Overview

The Serpent Dance is a contemporary novel set in Scotland, centred on a group of friends whose shared history refuses to stay in the past. When an old story resurfaces, something that once felt playful begins to take on real weight. As the characters are pulled back into decisions they thought they had outgrown, the novel explores how friendship can both steady us and quietly hold us back.

Writing & Atmosphere

The writing is sharp and observant, with a light touch that makes even tense moments feel grounded. Dialogue does much of the work, revealing strain through jokes, silences, and half truths. The Scottish setting adds mood rather than spectacle, with familiar streets and borrowed spaces giving the story a close, slightly claustrophobic feel.

Characters

This is very much a character driven book. The central group feels real in the way long friendships do, shaped by old roles that no longer quite fit. The narrator is self aware and honest, often questioning her own choices as much as those of the people around her. Each supporting character brings their own pressures and desires, keeping the relationships unsettled and alive.

Themes

Identity and change sit at the heart of the novel. It looks at how stories we tell about ourselves can become traps, and how difficult it can be to step out of patterns that once felt safe. The idea of the serpent works as a metaphor for repetition, avoidance, and the courage it takes to break free from both.

What Worked

• Clear, confident voice: wry without being detached.
• Believable friendships: tensions feel earned and recognisable.
• Strong sense of place: the setting quietly shapes every interaction.

Minor Quibbles

• The slow build may not suit readers looking for high drama early on.
• The resolution is tidy, where some might prefer a looser ending.

Final Thoughts

The Serpent Dance is a thoughtful and engaging novel about friendship, growth, and the moment when staying the same becomes harder than changing.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)