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The Serpent's Shadow

Book 1 in the series:Elemental Masters

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'The Serpent's Shadow' by Mercedes Lackey is a historical fantasy novel set in early twentieth-century London, featuring Dr. Maya Witherspoon, a strong and dynamic character of mixed heritage with magical abilities inherited from her parents. The story follows Maya as she navigates societal prejudices, practices medicine, and discovers her own magical powers, all while facing a dark threat from her mother's sister who practices dark magic. As Maya's untutored magic draws the attention of the Elemental Masters in London, she must learn to control her abilities with the help of Water Master Paul Scott, all while dealing with themes of feminism, magic, and historical elements in a unique and engaging narrative.

Characters:

The characters are well-rounded, with Maya as a strong, dynamic lead navigating complex themes of race, gender, and magic, although some supporting characters are more archetypal.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical and descriptive prose, complemented by engaging dialogue that enhances character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is a captivating historical fantasy that infuses elements of Snow White, focusing on a mixed-heritage female protagonist facing societal challenges and dark magical forces.

Setting:

The setting is in Edwardian England, combining historical realism with magical elements while addressing themes of women's rights and societal prejudices.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, starting somewhat stiff before becoming more fluid, though the overall sense of time can be ambiguous.
Leaden, self-important silence isolated the chiefsurgeon’s office from the clamor of the hospital and the clangor of thestreet outside. A rain-dark day, a dim, chill room filled with cold, heavy,impos...

Notes:

The Serpent's Shadow is a historical fantasy novel set in 1909 London.
Maya Witherspoon, the main character, is of mixed Indian and British heritage.
Maya's mother was a Brahmin and a practicing magician, while her father was a British doctor.
The story incorporates elements of Hindu magic alongside Western magical traditions.
Maya works as a doctor, teaching birth control and specializing in women's health issues.
The novel deals with themes of prejudice and women's suffrage during the early 20th century.
Maya faces threats from her Aunt, who practices dark magic and seeks revenge.
Paul Scott, a male Elemental Master, helps Maya learn to harness her magical abilities.
The writing is described as lyrical and the characters are well-rounded and complex.
The book is noted for its inventive reimagining of the Snow White fairy tale.
The Elemental Masters series has a total of sixteen books, featuring standalone stories that often draw inspiration from fairy tales.
Readers appreciate the thoughtful portrayal of feminist themes without being overly didactic.
The world combines real historical issues with magical elements, bringing to life a unique Edwardian setting.
Many fans of the series enjoy the blend of romance and fantasy within the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of colonialism, prejudice, and mentions of illness that could be distressing.

Has Romance?

The book contains a moderate level of romance, primarily between the protagonist and Paul Scott.

From The Publisher:

The first novel in Mercedes Lackey's magical Elemental Masters series reimagines the fairy tale Snow White in a richly-detailed alternate Edwardian England

Maya Witherspoon lived most of the first twenty-five years of her life in her native India. As the daughter of a prominent British physician and a Brahmin woman of the highest caste, she graduated from the University of Delhi as a Doctor of Medicine by the age of twenty-two.

But the science of medicine was not Maya's only heritage. For Maya's aristocratic mother Surya was a sorceress-a former priestess of the mystical magics fueled by the powerful and fearsome pantheon of Indian gods.

Though Maya felt the stirring of magic in her blood, her mother had repeatedly refused to train her. "I cannot," she had said, her eyes dark with distress, whenever Maya asked. "Yours is the magic of your father's blood, not mine…." Surya never had the chance to explain this enigmatic statement to her daughter before a mysterious illness claimed her life.

Yet it was Maya's father's death shortly thereafter that confirmed her darkest suspicions. For her father was killed by the bite of a krait, a tiny venomous snake, and in the last hours of her mother's life, Surya had warned Maya to beware "the serpent's shadow." Maya knew she must flee the land of her birth or face the same fate as her parents.

In self-imposed exile in Edwardian London, Maya knew that she could not hide forever from the vindictive power that had murdered her parents. She knew in her heart that even a vast ocean couldn't protect her from "the serpent's shadow" that had so terrified her mother. Her only hope was to find a way to master her own magic: the magic of her father's blood. But who would teach her? And could she learn enough to save her life by the time her relentless pursuers caught up with their prey?

Ratings (9)

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Reader Stats (20):

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Want To Read (9)
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About the Author:

Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the best-selling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with…

 
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