If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I love dragons. And feisty heroines. And maths. And unicorns that impale people, but that’s beside the point. Seraphina is an awesome combination of all those things - except for the homicidal Unicorn.
In the kingdom of Goredd, there has been peace between humans and dragons for nearly forty years, grudging or otherwise, with dragons being able to transform themselves into human forms, or saarantras, but with the anniversary of the peace treaty drawing closer, tensions are high. The musically gifted Seraphina Dombegh, joins the royal court at the time of a murder, and is drawn into the investigation. But when a plot to destroy the peace is uncovered, Seraphina must struggle to thwart the plan, all the while trying to keep her own secret hidden, that, if exposed, risks imprisonment, disgust, and possibly even death.
I was introduced to Seraphina with the following words: “It’s about mathematical dragons.” And despite the fact that I love both of those things, it didn’t sound that amazing. Seraphina? I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Actually, the maths isn’t as big of a plot element as I thought it would be.
Seraphina is well written, witty and funny, and frankly, I want to be Seraphina’s friend (the person, not the book.) Even though I love a heroine who can beat her enemies in any form of combat, it’s really cool to have a character who defeats anyone who stands in her way with her intellect, and strategy alone. I think the story moves a little slowly, but the time that it takes is not wasted; it serves to build up the imagery and sense of place even more.
Rachel Hartman, I’m counting on you to write a sequel.
Feisty chick-o-meter:10/10
Age Rating: 13+
Rating: 9/10
Book or audiobook: Book
Stand alone or series: Stand alone... For now (I hope)
Last word: Stand
Length: 482 pages
No comments:
Post a Comment