ari__s's review against another edition
4.0
Why does this book get a four star rating? It wasn't because I couldn't put it down. It was entertaining, though I wouldn't say it was gripping. I found Hartman's take on dragons an interesting blend of Eragon and Wicked, if that makes any sense at all (and if it doesn't, read this book and then tell me I'm wrong. Hint: I'm not; I'm merely weirdly accurate). I found appreciation in her tackling religious themes and intolerance across many planes, from differing species (which can be simplified and applied to real-world differences) to differing sexual orientations, even if only in passing. For a young adult read, I think Hartman took a leap, one that places her among the ranks of Tamora Pierce, which is both refreshing and something I, as someone who grew up with Tamora Piece-style YA, was desperately thirsty for. Writers of love triangle dystopias can take a leaf out of Hartman's book - and proceed to following in the footsteps of Tamora Pierce.
imqs's review against another edition
3.0
As for much I love dragons, it was difficult to finish this book. I think I expected other thing but the story is cute. Maybe I wasn't totally familiar with the concepts of thw story. Mmm 3 stars because the scenarios were beautiful.
allisonjpmiller's review against another edition
4.0
Lord, this was fantastic. Great writing, a strong and sympathetic female lead (who actually has several good reasons to be a fundamentally disturbed young adult), a complex world that challenges and threatens the characters in all the right ways... I loved it. Hartman's world-building is a bit knotty and obscure at first, but patience is a virtue here: everything soon comes into focus and takes off with such confidence that I forgot about any misgivings I had in earlier pages.
This is a studiously developed fantasy world that far exceeds the reach of most YA fantasy. In fact, can we give Seraphina to all budding YA genre writers as a textbook example of how to introduce a complete SF/F world within the confines of a 400-page novel? I've lamented before about the loose concepts and vague terminology that plague most books of this type. Hartman strikes just the right balance of detail and exposition; I was always immersed, and I always wanted to learn more about Seraphina's world.
I suppose I should mention the obvious appeal of this book, which is DRAGONS. But not just any dragons: scholarly dragons (instant win!) who are obsessed with order and knowledge. They can transform into humans, but they diligently train themselves to block the confusing emotions that come with their human form, believing emotions to be nothing better than a disease that interferes with their intellectual pursuits. In fact, a council of Censors exists to brainwash dragons who have become emotionally compromised. It's a brilliant dilemma and Hartman makes good use of it, especially toward the end of the book. When these dragons actually take dragon form, it's all the more exciting because of how rare it is, and how comfortable we as readers have become with the idea of them as humans.
In short: really impressive debut that deserves more attention. Read it! And bring on [b:Dracomachia|15754868|Dracomachia (Seraphina, #2)|Rachel Hartman|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/60x80.png|21451371].
This is a studiously developed fantasy world that far exceeds the reach of most YA fantasy. In fact, can we give Seraphina to all budding YA genre writers as a textbook example of how to introduce a complete SF/F world within the confines of a 400-page novel? I've lamented before about the loose concepts and vague terminology that plague most books of this type. Hartman strikes just the right balance of detail and exposition; I was always immersed, and I always wanted to learn more about Seraphina's world.
I suppose I should mention the obvious appeal of this book, which is DRAGONS. But not just any dragons: scholarly dragons (instant win!) who are obsessed with order and knowledge. They can transform into humans, but they diligently train themselves to block the confusing emotions that come with their human form, believing emotions to be nothing better than a disease that interferes with their intellectual pursuits. In fact, a council of Censors exists to brainwash dragons who have become emotionally compromised. It's a brilliant dilemma and Hartman makes good use of it, especially toward the end of the book. When these dragons actually take dragon form, it's all the more exciting because of how rare it is, and how comfortable we as readers have become with the idea of them as humans.
In short: really impressive debut that deserves more attention. Read it! And bring on [b:Dracomachia|15754868|Dracomachia (Seraphina, #2)|Rachel Hartman|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/60x80.png|21451371].
itziars's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I liked it but I was expecting to like it more. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or just my mood but for the last half I kind of wanted to finish it and read another thing. I did really enjoy the first half and all of the world building and the dragons.
leighbertman1975's review against another edition
4.0
Once I got through the first 80 pages, I was finally taken by the story. Written quite beautifully, it definitely gives the reader a sense of another world. I genuinely liked the main character, Seraphina, mostly for being an atypical female protagonist. There is no swooning, or waiting for the man to save her from peril, or being reactive, not active. Seraphina doesn't wait on anyone to act or persue her course. Hope, hope, hope Rachel Hartman does not change this most beloved character, as so often happens in series.
cfox88's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really interesting in its premise, but fell short in some aspects. Overall, I was kind of confused about the cultures of the different countries and how they impact one another. The other big issue I had is Lucian’s and Seraphina’s relationship. There was like.. barely any chemistry between those two. They had interacted a handful of times over the course of like a month and they somehow fell in love?
One thing I really liked about this book is the religious aspects. I thought it was really interesting how all of the Gorredis have a shared religion, but they have vastly different ideas of what that means. I also really loved the depth of Lucian’s character. His background and how he has been influenced by the fact that he’s a bastard. He is so devoted to his values and morals and I think that’s really admirable and not often seen in YA novels.
One thing I really liked about this book is the religious aspects. I thought it was really interesting how all of the Gorredis have a shared religion, but they have vastly different ideas of what that means. I also really loved the depth of Lucian’s character. His background and how he has been influenced by the fact that he’s a bastard. He is so devoted to his values and morals and I think that’s really admirable and not often seen in YA novels.
mrsdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Strongly character driven, the book explores the themes of truth vs lies, emotion vs logic, and a tangled web of love, friendship, and relationships. There is mystery and action, but most of the tension comes from internal conflicts, who to trust, what to share, how to reach out.
Absolutely lovely, I had trouble putting it down.
Absolutely lovely, I had trouble putting it down.
traveling_in_books's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75