Rachel Hartman

"Seraphina, half-dragon and half-human, searches for others like her who can make the difference in the war between dragons and humans in the kingdom of Goredd"--

Shadow Scale

Nora 

** spoiler alert **
           Wow, what a book. I can see why it took so long to come out. 

I really enjoyed exploring Seraphinas' relationships with the other half-dragons, and getting to see more of the surrounding cultures. I hope if Hartman does another book in the series we get to see more of the quarg culture. Especially the scenes with Camba and Nedouard. She did a brilliant job at developing Phina, as just has to come to terms with letting go of the walls that she has built around herself. 

The one bit that I would have liked a more of a exploration, or have waited to deal with this in another book would be...... *spoilers*

the parts at the end about Glisselda lesbianism and the marriage to Kigg. Which I thought was a pretty big deal. Are they going to become a thruple? It felt to rushed, especially as Hartman took such time with the other characters relationships. There are such huge implications with that, it really should have been pushed to another volume

So happy to Hartman back though! I almost wish I hadn't read it so quickly, as I know it will be a while till we are treated again. . 

*I want to thank the publishers for the advanced copy.

Tylar M

I did like it, but wow maybe it should've just been Seraphina and that's it.

Shay Henrion

Really good, but the ending was a bit weak and rushed. That could just be because I didn't think it was happy enough?

Kate

** spoiler alert **
           3.5? My initial thoughts are: 
- I love Glisselda and have wanted this basically since the beginning (since I think the first music lesson!) but I didn't think it would actually happen! I'm lowkey heartbroken for her and also I was led to believe there would be a different solution to the situation and I'm disappointed there wasn't (wow so oblique)
-I pretty much forgot why I ever cared about Kiggs and don't get why Seraphina does?
- Ormaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I can't believe Orma gets such an ambiguous ending (I mean, I don't think this needs a sequel, and I appreciate the reasons for such an ending, but! Orma!)
- Camba is such a fascinating and wonderful character and the concept of six genders/pronouning yourself is an excellent use of fantasy world-building for something actually cool and subversive
- what was the ending? Jannoula had this terrifying and fascinating power that was just suddenly? stopped??? like how anti climactic was the door opening thing. it seemed so obvious that I thought Seraphina didn't so it because she thought it would strengthen Jannoula somehow, not just because she hadn't thought of it!

Tanner Evans

After waiting a year to read the sequal to 'Seraphina,' I put all other TBR books aside to pick up this glorious piece of work. 'Seraphina' has stayed with me because it is such a unique story and the world that Hartman builds is unlike anything else. Her writing is truly magnificent and there were moments when I would sit back and relish in a line that was on the page (with both books). The same feeling carried through to 'Shadow Scale.' However, something was just lacking in the sequel, though I'm not sure I can put my finger on it. 
The writing is still magnificent, Seraphina is still a beautiful character to read about, and the plot is still so unique and fresh. But the connections with Glisselda and Kiggs that made the first novel to lovely to read aren't there in 'Shadow Scale.' Given, Seraphina is travelling all around to find other half-dragons and her ability to communicate with Selda and Kiggs is tampered with, but the connections with them are dimmed, even when Phina and Kiggs reunite. Perhaps that is what Hartman was trying to accomplish as Seraphina feels more isolated as her dream of uniting the half-dragons is challenged, and if so, bravo! Despite this, the relationships that she builds with the new half-dragons she meets are just as captivating as the ones we are familiar with.
A lot of questions that I had in 'Seraphina' were answered, such as the mystery behind St. Yitrudis and the real power Jannoula held over Phina. One thing I have to mention is the brilliance in which Hartman described Jannoula. She is a truly terrifying character, and I can remember sitting back early on in 'Shadow Scale' and being very creeped out by her ability to enter into people's minds and take over completely. Despite her tragic past that makes you feel some sympathy towards her, she is one of the most villainous characters I've come across. 
Despite the minor shortcomings of 'Shadow Scale,' it is a brilliant read that left me satisfied. I am hoping that Hartman creates more stories in this world, because it is one that is not easy to forget.

Chelsea Breher

I recieved a copy of this novel via library thing in exchange for an honest review. Because of this I had to find the first book in the series and read it first.

Okay, so I loved this book, well the series. It was such an interesting twist on the dragon-human-half dragon relationships that was not your adverage dragon novel. It was full of twists and turns and it held my attention the entire time. I strongly recommend this series.

Grace Elizabeth

Amber

zaynah

~Anna~

Connor 

Olivia

Charles Albrecht

Libby G

Addison Degginger

Amelia Halliday

Brianna 

Diesel Cheung

Veronica Palacios

As Seraphina travels the Southlands in search of the other half-breeds to help in the war effort, the dragon General Comonot and his Loyalists fight against the upstart Old Guard - with the fate of Goredd and the other human countries hanging in the balance. The gripping sequel to the bestselling Seraphina.

Shadow Scale

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