Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well and reading plenty of good books. I’ve been feeling more motivated to complete a book in one sitting, instead of hopping from book to book. As for this review, this will be the eighth book that I have read by T. Kingfisher. I finally got a copy of What Stalks the Deep, so I can finally wrap up that trilogy. There will probably be more Kingfisher books in the future. I’m just a tad obsessed at the moment. I feel like that’s enough rambling for now. Let’s talk about Snake-Eater.

Content Warning: Mild Sexual Content, Some Strong Language, Discussions of Religious Psychosis, Fantastical Violence, Animal Death

After losing her mom and breaking up with her partner, Selena decides it’s time for a fresh start. With nothing but a suitcase and her loyal dog, she buys a ticket to the small town of Quartz Creek, where she hopes to reunite with her aunt Amelia. Unfortunately, Selena finds out that her aunt has passed away. She is, however, the sole heir to her aunt’s humble home. Selena is hesitant to settle into this unfamiliar land, but she is quickly charmed by the desert landscape and the quirky residents of Quartz Creek. That isn’t the only thing special about this small town. Selena begins to encounter strange beings and has bizarre dreams of a man with strange eyes. Through her aunt’s journals, Selena learns that she had a relationship with a spirit called the Snake-Eater. Now, Snake-Eater has become obsessed with Selena and refuses to let her go.

One thing I love about T. Kingfisher is her ability to take conventional narratives and flip them on their heads. I initially thought that Snake-Eater was going to be a monster/human romance novel. Instead, it’s a story of found family and learning to embrace oneself. Kingfisher consistently writes realistic female characters who have strong character arcs. Selena’s anxious tendencies were relatable and understandable from a reader’s perspective. I also particularly enjoyed the side characters in this novel. Kingfisher effortlessly incorporates a diverse array of characters that feel just as realistic as her main characters. Of course, there’s also the well-crafted fantasy elements. Kingfisher always creates such fun mythologies, and Snake-Eater is no exception. The desert setting is so atmospheric and feels so alive throughout the narrative. I loved this book. I am begging you to start reading T. Kingfisher immediately. Snake-Eater isn’t a bad place to start.