The Serpent's Secret

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Dasgupta spins an original adventure tale with a strong female protagonist that blends modern day appeal with traditional characters found in West Bengal, India stories. Kiranmala never liked being called an Indian princess by her parents. She just wanted to be like every other sixth grader in Parsippany, New Jersey, even if she was Indian. That changed on the day of her twelfth birthday when her parents disappear, a rakkhosh demon destroys her house and she is saved by two Indian Princes on winged horses. Kiranmala is rushed into the underworld of Indian mythologies, demons, and snakes in this exciting adventure. Her surprising biological heritage and the heart felt bonds that she has with her New Jersey family are all intertwined with dangerous magical creatures, witty/laugh out loud dialogue and intriguing back stories. There is lots of action, friendship building and plenty of demon goo as Kiranmala accepts that she is an "Interdimensional Demonslayer". Something for everyone. Many of the folktale characters that appear in the story are explained in more detail in the author's note. A second book in the series is promised in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent