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Seraphina

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Seraphina

By: Rachel Hartman
Narrated by: Mandy Williams
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About this listen

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 . . .

 Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Royalty Crime Dragons

Continue the series
Shadow Scale cover art
Shadow Scale By: Rachel Hartman

Critic reviews

(a) smart and affecting debut novel ... Hartman tackles difficult issues with subtlety and creativity, weaves in a surprisingly touching romance, and does it all in beautiful prose.
This is a proper fantasy, with a feisty heroine and some truly splendid dragons...it’s a beautifully told story, with some gorgeously surreal imaginative flights on a level with Alice in Wonderland – it has that dreamlike quality of beauty and absurdity...Seraphina is a fast-paced and skilfully wrought fantasy, a beautiful and original take on the dragon myth.
Hartman proves dragons are still fascinating in this impressive high fantasy ... Equal parts political thriller, murder mystery, bittersweet romance, and coming-of-age story, this is an uncommonly good fantasy centered upon an odd but lovable heroine ... Fantasy readers young and old who appreciate immersion into a rich new culture will not mind the novel’s slow build, especially as it takes wing and hurtles toward the stratosphere. This is an exciting new series to watch.
Seraphina is a quick-paced read, and while the story does pause at times for introspection, it never stalls or grinds to a halt ... It’s a tale well told, the author’s writing hitting a real high whenever music is involved. Here, her prose verges on the poetic; beautiful, often haunting, descriptions abound ... In Seraphina, Rachel Hartman has created a likeable, gutsy heroine, one who isn’t flawless or afraid to make mistakes.
Beautifully-written high fantasy about dragons. Credible, interesting characters, intricate but subtle worldbuilding and elegant prose ... Recommended by us for its sheer class.
I loved Seraphina from cover to cover, and I dearly hope that fantasy lovers everywhere take heed and read this remarkable, wonderful debut. Seraphina is another lock for my favourite books of 2012, and I emphatically recommend it to all.
The writing was really beautiful ... Seraphina completely took me by surprise and blew me away. I wasn't expecting anything nearly thing good when I started reading, and I'm so glad that I decided to pick it up. It is one decision I will not regret.
I found it completely absorbing and captivating. There are so many different elements to the story from the extravagant world building, intriguing and multilayered characters, and underlying tension and prejudice between human and dragon kind. As the female protagonist, I can’t think of anyone better than Seraphina ... Seraphina is a beautifully unique and fascinating debut fantasy. I can’t wait to read more from Rachel Hartman.
All stars
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Loved it! You can find a bit of yourself in every character, I didn't want it to end

Amazing story!

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This has gradually become my go to "comfort listen". The story is fun, the dragons are fascinating and the narration is soothing. A firm favourite.

An audiobook that grows on you.

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Luckily I read Seraphina in Book format first and was absolutely entranced with how beautifully written it was. It was unlike anything I had read before, it almost sung itself to you, like the pages had a melody weaved into it's bindings. I was shocked to find out after that it was categorized as 'teen fiction' when it had such a mature language to it.
I then, at a later date, began listening to audio books and was thrilled to see this was available. I must say, probably because the book was so good, that the narrator really disappoints an existing fan which how monotonous and augmented she sounds.
At least if Alexa ever needs a respite, this lady could jump in. She is more robot than Alexa.
Please re-record these books with a couple of different narrators, it deserves it!

Amazing book, sub-standard narrator

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