What do you think?
Rate this book
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles
Welcome, Traveler. You are on the Serpent Quest.
To move from start to middle,
Traveler, solve the riddle.
What is poison to the heart?
Find the answer. Make your start.
Fleeing a neighborhood bully, Emmet and Nomi are pulled into an ancient quest, and now they must escape far more powerful enemies. Join them as they unlock secret riddles and follow the path of the Serpent Slayer.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is a time travel adventure with a twist—middle graders will discover theological themes as they travel through God's Word. By placing the characters into Bible events, Champ Thornton and Andrew Naselli show the Bible is far from being a boring book full of instructions. Readers will discover life-changing truths they'll never forget.
To move from start to middle,
Traveler, solve the riddle.
What is poison to the heart?
Find the answer. Make your start.
Fleeing a neighborhood bully, Emmet and Nomi are pulled into an ancient quest, and now they must escape far more powerful enemies. Join them as they unlock secret riddles and follow the path of the Serpent Slayer.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is a time travel adventure with a twist—middle graders will discover theological themes as they travel through God's Word. By placing the characters into Bible events, Champ Thornton and Andrew Naselli show the Bible is far from being a boring book full of instructions. Readers will discover life-changing truths they'll never forget.
- GenresFiction
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
5 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Champ Thornton
23 books26 followersChamp Thornton (PhD) and his wife, Robben, live in Delaware, have been married since 1996, and enjoy being parents to three energetic teenage children. He is an Acquisitions Editor at Crossway and is the author of numbers of books for kids and families, including The Radical Book for Kids, Why Do We Say Good Night?, Wonders of His Love: Family Advent Devotional, and Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation. He’s also served as host of “In the Word, On the Go,” a ten-minute podcast for families. You can learn more about Champ at www.champthornton.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2022
My endorsement: As a boy, I devoured adventure books—Willy Wonka, Narnia, Bobbsey Twins mysteries, The Hardy Boys... you name it. If you know a kid like me, he'll love The Serpent Slayer. Many resources today aim at teaching redemptive history to children, but few approach the task of highlighting a biblical theme as creatively as this sibling adventure. I'm already excited about the next chapter.
April 18, 2022
I love this book so much! it is full of adventure and one of the things I love most about it is that it is about the Bible, it has all sorts of adventures and riddles that the two kids have to solve, I had so much fun reading this and I
recommend it for any children who love a good adventure.
recommend it for any children who love a good adventure.
February 19, 2022
Book review on my blog for pre-release book launch
http://alifelongloveoflearning.blogsp...
http://alifelongloveoflearning.blogsp...
February 13, 2022
Reading this story made me wish I were a kid again, getting lost in a good novel of adventure. That idea comes to life here. Nomi and Emmet enter into biblical adventures including the Fall, the Exodus, David and Goliath, Jesus teaching, his death and resurrection.
The story starts with action as Emmet and Nomi are pedaling furiously to get away from a bully. Then they find a strange object that leads them into a tome adventure, particularly a scroll adventure. The action slows quite a bit as the kids travel to biblical time. They become observers to action but do not take part in it themselves for the most part. There are good moral lessons included, such as the danger of being attracted to power and wealth, how to oppose the enemy, asking for forgiveness and the substitutionary death of Jesus.
I always like to learn something when I read fiction and this time it was about dodecahedrons. They are twelve sided objects from Roman times. Many have been unearthed in Europe and their use is unknown. Young readers will also be introduced to a shofar.
This is a good novel for readers aged 9-13. It has adventures in biblical times but mostly mere observation. Children familiar with Bible stories may have some impatience with Emmet and Nomi in their lack of recognizing the biblical stories they have fallen into even though they attend church. Potential readers for this adventure would be children not familiar with Old Testament stories. There is a Reader's Guide with a theological summary for kids. The book book could be used in a youth reading group with an adult using the story as a teaching outline for sharing the gospel.,
I received access to an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The story starts with action as Emmet and Nomi are pedaling furiously to get away from a bully. Then they find a strange object that leads them into a tome adventure, particularly a scroll adventure. The action slows quite a bit as the kids travel to biblical time. They become observers to action but do not take part in it themselves for the most part. There are good moral lessons included, such as the danger of being attracted to power and wealth, how to oppose the enemy, asking for forgiveness and the substitutionary death of Jesus.
I always like to learn something when I read fiction and this time it was about dodecahedrons. They are twelve sided objects from Roman times. Many have been unearthed in Europe and their use is unknown. Young readers will also be introduced to a shofar.
This is a good novel for readers aged 9-13. It has adventures in biblical times but mostly mere observation. Children familiar with Bible stories may have some impatience with Emmet and Nomi in their lack of recognizing the biblical stories they have fallen into even though they attend church. Potential readers for this adventure would be children not familiar with Old Testament stories. There is a Reader's Guide with a theological summary for kids. The book book could be used in a youth reading group with an adult using the story as a teaching outline for sharing the gospel.,
I received access to an advanced digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 13, 2022
Time travelling in stories for kids are already over used. But they still work! The thrill of going to places or events in the past is something that fascinates us. There is something in venturing to an old world that makes us go face the unknown, conquer our fears, win the day and feel we are on top of the world.
But The Serpent Slayer and The Scroll of Riddles is a different kind of time travelling story that takes you (spoiler!) inside an ancient scroll and interact with characters in the story. The story is of course in the Bible but it is more focus on good vs. evil ( God vs. the Serpent) and how it points to Christ finally crushing the enemy.
I’m guessing that Thornton wrote mostly how the adventure will go and Naselli,with his previous book gives theme of the serpent found in the Bible. Their collaboration is good and both adventure and theology aspects are well balanced.
I like how Thornton and Naselli wrote the adventure of Emmet and Nomi. Considering that it’s their first dip into writing fiction and for a younger audience, what they accomplished here is lit. The way they describe what’s happening makes you feel that you are with this two kids. The dialogues has a good flow that are genuine and not forced or cringy. Every chapter’s cliffhanger are well done that keeps readers craving to know what happens next.
The riddles is another thing in this book. It really hits you in the heart. Who wouldn’t be move with this line, “The poison of the heart is believing the lie, that God is not good!”. That line struck me and carried it through the book. I hope it will tug your heart. Blend it with the unique way they solve the riddles, it creates this delightful read that keeps you up till the last page.
Aside from the main adventure, the “prologue” and “epilogue” are satisfyingly perfect. The authors didn’t left these two less appealing to concentrate much on the adventures. The “buns” that sandwiched the “patty” is so savory and filling. This is where the practical application of what Emmet and Nomi learned in their time travelling adventure.
Another commendable with this book is the Tólfandlit (the “magic” ball) and the scroll. The backstory though brief is enjoyable. I like how they utilized these items, making them shine (literally and figuratively lol) and not treated as a “toy”. They will play a great deal in the next adventures. The authors created this curiousity and mystery over these objects. I think a kid who finished this book would dream to want to find such items (lol). It will really capture the imagination of the readers.
My only rant here is that their are a few artworks done here. The art is good but I want more. There are no “wow moments” of the illustration in this book but the cover is still awesome.
The Serpent Slayer and The Scroll of Riddles let’s you step into an adventure that is entertaining as well as filled with biblical lessons for kids. Memorable characters and a great plot makes this book shine from other books with the same approach and theme. I can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommend!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
But The Serpent Slayer and The Scroll of Riddles is a different kind of time travelling story that takes you (spoiler!) inside an ancient scroll and interact with characters in the story. The story is of course in the Bible but it is more focus on good vs. evil ( God vs. the Serpent) and how it points to Christ finally crushing the enemy.
I’m guessing that Thornton wrote mostly how the adventure will go and Naselli,with his previous book gives theme of the serpent found in the Bible. Their collaboration is good and both adventure and theology aspects are well balanced.
I like how Thornton and Naselli wrote the adventure of Emmet and Nomi. Considering that it’s their first dip into writing fiction and for a younger audience, what they accomplished here is lit. The way they describe what’s happening makes you feel that you are with this two kids. The dialogues has a good flow that are genuine and not forced or cringy. Every chapter’s cliffhanger are well done that keeps readers craving to know what happens next.
The riddles is another thing in this book. It really hits you in the heart. Who wouldn’t be move with this line, “The poison of the heart is believing the lie, that God is not good!”. That line struck me and carried it through the book. I hope it will tug your heart. Blend it with the unique way they solve the riddles, it creates this delightful read that keeps you up till the last page.
Aside from the main adventure, the “prologue” and “epilogue” are satisfyingly perfect. The authors didn’t left these two less appealing to concentrate much on the adventures. The “buns” that sandwiched the “patty” is so savory and filling. This is where the practical application of what Emmet and Nomi learned in their time travelling adventure.
Another commendable with this book is the Tólfandlit (the “magic” ball) and the scroll. The backstory though brief is enjoyable. I like how they utilized these items, making them shine (literally and figuratively lol) and not treated as a “toy”. They will play a great deal in the next adventures. The authors created this curiousity and mystery over these objects. I think a kid who finished this book would dream to want to find such items (lol). It will really capture the imagination of the readers.
My only rant here is that their are a few artworks done here. The art is good but I want more. There are no “wow moments” of the illustration in this book but the cover is still awesome.
The Serpent Slayer and The Scroll of Riddles let’s you step into an adventure that is entertaining as well as filled with biblical lessons for kids. Memorable characters and a great plot makes this book shine from other books with the same approach and theme. I can’t wait for the next installment. Highly recommend!
My verdict:
5 out of 5
July 3, 2022
Adventure, mystery, excitement and a really good riddle.
November 3, 2024
Aimed at younger kids, I loved this as something of a devotional.
June 28, 2024
Two children find a mysterious Roman artifact with the power to transport the wielder to the distant past using tome travel. Wait… I thought it was supposed to be “time travel?”
Nope, it’s tome! You see, the ancient device, when combined with the appropriate ancient scroll, sends the user into the scroll’s story. But what if the scroll happens to be the Bible? For siblings Emmet and Nomi, it’s back to the Garden of Eden they go.
Only it’s not the Eden they expect. With the Man shut out of the garden along with the Woman, the children find the happy first couple not so happy. Turns out there’s more to Adam and Eve’s story—quite literally—as the scroll reveals a series of riddles known as “The Serpent Quest” for the children to solve.
The first riddle? What is poison to the heart? Find the answer. Make your start.
Adam and Eve have the answer. They know it all too well. Poison entered their hearts when they believed the serpent’s lie that God isn’t good.
As the children solve more riddles, the artifact transports them to new eras in the Bible. Emmet and Nomi will tremble in awe before the parting of the Red Sea and feel inspired as young David takes down Goliath, a.k.a. “Seed of the Serpent.”
Every location will have its own clues that the siblings must find in order to complete “The Serpent Quest” on the scroll. All the while, the children encounter different opposing forces to the scroll, known as the “Children of the Dragon.” But don’t worry! The riddles point to a “Serpent Slayer” who is coming to defeat the dragon once and for all.
Things don’t look promising, however, when the scroll jumps to the time of Jesus right before his crucifixion. All the clues point to Jesus as the “Serpent Slayer.” But how can Jesus defeat the dragon if he’s dead? The riddle of the cross may just be the greatest riddle of all.
Author Champ Thornton, who is also a pastor, has done a fantastic job of presenting the message of salvation to younger kids and preteens with his fast-paced, time-travel adventure. In a stroke of masterful storytelling, Thornton partners with the Gospel to bring power to each page. Young hearts will burn with fresh, revelation-light as they witness the Good News through the eyes of Emmit and Nomi.
Co-author Andrew David Naselli, an intellectual as well as a theologian, transforms the biblical serpent into an effective middle-grade literary device. From Genesis to Revelation, Naselli underscores the forces against Emmit and Nomi with a dragon motif.
The snake in the Garden of Eden reappears as the cobra on Pharaoh’s crown and the scales of Goliath’s dragon-like armor. The serpent of old manifests itself again as the brood of vipers that Jesus says are the Pharisees. The final expression, as the siblings learn, is the dragon of Revelation.
The devil fears these connected dots, and Naselli and Thornton offer it to kids here in full. By the turn of the last page, heels will have a heavier thump on the head of the enemy. But more importantly, kids will have grown closer to the One who defeated the dragon once and for all.
“The Serpent Slayer” by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli earns our highest recommendation.
Nope, it’s tome! You see, the ancient device, when combined with the appropriate ancient scroll, sends the user into the scroll’s story. But what if the scroll happens to be the Bible? For siblings Emmet and Nomi, it’s back to the Garden of Eden they go.
Only it’s not the Eden they expect. With the Man shut out of the garden along with the Woman, the children find the happy first couple not so happy. Turns out there’s more to Adam and Eve’s story—quite literally—as the scroll reveals a series of riddles known as “The Serpent Quest” for the children to solve.
The first riddle? What is poison to the heart? Find the answer. Make your start.
Adam and Eve have the answer. They know it all too well. Poison entered their hearts when they believed the serpent’s lie that God isn’t good.
As the children solve more riddles, the artifact transports them to new eras in the Bible. Emmet and Nomi will tremble in awe before the parting of the Red Sea and feel inspired as young David takes down Goliath, a.k.a. “Seed of the Serpent.”
Every location will have its own clues that the siblings must find in order to complete “The Serpent Quest” on the scroll. All the while, the children encounter different opposing forces to the scroll, known as the “Children of the Dragon.” But don’t worry! The riddles point to a “Serpent Slayer” who is coming to defeat the dragon once and for all.
Things don’t look promising, however, when the scroll jumps to the time of Jesus right before his crucifixion. All the clues point to Jesus as the “Serpent Slayer.” But how can Jesus defeat the dragon if he’s dead? The riddle of the cross may just be the greatest riddle of all.
Author Champ Thornton, who is also a pastor, has done a fantastic job of presenting the message of salvation to younger kids and preteens with his fast-paced, time-travel adventure. In a stroke of masterful storytelling, Thornton partners with the Gospel to bring power to each page. Young hearts will burn with fresh, revelation-light as they witness the Good News through the eyes of Emmit and Nomi.
Co-author Andrew David Naselli, an intellectual as well as a theologian, transforms the biblical serpent into an effective middle-grade literary device. From Genesis to Revelation, Naselli underscores the forces against Emmit and Nomi with a dragon motif.
The snake in the Garden of Eden reappears as the cobra on Pharaoh’s crown and the scales of Goliath’s dragon-like armor. The serpent of old manifests itself again as the brood of vipers that Jesus says are the Pharisees. The final expression, as the siblings learn, is the dragon of Revelation.
The devil fears these connected dots, and Naselli and Thornton offer it to kids here in full. By the turn of the last page, heels will have a heavier thump on the head of the enemy. But more importantly, kids will have grown closer to the One who defeated the dragon once and for all.
“The Serpent Slayer” by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli earns our highest recommendation.
March 11, 2022
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles is a really fun book by Champ Thornton and Andrew Naselli! In The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles, Nomi and her brother, Emmet find a unique object while escaping from a bully. As the Brother-and-Sister Duo are running away, they run into a bookstore owned by a man named Mr. Mag. While in the bookstore, Mr. Mag starts telling Nomi and Emmet about the scrolls that he has and describing the unique object they found (without knowing that Nomi and Emmet found the object). Returning to Mr. Mag’s bookstore, Nomi and Emmet show him what they found. Mr. Mag places the unique object near his scrolls and the object starts glowing! All of the sudden, Nomi and Emmet are transported to Bible Times. The only way Nomi and Emmet can return home is to solve the riddles that are in the scroll. Geared toward ages 9-13, The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles takes the reader on a fun adventure from the beginning of humanity with Adam and Eve to what Jesus did for us on the Cross.
I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles starts with the beginning of sin and uses various Bible Stories to show how we are continuing to grapple with sin. I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles builds upon the subject of sin and it’s impact on humanity. I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles used the analogy of a snake to help describe/illustrate what sin is.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles did a great job of teaching Biblical Truth’s and breaking it down to where 9-13 year-olds can understand. I also liked the Reader’s Guide that is in the back of the book and believe it will make the reading more engaging. There are also pictures in the book that help you see some of the imagery that is mentioned in the book. I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a fun, captivating book full of Biblical Truth geared toward kids, then I highly recommend The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(This review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.)
I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles starts with the beginning of sin and uses various Bible Stories to show how we are continuing to grapple with sin. I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles builds upon the subject of sin and it’s impact on humanity. I love how The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles used the analogy of a snake to help describe/illustrate what sin is.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles did a great job of teaching Biblical Truth’s and breaking it down to where 9-13 year-olds can understand. I also liked the Reader’s Guide that is in the back of the book and believe it will make the reading more engaging. There are also pictures in the book that help you see some of the imagery that is mentioned in the book. I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a fun, captivating book full of Biblical Truth geared toward kids, then I highly recommend The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles: The Kambur Chronicles!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(This review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.)
February 24, 2022
My Thoughts:
There are great features of this story that are beneficial and entertaining for readers.
I feel the time travel aspect is a strong attraction for readers.
The children are described in detail. They are children who represent diverse people. I love this aspect.
The story begins with a bully threatening them. This situation leads them to discover the scroll and adventure. Their threatening situation is a building point to the Bible people they will meet who will help them with that problem in their own life.
I love the particular Bible stories chosen for this book. For example, the story of the parting of the Red Sea.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is a unique, creative way to tell Bible stories to young people.
The descriptions of people and the environment is vivid and lively. It is not written to be scary or anxious stories.
In the later travels, Nomie is ready to return home. So often in an adventure or travel story a character wants to return home. The routine and the familiar win-out.
Bible verses are included in the dialogue of the stories. Because I read a pdf file, I don’t know the translation used. New Growth Press does not state the translation used either.
The last two chapters are the full poem of The Serpent Quest and a Reader’s Guide.
The book is written with an intention of a parent, grandparent, or teacher to be the guide for the young readers. The book is intended to be a tool for further discussion.
Format: pdf.
Source: I received a complimentary pdf copy from Audra Jennings and New Growth Press. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Age level is 9 to 13.
Rating: Good.
There are great features of this story that are beneficial and entertaining for readers.
I feel the time travel aspect is a strong attraction for readers.
The children are described in detail. They are children who represent diverse people. I love this aspect.
The story begins with a bully threatening them. This situation leads them to discover the scroll and adventure. Their threatening situation is a building point to the Bible people they will meet who will help them with that problem in their own life.
I love the particular Bible stories chosen for this book. For example, the story of the parting of the Red Sea.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is a unique, creative way to tell Bible stories to young people.
The descriptions of people and the environment is vivid and lively. It is not written to be scary or anxious stories.
In the later travels, Nomie is ready to return home. So often in an adventure or travel story a character wants to return home. The routine and the familiar win-out.
Bible verses are included in the dialogue of the stories. Because I read a pdf file, I don’t know the translation used. New Growth Press does not state the translation used either.
The last two chapters are the full poem of The Serpent Quest and a Reader’s Guide.
The book is written with an intention of a parent, grandparent, or teacher to be the guide for the young readers. The book is intended to be a tool for further discussion.
Format: pdf.
Source: I received a complimentary pdf copy from Audra Jennings and New Growth Press. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Age level is 9 to 13.
Rating: Good.
February 7, 2022
How can you introduce your children to the wonder of God’s Word? In The Serpent Slayer, Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli present a time travel adventure through the Bible. It is fun and exciting, with a great message for all.
Inside the Action
Written for ages 9-13, this book stars 12-year-old siblings Nomi and Emmet. They are transported away from their Coastal town of Lewis, and taken on a quest to solve a series of riddles.
What I most appreciated was the book’s ability to place you in the action of the Biblical story through the adventures of these children. They first meet Adam and Eve and are introduced to the deadly Serpent. They then transport to the Exodus story and escape from Pharoah’s armies.
The Stories Are Real
The book is also imaginative, allowing readers to see a different perspective in the Biblical narratives. Nomi and Emmet meet David right before he fights Goliath, and they meet the Teacher -- Jesus. They feel the sorrow and confusion of the Crucifixion, but also the joys and excitement of the resurrection.
Nomi and Emmet are changed throughout the course of their adventure. They learn to apologize, and they learn to forgive. And best of all, they learn that the Bible is true, that Jesus is good, and that the stories are real. I loved joining them on their adventure, and I joyfully invite you and your children to do the same.
I received a media copy of The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles and this is my honest review.
Inside the Action
Written for ages 9-13, this book stars 12-year-old siblings Nomi and Emmet. They are transported away from their Coastal town of Lewis, and taken on a quest to solve a series of riddles.
What I most appreciated was the book’s ability to place you in the action of the Biblical story through the adventures of these children. They first meet Adam and Eve and are introduced to the deadly Serpent. They then transport to the Exodus story and escape from Pharoah’s armies.
The Stories Are Real
The book is also imaginative, allowing readers to see a different perspective in the Biblical narratives. Nomi and Emmet meet David right before he fights Goliath, and they meet the Teacher -- Jesus. They feel the sorrow and confusion of the Crucifixion, but also the joys and excitement of the resurrection.
Nomi and Emmet are changed throughout the course of their adventure. They learn to apologize, and they learn to forgive. And best of all, they learn that the Bible is true, that Jesus is good, and that the stories are real. I loved joining them on their adventure, and I joyfully invite you and your children to do the same.
I received a media copy of The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles and this is my honest review.
March 2, 2022
Emmet and Nomi stumble upon an ancient artifact after being chased down by a bully, and find themselves experiencing the Bible in an exciting new way!
An exciting new book for middle grade readers that follows siblings Emmet and Nomi as they work their way through their quest, unlocking Biblical truths along the way.
As a church librarian I am always on the hunt for new books for that middle-grade age group that express Scriptural truth and teach solid lessons of faith, while being adventurous and engaging, and I think that this book checks all the boxes. It is a well written read with well realized characters and a does an excellent job of pulling out main themes of the Bible in a way that younger readers can more easily understand.
Overall, this is a fantastic book for middle grade readers. I loved how Nomi and Emmet grow throughout their adventures as they get to experience the Bible seeing the truths of Scripture come alive before their eyes, I also liked that this book doesn't take the expected angle with well known stories like Adam and Eve, the Exodus, David and Goliath, and the Resurrection, etc. but helps the reader understand what it might have been like to be living during those times the sorrow and excitement entering the stories in an unexpected place. Definitely recommend this wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
An exciting new book for middle grade readers that follows siblings Emmet and Nomi as they work their way through their quest, unlocking Biblical truths along the way.
As a church librarian I am always on the hunt for new books for that middle-grade age group that express Scriptural truth and teach solid lessons of faith, while being adventurous and engaging, and I think that this book checks all the boxes. It is a well written read with well realized characters and a does an excellent job of pulling out main themes of the Bible in a way that younger readers can more easily understand.
Overall, this is a fantastic book for middle grade readers. I loved how Nomi and Emmet grow throughout their adventures as they get to experience the Bible seeing the truths of Scripture come alive before their eyes, I also liked that this book doesn't take the expected angle with well known stories like Adam and Eve, the Exodus, David and Goliath, and the Resurrection, etc. but helps the reader understand what it might have been like to be living during those times the sorrow and excitement entering the stories in an unexpected place. Definitely recommend this wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 12, 2024
This was a sweet, magical adventure through some well-known Bible stories, bringing them to life for kids in a way that I think they would find engaging and appealing. I appreciated that you could try to solve the riddles alongside Nomi and Emmet; however, I do think that some of the language, especially in the rhyming riddle, might be confusing and unfamiliar for kids, making it harder to fill in the blanks.
Nomi and Emmet are fleeing from a bully when Emmet, in anger, throws a rock and breaks a window. While hiding, they stumble upon a package addressed to them with a mysterious dice-like object inside. Recognizing it from the sign of a local bookshop, they go to meet Mr. Mag, who explains what the object it and the legend behind it. From there, the siblings go on a magical adventure through the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve and visiting a few other popular characters before making their way back home. What they learn along the way is a kid-friendly presentation of the gospel that inspires them (and Emmet especially) to go back to the "scene of the crime" and apologize for his actions.
This book had nice short chapters, perfect for kids, and some illustrations throughout to help you picture the adventures Nomi and Emmet were on. It seems like it was meant to be a series, but I can't find any information regarding more books, so maybe that didn't end up happening – but if it does, I'd be interested to see what happens next.
Nomi and Emmet are fleeing from a bully when Emmet, in anger, throws a rock and breaks a window. While hiding, they stumble upon a package addressed to them with a mysterious dice-like object inside. Recognizing it from the sign of a local bookshop, they go to meet Mr. Mag, who explains what the object it and the legend behind it. From there, the siblings go on a magical adventure through the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve and visiting a few other popular characters before making their way back home. What they learn along the way is a kid-friendly presentation of the gospel that inspires them (and Emmet especially) to go back to the "scene of the crime" and apologize for his actions.
This book had nice short chapters, perfect for kids, and some illustrations throughout to help you picture the adventures Nomi and Emmet were on. It seems like it was meant to be a series, but I can't find any information regarding more books, so maybe that didn't end up happening – but if it does, I'd be interested to see what happens next.
February 1, 2022
Aimed at 9-13 year olds, this fictional adventure book draws in biblical accounts. Through various discoveries, 12-year-olds Emmet and Nomi find themselves physically drawn into biblical stories and having to solve riddles to get home. They land in the Garden of Eden, the exodus, with David & Goliath, and to Jesus and his teaching, and each time they have to find out what is happening for themselves - as if they have no bible knowledge. It is anchored around the idea of snakes & dragons as the enemy and the one who is the Serpent Slayer. It’s an innovative way of following a theme through biblical teaching in a way that kids will grasp, although tends to overplay the dragon aspects (especially in the explanation at the end). I prefer Thornton’s Radical Book for Kids, but this might have appeal for those that want to try some kids Christian fiction.
February 27, 2022
A sweet and theologically robust story for kids tracing Christ throughout the Bible as a riddle two children must solve to escape the scroll they have entered. The theology was spot on, and I am so glad they are writing books for kids like this now. Sadly, the writing and story structure is sub par, but I would still highly recommend for the content.
May 28, 2022
The Serpent Slayer fought and won for all his people! This book is such a creative presentation of the Gospel to big kids. It also brings a clear application of Gospel principles to the reader at the end of the story. A great resource!
June 6, 2022
Read this book in just a few hours and highly recommend it to any parent wanting to encourage their child to read and learn about how God fulfilled his promise to crush the head of the Serpent and rescues His bride. I'll be talking to my nephew about this one for sure!
August 29, 2022
Like Superbook with deeper theology woven through, in written form. Really enjoyed reading this to my kids - its riddles and stories kept the interest of ages 5-10. Recommended for a family read-aloud book!
May 5, 2023
Pre read for school library 3.5- Though the time travel story isn’t new the inclusion of riddles throughout the story adds another element of intrigue. The story follows two siblings who are taken back in time through a magical scroll to Bible times. The two siblings must solve riddles to beat the serpent in each Bible story (I.e. The enemy) and ultimately see how God’s salvation redeems the story over all.
February 27, 2022
Creative way to teach children to learn and think about biblical theology. Getting copies for the families at Church, a good supplement to "The serpent and the serpent slayer" by Naselli.
May 14, 2022
Fast read. Good story tying the snake in the garden to Pharoah/Moses, Goliath/David, Christ/Pharisees, etc.
August 8, 2022
My children (6,5, and 3) really enjoyed this. Will be buying the rest of the series if they ever release them.
June 22, 2024
The kids loved this book.
January 29, 2025
I liked it - it is written for a much younger audience though, I think it'd be great for 12 and under. I'd like to read his other book meant for adults.
March 31, 2025
This is a book for 4th-5th graders. Interesting Christian book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews