Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Published by Random House, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-375-86656-2
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
Author Biography:
Rachel Hartman lives and writes in Vancouver, BC. Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. Information retrieved from Goodreads.com.
Reader’s Annotation:
Seraphina, a teenage girl who is half-dragon, half-human has spent nearly the entirety of her life hiding in plain sight in the kingdom of Goredd. As the daughter of a human and dragon, many within the kingdom would view Seraphina as an abomination. On the eve of the celebration honoring the treaty ending the war between humans and dragons, the crown price is murdered in a fashion that largely appears draconian - and may connect in some way to Seraphina.
Plot Summary:
Seraphina, a half-human, half-dragon, is forced to live the majority of her life hiding who she truly is in public. Her father, who unwittingly married a dragon in human form, is hardly supportive either. He frequently tells her to hide the silver scales on her arm and waist and to never attract attention to herself. Like her mother, Seraphina has a tremendous musical talent, which is put on display when she performs at the funeral for the crown prince of Goredd, Rufus. The kingdoms highest officials immediately take note of her talent, and she is installed as Princess Glisselda’s music teacher.
All the while the 40th anniversary of the treaty ending the war between humans and dragons is drawing near. Despite a period of relative peace, prejudice and hatred still exists, and many humans are unwilling to allow dragons to roam freely within the kingdom - let alone accept them. The court officials are also on high alert as they seek the murderer of Prince Rufus, who appears to have been murdered by a dragon. Should this be true, the humans of Goredd would likely revolt and incite yet another war.
Seraphina becomes central to this investigation as her instructor and uncle, Orma, is somehow connected to the murder. With her great knowledge of dragonkind, which is also bolstered by her father’s knowledge as a lawyer, Seraphina joins the investation with Prince Lucian Kiggs, a highly astute investigator. Yet as the investigation continues, more of the evidence begins to connect to the people around Seraphina – and to herself and her heritage.
Critical Evaluation
While it seems like an awful lot is going on in Seraphina – and there is – the book never seems cluttered thanks to Hartman’s skill. Seraphina is a fantastic lead character; she has obvious issues with herself and her appearance, but she never comes off as whiny and seems to handle her life as best she can despite all the obstacles. Furthermore, while she does have certain abilities as a result of being half-dragon, nearly all of the challenges she faces she overcomes using her raw skill and intelligence.
Furthermore, Hartman creates a highly interesting mystery that, even though it is easily solved, is bolstered by a believable and likable cast. Seraphina might be a difficult read for teens who are not interested in fantasy, but those that are will be immediately drawn into the story and left wanting for more in the next installment.
Curriculum Ties
Challenge Issues
None
Defensive Maneuvers:
n/a
Book Talk Ideas:
Have you ever felt like people hate you just because you're you? Even though you did absolutely nothing to bother them? That's what the main character of this book, Seraphina, is going through. Only she's half-dragon.
Why This Book?
Seraphina is a fine work of fiction, and is well-written to boot. The book handles many issues teens may face, from discrimination to how they view themselves, but the book handles it in a way that seems organic. Fantasy fans will be unlikely to want to miss this novel.
Published by Random House, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-375-86656-2
Genre: Fantasy/Mystery
Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
Author Biography:
Rachel Hartman lives and writes in Vancouver, BC. Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. Information retrieved from Goodreads.com.
Reader’s Annotation:
Seraphina, a teenage girl who is half-dragon, half-human has spent nearly the entirety of her life hiding in plain sight in the kingdom of Goredd. As the daughter of a human and dragon, many within the kingdom would view Seraphina as an abomination. On the eve of the celebration honoring the treaty ending the war between humans and dragons, the crown price is murdered in a fashion that largely appears draconian - and may connect in some way to Seraphina.
Plot Summary:
Seraphina, a half-human, half-dragon, is forced to live the majority of her life hiding who she truly is in public. Her father, who unwittingly married a dragon in human form, is hardly supportive either. He frequently tells her to hide the silver scales on her arm and waist and to never attract attention to herself. Like her mother, Seraphina has a tremendous musical talent, which is put on display when she performs at the funeral for the crown prince of Goredd, Rufus. The kingdoms highest officials immediately take note of her talent, and she is installed as Princess Glisselda’s music teacher.
All the while the 40th anniversary of the treaty ending the war between humans and dragons is drawing near. Despite a period of relative peace, prejudice and hatred still exists, and many humans are unwilling to allow dragons to roam freely within the kingdom - let alone accept them. The court officials are also on high alert as they seek the murderer of Prince Rufus, who appears to have been murdered by a dragon. Should this be true, the humans of Goredd would likely revolt and incite yet another war.
Seraphina becomes central to this investigation as her instructor and uncle, Orma, is somehow connected to the murder. With her great knowledge of dragonkind, which is also bolstered by her father’s knowledge as a lawyer, Seraphina joins the investation with Prince Lucian Kiggs, a highly astute investigator. Yet as the investigation continues, more of the evidence begins to connect to the people around Seraphina – and to herself and her heritage.
Critical Evaluation
While it seems like an awful lot is going on in Seraphina – and there is – the book never seems cluttered thanks to Hartman’s skill. Seraphina is a fantastic lead character; she has obvious issues with herself and her appearance, but she never comes off as whiny and seems to handle her life as best she can despite all the obstacles. Furthermore, while she does have certain abilities as a result of being half-dragon, nearly all of the challenges she faces she overcomes using her raw skill and intelligence.
Furthermore, Hartman creates a highly interesting mystery that, even though it is easily solved, is bolstered by a believable and likable cast. Seraphina might be a difficult read for teens who are not interested in fantasy, but those that are will be immediately drawn into the story and left wanting for more in the next installment.
Curriculum Ties
- Discussion on prejudice, parenting, and body image.
Challenge Issues
None
Defensive Maneuvers:
n/a
Book Talk Ideas:
Have you ever felt like people hate you just because you're you? Even though you did absolutely nothing to bother them? That's what the main character of this book, Seraphina, is going through. Only she's half-dragon.
Why This Book?
Seraphina is a fine work of fiction, and is well-written to boot. The book handles many issues teens may face, from discrimination to how they view themselves, but the book handles it in a way that seems organic. Fantasy fans will be unlikely to want to miss this novel.