Title: Seraphina (Seraphina, #1)
Author: Rachel Hartman
Narrator: Mandy Williams and Justine Eyre
Published by: Listening Library
Length: 13hrs; 15mins
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars
Summary from Goodreads: Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
Seraphina was an unexpected delight.
I didn't honestly think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. A while ago Seraphina seemed to be popping up on my blogger feed all the time so when I was at the library last and saw the audio, I thought I would give it a try. I should realize by now that when I don't think I'm going to like I book, I usually end up loving it.
Dragons; that was my fear with this book. Besides Pete's Dragon and the little they showed up in the Harry Potter series, my exposure to these creatures was limited and not very appealing. Rachel Hartman gave dragons an interesting twist by having them be able to take a human form. I don't yet know if I'm a fan of them or not, but I do love how they tried to assimilate and understand human emotions. It was quite funny listening to how uncomfortable they were when they started to care about someone.
The story itself, was exciting and adventurous. It was action, mystery and a little bit of romance all wrapped up in an adorable story. The characters were beautifully built and quite complex. I enjoyed spending time with them and can not wait to see where this story goes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of Seraphina. Mandy Williams and Justine Eyre did a wonderful job and kept me engaged throughout the entire story. I think listening to the audio version is a great thing in this case because some of the words and terms were phonetically difficult for me, so instead of trying to figure out how to say something (even in my head...does anyone else do this or am I just crazy?) I didn't have to worry about that as it was done for me.
The moral of my story is...if you think you may not enjoy a book, pick it up anyways and you may be surprised.
I have this one from the library on audio - its so long though, I've always put off starting it. I have read so many great reviews, yours included. I wish I could carve out some time for this one. I think dragons are awesome.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. I think the audio would have been helpful with some of the words and terms too. I'm also not sure what to think of dragons at this point. Hartman made them seem a little gross at times. I'm anxious to read book 2 and see what I think then.
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