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Seraphina
(Seraphina #1)
by
Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.
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 ...more
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 ...more
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Hardcover, 467 pages
Published
July 10th 2012
by Random House Books for Young Readers
(first published July 1st 2012)
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Anita
No, nothing like that. If this book were a movie, I would probably rate it PG.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Seraphina (Seraphina, #1)
What does it take to inspire someone to read a book?
Is it enough to give a heartfelt plea to the book's worthiness?
Maybe a meme? Or jazzhands? Will jazzhands convince you?
I know, a meme about jazzhands! Admit it! This is pretty damn irresistible!
Okay, well, if you're one of those strange people who would choose a convincing, well-informed review over a meme of a tiny turtle doing jazzhands then...
Are you sure I can't convince you with jazzhands? Maybe throw in a shuffle for you?
Seraphina is half ...more
Is it enough to give a heartfelt plea to the book's worthiness?
Maybe a meme? Or jazzhands? Will jazzhands convince you?
I know, a meme about jazzhands! Admit it! This is pretty damn irresistible!
Okay, well, if you're one of those strange people who would choose a convincing, well-informed review over a meme of a tiny turtle doing jazzhands then...
Are you sure I can't convince you with jazzhands? Maybe throw in a shuffle for you?
Seraphina is half ...more
Sometimes you read a book, agree with all positive reviews of it, but it just doesn't work for you. That's the case with Seraphina and me.
Whatever you've read in 5-star reviews here, on Goodreads, is all true. Seraphina is an intelligent fantasy set in a well-realized medieval land of Goredd which is celebrating 40-year anniversary of its peace treaty with the nation of dragons. The dragons are conceived with a lot of originality. They have an ability to "fold" into human bodies (weredragons any ...more
Whatever you've read in 5-star reviews here, on Goodreads, is all true. Seraphina is an intelligent fantasy set in a well-realized medieval land of Goredd which is celebrating 40-year anniversary of its peace treaty with the nation of dragons. The dragons are conceived with a lot of originality. They have an ability to "fold" into human bodies (weredragons any ...more
I wanted to love this but I didn't and it makes me sad
...more
Jun 12, 2012
Shannon
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
supportive,
young-adult,
ebook,
favorite-books,
novels,
epic-fantasy,
owned,
2012,
favorite-girls,
fantasy
I'll admit it: I was incredibly worried about this one. I'm always a bit wary when an author seems nice and friendly and everybody likes them on here. I know, that seems like a stupid thing to say, but it always sits in the back of my mind that ... maybe people are giving this book five stars because they like the author. Rest assured: THIS IS NOT THE CASE. I mean, sure, people who liked the book probably like Hartman too, but it's not the only reason. This book deserves its five stars; it deser
...more
Think you've read everything about dragons? Think it's a worn-out concept? Seraphina will make you think again. Our heroine of the title lives in a human kingdom that is about to celebrate forty years of a peace treaty with the draconian race, but old prejudice dies hard. When the ruler of the dragons comes to the capital to commemorate the treaty, many factions on both sides wish to sabotage the fragile peace. Hartman's dragons are fascinating. They are part Vulcan from Star Trek -- logical bei
...more
This is one of the most unique dragon books you'll ever read. (I read it twice, and it isn't even out yet!) You see, in Seraphina's world, dragons are able to take human shape--and messy, sloppy human emotions. Seraphina's father fell in love with a beautiful singer and musician, and married her, and got a surprise. Now Seraphina is the assistant to the royal music master, struggling to keep her birth a secret, and caught up in the tensions that surround the celebrations for the 40th anniversary
...more
I finished Seraphina! And I ended up really liking it :):) will discuss in this months wrap up.
Jun 19, 2012
Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Lovers of dragons and FANTASY (b/c epic)
2/7/18 - ON SALE for $1.99:
http://amzn.to/2se90Jh
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
4.5 stars
The oldest of my three younger sisters loves books as much as I do, but doesn't have nearly as much time to read (b/c reasons). Fortunately, I know her well enough to keep recs to what I know she'll love, so she can make the best use of the time she does have, not begrudging me my surplus of time--b/c otherwise, who would weed out the mediocre books?
The most recent book I knew she'd love is this one, but I was ...more
http://amzn.to/2se90Jh
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
4.5 stars
The oldest of my three younger sisters loves books as much as I do, but doesn't have nearly as much time to read (b/c reasons). Fortunately, I know her well enough to keep recs to what I know she'll love, so she can make the best use of the time she does have, not begrudging me my surplus of time--b/c otherwise, who would weed out the mediocre books?
The most recent book I knew she'd love is this one, but I was ...more
I hate it when I have the impression that I am reading a different book from other readers whose opinion I value. Hate it. But it happens and unfortunately, it happened with this book. I've read some really glowing reviews but, alas, I can't just - partially - share the love.
Objectively, Seraphina meets all the requirements to become the next epic fantasy series: it has an original take on a fairly exploited theme - dragons -, an amazing world-building, a well formed, strong main character, a 5 ...more
Objectively, Seraphina meets all the requirements to become the next epic fantasy series: it has an original take on a fairly exploited theme - dragons -, an amazing world-building, a well formed, strong main character, a 5 ...more
I wanted to love this book, because..dragons!!
It's not a bad book and it's well written. I just don't think high fantasy may be one of the genre's that I can really get into.
Too many weird words and names. I mean Orma and Okra?
I tend to be a lazy reader and if I have to work for it by remembering odd words and names I get to where I just want to put the book down and grab another.
My little requesting finger requested the second book in this series from Netgalley and it sounded so good ...more
It's not a bad book and it's well written. I just don't think high fantasy may be one of the genre's that I can really get into.
Too many weird words and names. I mean Orma and Okra?
I tend to be a lazy reader and if I have to work for it by remembering odd words and names I get to where I just want to put the book down and grab another.
My little requesting finger requested the second book in this series from Netgalley and it sounded so good ...more
Dec 22, 2011
Dija
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Dija by:
Buddy read with Anzu. :)
Shelves:
awww,
wow,
my-reviews,
ya,
buddy-slash-group-read,
read-in-2012,
first-in-series,
july-2012,
arc
How Seraphina is different from nearly all the young adult novels out there, especially of the fantasy/paranormal variety:
1. There isn't a single moment in here where you'll want to a) throttle any of the main characters, b) stab yourself in the eye, or c) smirk at the cheesy dialogue.
2. You know all those books with dragons? The ones that seem either too clichéd or too different from what you imagined dragons as? Seraphina is about as far from those books as it gets. In fact, it's in another l ...more
1. There isn't a single moment in here where you'll want to a) throttle any of the main characters, b) stab yourself in the eye, or c) smirk at the cheesy dialogue.
2. You know all those books with dragons? The ones that seem either too clichéd or too different from what you imagined dragons as? Seraphina is about as far from those books as it gets. In fact, it's in another l ...more
Oct 22, 2011
Steph Sinclair
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Fantasy lovers
Shelves:
fantasy,
ebook,
2011-favs,
strong-heroine,
2011-reads,
action-packed,
awesome,
pure-win,
beautiful-prose,
epic
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Oh yes, Rachel Hartman. YES!
This.was.good.
I usually don't pick up many high fantasy novels. For example, I hate Lord of the Rings. Don't flame me! It's just that it's not usually a genre I mesh well with. In fact, I think aside from Seraphina I have read a grand total of two high fantasy books this year: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn and Eona: The Last Dragoneye. Coincidentally, all three have dragons in them.
Drago ...more
I talked about this one on NPR (http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/1675627...) when I was highlighting the best 2012 YA fiction I'd read IN 2012.
Here's what I said:
My relationship with high fantasy — fantasy set in another world — has always been tumultuous. Actually, I'd like to refer you to the first item on this list. Everything I said about historical fiction also applies here. Which is why, despite multiple recommendations, I let this debut novel about a half-dragon, half-human girl sit unread ...more
Here's what I said:
My relationship with high fantasy — fantasy set in another world — has always been tumultuous. Actually, I'd like to refer you to the first item on this list. Everything I said about historical fiction also applies here. Which is why, despite multiple recommendations, I let this debut novel about a half-dragon, half-human girl sit unread ...more
4.5 stars
Fantasy lovers, rejoice!
This is an amazing debut novel, and I feel confident that we have a new series to devour, covet, and hoard ARCs of in a cave somewhere. Not that I do that.
This is the story of two societies, diametrically different, but living together under a fragile peace treaty. The dragons are analytical thinkers who don’t understand emotion, art, or music. They view emotion and attachment as distasteful and are taught strict control. But the humans are interesting to them, i ...more
Fantasy lovers, rejoice!
This is an amazing debut novel, and I feel confident that we have a new series to devour, covet, and hoard ARCs of in a cave somewhere. Not that I do that.
This is the story of two societies, diametrically different, but living together under a fragile peace treaty. The dragons are analytical thinkers who don’t understand emotion, art, or music. They view emotion and attachment as distasteful and are taught strict control. But the humans are interesting to them, i ...more
You know, the internet is a strange place. You meet so many people, and they influence your life in so many ways, and yet you might spend an entire lifetime without ever once seeing the face of the person you count as a friend. And yet, they are friends. Maybe not the kind you can call at one in the night to cry about your cheating asshole of a boyfriend, but the kind you'd like to meet for a drink, and chill out with and have fun, stimulating conversation with.
And so, with prolonged internet i ...more
And so, with prolonged internet i ...more
For a dragon book (SO OVERDONE AMIRIGHT?) this was so lovely and charming. A real fairy tale written now. I loved the characters and the world building, the story was touching and the main character relatable and believable.
The last half was a BIT more draggy, but still,really lovely, YA appropriate, reminded me of Graceling actually.
The last half was a BIT more draggy, but still,really lovely, YA appropriate, reminded me of Graceling actually.
I have so much love for Rachel Hartman and this book! My five-star ratings are few and far between, but I’d give Seraphina ten if I could. It was so easy to get lost in this world of humans, dragons and those in-between – I still haven’t found my way back.
Hartman’s dragons are magnificent creatures, full of intersting paradoxes. On a physical level, they produce fire, but on an emotional level, they’re cold and tightly controlled. They go to great lengths to remain emotionless, even though thei ...more
Hartman’s dragons are magnificent creatures, full of intersting paradoxes. On a physical level, they produce fire, but on an emotional level, they’re cold and tightly controlled. They go to great lengths to remain emotionless, even though thei ...more
“We were all monsters and bastards, and we were all beautiful.”
This book deserves all the stars.
I loved it. Loved it.
Beautiful message, sophisticated plotting, sweet and believable romance, awesome main character who managed to be both ordinary and believable while also being the "brave hero".
Read in one 7 hour sitting.
So what was so wonderful about this book?
“The world inside myself is vaster and richer than this paltry plane, peopled with mere galaxies and gods.”
Seraphina addresse ...more
This book deserves all the stars.
I loved it. Loved it.
Beautiful message, sophisticated plotting, sweet and believable romance, awesome main character who managed to be both ordinary and believable while also being the "brave hero".
Read in one 7 hour sitting.
So what was so wonderful about this book?
“The world inside myself is vaster and richer than this paltry plane, peopled with mere galaxies and gods.”
Seraphina addresse ...more
Buddy read with my dear friend, Roya! You can read her wonderful review here.
As a fan of High fantasy and dragons, I really enjoyed reading this book. Like most High fantasy books, the beginning is rather slow but it’s well executed and didn’t drag or bore me to death. The setting of this medieval world is well-developed and interesting. Both humans and dragons have their own histories and way of thinking.
I love dragons and Hartman’s version of dragons as a species capable of shifting into huma ...more
As a fan of High fantasy and dragons, I really enjoyed reading this book. Like most High fantasy books, the beginning is rather slow but it’s well executed and didn’t drag or bore me to death. The setting of this medieval world is well-developed and interesting. Both humans and dragons have their own histories and way of thinking.
I love dragons and Hartman’s version of dragons as a species capable of shifting into huma ...more
Okay here I go writing the probably dozen or so reviews I have let pile up over the past month and a half! she says full of misplaced optimism
I was not expecting to enjoy Seraphina as much as I did, which is probably indicative of my own biases towards, let’s say, ‘vintage YA’. But it had so many of the ingredients I love in a fantasy novel—a compelling and determined protagonist, unique magic system, expansive world building, dragons—so I’m happy to admit my mistake here. Additionally, I’m not ...more
I was not expecting to enjoy Seraphina as much as I did, which is probably indicative of my own biases towards, let’s say, ‘vintage YA’. But it had so many of the ingredients I love in a fantasy novel—a compelling and determined protagonist, unique magic system, expansive world building, dragons—so I’m happy to admit my mistake here. Additionally, I’m not ...more
I only wish I could give it more than five stars. Gorgeous storytelling, characterization, and masterful world-building. Plus, really cool and unique dragon lore! What's not to love?
...more
Review contains the slightest of slight spoilers...
“Scattered and peculiar- some of us were sceptical and bitter- we were a people. And I was at the hub of this enormous wheel. I could bring us together. In a way, I already had.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I liked it better than I thought I would, which says a lot for a fantasy-phobe like me.
High Points.
Seraphina. The world- It was beautifully constructed. Dragons. ORMA. Courts. Concerts. Parades. Emotions. Scales. Dreams. “Tending the gard ...more
“Scattered and peculiar- some of us were sceptical and bitter- we were a people. And I was at the hub of this enormous wheel. I could bring us together. In a way, I already had.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I liked it better than I thought I would, which says a lot for a fantasy-phobe like me.
High Points.
Seraphina. The world- It was beautifully constructed. Dragons. ORMA. Courts. Concerts. Parades. Emotions. Scales. Dreams. “Tending the gard ...more
Oct 20, 2011
Jillian -always aspiring-
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
People who enjoy fantasy that never forgets the importance of emotion and characterization
Fantasy is my favorite genre, but oftentimes I find that fantasy tales are often too simplistic or too pretentious for my liking. Fantasy authors have the burdensome task of creating worlds and cultures that feel real and somewhat familiar but nonetheless offer a sense of danger, wonder, and excitement that few of us experience in our day-to-day lives. In the end, many fantasy novels don't sustain that balance of normalcy and humanity interwoven with the threads of fantasy...but Seraphina remark
...more
Apr 25, 2016
Helen 2.0
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
own,
fantasy-epic,
romance-on-side,
royalty,
brs-done,
original,
mystery-thriller
4.5 rounded up - crazy well written.
Seraphina deserves every YA award for which it was nominated. The core objective of the book is to teach young ladies to accept their minds and bodies and grow into natural self-confidence.
Seraphina, the heroine of the story, undergoes a huge amount of character development in learning to love herself. She goes from:
"How dare the world be beautiful, when I was so horrifying?" (accompanied by self-hate and self-harm)
To:
"We were all monsters and bastards, and w ...more
Seraphina deserves every YA award for which it was nominated. The core objective of the book is to teach young ladies to accept their minds and bodies and grow into natural self-confidence.
Seraphina, the heroine of the story, undergoes a huge amount of character development in learning to love herself. She goes from:
"How dare the world be beautiful, when I was so horrifying?" (accompanied by self-hate and self-harm)
To:
"We were all monsters and bastards, and w ...more
DNF
I cannot get into this book for the life of me. I hate the writing and it’s so weird that I can’t even understand what’s happening :/
I cannot get into this book for the life of me. I hate the writing and it’s so weird that I can’t even understand what’s happening :/
I can count on one hand the number of fantasy books I've enjoyed, but after reading Kat Kennedy's glowing review of Seraphina, I was intrigued by the promise of smart heroines, dragons, and jazz hands. Really, who can turn down jazz hands?
With that in mind, I eagerly started this book. Then I got to mentions of saarantrai, houppelande, and quigutl.
Remember, amateur fantasy reader here. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm scared off by double letters and words that start with Q.
Another thing that' ...more
With that in mind, I eagerly started this book. Then I got to mentions of saarantrai, houppelande, and quigutl.
Remember, amateur fantasy reader here. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm scared off by double letters and words that start with Q.
Another thing that' ...more
An unsolicited Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes have been pulled from an ARC and may be subject to change.
Seraphina is a half human, half dragon sixteen year old who lived in Goreddia. Humans must show their dragon counterparts that they’re superior so they tend to dominate over their scaley friends. The war has ceased, brought on by the Queen with a treaty. The Ardmagar makes the decisions for these dragons, and is basically in charge.
Seraphina has these gro ...more
Seraphina is a half human, half dragon sixteen year old who lived in Goreddia. Humans must show their dragon counterparts that they’re superior so they tend to dominate over their scaley friends. The war has ceased, brought on by the Queen with a treaty. The Ardmagar makes the decisions for these dragons, and is basically in charge.
Seraphina has these gro ...more
Initially:
And then:
Alright, let's just get this out of the way: Seraphina is one of my favorite books I've read this year. Hands down, without a doubt, straight-up adored it. And I'd say it's my single most-pushed book this year; I've been pushing it on everyone. Obnoxiously. And I'm going to try to tell you why, and I'll do my best to avoid spoilers, but if you take nothing else from this review, understand that I want you to pick this up. Find out why HERE. ...more
And then:
Alright, let's just get this out of the way: Seraphina is one of my favorite books I've read this year. Hands down, without a doubt, straight-up adored it. And I'd say it's my single most-pushed book this year; I've been pushing it on everyone. Obnoxiously. And I'm going to try to tell you why, and I'll do my best to avoid spoilers, but if you take nothing else from this review, understand that I want you to pick this up. Find out why HERE. ...more
May 11, 2014
Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
*Reread in 2021. Still wonderful. Excited to read the sequel.*
I would give this more stars if I could. This was AMAZING. Best fantasy book I've read in a long time! I was absolutely enthralled with the world she created, and I loved the glossary and character guide! So helpful!
I borrowed this from my library but I am going to order it from amazon tonight. It's too good not to own! I can't wait for the second one! Also, she has a prequel chapter available online that was a great starter.
Favorite ...more
I would give this more stars if I could. This was AMAZING. Best fantasy book I've read in a long time! I was absolutely enthralled with the world she created, and I loved the glossary and character guide! So helpful!
I borrowed this from my library but I am going to order it from amazon tonight. It's too good not to own! I can't wait for the second one! Also, she has a prequel chapter available online that was a great starter.
Favorite ...more
"He released the last chord like a boulder off a trebuchet." It always feels this way when ending a book. There's a weight to the final words, then you let them go and they're gone.
I don't think I've read a young adult book quite like Seraphina before. Rachel Hartman has built for us a world so rich and unique that it is almost dizzying to walk into. Her world is swathed in dark colours depicting a tale of menacing dragons who advocate peace, a stiff but admirably stalwart royal family of Queens ...more
I don't think I've read a young adult book quite like Seraphina before. Rachel Hartman has built for us a world so rich and unique that it is almost dizzying to walk into. Her world is swathed in dark colours depicting a tale of menacing dragons who advocate peace, a stiff but admirably stalwart royal family of Queens ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Midnight Readers: Seraphina (Paola & Lindsay) | 38 | 25 | Jan 04, 2022 06:36PM | |
| Goodreads Librari...: Need yet another alternate cover edition | 1 | 9 | Nov 11, 2021 11:18AM | |
| Anyone else feels sorry for Glisselda? | 1 | 8 | Dec 03, 2020 09:33PM | |
| Similarities between Seraphina and Wicked (the play)? | 1 | 2 | Dec 03, 2020 09:19PM | |
| Thoughts on the Love Triangle | 38 | 586 | Dec 03, 2020 09:16PM | |
| Fantasy Buddy Reads: Seraphina [March 2019] | 35 | 38 | Mar 19, 2019 11:15AM |
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Rachel Hartman lives and writes in Vancouver, BC.
Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. Here are some things that are already being said about Seraphina by some fabulous authors:
“A book worth hoarding, as glittering and silver-bright as dragon scales, with a heroine who insists on carving herself a place in your mind.” — Naomi Novik, New York Times ...more
Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. Here are some things that are already being said about Seraphina by some fabulous authors:
“A book worth hoarding, as glittering and silver-bright as dragon scales, with a heroine who insists on carving herself a place in your mind.” — Naomi Novik, New York Times ...more
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—
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