Demi-Dragon

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
reviewed by Joanne

The best thing about Seraphina by Rachel Hartman is the depth of the characters she writes into being.

Seraphina is the name of a girl living in the supernatural kingdom of Goredd. It is not unlike parts of Europe in the 1600's except for the dragons that inhabit the world. In Goredd, dragons and humans have a rocky relationship that is experienced from both sides by Seraphina because she is half dragon, half human. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens when she encounters more of her kind and meets a charming prince.

I really enjoyed this read because it was creative and different from other dragon stories I've read before. One aspect of the book that I also liked was that music is a key element in the story. I think this will make it appeal to a wider audience because many people play an instrument. The only drawback of the book is that the author introduces lots of made-up terminology regarding her world but doesn't explain them in too much detail, which leaves you wondering at the meanings. Luckily, there is a sequel coming up called Shadowscale which I'm looking forward to, and maybe she'll elaborate more in the next book.