters just lack all level of personality. I find Serena to be quite boring overall even though the character is very complex (an indigenous person with PTSD). If this book moved at even a fraction of a quicker pace, I'd probably have finished it. I feel like I've been reading this for months and it's only been a few weeks (because I just can't get engaged).
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC on Revelation which is the 2nd book to this series, but I won't be reading it without finishing this and I regrettably have to stop due to lack of interest.
I'm giving this 2 stars for the history involved and attention to detail, but the characters are very lackluster. I thought I'd get behind this book with no problem. I even have the ARC to read for the second book, however I won't be getting to it because it's just so difficult to get through. It screams more of non-fiction than fiction (which if you're into that, I would actually recommend the book) but the characters just lack all level of personality. I find Serena to be quite boring overall even though the character is very complex (an indigenous person with PTSD). If this book moved at even a fraction of a quicker pace, I'd probably have finished it. I feel like I've been reading this for months and it's only been a few weeks (because I just can't get engaged).
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC on Revelation which is the 2nd book to this series, but I won't be reading it without finishing this and I regrettably have to stop due to lack of interest.
June 30, 2020
I’m not sure where to start this review, to be honest, so I’ll just jump right in. This felt more like a non fiction, conspiracy theory, mysticism type of read. Connecting with the characters felt impossible because there was just so much information.
The writing seemed very long - winded. It was obvious that the author cared more for the places and facts than making his characters engaging.. The story kinda dragged on and on. I was drawn in by the synopsis but I felt like Serena‘s story was almost a sub-plot.
I just couldn’t connect with this one. I give Serpent Rising 2 stars.
All of my thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The writing seemed very long - winded. It was obvious that the author cared more for the places and facts than making his characters engaging.. The story kinda dragged on and on. I was drawn in by the synopsis but I felt like Serena‘s story was almost a sub-plot.
I just couldn’t connect with this one. I give Serpent Rising 2 stars.
All of my thanks to Netgalley and BHC Press for allowing me the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2020
I was lucky to be able to read the ARC copy of this book.
I really liked the book. It is a story about a woman suffering from PTSD, which impacts her life heavily and leaves her struggling to get a job. A theme is that the world runs on dishonesty and it is difficult to distinguish truth from lies. Her best friend is a rich genius who accompanies her on her journey to confront her demons. After confronting the cave where her nightmares started she goes on a quest to fulfil her destiny and become a Candelaria, a Lightbringer. The story is well written and will keep you wanting to read further. I love how the story unfolds itself and that it creates a world as the story does not only take place in one part of the world.
I really liked the book. It is a story about a woman suffering from PTSD, which impacts her life heavily and leaves her struggling to get a job. A theme is that the world runs on dishonesty and it is difficult to distinguish truth from lies. Her best friend is a rich genius who accompanies her on her journey to confront her demons. After confronting the cave where her nightmares started she goes on a quest to fulfil her destiny and become a Candelaria, a Lightbringer. The story is well written and will keep you wanting to read further. I love how the story unfolds itself and that it creates a world as the story does not only take place in one part of the world.
February 6, 2023
I did not finish this book
The mythology of this book is incredible interesting, you can tell the author has done a lot of research and is very informed on a lot of subjects. I just wish that was also done with the characters. They are awkward and not believable as 20 year olds.
The book gets 2 stars because there were very detailed and interesting points, but the mockery of "hollywood indian" speaking couldn't really be redeemed in my eyes. The scene was pointless and in poor taste. Do better. (yes, the main character is at least part Navajo, that doesn't mean that they would joke around about slurs with a white man about their heritage)
I have an arc for the next book in the series but I don't really see myself even attempting it at this point, which is unfortunate.
The mythology of this book is incredible interesting, you can tell the author has done a lot of research and is very informed on a lot of subjects. I just wish that was also done with the characters. They are awkward and not believable as 20 year olds.
The book gets 2 stars because there were very detailed and interesting points, but the mockery of "hollywood indian" speaking couldn't really be redeemed in my eyes. The scene was pointless and in poor taste. Do better. (yes, the main character is at least part Navajo, that doesn't mean that they would joke around about slurs with a white man about their heritage)
I have an arc for the next book in the series but I don't really see myself even attempting it at this point, which is unfortunate.
July 9, 2020
The author obviously did a lot of research for this book - and it shows! I thought the book was very well thought out and planned. To me, the plot itself was the best part. I was constantly questioning things and wondering where the story was going to go.
My main concern was that I didn’t feel connected to the characters. I thought Bryson was quirky, but I would’ve liked a lot more depth. I felt like their words were very factual and less natural. Of course, there is a lot of information needed in this book, so it’s easy to understand why.
If you like conspiracy theories and mysteries, this would be a good book for you!
My main concern was that I didn’t feel connected to the characters. I thought Bryson was quirky, but I would’ve liked a lot more depth. I felt like their words were very factual and less natural. Of course, there is a lot of information needed in this book, so it’s easy to understand why.
If you like conspiracy theories and mysteries, this would be a good book for you!
August 18, 2020
I truly enjoyed this new novel. The main character, Serena Mendez is flawed, but strong and ultimately fiercely courageous! Part Lizbeth Salander, part Lara Croft, Serena is a memorable heroine. This is an adventure mystery with a generous amount of myth and mysticism. I' m impressed with the extensive research details the author incorporates in the story. Serpent Rising is a complex narrative of the age-old conflict between truth and falsehood, light and darkness.
Serena= Candelaria Warrior= Bringer of Light! Can't wait for book two!
Serena= Candelaria Warrior= Bringer of Light! Can't wait for book two!
January 17, 2021
I read this book in one sitting as I could not put it down. I found the characters believable and the quest intriguing and apropos to the enlightenment that many individuals both current and historically have sought. The only regret I have is that I have finished the book and have to wait for the next installment. The story is a mix of mysticism, conspiracy, spirituality, and self enlightenment. I believe that a reader of this saga will find that they start to question their own"synchronicities" for meaning. The main theme of Truth is quite relevant to our present day situations.
December 1, 2020
Serpent Rising is a globe-trotting adventure. I absolutely LOVE Serena. She's flawed, but finds an inner strength she didn't know she had. Two powerful secret societies, a lost civilization, what more could you ask for? Serena’s journey not only helps her discover more about herself but unwraps mysteries. If you enjoy strong heroines on epic adventures, you'll quickly get wrapped up in Serena's story, and you won't want to put this down once you start!
November 7, 2020
A middle-aged author writing about a 20-something woman's burning nether regions in a book titled "Serpent Rising" made me increasingly uncomfortable. Additionally, mentioning that the main character has PTSD every two pages is redundant and extremely annoying. Dialogue was awkward and unrealistic. Entire story line rushed and hard to follow. I couldn't finish this disaster.
December 20, 2020
Serpent Rising had me glued to the pages. I couldn't help myself from reading it chapter after chapter back to back, making connections and following the progression of the mystery as it enveloped a worldwide network of organized conspiracies. Serpent Rising was the best book I read in 2020 and now I'm waiting anxiously for the continuation of the story.
August 5, 2020
Different. If you enjoy a bit of sci fi and fantasy this is the book for you. The writing is solid and the story is pretty entertaining. Check it out. It had some really good moments. Happy reading! #SerpentRising #NetGalley
September 22, 2022
I loved the transformation of Serena Mendez, the well-thought-out main character. Her globe-trotting spiritual journey kept me turning pages wondering what her next challenge would be and where. Serpent Rising is a unique tale told with great storytelling flare.
August 15, 2020
I found it engrossing and quite enjoyable. Good world building and character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 25, 2020
A terrific novel that defies genres: it's a techno-mythological thriller-cum-mystical travelogue, with a sassy heroine and a soulful geek at its heart. A Da Vinci Code for the digital age!
November 8, 2021
What an amazing book! A young lady journey to find out who she is and where she belongs. Can not wait to read the second book.
August 9, 2020
At it's heart Serpent Rising is a quest. Serena Mendez, a 21 year old with PTSD stemming from an incident in her childhood, goes on a far-flung journey first to revisit her aunt and go back to the site of her trauma. Serena and her friend Bryson have no idea that a simple road trip will become much, much bigger. There is a lot of mysticism and conspiracy theories, suspense and fast moving action. I enjoyed the book and saw some similiarities to books like the DaVinci Code. Good suspense and moved well, except in a few places where it got a little bogged down in deep background. I found it was a good escape from the pandemic and the real world.
(Review based on complimentary Advance Reader copy received as a giveaway through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program .)
(Review based on complimentary Advance Reader copy received as a giveaway through the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program .)
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