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The Serpent's Secret
by DasGupta, Sayantani
Kiranmala is just a regular girl living in New Jersey until her parents vanish and a pair of interdimensional princes crash her kitchen. Suddenly, she discovers her life is actually a fairy tale, and she is the target of a bloodthirsty serpent king. The pace here is relentless, zipping between our mundane reality and a vibrant, dangerous Kingdom Beyond filled with demons and monsters. Kiranmala is a fantastic lead because she is genuinely funny and sarcastic, even when she is terrified of her own destiny. The magic system feels fresh, grounded in Bengali folklore but written with a modern, chaotic energy that keeps you turning pages. If you like stories where the protagonist is sarcastic, the stakes are high, and the world-building feels like a neon-lit myth, you will have a blast with this one.
10 Books similar to 'The Serpent's Secret'
Since you enjoyed the chaotic energy and mythological heart of this story, we have curated a list of adventures that lean into similar tropes. Whether it is the fish-out-of-water discovery found in Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers, or the way books like Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky blend cultural heritage with high-stakes, reality-bending quests, these picks capture that same specific alchemy. These stories all feature sharp-witted leads who are forced to navigate hidden magical worlds while reconciling their modern identities.
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Like Kiranmala, Aru Shah is a relatable, witty protagonist who discovers her connection to a rich mythological heritage. Fans of DasGupta's humor and fast-paced mythological action will find this series equally charming and immersive.
by Kwame Mbalia
This story blends African American folklore with modern-day adventure, mirroring the way DasGupta weaves Bengali mythology into a contemporary setting. It balances high-stakes fantasy with deep emotional resonance and character growth.
by Rick Riordan
As the gold standard for modern mythology-based middle-grade fantasy, this book shares the same irreverent humor and 'fish out of water' narrative structure found in The Serpent's Secret. Readers who enjoyed Kiranmala's journey will appreciate Percy's discovery of his own hidden identity.
by Yoon Ha Lee
This space opera blends Korean mythology with science fiction, offering a unique 'hidden world' experience similar to the dimensional hopping in DasGupta's work. It features a strong, determined protagonist who must navigate complex magical and political landscapes.
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This book captures the same chaotic, funny, and deeply imaginative energy found in The Serpent's Secret. Both books excel at integrating cultural identity with wild, reality-bending adventures that keep readers hooked.
While slightly more atmospheric and lyrical than DasGupta's work, this book shares a deep reverence for folklore and the power of storytelling. Readers who loved the magical world-building in The Serpent's Secret will be enchanted by this beautifully crafted tale.
by B.B. Alston
This book features a protagonist thrown into a secret, magical society, much like Kiranmala's transition into the Kingdom Beyond. It perfectly balances the wonder of discovering new powers with the tension of a high-stakes mystery.
Drawing on Mesopotamian mythology, this adventure shares the same 'mythology-meets-modern-city' vibe as The Serpent's Secret. It features a reluctant hero thrust into a dangerous conflict, blending humor with serious stakes.
by Grace Lin
This novel is a classic example of weaving Chinese folklore into a cohesive, magical adventure. Fans of DasGupta's focus on cultural identity and mythological retelling will find this story deeply satisfying and heartwarming.
Incorporating Latin American folklore, this book follows a protagonist who must confront mythical creatures in her own backyard. It mirrors the 'real world meets fantasy' dynamic and the strong, sassy voice that makes Kiranmala such a compelling character.
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