Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed this! A solid YA fantasy worth the time of people interested in: compelling female protagonists (check), dragons (CHECK), and compelling secondary characters. Hartman presents a well developed world and I look forward to reading book 2.
Wow! You know how a locomotive pulling a long line of full cars will start slowly because there's a lot of weight to pull, but once it gets moving there's no way that you can stop or even slow it quickly? That's how this novel seemed to me. It took a little while for the plot to get moving, but once it did it was a mighty force, fearsome to behold.
The main character's voice, on the other hand, was incredible right from the start. I could listen to her talk all day. She is one of the bravest characters in fiction, yet she really doesn't realize that she is brave. She is also an excellent role model for anyone who feels different.
There be dragons here, with all their alien nature. They walk among the people, and sometimes cannot be distinguished from the humans. They can represent different cultures, races, religions, neurotypicality... anything that has been used to draw a line between us and them. Some of the characters consider them monsters, beasts, evil; while others are much more accepting. Understanding how they think, though, is an issue that everyone has to deal with. The core of this story, to me, is about accepting other people as real people.
Okay, I want the next book now. This was such a great world to visit; I'd like to go back there very very soon.
This is the book I have recommended to more people than any other I have read this year.
The main character's voice, on the other hand, was incredible right from the start. I could listen to her talk all day. She is one of the bravest characters in fiction, yet she really doesn't realize that she is brave. She is also an excellent role model for anyone who feels different.
There be dragons here, with all their alien nature. They walk among the people, and sometimes cannot be distinguished from the humans. They can represent different cultures, races, religions, neurotypicality... anything that has been used to draw a line between us and them. Some of the characters consider them monsters, beasts, evil; while others are much more accepting. Understanding how they think, though, is an issue that everyone has to deal with. The core of this story, to me, is about accepting other people as real people.
Okay, I want the next book now. This was such a great world to visit; I'd like to go back there very very soon.
This is the book I have recommended to more people than any other I have read this year.
A great tale with a brave narrator. There are a couple of places where the author is a bit tone deaf (no pun intended) to some of the emotional nuances, and sometimes the intrigue seemed a bit silly to me. Nevertheless, the heart of the story is worth any missteps. Seraphina has a deep, dark secret which she believes will make her monstrous in the eyes of the world and, worse, in the eyes of the people she loves. The best fantasy has a kernel of reality and depth to it, and Hartman has it in Serpahina's secret. I think Hartman's story is very relevant to a lot of kids and teens that carry painful real-world secrets around with them. Additionally, I found Hartman's world a well thought out and exciting one. I look forward to the next installment.
I enjoyed this but GOD it was slow. Everything about it was great except that sluggishness. It felt like it took forever to get to the end, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that that kind of puts me off of even starting the second one.
New take on the dragon fantasy. Well-realized world, great characters.
My first 5 star of 2013! This was a great listen! The world building was fantastic...and all the characters...and the romance. LOVED this one and didn't want it to end. Definitely recommend.
This is one of those happy cases where I went in after reading plenty of 5-star reviews from friends and people I follow...and it actually living up to exactly what I heard about it. A smart young adult novel that doesn't put on the kiddie gloves and deals with politics, culture, religion, philosophy and music in intelligent ways? That has rich vocabulary that very well catch adults here and there? A new and interesting take on dragons that makes them exciting again?
On top of that, a heroine that I loved to read. Seraphina's a tough young woman, who is willing to take charge and defend herself and her friends. Who is dealing with some fairly crippling secrets but isn't afraid to go out and live her own life. Naturally there's internal struggle, but it's all handled wonderfully and at no point does she feel unjustifiably mopey about her life. It's always nice to see such a distinct character that's believable and easy to relate to.
All of the characters, for that matter, are really well-drawn, and it was really easy to get sucked into the complicated, intrigue-ridden story. Definitely a treat for fans of high fantasy. Looking forward to the next book!
On top of that, a heroine that I loved to read. Seraphina's a tough young woman, who is willing to take charge and defend herself and her friends. Who is dealing with some fairly crippling secrets but isn't afraid to go out and live her own life. Naturally there's internal struggle, but it's all handled wonderfully and at no point does she feel unjustifiably mopey about her life. It's always nice to see such a distinct character that's believable and easy to relate to.
All of the characters, for that matter, are really well-drawn, and it was really easy to get sucked into the complicated, intrigue-ridden story. Definitely a treat for fans of high fantasy. Looking forward to the next book!
"me duermo en vivo" dije durante cada capitulo de la primera mitad de este libro y para cuando empezó la acción me di cuenta que ya ni me importaba lo que estaba pasando, upsi.
pero es que si al principio no tenia ni idea quienes eran los personajes o las edades o nombres o nacionalidades y encima iba todo tan lento que ni se movia de lugar. una lastima la verdad.
pero es que si al principio no tenia ni idea quienes eran los personajes o las edades o nombres o nacionalidades y encima iba todo tan lento que ni se movia de lugar. una lastima la verdad.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I boldly give this book 5 stars because I do really love it. I loved the pace. I loved the emotions it evoked. I loved how it made you reevaluate certain things in your life and surroundings. I loved the characters. And I loved how real everything was despite being a fantasy novel.