Shadow Scale

Starred review from January 26, 2015
In this strong follow-up to 2012’s Seraphina, Hartman continues the adventures of that book’s eponymous half-dragon, who is now assigned with finding and uniting her fellow “ityasaari” before the full-blooded dragons can resolve their civil war and mobilize to wipe out the southern human kingdoms. But some ityasaari don’t want to be found, and one, who has the power to enter and control minds, would rather see them united for her own bitter purpose. With numerous factions jockeying for power and war on the horizon, Seraphina must unlock her own long-dormant potential and find a way to save everyone she loves. As the page count attests, Hartman’s style is leisurely; she builds her epic fantasy carefully, with attention to detail and atmosphere, while letting the plot simmer and allowing just as much to happen off-screen as in Seraphina’s presence. She juggles the large cast skillfully, balancing wide-screen action with intimate character development (including some deft, thoughtful treatments of gender identity), allowing for some subtle yet surprising revelations. This is a worthy and wholly satisfying continuation of Seraphina’s tale. Ages 12–up. Agency: Writers House.

A listener might get lost in Hartman's rich, complex plot and detailed world-building if not for Mandy Williams's captivating narration. With the kingdom of Goredd on the verge of war, Seraphina travels to gather her fellow half-dragons and struggles to understand her own heritage and abilities. Williams sweeps us along on the journey, never stumbling over Hartman's invented words or the panoply of dragon, half-dragon, and human characters. Williams's soft-edged English accent makes for an appealing Seraphina; she adds a lilt to her voice for Seraphina's mischievous young friend, Abdo, and makes it higher and sharper for her queen and confidante, Glisselda. It won't take long for listeners to be drawn into the story's intrigue or to find themselves rooting for a happy ending. J.M.D. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine