The Serpent's Egg

by J. Fitzgerald McCurdy

Book Overview

In the quest tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Serpent's Egg begins as Ottawa lies under siege. Parliament Hill has fallen to dark forces. A group of children, led by Miranda, searches through the maze... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0006393330
• ISBN13: 9780006393337
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Not Avail
• Length: 402 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Age Range: 4 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 7

Customer Reviews

Pretty good for a Canadian author

I hate to admit this, but like most Canadians (and even non-Canadians for that matter) I find Canadian literature a tad on dull side. We Canadian authors really need to learn how to write books the rest of the world wants to read. Ms. McCurdy has the potential to write such books. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying this story. While one would never mistake Ms McCurdy at this stage of her career for a JK Rowling, a Darren Shan or a Brian Jacques, as a new author she keeps up with the middle of the pack when it comes to international writers of children's fantasy. With this in mind, I will start with the negative and then note the positive. As the previous reviewer notes, this story contains nothing new or original in terms of children's fantasy. The ideas are for the most part rehashed from elsewhere. The one unique thing about the story is that it begins in Ottawa, and this works to get the story off the ground. Nevertheless, once the adventure story gets going, the repeated references to Ottawa grow stale. Whereas an American or a British author would say the heroine missed her "friends from back home," McCurdy feels compelled to say "from Ottawa". This seems rather forced to give the book some Canadian content. McCurdy should just drop the references and let the story take its course. Like McCurdy, I'm a fiction writer from Ottawa with a law degree, so I can identify with the heroine and her friends when she "misses Ottawa". But what about potential readers from Calgary, London, Washington, or Tucson Arizona? On another side note, I found the monsters can be somewhat cartoonish in terms of their names. In terms of the positive, McCurdy is a competent story-teller. A little heavy on the descriptive tags at certain points, but normally she keeps the book moving at a brisk pace. She also avoids the temptation, too often present in Canadian children's fiction, to sermonize. While the book is Good vs. Evil, she allows the story to unfold rather than engage in preaching. Finally, while keeping within the bounds of good taste appropriate to children's literature, McCurdy also does not shy away from physical confrontation between Good and Evil, thus avoiding another weakness within Canadian children's fiction.

The best book ever

This book is amazing I loved this book and couldn't drop the book. The characters you chose are perfect and fit the setting of the story very well. My favorite character is Naim because he is strong, has a cool ring, and knows lots of powerful majic. I don't care what stupind reviewers say about your book is horriable. I thought your book was the best.

Wonderful Fantasy Book

I thought that The Serpent's Egg was a fabulous parallel-world fantasy book. Joan FitzGerald McCurdy has a way of capturing the reader with her wondrous story of Miranda and all her friends battling the demon Hate to save the world. It was a fabulous read and I can't wait until the next one comes out. All children ages nine and up must read this book. The plot was one of the best aspects of this book for I couldn't put it down. It was a great read while waiting for the next Harry Potter book. The sequel The Burning Crown is another fabulous book and it is also a must read for children ages nine and up.

Wonderful Book! Couln't put it down!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I couldn't put it down. My favorite race are the elves. I was a wonderful mixture of real life and fantasy life. Or so I thought. There are many funny bits, most of them were in the beggining but there were still some funny bits during the whole book. It is about friendship, courage and a bad guy. You have to read it! It was so good I wish that she had made it longer for I finished it in one day in and half.

Wow! What a great book!

The Serpent's egg is a really good suspenseful fantasy book. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put the book down. It was so exciting. My favorite character is Naim. He is a powerful and brave druid. A must read for children ages 10 to 15.