Welcome, Traveler. You are on the Serpent Quest.
To move from start to middle,
Traveler, solve the riddle.
What is poison to the heart?
Find the answer. Make your start.
Fleeing a neighborhood bully, Emmet and Nomi are pulled into an ancient quest, and now they must escape far more powerful enemies. Join them as they unlock secret riddles and follow the path of the Serpent Slayer.
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is a time travel adventure with a twist middle school students will discover theological themes as they travel through God's Word. By placing the characters into Bible events, Champ Thornton and Andrew Naselli show the Bible is far from being a boring book full of instructions. Readers will discover life-changing truths they'll never forget.
"My friends Champ Thornton and Andy Naselli have written a delightful tale that transports readers from the present into another place and time and back again. The way they craft the story reminds me in some ways of Pilgrim's Progress and in others of The Chronicles of Narnia. If you enjoy those classics by Bunyan and Lewis, you and your children will like The Serpent Slayer. Parents of middle-grade kids will enjoy reading this to them and explaining how the adventure presents the storyline of the Bible (there's a guide in the back to help with this). But beware: the kids may find the story so captivating they won't be able to wait for family reading time but will finish it on their own."
Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Praying the Bible, and Family Worship
"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles will hook your kids from the very first page and take them on a mysterious present-day adventure as they travel through the Bible to discover the gospel message hidden from ages past but revealed to those who believe. This book has everything kids love dragons, heroes, suspense, mystery, riddles, and clues, with twists and turns. I can't wait for my grandchildren to read it."
Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of Dragon Seed, The Ology, Long Story Short, and other books and resources for church and home
"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is attention grabbing fiction and so much more! This suspenseful story exposes Satan's malicious plans and reveals our Savior Jesus Christ's victorious plan! Get your kids ready to grasp biblical truth for their heart and life!"
Barbara Reaoch, Author of A Jesus Easter; former director of the children's division of Bible Study Fellowship International
"As a mom and a pastor's wife, I'm always looking for good stories that teach deep truths to put in the hands of my own kids and the kids in our church. The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is just that kind of book. With its engaging, time-travel plot peppered with intriguing riddles, The Serpent Slayer will draw kids in to learn more about the narratives of Scripture and, ultimately, to consider their own place in the Bible's big story of redemption. Parents will appreciate the story's theological substance, careful treatment of biblical texts, and Christ-focused framework. But perhaps the highest commendation I can offer is to report that my own son couldn't put the book down, finishing it in a single afternoon. He, for one, will be waiting eagerly for the sequel."
Megan Hill, Managing Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Church; a pastor's wife and mother of four
"The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles is the story inside a story. Thornton and Naselli weave a creative narrative around the story of redemption. Readers of all ages will turn the pages quickly to see how the riddle unfolds for Emmet and Nomi. This is a book that can get kids thinking about how the popular scenes of Scripture (e.g., the garden, the exodus) fit together as one grand narrative of God's determination to rescue his people from the serpent and the dragons that oppose them. Highly recommended!"
Todd R. Chipman, Dean of Graduate Studies and Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"As a boy, I devoured adventure books Willy Wonka, Narnia, Bobbsey Twins mysteries, The Hardy Boys . . . you name it. If you know a kid like me, he'll love The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles. Many resources today aim at teaching redemptive history to children, but few approach the task of highlighting a biblical theme as creatively as this sibling adventure. I'm already excited about the next chapter."
Jared Kennedy, Editor at The Gospel Coalition; author of The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission
"In The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles, Champ Thornton takes readers on an action-packed journey that spans the entire biblical narrative. As our heroes, Nomi and Emmett, fall headfirst into the pages of Scripture, we get to tumble in after them and see ancient biblical moments come to life in whole new ways. As they're plunged into the action, we find ourselves being drawn in closer too. Filled with fun ideas and memorable moments, this book will not only help young readers see the big story of the Bible with new color and clarity; it will offer them a fresh opportunity to discover that King Jesus, the true hero of this story, is the hero of their story too."
Chris Morphew, Chaplain at PLC Sydney; author of Best News Ever and the Big Questions series
"I could wax eloquent about the engaging prose and riveting plot of The Serpent Slayer, but maybe it's better just to quote my ten-year-old son: 'It's awesome!' It is indeed. Thornton and Naselli have written a page-turner that will engage young readers' imaginations and capture their hearts. Most importantly, it will immerse them in the redemptive story of Scripture and point them to the One who rescues them from evil. I highly recommend it!"
Drew Dyck, Editor; author of Your Future Self Will Thank You
I liked it - it is written for a much younger audience though, I think it'd be great for 12 and under. I'd like to read his other book meant for adults.
I liked it - it is written for a much younger audience though, I think it'd be great for 12 and under. I'd like to read his other book meant for adults.
Aimed at younger kids, I loved this as something of a devotional.
Aimed at younger kids, I loved this as something of a devotional.
This was a sweet, magical adventure through some well-known Bible stories, bringing them to life for kids in a way that I think they would find engaging and appealing. I appreciated that you could try to solve the riddles alongside Nomi and Emmet; however, I do think that some of the language, especially in the rhyming riddle, might be confusing and unfamiliar for kids, making it harder to fill in the blanks. Nomi and Emmet are fleeing from a bully when Emmet, in anger, throws a rock and breaks a window. While hiding, they stumble upon a package addressed to them with a mysterious dice-like object inside. Recognizing it from the sign of a local bookshop, they go to meet Mr. Mag, who explains what the object it and the legend behind it. From there, the siblings go on a magical adventure through the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve and visiting a few other popular characters before making their way back home. What they learn along the way is a kid-friendly presentation of the gospel that inspires them (and Emmet especially) to go back to the "scene of the crime" and apologize for his actions. This book had nice short chapters, perfect for kids, and some illustrations throughout to help you picture the adventures Nomi and Emmet were on. It seems like it was meant to be a series, but I can't find any information regarding more books, so maybe that didn't end up happening – but if it does, I'd be interested to see what happens next.
This was a sweet, magical adventure through some well-known Bible stories, bringing them to life for kids in a way that I think they would find engaging and appealing. I appreciated that you could try to solve the riddles alongside Nomi and Emmet; however, I do think that some of the language, especially in the rhyming riddle, might be confusing and unfamiliar for kids, making it harder to fill in the blanks. Nomi and Emmet are fleeing from a bully when Emmet, in anger, throws a rock and breaks a window. While hiding, they stumble upon a package addressed to them with a mysterious dice-like object inside. Recognizing it from the sign of a local bookshop, they go to meet Mr. Mag, who explains what the object it and the legend behind it. From there, the siblings go on a magical adventure through the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve and visiting a few other popular characters before making their way back home. What they learn along the way is a kid-friendly presentation of the gospel that inspires them (and Emmet especially) to go back to the "scene of the crime" and apologize for his actions. This book had nice short chapters, perfect for kids, and some illustrations throughout to help you picture the adventures Nomi and Emmet were on. It seems like it was meant to be a series, but I can't find any information regarding more books, so maybe that didn't end up happening – but if it does, I'd be interested to see what happens next.
Two children find a mysterious Roman artifact with the power to transport the wielder to the distant past using tome travel. Wait… I thought it was supposed to be “time travel?” Nope, it’s tome! You see, the ancient device, when combined with the appropriate ancient scroll, sends the user into the scroll’s story. But what if the scroll happens to be the Bible? For siblings Emmet and Nomi, it’s back to the Garden of Eden they go. Only it’s not the Eden they expect. With the Man shut out of the garden along with the Woman, the children find the happy first couple not so happy. Turns out there’s more to Adam and Eve’s story—quite literally—as the scroll reveals a series of riddles known as “The Serpent Quest” for the children to solve. The first riddle? What is poison to the heart? Find the answer. Make your start. Adam and Eve have the answer. They know it all too well. Poison entered their hearts when they believed the serpent’s lie that God isn’t good. As the children solve more riddles, the artifact transports them to new eras in the Bible. Emmet and Nomi will tremble in awe before the parting of the Red Sea and feel inspired as young David takes down Goliath, a.k.a. “Seed of the Serpent.” Every location will have its own clues that the siblings must find in order to complete “The Serpent Quest” on the scroll. All the while, the children encounter different opposing forces to the scroll, known as the “Children of the Dragon.” But don’t worry! The riddles point to a “Serpent Slayer” who is coming to defeat the dragon once and for all. Things don’t look promising, however, when the scroll jumps to the time of Jesus right before his crucifixion. All the clues point to Jesus as the “Serpent Slayer.” But how can Jesus defeat the dragon if he’s dead? The riddle of the cross may just be the greatest riddle of all. Author Champ Thornton, who is also a pastor, has done a fantastic job of presenting the message of salvation to younger kids and preteens with his fast-paced, time-travel adventure. In a stroke of masterful storytelling, Thornton partners with the Gospel to bring power to each page. Young hearts will burn with fresh, revelation-light as they witness the Good News through the eyes of Emmit and Nomi. Co-author Andrew David Naselli, an intellectual as well as a theologian, transforms the biblical serpent into an effective middle-grade literary device. From Genesis to Revelation, Naselli underscores the forces against Emmit and Nomi with a dragon motif. The snake in the Garden of Eden reappears as the cobra on Pharaoh’s crown and the scales of Goliath’s dragon-like armor. The serpent of old manifests itself again as the brood of vipers that Jesus says are the Pharisees. The final expression, as the siblings learn, is the dragon of Revelation. The devil fears these connected dots, and Naselli and Thornton offer it to kids here in full. By the turn of the last page, heels will have a heavier thump on the head of the enemy. But more importantly, kids will have grown closer to the One who defeated the dragon once and for all. “The Serpent Slayer” by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli earns our highest recommendation.
Two children find a mysterious Roman artifact with the power to transport the wielder to the distant past using tome travel. Wait… I thought it was supposed to be “time travel?” Nope, it’s tome! You see, the ancient device, when combined with the appropriate ancient scroll, sends the user into the scroll’s story. But what if the scroll happens to be the Bible? For siblings Emmet and Nomi, it’s back to the Garden of Eden they go. Only it’s not the Eden they expect. With the Man shut out of the garden along with the Woman, the children find the happy first couple not so happy. Turns out there’s more to Adam and Eve’s story—quite literally—as the scroll reveals a series of riddles known as “The Serpent Quest” for the children to solve. The first riddle? What is poison to the heart? Find the answer. Make your start. Adam and Eve have the answer. They know it all too well. Poison entered their hearts when they believed the serpent’s lie that God isn’t good. As the children solve more riddles, the artifact transports them to new eras in the Bible. Emmet and Nomi will tremble in awe before the parting of the Red Sea and feel inspired as young David takes down Goliath, a.k.a. “Seed of the Serpent.” Every location will have its own clues that the siblings must find in order to complete “The Serpent Quest” on the scroll. All the while, the children encounter different opposing forces to the scroll, known as the “Children of the Dragon.” But don’t worry! The riddles point to a “Serpent Slayer” who is coming to defeat the dragon once and for all. Things don’t look promising, however, when the scroll jumps to the time of Jesus right before his crucifixion. All the clues point to Jesus as the “Serpent Slayer.” But how can Jesus defeat the dragon if he’s dead? The riddle of the cross may just be the greatest riddle of all. Author Champ Thornton, who is also a pastor, has done a fantastic job of presenting the message of salvation to younger kids and preteens with his fast-paced, time-travel adventure. In a stroke of masterful storytelling, Thornton partners with the Gospel to bring power to each page. Young hearts will burn with fresh, revelation-light as they witness the Good News through the eyes of Emmit and Nomi. Co-author Andrew David Naselli, an intellectual as well as a theologian, transforms the biblical serpent into an effective middle-grade literary device. From Genesis to Revelation, Naselli underscores the forces against Emmit and Nomi with a dragon motif. The snake in the Garden of Eden reappears as the cobra on Pharaoh’s crown and the scales of Goliath’s dragon-like armor. The serpent of old manifests itself again as the brood of vipers that Jesus says are the Pharisees. The final expression, as the siblings learn, is the dragon of Revelation. The devil fears these connected dots, and Naselli and Thornton offer it to kids here in full. By the turn of the last page, heels will have a heavier thump on the head of the enemy. But more importantly, kids will have grown closer to the One who defeated the dragon once and for all. “The Serpent Slayer” by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli earns our highest recommendation.
The kids loved this book.
The kids loved this book.