Seraphina (Seraphina #1)
Summary:
In her “New York Times” bestselling and Morris Award-winning debut, Rachel Hartman introduces mathematical dragons in an alternative-medieval world to fantasy and science-fiction readers of all ages. “Eragon”-author Christopher Paolini calls them, "Some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."
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. (Summary and book cover courtesy of goodreads.com)
Review:
I loved everything about this universe and plot line. The dragons are unique and interesting, the characters are intriguing and Seraphina’s internal landscape (you’ll see what I mean) was very interesting and different. I think my favorite part are the dragons and their way of thinking. They’re extremely logical and remind me of SOMETHING, but I just can’t put my finger on it. I’m sure it’ll come to me at some point…
My main disappointment is that I just didn’t feel like I got to know Seraphina that well. For goodness sake, I felt like I knew her uncle, as a dragon, better than her as the main character. I don’t know if this was intentional or not, but I didn’t feel like I could relate to her. I can see some of her odd mannerisms and tendencies were due to her *condition*, but it doesn’t make up not knowing much about her. Her relationship with Lucian also seemed a bit forced, but perhaps this will get better in the next book. Certainly still worth a read!
Rating: 4 stars!
Who should read it? Young Adult fans of fantasy and a new take on dragons.
Want to read the whole series?
Seraphina: The Audition (Seraphina #0.5)
Shadow Scale (Seraphina #2)