*points to the sky* M R dragons!
That is just a bit of an inside joke. On a serious note, this book was good. Pretty damn good in fact. There were quite a few things working in this book’s favor. For one, the plot of the book is unique. I know you’re probably thinking this is another dragon book and in a sense it is, but the dragons in this book are different from other books I’ve read. They’re a breed that is discriminated against and hunted down. To make peace the dragons try to work alongside humans, even going as far as transforming into human forms. The nature of the dragons is unique in this book. They’re cold, standoffish and like to hoard knowledge instead of trinkets. I thought the dynamics between humans and dragons was pretty interesting and was surprised to discover that there was a whole political undercurrent in the story.
The second thing this book has going for it is its heroine, Seraphina. She’s kickass in an understated way. She’s not going kung-fu on anybody, but mentally she’s strong, she’s intelligent and well rounded. I can’t get into more because I want to keep this review spoiler free, but I like a heroine that doesn’t succumb at the first sign trouble. I think she deals with issues in a realistic manner and I look forward to seeing her grow as a character.
Another plus for Hartman is that although there is a bit of a love triangle thing going on, but it doesn’t take over the story. Seraphina doesn’t come off as all sappy with wanting or experience much teenage angst. I liked that she understood that the love thing had to wait until further things were resolved and she didn’t delve on it. Admittedly, I’m a bit annoyed there is a love triangle, but if it needs to be included at least play it smart, which Hartman does.
TLDR version: I thought Seraphina is a unique story told in a deceptively simple way, but underneath it’s a story about interesting dragons, acceptance and political intrigue. I look forward to reading the second book.