Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina #1
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Imprint: Random House BFYR
Publication date: July 10th, 2012
ISBN: 9780375866562
(Book read from an e-copy acquired through NetGalley from the
publisher, in exchange for an honest review.)
My rating: 4 of 5
Summary:
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 her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.
My Thoughts on the Book:
Ok, so I started reading Seraphina, and I really had trouble getting into it. But, I've heard (read) so many great things about it, and I liked the concept, so although I did put it aside for a while, I returned to it, and didn't gave up. So, I still think the beginning was lacking & a little confusing, it probably could've been done better, but after around 150 pages, it gets better, and I started to love this book.
After the confusing beginning about Seraphina's garden (it really wasn't done well), I actually really liked that part & loved those characters, they were fun & sweet. So that was great. I also really liked Seraphina as a character. I didn't at first, but slowly she got under my skin, and she was really good heroine. I actually quite loved Omra as a character from the beginning, and that one came as a surprise. Lucian was sweet & likable, the romance was ok, the princess I liked, but I thought she was a little silly, but still fun & likable, although after I read the prequel The Audition, I actually like her quite more.
The whole idea about the dragons was quite interesting & imaginative, I loved it. And this book was fun & witty & has both action & mystery, and overall I really enjoyed it.
I have to admit that while reading this book, I was a little reminded of Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches. The story wasn't similar at all, but the tone of the book reminded me of it, and that one was also a book I had trouble getting into it, but slowly got under my skin ;)
So, although not perfect, Seraphina is quite a good & imaginative fantasy romance, and if you're a fan of this genre, give it a go. Will I read this book again? Maybe. Will I read the sequel? Probably!
gr8 review. i hope2 read it soon
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