This middle grades book is available as an audiobook through RBDigital. This is the first book in the series about Serafina, and the second in the series, Serafina and the Twisted Staff is also available as an audiobook through RBDigital. Even though this review is about the audiobook, I still want to comment on how beautiful and fitting the cover art is. If you look closely you may recognize the house included on the cover. It is the Biltmore House located near Asheville, NC.
The story takes place in the Biltmore House in 1899. The Vanderbilt family is in residence, and unknown to them so are Serafina and her father. Her father is the mechanic in charge of the many “newfangled” machines Mr. Vanderbilt installed in the mansion. I found this to be a very interesting component of the story, as the author discussed some of these machines. A nice companion read to a visit to the Biltmore House.
The focus of the story is 12 year old Serafina as she struggles with her identity and her place in the world. She is different and her father has kept her hidden in the basement of the mansion for most of her life. Serafina is also a clever, resourceful and courageous girl with a good moral compass.
As Serafina and Braeden (the Vanderbilts nephew) work to solve the mystery of the children snatched by the man in the black cloak, Serafina also learns about friendship and herself.
I must add that this is a scary, mystery, suspense novel with paranormal creatures. The villain is quite a sinister figure with his eyes glowing as he snatches children in the dark halls of the famous house.
I enjoyed the story very much and hope you will give it a listen, taking into consideration whether or not you or your child like scary stories. NF
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