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Seraphina #0.5
The Audition
The Audition is a free prequel to Seraphina available online. It takes place a few weeks prior to Seraphina, covering Seraphina Dombegh's audition to become Viridius's assistant and thus Glisselda's music tutor.
17 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2012
About the author
Rachel Hartman
10 books3,809 followersRachel 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 bestselling author of the Temeraire series.
“Seraphina is strong, complex, talented — she makes mistakes and struggles to trust, with good reason, and she fights to survive in a world that would tear her apart. I love this book!” — Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author.
“Just when you thought there was nothing new to say about dragons, it turns out there is, and plenty! Rachel Hartman’s rich invention never fails to impress — and to convince. It’s smart and funny and original, and has characters I will follow to the ends of the earth.” — Ellen Kushner, World Fantasy Award-winning author.
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 bestselling author of the Temeraire series.
“Seraphina is strong, complex, talented — she makes mistakes and struggles to trust, with good reason, and she fights to survive in a world that would tear her apart. I love this book!” — Tamora Pierce, New York Times bestselling author.
“Just when you thought there was nothing new to say about dragons, it turns out there is, and plenty! Rachel Hartman’s rich invention never fails to impress — and to convince. It’s smart and funny and original, and has characters I will follow to the ends of the earth.” — Ellen Kushner, World Fantasy Award-winning author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
August 1, 2022
3,5 Sterne
Eine Bonusgeschichte zur Dilogie. Ich habe bisher nur Band 1 gelesen und nun mehr durch Zufall diese kleine Vorgeschichte entdeckt.
Dafür, dass sie wirklich nur wenige Seiten hat, hat sie mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich mag den Schreibstil, und die Story macht neugierig auf die eigentliche Geschichte.
Eine Bonusgeschichte zur Dilogie. Ich habe bisher nur Band 1 gelesen und nun mehr durch Zufall diese kleine Vorgeschichte entdeckt.
Dafür, dass sie wirklich nur wenige Seiten hat, hat sie mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich mag den Schreibstil, und die Story macht neugierig auf die eigentliche Geschichte.
October 27, 2021
*reread in 2021*
Nice prequel! I'm excited to read this book. I've been reading a lot of plain fiction so this fantasy book will spice it up!
Nice prequel! I'm excited to read this book. I've been reading a lot of plain fiction so this fantasy book will spice it up!
March 13, 2023
I think I'm going to like this series!
And
I want a bookworm DRAGON...
And
I want a bookworm DRAGON...
June 25, 2012
Oh my goodness, I'd forgotten how much fun it is to read about Seraphina, her dragon-tutor Orma, and plucky Princess Glisselda. "The Audition" really gives a great showcase of a few of the characters who appear in the full-length novel Seraphina, and this short story made me smile throughout because I love these characters and their world.
For anyone interested in reading Seraphina or even those unsure of trying it come its July 10th release date, please give this short story a read and see how you fare with it. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
For anyone interested in reading Seraphina or even those unsure of trying it come its July 10th release date, please give this short story a read and see how you fare with it. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
April 19, 2022
Cute and fun story. Enjoyed this one more than the actual book LOL
July 9, 2012
A small prequel about the Audition of Seraphina to get the job as the princess's personal music teacher. It is a cute reminder of why I loved Seraphina so much. Rachel Hartman managed to filled even these few pages with humour and intelligence.
December 13, 2012
This is a short prequel focusing on Seraphina Dombegh's audition for the position of assistant music director at the castle.
If you are even considering readiing Seraphina, I highly recommend this first. I felt it was a great introduction to the characters, to the world, without all the build-up you see in "Seraphina" (which could very easily scare you away before you even get to the good stuff). But no worries for people who are already familiar with the world; I found the story different and interesting, giving the characters new things to do (and expanding my knowledge of them--Princess Glisselda is always challenging my putting her in a box!) and new insights. And the writing was pleasant; quick and brisk, light-hearted and upbeat.
An enjoyable, delightful read, and since it's free and takes maybe 15 minutes to read, definitely not a waste of money or time to check out, I recommend checking it out, see if you like and are interested in "Seraphina".
If you are even considering readiing Seraphina, I highly recommend this first. I felt it was a great introduction to the characters, to the world, without all the build-up you see in "Seraphina" (which could very easily scare you away before you even get to the good stuff). But no worries for people who are already familiar with the world; I found the story different and interesting, giving the characters new things to do (and expanding my knowledge of them--Princess Glisselda is always challenging my putting her in a box!) and new insights. And the writing was pleasant; quick and brisk, light-hearted and upbeat.
An enjoyable, delightful read, and since it's free and takes maybe 15 minutes to read, definitely not a waste of money or time to check out, I recommend checking it out, see if you like and are interested in "Seraphina".
November 22, 2015
Seraphina is one of my favorite books of all time so naturally I loved this charming little prequel! Even if you haven't read Seraphina, I would recommend reading this as it offers a glimpse at Rachel Hartman's spectacular writing and her amazing characters and will surely convince you to read the book!
August 18, 2016
This short story was charming and funny. A prequel to the novel Seraphina, it introduced several main characters of the novel: the titular character Seraphina, her music teacher, dragon Orma (in his human skin), the grumpy royal composer Viridius, and the mischievous Princess Glisselda. The story is about Seraphina’s audition for the position of the princess’s music tutor. I smiled from start to end.
December 13, 2022
Stars: 5 out of 5
This is such a fast-moving little story that serves as a great introduction to the series. Since I am planning on reading the other books next year as part of cleaning my TBR shelf challenge, I figured this was a good entry point.
Loved Seraphina and the introduction to her world. We don't get many worldbuilding details since this story is only 17 pages long, but I loved the author's voice and the characters are intriguing. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is such a fast-moving little story that serves as a great introduction to the series. Since I am planning on reading the other books next year as part of cleaning my TBR shelf challenge, I figured this was a good entry point.
Loved Seraphina and the introduction to her world. We don't get many worldbuilding details since this story is only 17 pages long, but I loved the author's voice and the characters are intriguing. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 3, 2022
Short, prequel-ish short story, in a fantasy world where a musician must audit to become the music teacher of a plucky princess. And it is fantastic, really polished, characters well defined, and for once, there is a sense of dense political choices and movements behind things happening in a courtly kind of fantasy. I immediately put Seraphina on TBR and I am likely to actually try it soon. Really very good.
I feel like a miser giving this just 4 stars, rather than 5, because there is nothing wrong with it, but it is just that it feels a bit "episode" or backstage, and apparently I got odd demanding standards for short fiction...
I feel like a miser giving this just 4 stars, rather than 5, because there is nothing wrong with it, but it is just that it feels a bit "episode" or backstage, and apparently I got odd demanding standards for short fiction...
July 13, 2012
Oh, this is the perfect complement to SERAPHINA! Everything that I loved about Rachel Hartman's novel is here: Seraphina's spiritedness and intelligence, Glisselda's ineffable energy, the smattering of perfectly executed humor that charms you and draws you into the story. Those who haven't read SERAPHINA yet may consider reading "The Audition" to get an idea of Rachel Hartman's talented writing, while those who've already read and loved SERAPHINA will squeal over this opportunity for just a little more. Read it free on Scribd here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/97577759/Seraphina-Prequel-WEB!
October 25, 2016
Okay, I'm going to say it. I think these silly little filler stories are absurd. On principal alone, I never read them. Unfortunately for me, these "between the number" books keep popping up in all my challenges for this year. What's that about? The completionist in me had to swallow my pride and begrudgingly find some fillers to finish my challenges and, well, here we are...
I had not read any of the Seraphina series prior to reading this tiny prequel but I can tell you that I'm eagerly looking forward to it now that I have. As much as I'd like to (you know, on principal and all), I cannot say a bad thing about this story. In 17 pages, it earned every bit of the five stars I gave it. It's charming, humorous, and brimming with memorable characters. I hope the series that follows is every bit as delightful.
I had not read any of the Seraphina series prior to reading this tiny prequel but I can tell you that I'm eagerly looking forward to it now that I have. As much as I'd like to (you know, on principal and all), I cannot say a bad thing about this story. In 17 pages, it earned every bit of the five stars I gave it. It's charming, humorous, and brimming with memorable characters. I hope the series that follows is every bit as delightful.
July 12, 2012
So I've just been hearing about Seraphina the last few days. And, today, I saw Edna add this to her shelves and, well, free prequel to a book I want to know more about it? AWESOME.
Anyway, I really loved it. Short stories are hard to rate, but I thought it was a great story in itself, I got a great sense sense of the characters and its left me eager to read the book, so FIVE STARS IT IS.
Also, it's a complete story in itself, which is something I really appreciate. If you want to read it, it's right here.
Anyway, I really loved it. Short stories are hard to rate, but I thought it was a great story in itself, I got a great sense sense of the characters and its left me eager to read the book, so FIVE STARS IT IS.
Also, it's a complete story in itself, which is something I really appreciate. If you want to read it, it's right here.
December 30, 2013
3.5 stars
A nice short story about Seraphina's audition to get the job as the Princess's personal music teacher. You could read this before Seraphina but may be it's best read after when you already are connected with the characters. Here we get acquainted with our MC - Seraphina, this little devil - Princess Glisselda and catch a glimpse at Orma(Seraphina's music teacher) and Viridius(the music Master). Although the story is quite short the author manage to fill it with her beautiful writing, humour and intelligence.
A nice short story about Seraphina's audition to get the job as the Princess's personal music teacher. You could read this before Seraphina but may be it's best read after when you already are connected with the characters. Here we get acquainted with our MC - Seraphina, this little devil - Princess Glisselda and catch a glimpse at Orma(Seraphina's music teacher) and Viridius(the music Master). Although the story is quite short the author manage to fill it with her beautiful writing, humour and intelligence.
January 19, 2015
3.5 stars Really amusing reading.
September 24, 2017
So, I've got to read Seraphina now...
December 31, 2019
Cute, fun story of how the princess and seraphina meet. I also loved seraphina’s approach in getting the princess interested in music. She got to know her and showed her how music related to her. As a music teacher, I found it so lovely.
November 23, 2013
This was such a cute fun read! Ever since I first heard about Seraphina, I always wanted to read it. It had everything I could ask for, really. Fantasy and dragons! So! I went to the library and got the book. However, there was a certain novella I had to consider first. The Audition is a prequel to Seraphina so I decided I should read this first before I dive in to the heart of the story. And I am glad I did!
This is a very short, very cute little introduction to the world of Seraphina. It is beautifully written, well-told, and made you become fond of the characters rather quickly due to their charm. I don't want to give too much away because it is very short and if I say much more, I'll just ruin this novella for you.
If you haven't read this yet and loved Seraphina, then I highly recommend this novella. If you haven't read either yet, then you should! Start with the prequel then make your way over to Seraphina. You'll get a better reading experience if you do. I guarantee it!
This is a very short, very cute little introduction to the world of Seraphina. It is beautifully written, well-told, and made you become fond of the characters rather quickly due to their charm. I don't want to give too much away because it is very short and if I say much more, I'll just ruin this novella for you.
If you haven't read this yet and loved Seraphina, then I highly recommend this novella. If you haven't read either yet, then you should! Start with the prequel then make your way over to Seraphina. You'll get a better reading experience if you do. I guarantee it!
December 14, 2017
2012
Oh boy, just what, 19 pages of prequel and I'm already fascinated by the story. This short story throws you right in the middle of a wonderful world filled with good-looking and intelligent if misshievous princesses, new view on dragons and with a witty heroine who sometimes jumps to conclusions too fast but learns from her mistakes quickly.
I so must read Seraphina one day.
***
2017
I'm reading Seraphina right now so I thought about refreshing my memory with this small but delicious morsel. It's wonderful how the author managed to tell us so much about the characters with only a handful of scenes.
There's no way I could not like Seraphina or princess Glisselda or Orma.
Oh boy, just what, 19 pages of prequel and I'm already fascinated by the story. This short story throws you right in the middle of a wonderful world filled with good-looking and intelligent if misshievous princesses, new view on dragons and with a witty heroine who sometimes jumps to conclusions too fast but learns from her mistakes quickly.
I so must read Seraphina one day.
***
2017
I'm reading Seraphina right now so I thought about refreshing my memory with this small but delicious morsel. It's wonderful how the author managed to tell us so much about the characters with only a handful of scenes.
There's no way I could not like Seraphina or princess Glisselda or Orma.
June 25, 2012
Probably a bad idea since the release date is like an eternity away but what else can I read after being tempted so thoroughly?
UPDATE:
Well that was revealing. It sure help me decide if I should get a Hardcover copy or paperback. I do hate hardcovers. Too bulky, heavy and just a pain in bed readings but I sense great things for this novel so let's have the longer lasting copy that I can display and admire after.
UPDATE:
Well that was revealing. It sure help me decide if I should get a Hardcover copy or paperback. I do hate hardcovers. Too bulky, heavy and just a pain in bed readings but I sense great things for this novel so let's have the longer lasting copy that I can display and admire after.
November 13, 2016
It was only 17 pages but it had me hooked!
A short prologue introducing us to this world. All I can say for now is that there's a musician as the main character, Seraphina (which is just great and oh so appealing to me!), a deadpan dragon called Orma and a little pain in the ass but way smart and creative brat of a princess that I foresee will cause so much trouble.
The premise is good. I'm curious to see where all this will take me!
March 28, 2016
The Seraphina fangirl inside me totally raved while reading this short prequel. It was so good to come back to this world and to spend some time with Seraphina! The Princess was a piece of mischief and it was fun to see what she had in mind, the dragon was great too, even if he didn't have a big spot here. The story is a sweat complement to the 1st novel, giving some insight on how Seraphina became a music teacher, and it's faithful to the world and the characters, which is really nice.
October 24, 2015
3.5 stars
Available for FREE here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/97577759/Se...
So this one didn't quite live up to my memory of it, but it was still delightful. The Audition is a prequel short detailing the principessa's shenanigans during Seraphina's . . . wait for it . . . AUDITION.
Viridius and Orma are there too.
Available for FREE here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/97577759/Se...
So this one didn't quite live up to my memory of it, but it was still delightful. The Audition is a prequel short detailing the principessa's shenanigans during Seraphina's . . . wait for it . . . AUDITION.
Viridius and Orma are there too.
January 10, 2015
"It has been war, Seraphina."
This is a great prequel. Intro's some characters, gives you a taste of the story. But it also introduces some great interest in the story. It's a pivotal moment and I'm excited to read book 1 one and see how it all plays out.
This is a great prequel. Intro's some characters, gives you a taste of the story. But it also introduces some great interest in the story. It's a pivotal moment and I'm excited to read book 1 one and see how it all plays out.
August 29, 2021
4.5/5
I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I cannot wait to re-read Seraphina now! I forgot how much I love these characters and the writing. Glisselda is such a sneak and I love her. ORMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I nearly wanted to cry over Orma, he is my favourite character of the series and I forgot how stuffy he is! I adore Seraphina and it's so cool to see how she got to where she is and to see this cunning side of her. This has made me so hyped for the series!
I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I cannot wait to re-read Seraphina now! I forgot how much I love these characters and the writing. Glisselda is such a sneak and I love her. ORMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I nearly wanted to cry over Orma, he is my favourite character of the series and I forgot how stuffy he is! I adore Seraphina and it's so cool to see how she got to where she is and to see this cunning side of her. This has made me so hyped for the series!
September 30, 2017
Delightful little short story about how Seraphin got the job as Music Assistant and tutor to the princess.
(Free here)
(Free here)
July 12, 2017
Me likey! Me likey very much!
May 27, 2018
☆☆☆ 1\2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews