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Serpentine
Determined to survive, an orphaned Esther must fight a rising new order in a broken America. This new order, the Federation of Acceptance, enforces directives that jeopardize human rights and beliefs. Esther must decide where she stands as she faces disappearing teachers, murdered classmates, and a traitorous ex-flame. Haunted by the mistakes of her parents’ past, Esther is forced to make decisions that will affect the lives of everyone around her.
On the run from the Federation in an endless quest for truth, Esther must rise up to lead a resistance of people willing to lose it all for what matters most—their God, their freedom, and an everlasting hope.
On the run from the Federation in an endless quest for truth, Esther must rise up to lead a resistance of people willing to lose it all for what matters most—their God, their freedom, and an everlasting hope.
- GenresYoung Adult
Audiobook
Published November 11, 2022
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Christy Dietz
1 book7 followersSerpentine is Christy's debut novel, but she has been writing since she picked up her first crayon. One of four daughters, she spent her childhood years dreaming of becoming Jo from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrestling her two young sons and drinking very large cups of coffee!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 21, 2022
First, I want to thank the author for being so unafraid in addressing sexual perversity. Serpentine makes clear naturally born women are women and naturally born men are men. There is no true such thing as “changing” gender, and anything promoting sexual evil is against the Bible. Thank you, Ms. Dietz. You have my utmost admiration and appreciation for your unflinching stance. In a time where people are afraid of offending others by speaking the truth, you meet this disgusting sin head-on.
Serpentine is a good, quick-paced, action-filled book full of faith and the fight for truth. The writing style is unique and clever, as is the way the reader is taken back-and-forth between past and present.
My few complaints/concerns are the dirty talking comment, the song, and the alcohol (which is brief and only in one chapter, but still there). Those were unnecessary and threw me off. However, those are my only complaints, and are certainly nothing which should dissuade you from reading this book.
The plot: As aforementioned, this book is action-filled and quick-paced. Never once does it lag. I found it quite interesting how, instead of the characters surviving in a world/land already far beyond its initial destruction, we witness the downfall of society as it occurs. This aspect gave me the chills, for this could easily be the U.S. in five to ten years. The books ends with what could be a cliffhangar. I’m uncertain if we’ll receive a Book Two, since there’s no indication Serpentine is in a series, but I really hope we do. I want to know what happens.
The characters: I liked Esther, I really did. Her character arc is well-written and she is a strong female lead. She just wasn’t my favorite. Finnick (love the name) has a lot of potential and I’d really like to see a second book where he grows even more (totally not hinting, Ms. Dietz–well, maybe I am). I liked the relationship between him and Es. The bikers, though we did not see much of them, were great. I’ve seen similar groups ride through town, and I can attest to their hardened appearance–and I can totally see nasty soldiers leaving them alone because they look like they’ll beat the stuffing from you. And Solomon–my favorite (which is also why my heart is broken). Such a good mentor to Esther and Finnick.
Ms. Dietz does quite well writing evil. I got legit chills during multiple scenes and I actually checked my heart rate more than once because she’s just so good at it. Ms. Dietz also does well illustrating how silence, apathy, and fear can be just as destructive as a bad leader. This book is a good reminder on the importance of fighting for faith and truth and never backing down, even when we’re called politically incorrect, homophobic, and culturally insensitive. Even if dystopian is not your preferred genre, I recommend you read Serpentine.
Congratulations, Ms. Dietz, for delivering a whopper of a stunningly chilling debut!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Serpentine is a good, quick-paced, action-filled book full of faith and the fight for truth. The writing style is unique and clever, as is the way the reader is taken back-and-forth between past and present.
My few complaints/concerns are the dirty talking comment, the song, and the alcohol (which is brief and only in one chapter, but still there). Those were unnecessary and threw me off. However, those are my only complaints, and are certainly nothing which should dissuade you from reading this book.
The plot: As aforementioned, this book is action-filled and quick-paced. Never once does it lag. I found it quite interesting how, instead of the characters surviving in a world/land already far beyond its initial destruction, we witness the downfall of society as it occurs. This aspect gave me the chills, for this could easily be the U.S. in five to ten years. The books ends with what could be a cliffhangar. I’m uncertain if we’ll receive a Book Two, since there’s no indication Serpentine is in a series, but I really hope we do. I want to know what happens.
The characters: I liked Esther, I really did. Her character arc is well-written and she is a strong female lead. She just wasn’t my favorite. Finnick (love the name) has a lot of potential and I’d really like to see a second book where he grows even more (totally not hinting, Ms. Dietz–well, maybe I am). I liked the relationship between him and Es. The bikers, though we did not see much of them, were great. I’ve seen similar groups ride through town, and I can attest to their hardened appearance–and I can totally see nasty soldiers leaving them alone because they look like they’ll beat the stuffing from you. And Solomon–my favorite (which is also why my heart is broken). Such a good mentor to Esther and Finnick.
Ms. Dietz does quite well writing evil. I got legit chills during multiple scenes and I actually checked my heart rate more than once because she’s just so good at it. Ms. Dietz also does well illustrating how silence, apathy, and fear can be just as destructive as a bad leader. This book is a good reminder on the importance of fighting for faith and truth and never backing down, even when we’re called politically incorrect, homophobic, and culturally insensitive. Even if dystopian is not your preferred genre, I recommend you read Serpentine.
Congratulations, Ms. Dietz, for delivering a whopper of a stunningly chilling debut!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2021
I was recommended this book by a colleague who said it had "Orwellian vibes." The world in Serpentine reflects dystopian consequences of radical policy where gender becomes difficult to distinguish and opioid addictions run rampant. Religious views aside, it's easy to see how Christians could become marginalized in such a culture. It begs the question: what do we accept in society at the expense of our moral beliefs? Highly recommend.
November 9, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It touched on a lot of issues facing us today and the intolerance of people that believe in God and the Bible. The Bible says this will happen. The story line was fast moving and the characters very real. I will be watching for other books from this author!!
November 9, 2021
Although it is fiction, there are alot of parallels to the world today. Great read!
April 12, 2022
I am not sure how to rate this book.
On one hand, the writing is nothing to scoff at. It is okay but it certainly isn’t the most beautifully written prose I have read. In fact, I have read books by authors that are in complete contrast to this topic and they are written much more artistically. The is also no ending, it is left open. If you have knowledge of Christian eschatology then you can predict what will happen next, otherwise the book ends on a cliffhanger.
On the other hand, the topic is such a pervasive one in today’s culture. Especially in western countries. The hypocrisy of the left - touting ‘acceptance’ and ‘equality’ while ostracising and hating those who have different beliefs - is becoming increasingly prevalent. It is concerning to think that the events in this book are not that far-fetched, especially considering the current social climate and what has happened over the last few years. We are seeing it with our own eyes - people have a right to protest but only what the government says they can protest, left-wing ‘activists’ committing violent acts against those who do not support their views, the sexualisation of children, and the desire to remove the ‘taboo’ on perverted acts and sexuality.
People comment that this book has anti-LGBTQIA+ undertones. I disagree. It has anti-fascist undertones and does not support the criminalisation of religion and the removal of religious freedom.
This was a frightening read because it hits so close to home. I can see these things happening in the next few decades (if not sooner). I am so glad people are writing about these issues and that people are not afraid to speak out.
On one hand, the writing is nothing to scoff at. It is okay but it certainly isn’t the most beautifully written prose I have read. In fact, I have read books by authors that are in complete contrast to this topic and they are written much more artistically. The is also no ending, it is left open. If you have knowledge of Christian eschatology then you can predict what will happen next, otherwise the book ends on a cliffhanger.
On the other hand, the topic is such a pervasive one in today’s culture. Especially in western countries. The hypocrisy of the left - touting ‘acceptance’ and ‘equality’ while ostracising and hating those who have different beliefs - is becoming increasingly prevalent. It is concerning to think that the events in this book are not that far-fetched, especially considering the current social climate and what has happened over the last few years. We are seeing it with our own eyes - people have a right to protest but only what the government says they can protest, left-wing ‘activists’ committing violent acts against those who do not support their views, the sexualisation of children, and the desire to remove the ‘taboo’ on perverted acts and sexuality.
People comment that this book has anti-LGBTQIA+ undertones. I disagree. It has anti-fascist undertones and does not support the criminalisation of religion and the removal of religious freedom.
This was a frightening read because it hits so close to home. I can see these things happening in the next few decades (if not sooner). I am so glad people are writing about these issues and that people are not afraid to speak out.
January 10, 2023
I have so many thoughts with this one, I’m not even sure where to start. I guess I’ll start by saying it is incredibly fast-paced and I listened to it in audio {on 1.6 speed} so while I feel like I followed the story well, there’s a lot to unpack and I feel like I need to sit down and read this one in print, too. It was almost an Orwellian look at how our world could very easily find itself…and that made it creepy, in the best way. I don’t want to include spoilers, but there were a few things I’d like to see fleshed out a little better and we’re definitely left with an unexpected ending, so I hope there might be a second book someday. It was a powerful book that left me with this message: People, when left to their own demise, are so depraved. Love God and most of all, love those and pray for those around you. Highly recommend if you like dystopian books. It’s YA and didn’t take me too long to get through.
November 9, 2021
Phenomenal. The spiritual war we are seeing in the world right now is so clear in this book! Either you stand with God and fight, or you allow evil to win. So many books are filled with the suggestion that we should embrace ways of life that are morally wrong; it was refreshing to read the other side. And, the suspense kept me on my toes until the end. Excellent. So, so good.
August 15, 2024
Was supporting a local author. If I’m being honest, it felt like a debut novel (which it was.) I didn’t mind the storyline, plot— just felt it wasn’t the most well written. Didn’t fully like or connect with the characters, the timeline jumps were choppy, and it just didn’t feel complete to me.
September 29, 2021
Quite frankly, I’m not sure where to start.
Between the anti-LGBTQ undertones and using the Bible to justify murder, I was pretty disgusted.
Between the anti-LGBTQ undertones and using the Bible to justify murder, I was pretty disgusted.
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November 10, 2021This one filled the local author category for my library's Extreme Book Nerd Challenge (50 books from 50 different categories in 50 weeks).
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews