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verosnotebook 's review for:
Seraphina
by Rachel Hartman
4.5 (Re-read)
With the release of the sequel, I just had to re-visit this rich and intelligent novel.
Hartman offers us an intricate world, reminiscent of Renaissance Europe, where dragons and humans have been trying to live in peace, but as often happens between species (or even just cultures), relations are tense, and misunderstanding and bigotry abound everywhere, with factions on both sides determined to destroy the treaty.
The plot follows this strand while entwining itself with a coming-of-age story, that of 16-year-old Seraphina. And what a character she is! We witness her slow transformation from self-loathing to acceptance, from doubt to confidence. She inhabits the no man's land in between these two warring species, belonging to both and none at the same time. Through her eyes and heart, we see what it means to be human and dragon alike.
I was amazed at the author's skill in bringing together so many aspects in the creation of this fully-fleshed world, from history and religion, to philosophies and politics, without overpowering the reader. The only too recognisable signs of oppression and persecution (the bells the dragons had to wear) for instance, reminded me of our own history. She also adds a murder mystery to her narrative, driving the action forward, with an interesting investigation. Mostly however, I was fascinated by her use of music. It permeates everything, content and form, giving the text a lyrical quality.
"That's the secret to performance: conviction. The right note played tentatively still misses the mark, but play boldly and no one will question you. If one believes there is truth in art - and I do - then it's troubling how similar the skill of performing is to lying."
Music - lies - logic -mathematics - feelings. There are all connected. What does it mean to Feel - to Love? The importance is not on species but on the goals you choose and share together for a common good. I haven't read many dragon books, but Seraphina feels different, or rather better defined.
With the release of the sequel, I just had to re-visit this rich and intelligent novel.
Hartman offers us an intricate world, reminiscent of Renaissance Europe, where dragons and humans have been trying to live in peace, but as often happens between species (or even just cultures), relations are tense, and misunderstanding and bigotry abound everywhere, with factions on both sides determined to destroy the treaty.
The plot follows this strand while entwining itself with a coming-of-age story, that of 16-year-old Seraphina. And what a character she is! We witness her slow transformation from self-loathing to acceptance, from doubt to confidence. She inhabits the no man's land in between these two warring species, belonging to both and none at the same time. Through her eyes and heart, we see what it means to be human and dragon alike.
I was amazed at the author's skill in bringing together so many aspects in the creation of this fully-fleshed world, from history and religion, to philosophies and politics, without overpowering the reader. The only too recognisable signs of oppression and persecution (the bells the dragons had to wear) for instance, reminded me of our own history. She also adds a murder mystery to her narrative, driving the action forward, with an interesting investigation. Mostly however, I was fascinated by her use of music. It permeates everything, content and form, giving the text a lyrical quality.
"That's the secret to performance: conviction. The right note played tentatively still misses the mark, but play boldly and no one will question you. If one believes there is truth in art - and I do - then it's troubling how similar the skill of performing is to lying."
Music - lies - logic -mathematics - feelings. There are all connected. What does it mean to Feel - to Love? The importance is not on species but on the goals you choose and share together for a common good. I haven't read many dragon books, but Seraphina feels different, or rather better defined.