Seraphina (Seraphina 1) by Rachel Hartman
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. (Goodreads)
Seraphina is half-dragon, a thing that is supposed to be a myth. She’s able to recall her birth, remembers her time as a baby and has her late mother’s memories. She has always loved music but her father doesn’t let her play it. After Seraphina finally convinces her father into letting her get lessons, Phina soon starts to get attention for her skill.
Seraphina is drawn into court politics after Prince Rufus is found dead supposedly by dragon attack. While working with Prince Lucian Kiggs to resolve the murder, she finds that secrets are getting harder to keep.
What a great start for the year! I loved this book and I’m happy I chose this for the first book of the year.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book where dragons play such a big role so can’t compare to anything but I loved the idea. It was interesting to see how dragons could have view humans.
I loved Seraphina and Kiggs and I so hope they end up together! And yey for no-insta-love! Even after realizing she loves Kiggs, she could use her brain and think rationally.
Oh why writing reviews for books you love is so much harder? So I’ll just say I loved the book and I’m surely reading the next one too!
4.5/5
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (2012)
Edition: Hardback
Pages: 451
Source: library
blodeuedd
Ohhh I wanna read it too :D
blodeuedd recently posted..Review: A Memory of Light – Robert Jordan
Elysium
I really recommend it :)
Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic
I’ve read few books with dragons but I find that I enjoy them. This is the first that I’ve seen that where the dragons and humans really interact. I love the sound of this one.
Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic recently posted..Review: Tricked (Audiobook)
Elysium
I loved how dragons had problems understanding humans and their emotions. That they didn’t pose as humans like nothing at all.
Mari - Escape In A Book
Yaaay, I loved Seraphina too :D It was one of my favorite reads of 2012 and I didn’t even write a review. I just couldn’t find the right words you know :)
Mari – Escape In A Book recently posted..Winners are grinners – Memorable Monday