Book Review
Jun. 21st, 2023 09:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariSeraphina
by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina is set in the fictional medieval kingdom of Goredd. In this world, dragons exist in an uneasy truce with humans. Dragons can also assume human form in order to better interact with and participate in human society. The story centers on Seraphina, a very talented musician at the royal court with a dangerous secret that she must guard carefully. When the murder of a member of the royal family throws the court into turmoil, Seraphina gets caught up in a web of intrigue that could put both Goredd and her secret at great risk.
I loved this book and found it completely absorbing. It was one of those books that I felt I was living in rather than just reading. Seraphina is a terrific character - brave, clever, talented, sensitive - and I loved the way Hartman portrays her inner life. The large cast of secondary characters were also wonderful. I especially liked Orma, Seraphina's uncle and tutor; Dame Okra, a courtier; and Kiggs, illegitimate prince, captain of the guard, and Seraphina's love interest. The plot is exciting, expertly paced, and held a couple of surprises for me. I also very much liked how well Hartman captured the life of a working musician and the role of music in a medieval society.
by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina is set in the fictional medieval kingdom of Goredd. In this world, dragons exist in an uneasy truce with humans. Dragons can also assume human form in order to better interact with and participate in human society. The story centers on Seraphina, a very talented musician at the royal court with a dangerous secret that she must guard carefully. When the murder of a member of the royal family throws the court into turmoil, Seraphina gets caught up in a web of intrigue that could put both Goredd and her secret at great risk.
I loved this book and found it completely absorbing. It was one of those books that I felt I was living in rather than just reading. Seraphina is a terrific character - brave, clever, talented, sensitive - and I loved the way Hartman portrays her inner life. The large cast of secondary characters were also wonderful. I especially liked Orma, Seraphina's uncle and tutor; Dame Okra, a courtier; and Kiggs, illegitimate prince, captain of the guard, and Seraphina's love interest. The plot is exciting, expertly paced, and held a couple of surprises for me. I also very much liked how well Hartman captured the life of a working musician and the role of music in a medieval society.
