The Serpent King is a novel by Jeff Zentner that revolves around the intertwined lives of three teenagers - Dill Early, Travis Bohannon, and Lydia Blankenship - living in the small town of Forrestville, Tennessee. Each character has unique struggles and dreams, with their senior year of high school bringing both the anticipation of new beginnings and the fear of endings.
Dill Early is the son of a disgraced Pentecostal minister who was sent to prison for possessing illegal substances, ostensibly for use in religious rites that included handling venomous snakes. Dill's father's actions have left the family in dire straits, and Dill is subject to the judgment and prejudices of the town. He feels trapped by his family legacy and the expectation that he should work to pay off his family's debts instead of pursuing higher education or his love for music.
Travis Bohannon is a gentle giant who escapes his abusive father and sorrowful life by delving into a fantasy series called Bloodfall. He carries around a staff, wears a dragon pendant, and is content in his simple world, where his biggest dream is to work in a lumberyard like his deceased brother.
Lydia Blankenship is an ambitious, fashion-forward blogger whose blog, Dollywould, is gaining recognition outside their small town, earning her a scholarship to NYU. Lydia is determined to leave Forestville for a better life but also deeply cares for Dill and Travis.
The dynamic between these three friends forms the backbone of the story. Lydia pushes Dill to apply to colleges, wanting him to avoid succumbing to the bleak future laid out by his family circumstances. She also encourages Travis to stand up to his father.
Tragedy strikes when Travis' father kills him in a fit of rage. This devastates both Dill and Lydia and serves as a harsh reminder of the realities they face. Dill, in his grief, confesses his love to Lydia. She reciprocates his feelings but is still set on leaving Forestville. This creates a tension in their relationship.
Dill's situation worsens when his mother blames him for their financial struggles and insists he quit school to work full-time. Feeling cornered, Dill attempts suicide but is saved by Lydia, who finds him just in time. The event serves as a wake-up call for Dill, who realizes he must confront his fears to escape his family's legacy.
As the novel concludes, Lydia heads off to New York for college, while Dill, inspired by his love for Lydia and his late friend Travis, decides to confront his fears and steps out of his father's shadow. He enrolls in a community college and gets a part-time job to support himself.
The Serpent King ends on a hopeful note as Dill begins to shape his destiny, showing that even in the bleakest circumstances, there is always a path to a better future.
