A brilliant and charming story about dragons, music, and true love. Hartman's world was fascinating, and her characters delightful. Even the ones I thought I would hate, like the silly teenage princess or Seraphina's stern father turned out to be utterly endearing in their own ways. Such a great book, I wish I'd written it!

I want to start this review by saying that I am very picky about reading dragon books. I love dragons and while you would think that would mean I would be a voracious dragon book reader, I’m the opposite. I’m always afraid I’m going to be disappointed, so I tend to avoid them. I took a chance on this book, and I am so glad I did! This story was amazing! The dragons were multi-layered and full of character. The human characters were just as well-written. Without going into too much detail, this book is a breath of fresh air in the dragon fantasy realm. Read it! I would also recommend it for middle school age students and up.

I did read this book back when it was published and enjoyed it. However, as it has been a handful of years since I read this, I do not plan to reread it or review it as it does not fit my current interests. Thank you.

I am cleaninc my Netgalley shelf and I noticed I haven't reviewed this yet.

I remember the hype when this became available on Netgalley for review and so I was ecstatic to have been approved. However, this was a DNF. It couldn't hold my attention 30% in.

This was a most excellent fantasy novel! Rachel Hartman is a master of language and music, a creator of memorable characters and fantastical dragons. Seraphina is a bright and shining star on the sky of fantasy!
Hartman is a writer whose name I'm recommending along with other fantasy authors like Patrick Rothfuss and Laini Taylor!

I loved Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. Mathematical dragons in a medieval world? What could go wrong? Even after 40 years of peace dragons and humans are still leery of each other. Since the dragons are able to take on a human form things get complicated.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

“Sometimes the truth has difficulty breaching the city walls of our beliefs. A lie, dressed in the correct livery, passes through more easily.”


Rachel Hartman has created a twisting, mind-boggling world that is reminiscent of Tamora Pierce's Tortall, except with the interesting inclusion of a centuries-old mistrust between the race of humans and the race of dragons. The kingdom of Goredd is a kingdom wrapped up in the illusion of peace, the dragons doing their best to stick to their human forms and to earn the respect of the humans. And Seraphina Dombegh is no different.


From birth she has been urged to remain 'unseen' and inconspicuous, lest her true nature be revealed. Not quite human and not quite dragon, she lives an oppressed life, only finding solace in her music. Unnaturally gifted, she attracts the attention of those in higher stations and upon the mysterious murder of a member of the royal family, Seraphina finds herself in the midst of a dangerous plot to overtake the throne. But can she help whilst keeping her secrets to herself? And what will happen to her if they are revealed?


This book was full of emotion, descriptive narration that has you vividly picturing Seraphina's world - it's essence wavering before you like the notes produced by her mother's flute -, a lesson that teaches us the difference between race fighting race and those who long for peace fighting those who long for war and a brave heroine who whilst holding tightly to her her bitter secrets, manages to touch the lives of those around her through her, words, her music and her awe-inspiring presence.

[Disclaimer: I was sent an e-copy of this book by NetGalley for review purposes.]

Again, this is another NetGalley book that I never got around to reviewing, because I couldn't figure out how it worked at first. Now that I've read it, I'm wondering why I didn't try harder the first time around. This book is so much FUN. You know, aside from the fact that Seraphina (Phina) is half-dragon and miserable in her own skin. The reader is treated to an interesting, grounded world full of characters that show true progression. Phina grows as a person as we see her encounter different challenges, and how she handles herself in dangerous situations is often quite remarkable. She is level-headed but careless. Her ability to charge right in without thinking, and come out alive, is actually kind of funny considering the circumstances.

I also really loved Grisselda by the end. She goes from a ninny-headed teenager to regal and intelligent. But she still needs her loved ones around her to keep her on the right path. I hated her the first time I met her. By the time I got to the end, I wanted to be her friend. She is a bit of a ninny still, but she's much sharper than she let on at the beginning.

In fact, there are really only a couple of characters I didn't like, and I think that was by design. I hated most of the people Phina disliked, and loved the ones she cared about. It's always a good thing when an author can get you to care about the characters.

Lastly, it's not your typical romance. It's not really a romance at all, until about 70% of the way through. And I liked that about the book, because then I could focus on story, character development, setting, and action! This book has all four. I'm sure some fantasy lovers will find faults (and there were some), but I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

I couldn't finish this book. I tried multiple times with no luck.

Since being sent this book, my interests have changed therefore I won't be reading or reviewing this title. Thank you.