The Serpent’s Shadow Vintage Book Review
“The Serpent’s Shadow” is one of those books that I had on my shelf for ages without ever picking it up. This is particularly silly since I actually bought the book myself! When I finally did sit down to read it, the novel turned out to be one that I keep revisiting. Mercedes Lackey has a fantastic talent for world-building, and this book is no exception.
The story is about Maya Witherspoon, a doctor who is of mixed Indian and British heritage. Living in Edwardian London, she’s quite isolated, having left India after her parents were mysteriously murdered—her father from a snake bite and her mother from an unknown illness. Not fully understanding what killed them, Maya honored her mother’s dying wish for her to learn the magic her father practiced and headed to London.
Maya possesses magical abilities but isn’t fully trained. Once in London, she works at a hospital serving the poor, finding it more meaningful despite the challenges posed by chauvinistic doctors. She also starts a private practice out of her home, gaining clients through word-of-mouth.
She catches the attention of a group of Elemental Masters, who send Peter Scott, a water master and sea captain, to assess her powers. Pretending to seek help for an old injury, Peter finds Maya clever and realizes she isn’t involved with any dark forces. He decides to mentor her since his all-male group wouldn’t accept a female member. Through Peter’s lessons, Maya quickly masters the earth elements.
Maya’s trusted valet Gupta, who has been with her family for years, thinks Peter’s training is a good idea. He reveals to Maya that her aunt Shivani, who possesses evil magic, is in London intending to kill Maya and wreak havoc.
Shivani, a priestess of Kali Durga, is determined to destroy those who have ruled India and to steal Maya’s power. As Maya deepens her magical training, she discovers that there’s much more at stake than she realized, involving her aunt, magic, and the elite society.
The novel is rich with historical elements, like Maya and her friend Amelia participating in a suffragette march. While Lackey takes some liberties with the history, it doesn’t distract from the fantasy setting. The romance between Maya and Peter develops slowly and naturally, founded on mutual respect and friendship. Maya is no damsel in distress, and Peter sees her as an equal, often more skilled than himself, making them a great duo.
I appreciated that although the story has hints of the Snow White fairy tale, it stands on its own. For those who enjoy this book, Lackey’s Elemental Masters series offers more novels based on familiar fairy tales.
Content Warning: There are some violent scenes, medical descriptions similar to what you’d find in a health class, and mild language.
Adaptation Recommendation:
This story would make a fantastic film. The gloomy setting of Edwardian London contrasted with magical elements would captivate fans of shows like “Penny Dreadful” or films like “Crimson Peak.” I would cast Priyanka Chopra as Maya for her range and strength, and Scott Patterson as Peter to bring his rugged yet gentle nature to the role.
Have you read “The Serpent’s Shadow”? Share your thoughts in the comments!
