Seraphina

Seraphina *****
by Rachel Hartman
Book Type: Fantasy
Summary: 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 dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs, the captain of the Queen's Guard. While they begin to uncover a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect the secret behind her musical gift--a secret so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
summary found on goodreads
My Review: This is the most unique dragon book I have ever read. The main character in this story has a secret... Possibly the biggest secret, something that could mean life or death. At least that's what she's been lead to believe her entire life. She's also been convinced that she is the only one of her kind. A half-dragon. Not human. Not dragon. She doesn't fit in. She doesn't belong. She is an outcast everywhere she goes. No one can truly understand her. No one can love her... Right? Because she's too different? This book deals with insecurity, a fear of what's different, a fear of BEING different. It is much more than just an exciting dragon tale. Although, there is that too. I LOVED Seraphina, she is this incredibly strong, brave, talented, determined young woman. She is so amazing that she stands out and shines even when she tries to hide. There is intrigue and danger lurking around every corner. I will admit that this story takes a couple chapters to get exciting but the first several chapters are full of vital character development for our main character. We also receive a glimpse of several of the characters that affect Seraphina's development and a half dragon. This story is absolutely phenomenal. It is written fantastically well, the character development is deep and engrossing. I absolutely LOVED all of the grotesques in her garden. I thought Lucian Kiggs was a perfect opposite of Seraphina, an inquisitive, intelligent, perceptive young prince with an embarrassing past. And the Princess is absolutely adorable. This story is full of lively, entertaining characters. And the story is just wonderful. It is fantastically intriguing. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's awesome.