Embrace the Serpent by Sunya Mara

YA Fantasy

NetGalley eARC

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group for this ARC to review

This book follows Saphira, a young jewelsmith who lives in the shadow of her master jewelsmith, Galen, but that’s just the way she likes it. Escaping the clutches of the djinn as a child, Saphira now prefers to fly under the radar and hide in the shadows while Galen takes the credit for her work. However, Galen’s desire for status eventually lands her bang in the middle of dangerous territory with the djinn Lady Incarnadine, leaving her with no choice but to plan for an escape when she is recognised. However, that escape is as dangerous as staying with Galen. Saphira is faced with a choice, stay with Galen and risk her identity being revealed to all, or marry the terrifying Serpent King which is ultimately, a dangerous deal but the path she chooses.

The magic system Sunya has created around jewellery and gemstones was fascinating and unlike anything I’ve ever read. An honourable mention should also go to Saphira’s pet rock who was a cute addition! This book is YA but it did feel as though the first half was slower to pick up than the second half which had more adventure and danger and held my attention in a way that the first half didn’t.

I would have loved to see more of the relationship develop during her time with the Serpent King and to delve deeper with the backstories of the characters who were all great. Overall enjoyed Embrace the Serpent and would recommend to lovers of YA.