Thursday 19 July 2012

12+: Seraphina - Rachel Hartman

Release Date: 19/07/12 BOOK BLURB: The kingdom of Goredd is populated by humans and by dragons who fold themselves into a human form. Though they live alongside each other, the peace between them is uneasy. But when a member of the royal family is murdered, and the crime appears to have been committed by a dragon the peace and treaty between both worlds is seriously threatened ...Into this comes Seraphina, a gifted musician who joins the royal court as the assistant to the court composer. She is soon drawn into the murder investigation and, as she uncovers hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace in Goredd for good, finds herself caught desperately in the middle of the tension. For Seraphina hides a secret - the secret behind her musical gift - and if she is found out, her life is in serious danger... REVIEW: A new title by a new author in a fantasy world setting that will amaze, delight and bring to the fore a new character who will not only endear herself to the reader but develop her skills and personality as events unfurl. It has great prose, the world is wonderfully designed and when you add a writing style that gently brings the reader in alongside allowing them to get to know the lead character then you’ll be in no doubt about the time and care that has been lavished upon the pages. Add to this a plot that is almost too big for one book to contain, solid pace and a whole host of supporting cast which will leave the reader in no doubt that this author is not only here to stay but has the imagination alongside ability to keep the reader glued for future releases.