Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

I'm utterly content - I've managed to make some headway with my LONG to-read list!! I am steadily moving through the books I told myself to read! Here's another one to add to YOUR to-read list!


Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Rating: 4.5


“Sometimes the truth has difficulty breaching the city walls of our beliefs. A lie, dressed in the correct livery, passes through more easily.”


Rachel Hartman has created a twisting, mind-boggling world that is reminiscent of Tamora Pierce's Tortall, except with the interesting inclusion of a centuries-old mistrust between the race of humans and the race of dragons. The kingdom of Goredd is a kingdom wrapped up in the illusion of peace, the dragons doing their best to stick to their human forms and to earn the respect of the humans. And Seraphina Dombegh is no different.


From birth she has been urged to remain 'unseen' and inconspicuous, lest her true nature be revealed. Not quite human and not quite dragon, she lives an oppressed life, only finding solace in her music. Unnaturally gifted, she attracts the attention of those in higher stations and upon the mysterious murder of a member of the royal family, Seraphina finds herself in the midst of a dangerous plot to overtake the throne. But can she help whilst keeping her secrets to herself? And what will happen to her if they are revealed?


This book was full of emotion, descriptive narration that has you vividly picturing Seraphina's world - it's essence wavering before you like the notes produced by her mother's flute -, a lesson that teaches us the difference between race fighting race and those who long for peace fighting those who long for war and a brave heroine who whilst holding tightly to her her bitter secrets, manages to touch the lives of those around her through her, words, her music and her awe-inspiring presence.