"Seraphina" is the debut novel of fantasy author Rachel Hartman. Written from the point of view of the title character, the book opens in Goredd, a fictional, quasi-Medieval kingdom ruled by the elderly queen. For 40 years, the humans and dragons (who have donned human disguises) have coexisted in an uneasy peace, but tensions threaten to surface as the anniversary celebrations draw near. When Prince Rufus is found beheaded (a preferred method of killing for dragons), tension blossoms into open hostility.
Sixteen-year-old Seraphina Dombegh is an exceptionally gifted musician who is accepted into the royal court after playing at Prince Rufus's funeral. But Seraphina has a terrible, forbidden secret: she is ityasaari - half dragon, half human - an abomination to both sides, appearing human but for patches of hard scales upon her skin. When she finds herself under the scrutiny of Prince Lucian Kiggs, captain of the Queen's Guard, Seraphina knows she must tread with caution. Perceptive Kiggs, noticing Seraphina's ability to effectively communicate with dragons, enlists her help to solve his uncle Rufus's murder. When she and Kiggs begin to unravel a conspiracy much more insidious than simple murder, Seraphina finds she must be more guarded than ever.
This book is an instant classic, in my opinion. A brief synopsis doesn't do "Seraphina" justice; the plot is complex, and the characters more so. I don't typically like first-person narratives, but Seraphina's is a relief to read: she has a subtle, quick mind, a formidable intelligence, and is neither naive nor overly compassionate. To my delight, she's a heroine who understands that she has weaknesses but does not allow them to overcome her. There is a great skill in the writing of both description and story, and Hartman knows precisely when and how to reveal her plot.
In short, this book in fantastic, and I'm jealous I didn't write it myself. The story is solid, the characters bright and compelling, and the world is dangerous and vivid. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, intrigue and a strong, competent heroine. I wished, even before finishing the book, that I could read it for the first time again and again.
Megan Mehmert is a teen services assistant at Missouri River Regional Library.