Parents' Guide to

Shadow Scale: Seraphina, Book 2

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Quest for half-dragons grows in characters, complexity.

Book Rachel Hartman Fantasy 2015
Shadow Scale: Seraphina, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Bookish_Dad
Bookish_Dad Adult
October 22, 2018
age 15+

Promising Story, hidden messages

Sephaphina is brave, intelligent, courageous and willing to stand up for what is right, admit when she is wrong, and seek to address injustice. The story itself is well written and engaging. This makes some of the themes that come up well blended into the story, but also means they may not be identified by younger and less astute readers. It has interesting philosophical moments on the nature of logic and belief and their underpinnings on fundamental premises. Parents should also be aware it endorses gender fluidity, Lesbian and Gay attraction and relationships, and marital unfaithfulness as the main relationships shown in the primary and secondary characters in the book (no explicit sexuality). Depending on your underlying beliefs and logic this may take you to different perspectives on this book. While the story is well told, I disagree with the 12+ rating. I’d only recommend for mature teens 15+ who are able to identify and discuss the content.

This title has:

Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
celbiekarj
celbiekarj Adult
May 28, 2023
age 17+

Not a good book.

This book was not very good. Common Sense missed quite a few things in their ratings, such as the lesbian and gay agenda, which they omitted in the rating. I also disagree with the age appropriation. This book should not be read by younger children at all.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SHADOW SCALE picks up with Seraphina on a mission to locate the remaining dragon/human hybrids scattered across the land. Each has a unique look, interests, and powers, and some are reluctant to be identified. One in particular, Jannoula, has a twisted agenda of her own and uses her telepathic powers to take over the bodies and senses of her fellow half-dragons. A devastating civil war looms, unless Seraphina and her friends can find a way to break Jannoula's grip on them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Shadow Scale is a worthy successor to Seraphina, adding more to its mythology and introducing a new set of intriguing human-dragon hybrids. In particular, the introduction of a new villain, Jannoula, amps up the suspense. She proves to be a dangerous, clever, and formidable opponent. Seraphina's wish to protect and please everyone impedes the plot sometimes, but her empathy is an essential element of her personality and is part of what makes her such a compelling heroine.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the roles dragons play in mythology and popular culture. Why do these imaginary animals interest audiences?

  • How does Shadow Scale compare with Seraphina? Do you like it as much? What do you think will happen in the next installment?

  • What makes Seraphina a compelling heroine?

Book Details

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