Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Series: Book 1
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; First Edition edition (July 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375866566
ISBN-13: 978-0375866562
ASIN: B007OWBZQK
I decided to do a slightly different review writing a report from the character Eskar who had previously worked with the Censors (dragon police of sorts) on Orma. In the book the Censors had been investigating Orma so I extrapolated on that and had some fun. The report is set at the start of the book. Hope you enjoy it.
On a personal note this has got to be one of my top reads for 2012. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Please note while every effort was taken to not reveal any major plot developments there maybe some very minor ones.
Censor Observational Report
Orma and his attachment to Seraphina Dombegh
By Eskar
Background
The dragon citizen known as Orma has been under observation for the last 16 years due to his initial refusal to denounce his sister, his father's exile and his mothers instability. It has long been suspected by the Censors that Orma would be susceptible to human emotions while in his sarataas. Recommendations have been put forward previous he have an excision. However to date not enough evidence has been collated to enforce this recommendation.
Human Interaction
Orma has spent a significant amount of time acting as teach to the human known as Seraphina Dombegh. This relationship has required close interaction with each other and it is clear the human girl has developed feelings for Orma, but believes they are not reciprocated.
Previously we have created situations to test Orma's emotional attachment to Seraphina. To date all tests have failed to show any emotional attachment to the human subject.
For his part Orma has managed to not drawn the focus of the The Sons of St. Ogdo or the general public. With the 40th Anniversary of the signing of the treaty tension and fear amongst the humans is growing daily. It is becoming dangerous for dragons in the city. Orma being able to avoid such scrutiny in these times either displays a cleverness not yet recognised in this dragon or an empathy for the humans that helps him understand their drives.
Seraphina Dombegh
The human known as Seraphina Dombegh has a cloudy family history. Her father is Claude Dombegh the human lawyer who worked on the treaty and her mother died during birth. As a human she is quite interesting. She shows a dragon like intelligence. She has a natural ability for mathematics, history, politics and analytical skills. She has a sharp tongue which is an interesting quirk. Her ability to hide her emotions is a great asset for her future. I am told her proficiency with music moves the human masses in emotional ways we can not comprehend.
Seraphina also appears to have a growing close relationship with the Princess Glisselda and the Captain of the Guard Lucian Kiggs. She seems to have a great influence over these two young but powerful members of the Goreddian court. This could be advantageous to us in terms of influencing the court and getting information about what the future Queen and King are planning.
Orma appears to have taught her ways in which to speak with and handle our kind. I have personally witnessed her ability on many occasions. This ability could be useful if relations between dragons and humans inflame further then it already has.
Conclusion
If Orma shows any human emotion he hides it very well and we must be more inventive in trying to ascertain if he has any emotions. Orma is a clever and cunning subject and will be difficult to get him to reveal emotions if they exist. There is still insufficient evidence to warrant an excision. It might be worth him maintaining a relationship with humans if relations between our kind disintegrates.
This will be my last report on the matter as my position as ambassador makes it difficult to keep a close eye on Orma. Also the recent murder of Prince Rufus has inflamed tensions and ensuring the safety of the Comonot during his visit.
Eskar
Extras
Check out other bloggers reviews of Seraphina.
Polishing Mud Balls
The Book Smugglers
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