Seraphina

(Paperback)

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Description

A gripping new fantasy adventure by an exciting debut author. The kingdom of Goredd is populated by humans and by dragons who fold themselves into a human form. Though they live alongside each other, the peace between them is uneasy. But when a member of the royal family is murdered, and the crime appears to have been committed by a dragon the peace and treaty between both worlds is seriously threatened . . . Into this comes Seraphina, a gifted musician who joins the royal court as the assistant to the court composer. She is soon drawn into the murder investigation and, as she uncovers hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace in Goredd for good, finds herself caught desperately in the middle of the tension. For Seraphina hides a secret - the secret behind her musical gift - and if she is found out, her life is in serious danger . . .

Reviews

Seraphina is a quick-paced read, and while the story does pause at times for introspection, it never stalls or grinds to a halt ... Its a tale well told, the authors writing hitting a real high whenever music is involved. Here, her prose verges on the poetic; beautiful, often haunting, descriptions abound ... In Seraphina, Rachel Hartman has created a likeable, gutsy heroine, one who isnt flawless or afraid to make mistakes. * Starburst magazine *
Hartman proves dragons are still fascinating in this impressive high fantasy ... Equal parts political thriller, murder mystery, bittersweet romance, and coming-of-age story, this is an uncommonly good fantasy centered upon an odd but lovable heroine ... Fantasy readers young and old who appreciate immersion into a rich new culture will not mind the novels slow build, especially as it takes wing and hurtles toward the stratosphere. This is an exciting new series to watch. * Booklist *
Hartman's splendid prose debut (is) head and talons above the rest * Kirkus *
This is a proper fantasy, with a feisty heroine and some truly splendid dragons...its a beautifully told story, with some gorgeously surreal imaginative flights on a level with Alice in Wonderland it has that dreamlike quality of beauty and absurdity...Seraphina is a fast-paced and skilfully wrought fantasy, a beautiful and original take on the dragon myth. * Katy Moran *
In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex and utterly original world. Seraphina's journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page * Cicely Loves Books blog *

Author Bio

Rachel Hartman is Canadian and this is her first YA novel. She is also the author of a mini-comic, Amy Unbound.