(2) YA In this sequel to Tess of the Road (rev. 3/18), Tess must get her beloved quigutl friend, Pathka, to the Polar Serpent for healing. She's also on a spying mission for her Goreddi monarch, so she insinuates herself into a Ninysh voyage of scientific discovery aiming to find the Serpent. The journey progresses through a vast archipelago colonized by the Ninysh, who have displaced and tried to crush the varied cultures and knowledges of the islands' many indigenous peoples. But Tess's quest depends on the expertise of many of those peoples, and both she and the voyage's aristocratic scientist leader are forced to examine their imperialist complicity as they learn to heed indigenous voices and claims. This is but one of many currents in this timely, challenging work, with its vital questioning of cultural superiority and of assumptions about heterogeneity--in culture, gender, and physicality. Conceptually rich, serious, emotionally complex; a worthy addition to Hartman's already considerable achievement.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

(2) YA In this worthy companion to Seraphina and Shadow Scale, Seraphina's human half-sister Tess, disguised as a boy, embarks on a picaresque journey with a "quigutl" (half-dragon) friend. Tess refashions herself, finally free from the misogynistic teachings of her upbringing and the burden of her mistakes. There's much richness in this fantastical tale's nuanced, accessible expression of adolescent naiveté and sorrow, and Hartman offers sturdy, compassionate wisdom along with intelligent invention.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(2) YA With the dragon civil war closing in, Seraphina and fellow half-dragon Abdo set out to recruit other ityasaari like themselves, hoping to create a telepathic defense. The two are horrified to learn that half-dragon Jannoula already controls the other ityasaari. From graceful language to high stakes to daring intrigue, this sequel to Seraphina shines with the same captivating originality and engagement of feeling.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015

(1) YA The royal court of Goredd celebrates a forty-year (uneasy) peace with dragonkind, but events take a dark turn when Prince Rufus is found murdered. Music mistress Seraphina tries to unmask the killer, while concealing her own relationship with dragons--who, in this outstanding debut, are capable of assuming human form. An innovative concept, accompanied by high action and rich language lively with humor.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012