Discover books similar to "Seraphina"

Seraphina cover

Rachel Hartman

Seraphina

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.

List of books similar to "Seraphina":

The Goblin Emperor cover

Katherine Addison

The Goblin Emperor

A charming and intricate fantasy novel about Maia, a half-goblin prince who becomes emperor after his father and brothers are killed in a suspicious accident. As Maia navigates the treacherous waters of the imperial court, he must learn to trust himself and his own instincts in order 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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The Hero and the Crown cover

Robin McKinley

The Hero and the Crown

A classic fantasy novel about Aerin, a young princess who must prove herself to her father and the kingdom by slaying a dragon and claiming the legendary hero's crown. Along the way, she discovers her own inner strength and the true meaning of heroism. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a strong and resourceful female protagonist, a richly detailed fantasy world, and a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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The Darkest Part of the Forest cover

Holly Black

The Darkest Part of the Forest

A captivating and dark fantasy novel about Hazel and her brother Ben, who live in a town where humans and fae coexist. When a horned boy is discovered in the forest, Hazel and Ben must confront the secrets of their town and the dangerous faeries that lurk within. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a rich and atmospheric fantasy world, complex and compelling characters, and a gripping plot that explores the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

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Graceling cover

Kristin Cashore

Graceling

A thrilling and romantic fantasy novel about Katsa, a Graceling with the ability to kill, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous political plot when she is sent to rescue a prince from the hands of a ruthless king. Along the way, she discovers her own inner strength and the true meaning of love. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a strong and capable female protagonist, a richly detailed fantasy world, and a complex and thrilling plot.

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone cover

Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

A beautiful and imaginative fantasy novel about Karou, a young art student who leads a double life as an errand-runner for a monster named Brimstone. When she discovers the truth about her past and the war between the monsters and the angels, she must choose where her loyalties lie. Like 'Seraphina', this book features a richly detailed fantasy world, a unique and compelling protagonist, and a complex and thrilling plot that explores the boundaries between good and evil.

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The Winner's Curse cover

Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse

A thrilling and romantic fantasy novel about Kestrel, the daughter of a powerful general, who buys a slave named Arin at auction. As they grow closer, they become embroiled in a dangerous political plot that could tear their world apart. 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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Shadow and Bone cover

Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone

A thrilling and romantic fantasy novel about Alina, a young orphan who discovers she has the power to summon light in the dark and treacherous Grishaverse. When she is taken to the royal court to be trained as a Grisha, she must navigate the dangerous politics of the court and the even more dangerous world beyond its walls. 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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Poison Study cover

Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study

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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Throne of Glass cover

Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass

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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The Paper Magician cover

Charlie N. Holmberg

The Paper Magician

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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