Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Publication Date: July 10th 2012 
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 451
Series: Seraphina #1

Source: Purchased

Rating:
 ★★★★★

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.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page

This book is freaking AMAZING. It's about dragons guys, Need I say more???

Anyway I had my eyes on Seraphina since the cover was revealed back in 2011. And the reason I didn't read it any sooner was because I was hoping that I could binge read this series since they said that the sequel would come out this year. But sadly, the sequel is pushed back and I just couldn't wait any longer so I decided to read it now. Besides I just have to wait 3 more months for the sequel so it's not that bad.

Here's why I think this book is brilliant. First of all, the world building is fantastic. Rachel Hartman knows how to set up world because let me tell you I could completely visualize everything: the town, the buildings, the landscape etc etc. It's like I was there. I could feel the air, see the culture, the clothes. And the best part is that it's pretty well pacing. At first I thought with this much details the pacing would be slow but no because I hardly noticed it. I kept turning the pages and lost myself in it.

Second, the characters are well developed. Seraphina is a strong character. If you like strong/badass female characters you will love Seraphina. She isn't perfect, she has her own weakness. Her life isn't easy (have to live with the secret and can't completely be honest with anyone because it will put her life in danger) but she tries her best in whatever the universe throws at her. She stands strong no matter what. And the prince, oh my, he completely won me over. His relationship with Seraphina is genuine. There's a love interest there but not much. He's just so honorable and he doesn't push Seraphina in any way. And the dragons, they are so well described that for few seconds I thought they were real and not just some mythological creatures.

Third, the plot is captivating because I couldn't predict at all. And thank goodness that Seraphina didn't end with cliff hanger. It ended well I must say but still I can't wait for the sequel. I hope the relationship between Seraphina and the prince will develop more by then =)

Highly recommend!!!!!