Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Review and Giveaway: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Series: Seraphina #1
512 p.
Publisher: Random House Kids
Published: 7/10/12
Source: From publisher for review
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 thoughts:

I have wanted to read this book since it first debuted. When I heard it had music and dragons I was only surprised that I let my large tbr prevent me from reading the book. Still, I waited since I knew it was only the first book and I can devour them one after another when the others come out. I didn't realize that it was a duology. I guess that means I can really catch up! :)

I loved the premise of this book. The worldbuilding was so interesting and different. A few questions still abound but then these are questions that all of our characters still have even after finishing the book. The world hadn't even considered the possibility of interbreeding so my question of how and why will have to wait with the rest of the characters.

Seraphina is a likable character but a bit taciturn and bland in her personality. It makes sense in the book since she holds secrets which could get her and her family killed. This did not put me off of the character and it also allowed the worldbuilding to shine even more. When she started questioning her right to be who she is and was tired of hating who she was the character really took off for me. Her personality started to blossom. I love a book with a lot of personal growth in it.

I give this book 4 stars. It is a great book for those that are a bit reluctant to get into the fantasy genre. I think you will find a engaging story with lots of growth and adventure.


Giveaway!
The publisher, Random House Kids, has allowed me to give away one book! It is open to those in the US and Canada. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck! Oh and those wanting the second book, Shadow Scale, don't forget to come back next Wed for a review and giveaway of that book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

26 comments:

  1. Ahhh dragons are awesome no matter which genre they're in. Yay for a fab read :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. So glad you enjoyed this one Melissa! I'm reading Shadow Scale now and it's a bit slow going (mostly because the book is enormous), but I do so love this world. And YES to personal growth!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I enjoyed this one but it didn't live up to the hype for me. I struggled to stay engaged and connect with the story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can see how the hype hurt it. I hope you can try it again with better success.

      Delete
  4. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Melissa. It's one of my favorite fantasy novels and though the sequel didn't quite live up to this one for me, it's still a solid duology. Great review, dear! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually liked the second one much better. :) I agree, it is a solid duology.

      Delete
  5. Another book added to my ever growing to-read list. >.< Somedays I feel like my list has a mind of it's own. One day I will have to put other interest (my life) a side and read everything no that list!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oooooo! I can't wait to read these books! I look forward to them. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have read such great things about this series :) thanks for the great spotlight!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful review Melissa, I am still on the fence but glad there was growth. I will be curious to see your thoughts on the next one

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with you dragons are always so intriguing! I also didn't realize that it was a duology... quite rare these days. thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete
  10. The stand out world building sounds so well done.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yay! Glad you enjoyed this! I loved the world, it is so different from other dragon fantasies I've read. I agree, it's a great book for people who are just getting into fantasy. Lovely review!

    ReplyDelete
  12. looking forward to reading this book someday!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yay! So glad you enjoyed this one, Melissa. Even though the pacing was slow, I got sucked in and couldn't put it down. I'm trying to get my students to pick it up but they don't seem to like the cover. Oh well, I'll keep trying. Looking forward to reading book 2.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Say something fabulous, well I am fabulous, and seriously this book Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, sounds interesting with dragons than can change to human shapes, wonder what the secret she holds is

    ReplyDelete
  15. Brilliant review Melissa! A lot of people have been talking about this one on the blogosphere lately and i'm debating whether or not it's right for me. I'm glad you had a fun time and that you enjoyed the characters and their personal growth.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great to know about the character. I won't be quick to ditch the book. I already have a copy of this one, just haven't gotten to it yet. I am very fascinated by dragons. I will need to move it up on my list after reading your review. Great review!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've always been a reluctant fantasy reader, but I find myself reading them more and more lately. And this s one that has me curious. Glad you liked it, Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  18. always wonderful to know there is character growth in the book, I should really pick this series up...if I can ever find time again heh

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am happy you enjoyed this one, as it is on my TBR as well. Someday ...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love dragons and looking forward to reading this one!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!