Serpentus Saragossii

By: John Isaac Jones

Narrated by: Tom Zainea

Length: 41 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the story of a dying little boy fighting to escape a very special hell!

©2017 John I. Jones (P)2018 John I. Jones

Don't bite the hand that feed you . . .

Although I have really enjoyed this author's work, I found this particular story to be rather dark. While most of his other works contain an uplifting moral teaching, or at the very least a deeply thought provoking reflection, this story is steeped in revenge. Granted there is an understandable reason for the vengeful act of the child, it still really lacks a moral, aside from the "don't bite the hand that feeds you" adage.

Aside from the content of the story not being to my liking, I have to say that the writing was finely tuned and, as one can expect from a John Isaac Jones work, the narration was excellent. The voice, tone, cadence, and inflection supplied by Tom Zainea was nothing short of superb for the character and setting.

I'd recommend this listen as being a one of quality storytelling and narration, but with the caveat of a rather dark plot to it, That being said, it is not a gruesome or horrifying listen, just a bit different than what I've come to expect from this author. A review copy of this audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in return for this unbiased review. If you found this review helpful, please take a moment to click yes below.

Snake's Revenge

Nice simple revenge story. Nothing ground breaking and easy to to know what is coming up next but it is still a good story. From the get go it is a sad story and revenge can only give us the listener so much satisfaction.

Narrator's voice was perfect for this story. Really enjoyed it.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Ambivalent feelings

I think the story of his sadistic aunt is supposed to be the horror. To me though, his condition is a horror before we even meet the aunt. The ending brings catharsis but I can't tell if it also feels like a hollow victory.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Fabulous Short

Based on the synopsis of this book, I had no idea what to expect. I had listened to ‘Pauline’ by the author and enjoyed it, so I was interested in this audio. I am in awe of writers who are able to write a good short story and John Isaac Jones is able to do it.

Initially, I had written a review that was several paragraphs long, but I am going to change it up so I don’t give too much away.

I adored the young boy who is dying because he’s just not willing to go quietly. Other reviewers have pointed out this is about revenge, so I have no problem with saying it was well done.

I know nothing about reptiles and other creatures, so this was an opportunity to learn more, including what the Serpentus saragossii is capable of. Pretty impressive, if true.

Tom Zainea was a good choice of narrator for the book. The southern accent was perfect and his voice reminded me of radio men of old. He also had the right voice for a young boy and an amazingly irritating voice for the antagonist.

This was a great quick read.

I loved it!

I really enjoyed this! I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't the kind of short story I was thinking it might be... but by the end I was smiling and thinking "this is kind of satisfying" in a morbid sort of way. The narration was very good too. I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Where's the morality in this one?

This author usually has a moral at the center of his stories. Possibly in this case it could be 'you reap what you sow' but I find the child's actions a bit disturbing.

The story is interesting and I liked the information on reptiles which are generally misunderstood and undervalued.

Great writing, the story was vivid and attention grabbing.

The narration is well done, good character voices and the delivery helped enhance the story.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

If you found this review helpful would you please take a moment to click yes below.

Ha! I love it!

Any additional comments?

A short but very entertaining story. I like a little revenge. Made me laugh.


I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Well written short story

John Isaac Jones has become one of my favorite authors; I always enjoy listening to his stories. While this one is not my favorite, it is, like all the others, a good story that is very well written and the narration is great! I received a review copy at my request and voluntarily reviewed.

Don’t mess with the lonely kid who has nothing to lose.

This one was a little darker than some of his other stories. Still enjoyable. Sometimes I have a hard time telling if this guy’s stories are true or not. They are all truer than we might be comfortable admitting. Make sure you catch his story titled, Blood on the Salad.

The narrator brought his A Game to this story and executed it perfectly!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Ah, sweet justice!

Story:
This is a fun story of a likable boy that unlikable things happen to. Lets face it, this little guys life bites! But his ability to turn things around in the end make for a satisfying upbeat ending.

Narration:
This narrator is good. His voice and accent adds to the story and it's setting.

Conclusion:
Get it, listen to it, enjoy!

I was given this book for free in exchange for this honest and unbiased review.