Thursday, April 3, 2014

Seraphina: Review

Synopsis:

In her New York Times bestselling and Morris Award-winning debut, Rachel Hartman introduces mathematical dragons in an alternative-medieval world to fantasy and science-fiction readers of all ages. Eragon-author Christopher Paolini calls them, "Some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."

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's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

***

I've wanted to read this for a long time. And it certainly doesn't disappoint. It might not be a perfect book, but then what book is? It's still beautifully written and a fine work of art.

Seraphina is set in a world where dragons and humans co-exist but never blending in with each other. And when the death of a royalty occurs, every evidence points to dragons. Seraphina, a music mistress in the court, partners with Lucian Kiggs, captain of the Queen's Guard, and a prince. I really love the background and plot of the story. 

Background first. I've read about a lot of mythical creatures. Common ones like angels, vamps, mythologies, etc, and new rising ones like gargoyles. But dragons? I've never imagine how dragon can be involved in a story and still can brilliant... until now. The author has this element woven in beautifully. There's no information dumping, which is a huge relief. But we still know a lot about dragons throughout the book. And you know what? It's fascinating. If you haven't read the book, I suggest you read it now just because of the awesomeness of the cruelty and indifference of dragons. (No seriously this is the best part about dragons. Because that brings them to a whole new level of intense)

The plot is slightly less amazing, but still fantastic. It's like a detective story in a world of dragons, which is equally bizarre and jaw-dropping (in a good way, of course). The hidden factors stay hidden until it's ready to be revealed. Though at some point you might have guessed the outcome, I'm sure it will still be shocking to really see it. I just have a little problem with it. The story line might get confusing for a while, and I'm not one of those who are okay with leaving out any details from any book. But it's still enough as long as I know the general plot.

I'm not going to talk too much on it because it might ruin the fun of the book. But everyone should try Seraphina. You might actually be very impressed. 

Rating: 7.5/10

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