Seraphina



//Seraphina// by Rachel Hartman

//These are reviews from when it was nominated for 2013 list://

This is one of the best recent dragon story - unusual twist as well. Very imaginative world. Many students loved this book. It should definitely be on the list. Marilyn Dent Pinkerton

This book is superbly written, and I found it fascinating. But it's definitely not the type of book that you might find yourself staying up all night for. It's very intricate and quite a mature fantasy (mature in its language, not content). I'm not generally a huge fan of most high fantasy, particularly the 'magical creature' genre, and I probably would have passed it by if it weren't a nominee on every list for teens. I think teens who don't flock to this type of fantasy would also pass it by, which is too bad because it may have converted me, a non-dragon fan. The relationship between the human world and dragon world is so well-built and interesting. Seraphina is a completely engaging and sympathetic character... I can't think of a single moment where she wasn't likeable (but she's not at all cloying)! I found it utterly (but again, not cloyingly) romantic, but balanced with a big dose of intrigue. If I had to recommend it purely on how often I think it would fly off the shelves, it wouldn't top my list. But Tamora Pierce fans, Wynne-Jones fans, Tolkien and Paolini fans, they will love it (and others could be surprised like me!). I'd recommend it to be on the final list. - Liz G, Merrimack

Different. And I read a lot of fantasy and a lot of YA and a fair number of dragon stories. I wasn't ready to leave the world. So it's good it's a series, I suppose. There's also a prequel short story (0.5) that Kate Butler informs me is included in the newer editions. You can also read it off of Goodreads. The language did give me a problem, and I usually don't mind picking up strange fantasy and science fiction words. The problem is that a lot of the words are real words that I just didn't know! If I'd known there was a glossary at the back, I might've done better. I did a lot of guessing. :) - Julie Andrews - Nashua PL - 2013

This is such a nice change from all things dystopian! It's full of fantasy, intrigue, romance and unexpected complications. The interesting twist on relationships between dragons and humans is really refreshing. I think it's a wonderful book and I highly recommend it for the Flume list. Heidi Grant, Nashua High School North, 2/11/13

Well-drawn characters, good story, believable romance. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton. 4/13

I really like this book, but it's on the Teen Top Ten list this year so it could be redundant to have it on our list next year? - Kelly Budd, Keene High School

January 28, 2014 -- I enjoyed this fantasy tale about dragons who shift into humans and their politics with humans, all told through the eyes of the music mistress. Very imaginative world, great characters, plot twists and of course, a love interest make this a fun read. My only complaint is that there were a few times when I things got a little too bogged down and dragged until it got back on track. However, out of all the magical and mystical stories we've been reading so far, this one is at the top of my scores, truly remarkable. I absolutely adored Seraphina and I think her character is identifiable with the many human emotions that we may or may not reveal. In Seraphina's case, while being on display in the royal court, she is left with no option but to reveal such truths. -Natalie from the Rodgers Memorial Library in Hudson. I think this book would appeal primarily to girls, grades 9-12.