Reviewed by Beth C. on
Seraphina lives in a time of peace between dragons and humans - but it is an uneasy peace, where it is still illegal to marry a dragon or have a child with a dragon. Where dragons are treated much as blacks were in our history, and half-breeds (if they were believed to exist) would not be tolerated. And yet. In this atmosphere, Seraphina finds a place at court as a musical assistant during the 40-year anniversary of the treaty, and ends up investigating the murder of a Royal, all while trying to hide a secret that could get her killed.
Such a fascinating world to be immersed in! The characters are incredible - fleshed out and realistic, none totally good or totally evil. I could picture the place in my head as clearly as if I had seen a movie (not a bad idea, by the way!). And the dragons - the dragons were awesome. The idea that dragons could take human form, but might be afraid of the emotions that humans feel? Such an intriguing idea! The way both societies played out around that fear, as well as the uneasy peace, was clearly well thought-out and brought so much *truth* to the story. As for Seraphina herself - she is a true heroine, not just some caricature of what one should be. She makes mistakes, but she learns from them. She feels ashamed of who she is, yet learns that "Love is not a disease" - even when that means loving herself.
Honestly, I am hoping that this will not be the only book to be set within this world. It feels like there could be so much more story to tell, and I would happily immerse myself here again, and again. I don't give a lot of 5-star reviews, but Rachel Hartman has created a story that is breathtakingly original and truly alive in spirit. May we all get invited back again...
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 8 July, 2012: Finished reading
- 8 July, 2012: Reviewed