Coldin

Coldin is a fictional substance that appears in the novel "The Serpent's Shadow" by Maria V. Snyder. It is described as a highly addictive and dangerous drug that causes its users to experience hallucinations and eventually leads to death. The drug is produced by the Kagen, a shadowy organization that profits from its sale.

In the novel, Coldin plays a significant role in the plot. The protagonist, Avra, becomes addicted to Coldin after being exposed to it during a raid on a Kagen laboratory. She struggles to overcome her addiction while also trying to uncover the Kagen's secrets and bring them to justice. The drug's effects on Avra are depicted as severe, causing her to lose touch with reality and become increasingly desperate. The novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction and the lengths to which people will go to feed their cravings. Coldin serves as a potent symbol of corruption and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Its presence drives much of the conflict and character development within the story. The Kagen use it as a tool of control, manipulating those who become dependent on it.