Seraphina (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Hardcover, 451 pages

Published July 10th 2012 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Seraphina is a half dragon who must hide who she truly is from the humans. As a half dragon she can transform herself into either and lives among the humans. 

Up until now there has been a truce between Dragons and Humans, but the treaty is in danger of collapse and Seraphina takes steps within the Kingdom to help maintain a healthy and peaceful balance between the groups.

Right when the two groups are undergoing discussions on renewing the treaty, an heir is murdered and all signs point to a Dragon as the suspect. Seraphina throws herself into the case by becoming a go-between between the Prince and the dragons to figure out the mystery.  Torn between the struggle of helping her family stay safe and the peace between the groups. Seraphina shows the ability to become a very strong and level headed leader as well as secret keeper.

Music also plays a huge role in Seraphina's life. She has been forbidden by her father to express herself through music. But it is her one big connection to her mother and pursues her musical interests anyway. The music is within her and it helps her express her own emotions as well, makes her feel complete.

A high fantasy written with such beauty that it is hard to not completely lose yourself in the story. With both political and romantic appeal for readers of all ages it is truly a magical story. All the characters fascinating and world building that is unforgettable. The romantic aspect to the story is exciting in the way that they are both vulnerable and relies on complete honesty.