Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina
Also in this series: Shadow Scale
Also by this author: Shadow Scale
Published by Ember on December 23, 2014
Genres: Middle Grade
Pages: 528
Format: Paperback
Source: the publisher

Sixteen-year-old Seraphina, a talented musician, is the newest member of the royal court in the kingdom of Goredd. In this world, humans and dragons co-exist, though the tension between them still simmers below the surface.  A forty-year treaty binds them to certain actions. In the presence of humans, dragons must take their human shape. Most importantly of all, however, is the ban on a mixing of the species.

Seraphina's mother died in childbirth; her father sheltering her from knowing the truth about her identity. Only recently understanding the truth herself, Seraphina finds herself isolated from those around her, unique in her abilities.

Her father urges her to keep out of the spotlight, but when the prince is murdered and Seraphina plays at the funeral service, suddenly she is in the spotlight. She struggles daily to hide her identity from those around her; revealing the truth would put her life at risk.  Yet as the animosity between humans and dragons intensify, Seraphina finds herself caught between the two sides.  Revealing the truth would most certainly lead to her death, but hiding it could prevent a war like none other.

I read and adored Seraphina when it was released in hardcover, so when I was approached to review it on this blog, I couldn’t say no. Hartman has created a world like none other.  While it is technically a Young Adult title, the underlying themes of race relations and racism are obvious and apparent, making this title a must-read for both teens and adults alike.

Additionally, the character of Seraphina is a truly tremendous and awe-inspiring one.  Faced with the knowledge that she is the product of a relationship that is not only banned, but punished at the cost of life, terrifies her. On a daily basis, she must hide the scales on her body that would reveal the secret her father has kept for the last sixteen years.  It’s not difficult to see the ties between the racial tension we still face in our world.

The world Hartman creates is intensely beautiful and mesmerizing, her writing bringing to existence a truly magical and poetic. This is a title that you will want to savor slowly, allowing yourself to become a captive to it’s sheer brilliance. The highly-anticipated sequel, Shadow Scale, is due out in just a few weeks. If you haven’t had the opportunity to become part of the world of Seraphina, now is your chance. Highly, highly recommended.