The Serpent's Shadow

About “The Serpent's Shadow”

Mercedes Lackey's The Serpent's Shadow is the fourth in her series of reimagined fairy tales. Set in 1909 London, the story draws inspiration from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The protagonist, Maya, is an Eurasian woman who fled India after her parents' suspicious deaths. She establishes a life in England as a physician, caring for the poor. Her seven animal-shaped servants, who also act as her protectors, are central to the story. Maya has some magical abilities from her childhood, which she uses to defend herself. An enemy from her past has followed her to London, seeking to exploit her powers. Meanwhile, members of the White Lodge, an organization of English magicians, detect her presence but struggle to find her. They send Peter Scott, a Water Master, to locate and train her in Western magic before her enemy does.