Excellent sequel to the first

I really liked the originality of the original and if you don't want to spend time on a trilogy it's a good duology. Does what a good sequel should, changes the kind of story while keeping the spirit and characters from the first. The first dealt with political intrigue and romance in a single city, here Seraphina travels the world to find her fellow half-dragons. However, she is not the only one with special powers and someone from her past is out for revenge. Unresolved questions from are explored with greater focus on her special mind powers and dragons play a bigger role.

While social justice and prejudices are a strong theme throughout this is one of the best stories that handle diversity in it's characters. Characters are not defined by their diversity and it doesn't waste time uselessly exploring it.

Doesn't have the typical happy ending but it is satisfying. While not answering all questions it does feels natural and not forced. Plot had me guessing till the end.

If you liked the first book read this.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Doesn't live up to the first book

Same great characters, same lovely narrator... but the talented author of the first book is only visible in tiny snippets. Otherwise it reads like bad fan fiction of the first volume.

It's worth reading for closure to the mysteries brought up in Serafina. But go in with low expectations if you want to enjoy it.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Loved Serapina, hated Shadow Scale

I loved Seraphina in the first book. She was inquisitive and earnest. She tried her hardest at everything. She was also quick witted.
In this book however, she seems to have lost all of that. She chooses the easiest option and mopes when things don't go her way. She spends most of the book ignoring the one thing she is repeatedly told to do. I also hated the ending. It was unfinished and lacking. The prologue hints at more of an ending than the epilogue.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Not as good as the first...

I was really hoping for a fantastic finish after enjoying the first book, unfortunately I found it pretty disappointing. After building intelligent, witty, and lovable characters I hoped to find more of the same in the second installment - instead they went the opposite way and I really struggled to finish the book.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

A Unique Sequel

Mandy Williams is an excellent narrative, with a silky and comforting voice! She handles all creatures and characters well. Characters are easily distinguishable, and there are many.

I found the writing complex and rich in description, but sometimes it is difficult to really imagine; perhaps too much detail at times, especially Seraphina’s garden. The build up to the climax is well thought out, but I had to listen to the resolution 3x to fully grasp the concepts. I would have preferred a slightly different ending, but I suppose it has to be this way.
I would recommend this set of books if you like fantasy, some magical properties, dragons, and a complexly woven story with strong characters. Seraphina is a wonderful metaphor for both a figurative and literal guiding beam of light, with positive energy and power to do right in the world!
Would that we all could use our minds and think inside out well enough to make peace instead of war, and to help each other, rather than be so divided by our differences. I do tend to be idealistic!

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Satisfying but also leaves me wanting more

Great prose and poetry, peppered with humor, this is a wondrous adventure which I hope we can continue in future books. Marvelous world building unfurls into glorious color as Seraphina explores the world looking for her fellow half-dragons, even though she finds only despair and destruction when her nemesis Jannoula appears to always be one step ahead. Romantic, philosophical, and creative, SHADOW SCALE is a worthy successor to SERAPHINA. Mandy Williams singing as a Quigutl is not to be missed.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Great story- I want more

It’s been ages since I was so engrossed in a series. I desperately hope Hartman writes more in this world.

Nicely done !

This book carries on the wonderful and engaging story. I would highly recommend this series.

Captivating and intriguing

I listed to the entire book in 4 days! I couldn’t “put it down!!” What an emotional roller coaster. Hope, joy, despair, horror, redemption, and finding purpose and self. Stunning imagery. Identity Pronouns creatively addressed.

Very good second book

The story progressed from the first book and mostly was a good addition to the first.

A few standard plot twists, as seems most authors have to put them in, wish they where a bit more original.

Was enjoyable overall and would recommend the series.