Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Despite a prolonged wait, Hartman's blazing sequel to her award-winning debut, Seraphina (2012), will appease her passionate (and patient) fans. With the kingdom of Goredd caught in the crossfire of a dragon civil war, Seraphina is tasked with finding her fellow ityasaari (human-dragon half-breeds), whose strange abilities may be able to protect the capital city. While the exiled dragon leader Comonot and his allies enact a risky plan to end the war, Seraphina travels as an emissary to the other kingdoms to gather those she thinks of as her family. As she makes contact with a host of rich, idiosyncratic characters, Seraphina is haunted by thoughts of the one she does not want to find: Jannoula, who invaded her mind as a child. Though barred from Seraphina's mind, Jannoula remains a threat, and her insidious diversion of Seraphina's mission is devastating, driving her to finally confront the shadow self that she has locked away. Aside from a few key moments, Hartman wisely relegates the larger war to the background in favor of Seraphina's story. Though the pacing occasionally lags across this lengthy, tangled novel, the intricate plotting, clever surprises (including the identities of Goredd's Saints), and lovely prose make this a worthy conclusion for all of Hartman's big-hearted characters. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The Morris-winning Seraphina was a commercial and critical breakout. Major monthly promotions, school visits, and social media campaigns are planned.--Hutley, Krista Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
With the dragon civil war closing in on Goredd, Seraphina (Seraphina, rev. 7/12) begins an uncertain mission: she and Abdo, a fellow half-dragon, embark on a journey to recruit other ityasaari like themselves, hoping that if they can learn to thread their minds together, they will be able to defend Goredd by forming a trap to stop a dragon in flight. Seraphina has misgivings -- what if the attempt leads to another ityasaari taking over her mind? Jannoula, a half-dragon whom Seraphina contacted telepathically in a time before she knew there were others like her, once usurped Seraphina's consciousness, and it was only by great effort and luck that Seraphina managed to fight her off. However, as Seraphina and Abdo travel through the neighboring lands, they are horrified to learn that Jannoula already controls the other ityasaari. The author's generous and self-assured world-building effortlessly branches out to the different cultures the pilgrims encounter, unveiling fresh customs and new folklore with consummate ease. A subplot involving Seraphina's hopeless romance with Kiggs, the man affianced to her friend and monarch, Queen Glisselda, takes on a love-triangle twist that most won't see coming. From graceful language to high stakes to daring intrigue, this sequel shines with the same originality, invention, and engagement of feeling that captivated readers in Hartman's debut. anita l. burkam (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Horn Book Review
