Book Review | Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman

Series: Seraphina #1

Age: Young Adult

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons

Publication Date: July 10th 201

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers 

Source: Ebook

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Synopsis: 
In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer.

The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being.

When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life.

My Rating: 

My Thoughts

I must say this book has grasped me in a very interesting way. The first 10 chapters bored me a bit because it was heavily doused with background information. However, I am grateful that Rachel Hartman took the time to include it because it made for a great ending and perfect beginning to Shadow Scale.


Seraphina is a brave young lady. Growing up distant from the world emotionally because her mother was a dragon and her father not knowing that her mother was, she became a halfling in a sense. I loved that she didn't take pity on herself. She tried to avoid danger, but at the same time she went towards it. She was beautiful for all the knowledge she shared while trying to conceal her truth. I loved her maternal memories, her vision and her power to call on the others like her. She is an extremely well written character.

Orma, the dragon and uncle was magnificent. I enjoyed him from start to finish. His standoffish and blunt ways kept me going. I loved at the end when he succumbed to the love he had for Seraphina -- absolutely touching.

Prince Lucian was amazing. I loved the romance between him and Seraphina. It's the cutest thing ever. The fact that he tried to fight his love because of his possible marriage to his cousin was even crazy.

The whole idea of the treaty was great, but these towns people and the rebellious dragons are just ridiculous in how they want to go about proving that the other is useless. If they would just deal with each and live in harmony they could move forward with their own lives.

Overall, this was a great story. Started off slow and then picked up with some action and romance.

I am interested in seeing if Seraphina finds the others like her, if she or the others can transform and if she and the Prince will get together.

Have you read this book?