Seraphina
by Rachel Hartman
It's impossible to review this without major spoilers. Any specific thing I mention would rob you of your delighted surprise when you encountered yet another of Ms. Hartman's odd creations. I can only compare her to J. K. Rowling--they both took a "same old story", a theme done millions of times before, and shot it to the moon.
Here's the thing--J. K. Rowling took the notion of "What if witches and wizards existed in the world and you might be one?" Rachel Hartman took "What if dragons and humans signed a treaty to coexist peacefully, despite deep-seated hatred and mutual disgust?" Then Rowling added Voldemort, Hagrid, boggarts, Death Eaters, House Elves, floo powder, Diagon alley, Parseltongue, horcruxes....
As to what Ms. Hartman added to her magical world, I can't tell you for the reason described above. I can tell you she writes a story that sweeps you along, curious and fascinated and revolted at once. She creates real people (and dragons) and a central character that you're rooting for from page one.
The only bad thing about this book is that the sequel isn't due until next year.
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