SeraphinaAuthor: Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina (#1)
Publisher: Random House
How Received: bought
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
In a surprise to no one, I liked Seraphina.
I think perhaps the reason I didn't love it as much as the rest of the blogosphere is the fact that it was entirely hyped up before I got to read it. I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be loving it a lot more on the second read around.
And yes, I will be reading it again. The world and the characters are too fascinating not too.
The world itself - the country, the court hierarchy, the type of dragons - was fascinating. I loved learning everything about all of it. Watching dragons have to deal with emotions in human form was awesome. But on the other hand, I'm dragon obsessed; any new thing with dragons is fun for me to look at.
The story and the world wouldn't have worked at all without Seraphina at its helm; I wasn't initially attached to her in any sort of way, but about 100 pages into it I fell in love. Her struggle with being half dragon and her own fears and passions were lovely to watch; her bravery, her courage, and just - all of it made for an amazing protagonist.
And the love plot had equal footing with the friendship plot, which earned major points for me.
A reread is definitely in order.
Overall Rating & Final Comments: 10/10. Beautiful writing, world, characters.
I'm not sure what I think to this being a series -- I really love where this one ended, and I like the open ended nature of it. I'm tempted to pick up the sequel when it comes out, but it's not necessary. And I kind of love that.
What did you guys think?
I just read a review of this on Dear Author yesterday. Combined with your review, I really need to give the book a chance. I think, despite my usual dislike of fantasy, I will like this book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen very many reviews for this one so I'm glad to hear that you loved it and that it's worthy of a re-read. Guess that means I'm going to have to check it out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have loved this one as much as everyone else did - I couldn't finish it and it is sitting in my get rid of pile, ha.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought this one and I'm glad to hear it's so good. I love that friendship seems to play an important point in the book. Plus there's DRAGONS!!! Now you're telling there's different types!? Really have to pick up my copy soon.
ReplyDeleteI started this one a while back but couldn't get into it. Fantasy is my favorite genre, though, and since you loved it so much, I'm going to try it again.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a really long time to get into it, too, but the payoff was worth it for me. (Same for when I watched Game of Thrones - it wasn't until I finished that I realized how much I loved it!)
Delete*such* beautiful writing. And a surprisingly good story, too. I don't know why I wasn't expecting that part but I wasn't. It rocked.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to read this now! Great review
ReplyDeleteI hate when hype overwhelms a book-that happened to me last year with Grave Mercy and I'm trying to avoid it happening again.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book so much!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it too. Like you, I fell in love with Seraphina's character—she is such a fantastic heroine. I also really loved her uncle and his hilarious attempts at human customs.
ReplyDeleteI first read Seraphina right before it came out and hype was crazy, and then I listened to the audiobook later for my second read just for fun, and I definitely enjoyed it more after after the hype had died down somewhat, and it was just me and the story. I'm sure you'll enjoy your second read (or listen if you go that route) too! Fantastic review!
I've just finished this one, and I have to echo you - I liked it a LOT, but I didn't fall head-over-heels in love. I could see its merit, and I think you have an excellent point in that it'll improve a lot on a second reading. Probably I won't be as fussed about the relationships. I didn't know there was a sequel - that'll be fun!
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