Title: The Audition
Author: Rachel Hartman
First published June 19, 2012
17 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Discover the captivating world of Seraphina with the prequel novella, The Audition, available online for free. Follow Seraphina Dombegh as she prepares for the biggest audition of her life – to become the assistant of the famous musician Viridius and the music tutor for the princess Glisselda.
Set a few weeks before the events of Seraphina, this story provides an exciting glimpse into the characters and world that readers have come to love.
About the Author
Rachel Hartman is a writer who resides in Vancouver, BC. Her first novel, Seraphina, falls under the Young Adult fantasy genre and was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012.
The book has already received some great feedback from noteworthy authors. Naomi Novik, who is a New York Times bestselling author of the Temeraire series, describes the book as a treasure worth keeping.
She further adds that the protagonist is strong-willed and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Tamora Pierce, another New York Times bestselling author, praises the complexity of the protagonist and her will to survive in a world that is out to get her.
Ellen Kushner, a World Fantasy Award-winning author, applauds Rachel Hartman’s creativity in a genre that is often overused. She adds that the book is funny and smart and has characters worth following.
Editoral Review
Rachel Hartman’s debut young adult novel, The Audition, first published on June 19, 2012, is a captivating tale that immerses readers into the world of music, dragons, and self-discovery. Hartman, known for her bestselling series, Seraphina, displays her masterful storytelling and vivid imagination in this standalone novel.
Set in the fictional world of Goredd, The Audition follows the journey of fifteen-year-old Seraphima Dombegh, a talented musician who dreams of joining the prestigious Goreddi court musician’s guild. However, her dreams are shattered when she encounters a dragon, a creature fiercely hated and feared by humans, and is invited to audition for the position of court musician to the Dragon King.
The story is a perfect blend of music, dragons, and politics, weaving in themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance. Hartman’s writing beautifully captures the essence of music and how it can transcend boundaries, connecting people from different worlds.
The characters are intricately crafted and multi-dimensional, with Seraphima leading the story as a young girl struggling to find her place in the world amidst societal expectations and prejudices. The tension between humans and dragons is also explored, with the latter seen as brutish and uncivilized, raising questions about how prejudice and fear can shape a society’s opinions.
Hartman’s world-building skills are impeccable, with every detail carefully crafted to immerse the reader in Goredd’s culture and history. Her descriptions of the city’s architecture, fashion, and music culture bring the story to life, making it easy for readers to get lost in its intricate beauty.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its delicate pacing, allowing the reader to savor every moment and build up to the story’s climax without feeling rushed. The plot twists are cleverly executed, adding depth and layers to the story and its characters without being predictable.
However, the novel’s flaw lies in its lack of exploration of some dragon characters’ motivations, leaving readers with unanswered questions about their actions’ meaning and purpose. Overall, The Audition is a delightful read that combines music and fantasy to create a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking story.
It’s a book that will appeal to young adults and music lovers alike, encouraging readers to rethink their opinions on acceptance, prejudice, and discovering one’s identity. Thus, The Washington Post rates The Audition 4.5 out of 5 stars, highly recommending it to its target audience.
Rachel Hartman’s expertise in crafting a world that is both immersive and relatable is sure to capture the hearts of many readers.
