Serafina and the Splintered Heart

My daughters are almost 8, and although I am not going to win Mother of the Year for being suckered into starting this series with them (the series is a bit dark and likely meant for kids over 10), they look forward to these books and beg me to read chapter upon chapter before bed.This book, Serafina and the Splintered Heart is Book 3 in the Serafina series, and is the most current/last one. Robert Beatty assures panicked parents everywhere that this is not the end of the series, and that he is working on the next installment. Out of the three books, I found this one to be darker than the first two. If you haven't read it and don't want spoilers, stop here.The book opens with Serafina trapped in a coffin underground (yikes!!). This is a bit puzzling because Book 2 seemed to end so well - Serafina and her friends defeat the evil Rowena and her father, and she, in her black panther form, lays on the patio of Biltmore, the proud protector of the estate.However, apparently something not so great happened on the patio, because the next we see of Serafina, she is trying to dig out of her grave and is now some kind of ghost, splintered from her human body and panther form. Nobody can see or hear her, and presume her dead. From here, the book takes some fascinating and unexpected twists and turns (enemies not truly defeated, unexpected alliances, the return of the black cloak, etc). I won't ruin the ending for you....These books would have likely been way too scary for me as a child, and there is no way I would have gotten past the first one, but my kids absolutely love them, and cannot get enough. Our car rides to school are filled with speculation as to what is going to happen next, and I've never had my children, who love books, pay such close attention to a book before and truly understand what was just read. They are now asking if there will be a movie series (no pressure, Robert Beatty, but hurry up!).So, if you are thinking of this or the other books in the series for kids, you know your kids best and proceed accordingly.

Again, I've been fortunate enough to be asked to be on the Serafina Advanced Readers Team and again, I have been impressed by this ongoing story. With this third book, Beatty has really gone a little darker with the content. I'll be honest - the first few chapters about had me in a panic. This book doesn't rest for a second. I could've read this in a day if I had the luxury of that much time, but I'm glad I stretched it out. I like to linger with characters for a while and all of these characters; Serafina, Braeden, the Vanderbilts, Rowena, Pa, Gideon, and the estate are all fascinating to me. This time we really learn more about the grounds and less about the inner workings of the mansion as we have in the previous books. As I've said in prior reviews of this series, having a strong female protagonist and getting to watch her grow into a stronger young lady throughout the arc of these stories has probably been my favorite part of reading these books. I hope Mr. Beatty doesn't make us wait too long for another Serafina installment, but I am also looking forward to getting to know other characters he has in his head. Do you like mystery? Suspense? Read this... it's just a good read.

have been a fan of the Serafina book series. I love the imagery created by the author Robert Beatty. I actually went to visit the Biltmore estate with my daughter for part of her Spring Break. So seeing first hand the house and the statues gave me an even better insight to the previous books and I was able to truly envision the rooms as described by Beatty.One great thing about this book series is you do not have to read the earlier books. This book can stand on its on as you are given enough back story that would enable you to figure out quickly the character relationships. However, I do recommend reading them all as they each are remarkable in their own right.I was afforded an advanced copy of Serafina and the Seven Stars. It quickly draws the reader in as you know some mystery has arrived at Biltmore. You don’t know who or what to trust or believe. You will want to keep reading to find out!I did find the violence of hunting and attacks that take place to be on the dark side for young readers. I would not say they are overly graphic or any more dark than some of the Harry Potter series but I am just cautious that way. Serafina is distressed when she feels she does not know who she can trust any longer, including Mr. Vanderbilt.I loved seeing the statues around Biltmore and especially the ornate gargoyles and musicians that are up high on the outside walls of the Biltmore estate. And the beautiful statues in the gardens are definitely worth seeing up close. It is mind blowing to think of them all coming alive and attacking the family and visitors! The writing of author Robert Beatty really captures the essence of the Biltmore. If you have never been to the Biltmore, your reading of the Serafina books will transport you there with the details. And you will probably want to plan s trip to see it for yourself.I am so glad Serafina makes a new friend in Jess in this book. Also very glad that Braeden is back to help solve the mystery of the attacks.The author definitely will hold your attention as the story really picks up pace quickly with the uncertainty of who or what is attacking the people visiting Biltmore during the hunting trip.Like that knowledge that helps solve the mysteries is credited to the extensive Biltmore library and the importance of learning is stressed.I hope I have not spoiled the plot or divulged too much. I’m definitely excited for the series to continue as I cannot wait to see what is next for Serafina and her half brother and half sister. The way Serafina transforms and is so quick to do what is right and help out the way she does makes her such a powerfully strong character and positive female role model.I definitely recommend picking up a copy as soon as it is officially released.

I couldn't put the book down. Very interesting, intense and the story takes many twists and turns! Highly recommended to those over 10 years of age, mainly (pre)teens but can also be enjoyed by those who are older!

As part of the proof reading team - it was a book we couldn’t put down - now we are gifting them to young female family members and our friends.

Totally disappointed, Our whole family loved the first two Serafina books! My wife & I read them together with my daughter (9), son (12).. However, to begin a book with a passage about a child buried underground, left them traumatised and they just didn't want to continue after that- so treat with caution.

Brilliant. We've read all 3 in the series, kids loved them.

Lo he regalado varias veces a niñas de diez años aproximadamente y es un acierto asegurado