Quick Facts
Biography
Jeff Zentner is an author of several young adult novels including The Serpent King and In The Wild Light.His adult novel Colton Gentry’s Third Act is due to be released April 30th, 2024.
Biography
Before focusing on writing, Zentner worked as a singer-songwriter, releasing three albums as a solo artist and two with a band. Additionally, he has recorded music with Nick Cave, Debbie Harry, and Iggy Pop. In his mid-30s, he turned his creative efforts toward creative writing.
Zentner presently lives in Nashville, Tennessee and works full-time as a lawyer in addition to writing
Awards and honors
Publishers Weekly named Zentner a PW Flying Start in 2016.
The Serpent King received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness. Hudson Booksellers, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness named it one of the best teen novels of 2016. Goodbye Days received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and Shelf Awareness. The Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance included Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee on their 2019 Winter Okra Picks. The book received starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly. In the Wild Light received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. Publishers Weekly named it one of the top ten young adult novels of 2021.
| Year | Title | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Serpent King | Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Goodreads Author | Nominee | |
| Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction | Nominee | |||
| 2017 | ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults | Top 10 | ||
| Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award | Winner | |||
| William C. Morris YA Debut Award | Winner | |||
| Goodbye Days | AML Award for Best Young Adult Novel | Winner | ||
| Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction | Nominee | |||
| 2018 | ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults | Top 10 | ||
| Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults | Selection | |||
| 2020 | Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee | ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults | Selection | |
| Southern Book Prize for Children's | Finalist | |||
| 2022 | In the Wild Light | Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award | Winner | |
| ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults | Top 10 | |||
| Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults | Selection |
Publications
- The Serpent King (2016)
- Goodbye Days (2017)
- Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee (2019)
- In the Wild Light (2021)
- Colton Gentry's Third Act (2024)
- Sunrise Nights, co-authored with Brittany Cavallaro (2024)
