Shadow Scale: Seraphina, Book 2

Book review by Michael Berry, Common Sense Media
Shadow Scale: Seraphina, Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Quest for half-dragons grows in characters, complexity.

Rachel Hartman Fantasy 2015
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Shadow Scale is a sequel to the acclaimed fantasy Seraphina, which won the 2013 William C. Morris Award for best debut book for teens. Its female protagonist is smart, resourceful, brave, and empathetic, and the novel promotes the value of learning to see more than one facet of a person. Strong language is infrequent ("bastard" and "arse"), and violence is depicted with restraint. Psychic attacks cause physical and mental anguish. A boy is stabbed in the wrist, an old man has his memories wiped, and various dragons are killed in aerial battles. None of these incidents is described with excessive detail. Dragons and humans are able to interbreed, but the details aren't discussed explicitly. Two young women share a kiss on the mouth, and Seraphina shares a passionate embrace or two with Prince Lucian.

Community 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
See all 1 parent review

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?

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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