Serpent of the Sands - Vashti Hardy

 

After her adventures with Maudie and Arthur Brightstorm, Gan has returned home to the Citadel but longs for adventure instead of carrying out her duties with with her uncles, Batzorig and Temur.  But then they get word that envoys from Lontown are on their way and it is assumed that they are part of the HAC (Human Authority Collective) who hate the sapient animals that Gan and her friends and family are determined to protect.  Things don't get easier for Gan when she discovers that her Uncle Temur is extremely ill and isn't getting any better.  Refusing to accept this, Gan decides to go in search of the elusive Serpent of the Sands whose healing garden is legendary in childhood stories.  Despite Batzorig's refusal to let Gan go, she sneaks away on the sky-ship she has been making, along with a sapient called Slink and Thorn, a boy who helped her as she was leaving.  Together they begin the journey of a life-time but, the further they go, the more secrets are revealed.  Can they do the impossible and find the Serpent of the Sands and save Temur?

I've been a huge fan of the Brightstorm series since the first book was published and so I was thrilled to hear that this book with Gan at the helm was being released.  Gan is a conflicted character as she yearns for adventure but knows that she is destined to become Queen, something she doesn't want as she doesn't believe she will do a good job.  She is strong and feisty with a determination that just keeps on shining through, but I also liked that she learned about herself along the way - she is somebody I know readers will admire and I love that she shows readers that it's ok to follow your dreams.  I also loved Slink who makes a wonderful sapient companion.  Thorn, is a rather mysterious character in many ways: determined to evade the shadowgrabbers and make a better life for himself, he has escaped and stumbles upon Gan right when she needs him.  Together, they make a great team.

Serpent of the Sands is a wonderful adventure full of surprises and with an ending that will set your heart racing.  I was thrilled to be back in this world and to discover Nadvaaryn alongside Gan.  Whilst this could be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend you reading the Brightstorm series first.  Publishing on the 11th May, Serpent of the Sands is an immersive read that will leave you wanting more.