Seraphina

My initial reaction to this novel (a week or so after I finished listening to it) is to reflect on my connection with Seraphina. A girl with an amazing talent who actively seeks to hide her talent in order to not draw attention to herself because of a difference that could get her killed. I am surprised that in a world so fantastical it requires a great deal of careful sculpting and building that my first thoughts are of this character. Seraphina's struggle helps ground the world. Seraphina, at the beginning of the novel, has defined and viewed herself based off of an identity that she didn't choose but was born with. She is caught between two races with each not even wanting to acknowledge her existence. She has grown up with shame and without a true connection with anyone just because she is alive. In our world people often treated differently based on factors they were born with --- I'm sure I don't need to tell you--- the reality of these situations just really hit me on an emotional level.

The world building: the religion, languages, differences between cultures--are very well done. I thought it was beautifully written and well thought out.

I don't want to comment too much on the romance--but it is a slow build and felt natural. I--I read another review that said she could not remember was Lucian looked like...and neither can I. Their relationship is built on similarities and understanding--and not without it's issues---really refreshing.

And intrigue--can this fragile balance between the dragons and the humans be sustained? Who is plotting the downfall of the peace and why? Can Seraphina help the Prince with his investigations without giving up her secret?

If you like fantasy---I can't imagine a reason why you wouldn't enjoy this read.

I began listening to this book and I must say that I like the story very much: the mythology, the backstories, the characters, the emotions- Rachel Hartman is an excellent storyteller, hence the 4 stars. However, for me, this is not a book one just LISTENS to. I found myself having to rewind the book a couple times because I did not understand something, but I decided to give up and carry on with listening to it. I am a college student and often like listening to something while taking the bus to and from school, but this just did not do it for me.
For me, this is a book that must be read and if it is to be narrated, the narrators must do it justice and for me the narrators did not. So a word of advice- buy the book itself because it is a great investment, the audiobook is not.

The best and I have listened to a ton of audiobooks!

When Seraphina confronted her grandfather and told him that she was his grandaughter

YES!

The narrator was awesome! Perfect for this book! I am forty years old and this book had me crying in places. Truly a beautiful wonderous Fairy Tale!

Most definitely. Hartman has a complete world here. The history and culture are complete, not created as she goes along. The characters are engaging, the relationships complex and real. I like the steam punk feel. I look forward to spending time with these characters, again.

I think I liked Seraphina's relationship with her uncle, Orma, the most.

I have not, but I did enjoy this one.

Not exactly. I didn't want to rush through so that it was over too quickly. But it was hard to stop.

up there

deep and emotionally moving.

well, I certainly enjoyed the musical parts.

I'd have to say where she digs her own scales trying to get them off.

It was wonderful for me to have the main character be a gifted Psalmist!

This book is deep and mature. Exquisite writing. In fact, some of the best recent fantasy writing I've encountered. The author's voice reminds me of Gail Carson Levine.

Wisely, the author assumes you will catch on to her world and doesn't bother trying to explain everything. You just gradually catch on.

It was very interesting for me that at the beginning, the church music that made Seraphina overflow with joy she described as "masculine". I think that is what good church music is -- masculine in a way that is healing and transforming.

Having said that, I find this book to be very feminine. There were some good action sequences, but much of the book, seen through the eyes of Seraphina, deals with the type of negotiations and intense murder attempts found in Royal courts.

The romantic parts of this book were extremely well done and did not degrade into becoming overly bawdy.

The gut wrenching painful things Seraphina feels (both emotionally and physically) from not wanting to have Dragon blood in her veins were very moving. It was something we could all relate to and having parts of ourselves that we wish we could get rid of. But then, God ends up using those parts in our lives.

Overall, as a guy, this book increased my sensitivity to many female issues. I tried to figure out the worldview of the author, but I honestly say that having gotten to the end of the book, that still remains a mystery. Which is a good thing.

Intriguing enough to read twice.

This book is not as exciting as I thought it would be. Bit of a disappointment

Beautiful narration and a wonderful story. Enjoyed by our whole family, including our children. The story was first rate and I look forward Rachel Hartman's next!

I was mesmerized by this story! Hartman has created a fantastical world of humans and dragons that would do very well in a HISTORY classroom. Seriously! The trials and tribulations that groups such as Native Americans, African-Americans, and Hispanic Americans have faced - such as racism, segregation, and forced removal - blossom in this story. It was so touching yet so very relevant to what young people need to understand about what our country (US) has done to those who are "different" from the people in power. Beyond the social aspects, it was an intriguing story in itself. Highly recommended to readers of all ages.

I listen to Audible books in the car on my commute. This is one of the books I couldn't stop listening too. The story starts out a little vague and confusing but comes into focus over the first few hours.
Seraphina's character came to life so vividly that I felt the strong emotions as if they were the result of something happening in my own life. The story is excellent, and the narrator is one of the best I've listened too.
I will definitely be looking for more Rachel Hartman books.

I loved the setting and the logic of the way the author blends religion and fantasy. Its a rich and full world. Seraphina sucked me in and took me far away to a wonderful world. This book reminds me of Curse of Challion by Lois McMaster Bujold, but for teens.

This is a mature book - well worth the read for adults as well as teens.

I am going to buy copies for all the teens I know.

Sephronia's uncle - he is a very unique character. He reminds me of Spock.

The fact that the music comes alive in this book makes it far richer than just the printed words. I think everyone should listen to this, even if they have read it already in print.

I did cry and laughed as well!

I can't wait for the next book in the series!