Book Review | Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman

Series: Seraphina #1

Genres: Fantasy

Publication/Year: Random House Books for Young Readers • 2012

Page Numbers: 368

Format: eBook

Synopsis from Goodreads: 
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.
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?