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Seraphina is a musically talented girl who lives in a world
where humans and dragons co-exist. For years, they have lived at peace under a
treaty that makes requirements of both sides—one being that dragons remain in
their “human” form. Despite the treaty, there is some mistrust from both
parties, and when a nobleman is murder (which appears to be by a dragon) there
are twists and turns about who done it and who can be trusted.
Seraphina herself is what her community would call an
abomination. She is half human, half dragon. Only her father and uncle know
this truth about her. Her dragon mother died giving birth. Seraphina has dragon
scales on her arm and around her waist. She keeps this covered with layers of
clothing. Seraphina has vivid visions that cause her to faint. Her (dragon) uncle
and teacher shows her how to enter her subconscious to control these visions.
Seraphina creates a garden in her mind where several “grotesques” live. She
visits and maintains the garden regularly to insure they are all happy. For
when one is unhappy, she faints into a vision. Seraphina later realizes that
her “grotesques” are real people as she meets three of them. There connection—they
too are half human, half dragon!
Dragons are naturally intellectual and knowledgeable in
mathematics. When they take their human form, they experience human emotion.
Guilt, fear, joy, and most dangerous of all—love.
The contrast between human emotion and dragon reason is well
written. Author Rachel Hartman tests her reader’s vocabulary throughout the
book. Seraphina’s subconscious world is eerily mesmerizing. And, like in any great
book, there is a love story that develops at the perfect pace. Even for someone
who is not into “dragons”, this book is well written with amazing characters.
Although this does not do the book justice, here's a book trailer of Seraphina.
The book is on the long side and would probably not be best
is a classroom. I personally have not read much fantasy and was unsure about
the book at first. I really enjoyed it! I switched between reading and
listening to the book on CD. I think being read to is something we think of
when it comes to younger children, but I liked listening to the story and was
able to keep “reading” even while driving!
2 comments:
Hey Sarah!
I enjoyed reading your summary plot. I am not into fantasy but this book seems very interesting. And the trailer you provided was great!
I do have to agree with you that this book wouldn't be great for the classroom. But it would be a great book for teachers to recommend to students who are into fantasy and want to read a new book!
I remember in elementary school my teacher would have us listen to audio tapes of books which I remember enjoying. And it can be great thing to do now when you don't have a lot of free time, like you mention you can listen while driving or walking to class or on the train.
Thanks for a great review!
Thanks for your comments Vanessa.
I also used the books on tape when we read Make Lemonade and it's very enjoyable.
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