Brooke Reviews

YA Book Blog

  • Bloglovin
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog Series
  • Writing
  • Review Archive
  • Review Policy
  • Contact

Brooke Reviews: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

August 6, 2015 by brooke 2 Comments

Brooke Reviews: Seraphina by Rachel HartmanSeraphina by Rachel Hartman
Published by Random House Children's Books on July 10th 2012
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 480
four-stars
In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer. The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being. When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life.

This review is going to be quite a pleasure to write – Seraphina is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. And then, of course, to persuade you to read the book. 😉

First of all, I’d like to admire the beautiful prose of Rachel Hartman. She’s a wordsmith. My reading experience was enjoyable largely thanks to Hartman’s lyrical writing style. And maybe the lyrical style is due in part to Seraphina’s musical talent and the impact of music upon the story? Anyhow, the book flows seamlessly – one scene into the next. I couldn’t put it down because it was so fluid.

Seraphina is a very distinctive narrator and I loved her unique voice. She’s very literal and dry but also hilarious. She’s very relatable, and I know that’s a cliche thing to say, but I think it’s true. She’s struggling because she doesn’t fit in, and this is something many readers will understand and also sympathize with. But Seraphina isn’t whiny or self-pitying, and that’s what I loved best about her. She does what needs doing and nothing will stand in her way.

Enter Princess Glisselda and Prince Lucian Kiggs, who have also found places in my heart. At first glance, Selda seems to be the spoiled, stereotypical princess. I’ll give you a hint: she’s not. And Kiggs is absolutely endearing and adorable. The sparks between Seraphina and Kiggs gave my stomach butterflies. Also, Orma, who shares a special bond with Seraphina. I couldn’t be happier with the development of that bond.

Hartman has created an incredibly intricate story world. It practically leaps off the page. The history and the relationship between the humans and the dragons is rife with tension. The humans fear the dragons, and the dragons condescend to the humans. The dragons look down on the humans for succumbing to their emotions. So there’s the underlying theme of love – something the dragons adamantly avoid but are seeking to understand.

And as far as plot goes, it’s intriguing. There’s a murder and a mystery. Seraphina and Kiggs are detectives hot on the trail. So there’s the whole whodunnit? element, but also a good bit of politics. And it wasn’t predictable.

I’m super excited to get my hands on book 2. I’m totally invested in Seraphina’s story and her story world. Read it, read it, read it! Dragons, mystery, romance, humor, what more do I need to say?!

 

HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Hi! I'm Brooke, and I'm an author. I love writing; I always have, and I love anything that has to do with words and poems and reading. I also like to sing, act, swim, and laugh (a lot.) Read More…

Comments

  1. Andrea Joy says

    August 7, 2015 at 8:06 am

    First of all, great blog! And second, nice review! I love dragons (who doesn’t) and your review has convinced me to immediately read it. 😀 Cheers to you!

    Reply
    • brooke says

      August 7, 2015 at 11:25 am

      Thanks so much, Andrea!! Ah, I’m so glad you’re excited to read it – be sure to let me know what you think 🙂 Cheers to you, too!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

I'm Brooke Harrison - I'm a 20-yr-old writer and voracious reader. Welcome to my YA book blog!
Read More…

Follow Via Email

Follow Via Bloglovin

Favorite Posts

  • Recommended Read: Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
  • Week 6 – Snippet – Multimedia
  • Introducing my sister, former book-hater
  • Lessons learned from the Tallahassee Writer's Conference

Categories

  • Author Interviews
  • Blog Posts
  • Book Reviews
  • My Poetry
  • Videos

Archives

April 2023
M T W T F S S
« May    
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930

Copyright © 2023 · Delightful theme by Restored 316 · Built on the Genesis Framework

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.