Kiss of the Basilisk is a captivating fantasy novel by Lindsay Straube that follows the adventures of Tem and her friends in a world filled with intrigue and danger. Set against the backdrop of a post-war society, the story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for identity. As Tem uncovers the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of key figures, including Drakon and Seneca, she must navigate complex relationships and confront the remnants of a conflict that still haunts her world. This novel is perfect for fans of fantasy and young adult fiction seeking a rich narrative filled with unexpected twists and character development.

Key Points

  • Explores the post-war dynamics of a fantasy realm with unique creatures like basilisks.
  • Follows the protagonist Tem as she uncovers secrets about her friends and their pasts.
  • Delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the search for identity in a complex world.
  • Features a richly developed setting that enhances the narrative’s intrigue and conflict.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lindsay Straube
748 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
Fantasy
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Lindsay Straube
748 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
Fantasy
300
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Chapter One
“You’ll never guess what happened to me last night,” Vera whispered.
Tem sighed. She had come to the bakery to deliver eggs and had gotten
gossip instead. It was always that way with Vera.
“What happened?” she asked.
Vera leaned over the counter so only Tem could hear. “Jonathan took me
under the bridge.”
Tem’s mouth fell open. Everyone knew what happened when a boy took
you under the bridge. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” Vera smirked. “I saw his”—she glanced over her shoulder, then
back at Tem—“cock.”
Tem blushed at the word.
“You’ve never seen one?” giggled Vera, tossing her blond curls over her
shoulder in haughty satisfaction.
“No,” Tem muttered. Vera knew quite well that she had never seen one,
at least not in person. There were plenty depicted on the marble statues that
lined the steps leading up to the church, but those were nothing to write
home about. They looked like baby carrots. “What was it like?”
Vera leaned in, pursing her lips in a conspiratorial triangle. “It was firm,”
she whispered. “Like a cucumber. But warm, and it fit perfectly in my
hand.”
“You held it?”
Vera laughed.
Tem resisted the urge to hurl an egg at her.
“You don’t just hold it. You play with it. You stroke it up and down.”
Vera moved her hand to mimic the motion, and Tem memorized it instantly.
“Until he finishes.”
Vera giggled cruelly at the look on Tem’s face. “Oh, Tem,” she
whimpered, her condescending tone unbearable. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn
tomorrow night. That’s what the basilisk is for.”
Everyone knew what the basilisk was for.
“Of course,” Vera continued. “It doesn’t hurt to have an advantage. After
all, the prince is going to pick the most skillful girl. I intend to get as much
practice as possible.”
Only Tem knew the painful truth, which was that there was no one she
could practice with. The boys her age didn’t talk to her, and if they did, it
was only to inquire whether her mother’s farm had any spare roosters
available. Gabriel was her only friend, and he wasn’t interested in girls at
all. But it didn’t matter anyway. Tem had always known she wouldn’t have
a chance with the prince, regardless of what the basilisk taught her. The
prince was far more likely to choose an experienced girl like Vera to be his
wife.
It was as if Vera knew what Tem was thinking, because she said, “You
could always practice at home.”
Tem looked up. “How?”
“Touch yourself. If you know how to do that, you can better understand
how to touch someone else.”
For once, Tem felt a small surge of victory.
She had already touched herself plenty of times in the privacy of her own
room. She’d done it for as long as she could remember, and she knew
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FAQs

what is Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow about

Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow is a short story that explores themes of sexuality, societal expectations, and personal insecurities.

The narrative revolves around Tem, a girl who feels inferior to her peers, particularly Vera, who embodies confidence and sexual experience. As Tem prepares for a significant event involving the prince, she grapples with her lack of experience and the pressure to impress. The story delves into her internal struggles and the dynamics of friendship and rivalry among young women in a patriarchal society.

who are the main characters in Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow

The main characters in Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow include Tem and Vera.

  • Tem: The protagonist who feels insecure and inferior compared to her peers.
  • Vera: A confident girl who represents the societal ideals of beauty and sexual experience.
  • Jonathan: A boy who becomes a point of interest for both Tem and Vera, representing the male gaze.
  • Gabriel: Tem's only friend, who does not share her romantic interests.

what happens in the ending of Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow

The ending of Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow leaves Tem feeling a mix of hope and despair as she prepares for the upcoming event with the prince.

Despite her insecurities and the harsh words from Vera, Tem resolves to make an impression. The story concludes with her uncertainty about her chances of success, highlighting the pressure she faces and her desire to prove herself, not just to the prince but also to her mother and the community.

is Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow a series

Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow is not part of a series; it is a standalone short story.

While it contains rich themes and character development, it does not continue into further installments or sequels. The narrative focuses on Tem's experiences and challenges within a single storyline, making it a self-contained exploration of her journey.

what are the themes in Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow

Kiss of the Basilisk - Split or Swallow explores several prominent themes, including:

  • Insecurity: Tem's feelings of inadequacy in comparison to her peers.
  • Sexuality: The story addresses the complexities of sexual experiences and expectations among young women.
  • Societal Pressure: The expectations placed on girls to conform to certain ideals in order to attract the prince.
  • Friendship and Rivalry: The dynamic between Tem and Vera showcases the competitive nature of female friendships.