September 26, 2012

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

It’s been 40 years since the dragons and humans signed their treaty and have managed to live civilly amongst each other since.  Seraphina, as half human and half dragon, an anomaly, must not draw attention to herself in the kingdom of Goredd but finds the task difficult when, as a mesmerizing musician, she becomes Goredd’s music assistant.  Seraphina hides her silver scales under layers of clothing and remains as much in the background as possible.  As the anniversary of the treaty approaches, tensions run high with an abundance of dragons transforming into their saarantrai, human form, to be allowed into the kingdom.  When Prince Rufus is murdered and found with his head bitten off, a dragon-style killing, the people of Goredd speculate how long the treaty will hold.   Although she must do so secretly, Seraphina becomes the link between the humans and the dragons.