Seraphina

I had heard a lot about Seraphina before I picked it up to read.  I really enjoyed the cover art with little color bust so much detail in a simple ink drawing.  I do have to say that I’m quite particular about the fantasy books I read.  They can’t be too “out there” in a way that I can’t comprehend or understand and the characters have to be interesting, with a story line filled with adventure.  This book sat on my shelf waiting to be read for probably a few weeks before I mentioned it to my co-worker who informed me that I HAD to read it.

I am so glad I did!  Seraphina by Rachel Hartman is about a young girl who carries a secret that could disrupt 40 years of peace that the kingdom has been enjoying.  Her father has forced her to stear clear of becoming close friends with anyone and it isn’t until she uses her incredible gift of music that people start to notice her.  After the prince is murdered in a dragon-like fashion, Seraphina teams up with Price Lucian Kiggs to help solve the murder before a sinsister plot threatens the peace of the kingdom, all the while trying to keep her own secret to herself. 

I really enjoyed Hartman’s writing style – she kept me in suspense with a lot of adventure, a little bit of romance, and a cast of characters that you can help but want to know more about.  Even characters that I disliked at the beginning, slowly grew on me as I learned more about them and their past.  This would make a perfect book for kids who enjoy reading fantasy and need something at a little higher level in middle school and high school.  This book has everything – adventure, romance, suspense, music, and dragons.

For more information about the author, check out her website.

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2012
Page Number: 465 pgs.