As Seraphina grows, she discovers that she has extraordinary talents, especially in music.įinally, her father allows her to be tutored by her mother’s brother, Orma. Her father, an attorney specializing in the human treaty with the dragons, is always very protective. Seraphina Dombegh remembers her birth, precisely, and her mother’s death, at the same time.Īs Seraphina grows up, she learns very little of her mother, who becomes more of a story than a person. I read an Advanced Reading Copy for this review.Seraphina is a remarkable new addition to dragon fantasy for young adults. I was not told what to say, I was not paid to write this review and all the opinions expressed are my own. I received this book for review from the publisher, Random House, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It was an enjoyable read and the index in the back had my Google-loving self smiling with glee.Ĭontent Rating: Mild, for a few kissing scenes, no swearing, and some violence. By far the most interesting and creative aspect of the whole book was the character Seraphina herself. Overall, it kept the spirit and style of traditional fantasy with just enough slight twists to keep it fresh. There was a focus on propriety, lots of personal and political intrigue, a respectful mixing of the classes not to mention lots of balls and dancing. The story reminded me in an odd way of Jane Austen. The writing was beautiful and the pace was relaxed but still kept my interest. I’ve always wondered how people from the middle ages would clash with modern people and it was very interesting to read. The dragons felt like modern people sent back to the middle ages with their emphasis on science, reason, and invention. It became about the struggle between emotions and reason. But further along in the story the author developed it into something more. The conflict was a typical one about the mistrust and prejudice between two races. There’s an entire mythology of Saints to this world, none of which are very saint-like and it made me laugh. Seraphina starts of with a traditional medieval fantasy setting, including the rich backdrop of medieval music which I loved.

An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered-in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd.

Seraphina book review