Seraphina, a debut novel by Rachel Hartman, is a richly detailed and imaginative work of high fantasy that blends elements of mystery, adventure, and romance. The story is set in the kingdom of Goredd, a land that has been at peace with its neighbors for forty years, following a brutal war with the dragons. The protagonist of the novel is Seraphina Dombegh, a gifted musician who has been hiding a dangerous secret. She is part dragon, a fact that she must keep hidden, as the dragons are feared and loathed by the people of Goredd. When a member of the royal family is murdered and all signs point to a dragon as the culprit, Seraphina finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of intrigue and deception. As she struggles to uncover the truth behind the murder, Seraphina must also navigate the treacherous waters of the royal court, where alliances are shifting and secrets are currency. Along the way, she forms a tentative friendship with Prince Lucian Kiggs, the head of the royal guard, who is also searching for answers. Hartman's world-building is exceptional, with a fully realized society that is both familiar and foreign. The dragons are not simply fire-breathing monsters, but intelligent beings with their own culture and history. The humans, too, are complex and well-drawn, with their own prejudices and beliefs. Seraphina is a coming-of-age story, as the protagonist learns to accept herself and her unique abilities. It is also a meditation on the nature of prejudice and the power of empathy. The novel explores the idea that fear and misunderstanding can create divisions between people, and that only by bridging those divides can true peace be achieved. The writing is elegant and precise, with a lyrical quality that is well-suited to the story's musical themes. The pacing is even, with a good balance between action and introspection. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with distinct voices and personalities. Overall, Seraphina is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of high fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age stories. It is a rich and immersive world that readers will be eager to return to, and a protagonist who is both relatable and inspiring.
Katherine Addison
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A thrilling and romantic fantasy novel about Yelena, a young woman who is offered a chance at freedom when she is chosen to be the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. But when she discovers a magic she never knew she had, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous political plot that could cost her everything. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a strong and capable female protagonist, a richly detailed fantasy world, and a complex and thrilling plot that explores the boundaries between love and loyalty.
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A thrilling and romantic fantasy novel about Celaena, a young assassin who is offered a chance at freedom when she is chosen to compete in a brutal competition to become the King's Champion. But when she discovers a magic she never knew she had, she becomes embroiled in a dangerous political plot that could cost her everything. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a strong and capable female protagonist, a richly detailed fantasy world, and a complex and thrilling plot that explores the boundaries between love and loyalty.
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A charming and magical fantasy novel about Ceony, a young woman who is apprenticed to a paper magician after graduating from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined. When a dangerous practitioner of black magic threatens her life, she must use her wits and her magic to survive. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a unique and fully realized fantasy world, a nuanced and sympathetic protagonist, and a thoughtful exploration of themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance.
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