tztm197dosjy1gi8n7jyj0dfo9arBook synopsis: “With full captions explaining the history, behaviour, and feeding habits of more than 150 snake species, Snakes is a fascinating examination of these reptilian killers in vivid photographs. Few animals strike as much fear as snakes, which kill either through their poisonous venom or through suffocation. Numbering more than 3,000 species, snakes can be found in virtually every environment other than Antarctica, from the jungles of the Amazon to the Gobi Desert and Australian Outback. Some snakes even inhabit the rivers and seas. Arranged by continent, Snakes offers an engaging pictorial introduction to these prehistoric predators. Find out about the black mamba, which is feared because it possesses an extremely potent venom that kills most of its victims–animal and human; see the banded krait, whose venom is a neurotoxin that induces instant paralysis; learn about the reticulated python, the world’s longest constrictor, regularly reaching over 20 feet; and marvel at the tiny Barbados threadsnake, which typically grows to a length of 4 inches and has been compared to a spaghetti noodle!“

My Review

The cover of this book caught my eye when I was having a look at NetGalley recently. As it’s published by Amber Books how could I resist, especially when I knew it would be filled with stunning photography and interesting facts about these mysterious creatures. 

The book is divided into 8 chapters including an introduction, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, South America and of course the important Picture Credits. 

I know not everyone likes snakes, in fact my Mum really doesn’t, probably because her older brother teased her as a child with earth worms, putting her off liking anything that slithers for life.  Fortunately I haven’t inherited that phobia, so I loved this book and was amazed at the gorgeous colours of these creatures. I don’t why I was so surprised that there are so many different coloured snakes, as I’ve seen them in zoos and on TV, but I’d never seen pale blue or orange snakes before!

I know from experience that they are not cold or slimy creatures, but sometimes they do look like they should be. What I didn’t realise is that there are almost 4,000 different species on every continent, apart from Antarctica, and about 600 of those are venomous, but only 200 of them are able to kill or seriously harm humans.

I’ve never really thought that snakes could swim, but they can, particularly the Viperine Water Snake found in southwestern Europe and Northern African.

Some snakes look a bit peculiar, especially the Nose-Horned Viper from southern Europe, the Saharan Horned Viper, Many-Horned Adder of Africa, the Eyelash bush Viper from Tanzania and the Malagasy Leaf-nosed snake from Madagascar.

I could keep going on and on, but you really do need to see the book to discover all the weird and wonderful snakes for yourself.

Highly recommended!

Thanks so much to Amber Books and NetGalley for my digital copy.

Book 8 of 20 Books of Summer