Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2012
List Price: $17.99
ISBN-13: 9780375866562

Review: Seraphina is a good young adult fantasy book written by Rachel Hartman. It is appropriate for ages twelve and up. The story focuses on Seraphina Dombergh, who is a very talented musician that has a secret she is desperate to keep. Although it is not clear if this book will become a series, after reading the book it is really hard to believe that the story won't be continued in a second book.

This book is about a world where humans and dragons are trying to live together in peace. Dragons can change into human form called their saarantras so they don't scare the humans. In truth though, the humans don't trust the dragons, the dragons who are very mathematical, feel that humans are weak because of their emotions, but are amazed by their music and art. Shortly after Seraphina starts her job as assistant music mistress at the palace, a member of the royal family is killed and it seems to be the work of a dragon. Seraphina, along with Prince Lucian Kiggs, the captain of the palace guards, work to figure out the truth behind the murder. Meanwhile Serephina finds herself trapped by her secret and fears that in solving the murder, the truth about her might come out. She has spent her life trying to conceal the fact that she is a half-dragon. People like her are not supposed to exist and she lives in fear of what may happen if anyone were to find out.

Although I really did enjoy this book, there were a couple of things that I didn't like. First, the beginning of the book is difficult to get through because the story moves very slowly. Due to the premise of the book, a lot of background and explanation has to be done before the actual story can get underway. I also had a hard time with some of the big vocabulary words in the story. I think it is necessary to have a dictionary nearby while reading this book.

Overall, though, I really liked this book. The premise behind it is fascinating and I thought it was very suspenseful. About halfway through the book, I found it extremely hard to put the book down. The characters are well developed and entertaining. I said before that it is hard to believe that the story won't be continued in a second book and that is because the reader really becomes attached to the characters. After I finished the book, I found myself wondering what the future held for Seraphina and I imagine most readers would feel the same way. I think a second book is almost a necessity.

Review written by Justin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Seraphina for this review.

Have you read Seraphina? How would you rate it?