Review: Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman
Series: Seraphina
Also in this series: Seraphina
Also by this author: Seraphina
on March 10, 2015
Genres: Fantasy, YA
Pages: 608
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher

War has broken out between the humans and dragons, making Seraphina's struggle even more tremendous. Half-human, half-dragon, Seraphina has battled with keeping her identity hidden for her own safety. Now, that demand is even stronger.  The only way to put an end to the battle is to find others like her, beings known as the ityasaari, for they all share a connection that may bring an end to the ages-long battle. Seraphina embarks on an epic battle to unite a group that, once together, will use their powerful magic to bring an end to the fighting.  Unfortunately, many obstacles stand in her way, including a ityasaari with the ability to read and control minds, even Seraphina's.  With the fate of the world in her hands, Seraphina must not only embrace her new identity, but use those talents kept long-hidden in an effort to put an end to this deadly and terrifying war.

I can’t tell you how nervous I was, given the opportunity to read the follow-up to a book I cherished so greatly. Would it live up to its predecessor? Could I possibly love it as much?  I don’t know why I had any doubt, for Shadow Scale not only lived up to, but exceeded all of my expectations.  In the previous novel, the reader is an observer on Seraphina’s journey to discover and understand her identity.  In this second novel, Seraphina continues this journey of discovery, forced to not only come to terms but also celebrate her talent within.

This second volume is a truly epic story. The world Hartman creates is impressive, immediately immersing the reader in a vast world made up of creatures that surpass one’s imagination.  Additionally, the supporting characters introduced in the first book return, each developing and evolving before the readers’ eyes.

The pacing of this novel is a bit slower than the previous. Much like the journey Seraphina and her cohorts embark upon, the journey the reader takes is intense as well. This isn’t a novel that you rush through, like any other epic you must follow the highs and lows in order to get to the intense moments of action and intensity.  That’s not to say that it is full of unnecessary prose; Hartman uses the ebbs in action to flesh out and build upon the characters.

While this is a young adult novel, this is certainly a book that can be read by adults (as well as those on the high-end of the middle grade scale).  Seraphina’s struggle with her identity is something that readers of all ages will embrace and understand.  When I say this is a coming-of-age novel, I don’t want it to seem to be a cliche; the journey Seraphina embarks upon is incredibly daunting and dangerous. Teens struggling with their own identities (especially those of mixed race like my own boys) will find similarities in the struggles Seraphina faces. Speaking from my own children’s reading experience, this specific sort of identity struggle is not often embraced.  So, in addition to being a truly tremendous reading experience, this novel is unique in its ability to show the struggle of understanding and celebrating a heritage that isn’t always cut-and-dry and obvious.

Bottom line: if you haven’t had the opportunity take part in this brilliant journey, I do encourage you to do so. Start at the beginning, with Seraphina, and follow Seraphina on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Highly, highly recommended.