“Beautifully written. Some of the most interesting dragons I’ve read in fantasy.” -Christopher Paulini
I just finished reading a fantastic YA crossover fantasy novel– Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. I categorize it as a YA crossover novel because while it’s intended for young readers it certainly packs enough action, suspense, and complexity to be appealing to a more discerning palate like mine. [wink and smile]
Briefly an overview: Seraphina is Hartman’s debut novel about a world where dragons and humans co-exist in relative peace. I enjoy reading fantasy novels, but haven’t read enough to have come across many dragons or be very familiar with dragon-lore. So I’m not sure if this compliment is misplaced, but one of the things I loved about Hartman’s treatment of draconian typology was that her dragons are able to adopt human forms.
This motif of degrees of humanness is what puts Hartman’s work in the top tier of fantasy writing because it is able to draw a universal parallel between this imagined world and our real world. The complexities of living in a world where appearances are not necessarily trusted and that persons are judged by their parentage is reminiscent of our world’s continuing dialogue on race and privilege.
Love and friendship between species (human and dragon) is Hartman’s recurring theme. The title of the post is a piece of wisdom imparted from one character near the end of the book when he begins to recognize that love between human and dragon is something to be celebrated and not condemned. Fascinating thoughts and a good reminder that love is without borders.
Definitely recommend you pick up this engaging fantasy. With the sequel due next year, I predict Hartman’s dragons are going to be the next “it” book.
-Margaret
Daily Musings on Life Together 