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Parents' Guide to

Seraphina

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Richly conceived dragon fantasy with stellar young heroine.

Seraphina Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 12+

Think outside the checkboxes: self-harm...

One thing the CSM reviewer missed: there’s one pretty graphic self-harm scene. Doesn’t fit any of the checkboxes, but it’s much more disturbing than any of the dragon fights or whatever.  (I think it's fine for kids 12 and up. But if you want to know what's in there...)
age 17+

Must Read

Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman, really brings out the art in writing. Each word in this brilliantly plotted fantasy seems to be well thought out. Personally, this book has some of the best character development I’ve read in a while. However, I feel the plot lacks some surprise. There were times when I was waiting for a plot twist and it just never came. Furthermore, I also feel that this book hits a strange audience. It contains the fiction that children would enjoy, but the themes that only adults would understand. Overall, this book is a definite must read, despite its tiny quirks.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

SERAPHINA is a cleverly conceived and well-executed coming-of-age fantasy novel, rich in detail yet not overwhelming in its dragon lore. Author Rachel Hartman has created a singularly resourceful and empathetic heroine in young music teacher Seraphina Dombegh. The action scenes are well choreographed, but much of the plot's power comes from the emotional interplay between the novel's unusual and well-realized characters. Clearly only the first installment of a new series, Seraphina ends on a high note, with promise of more captivating adventures to come.

Book Details

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