A
classic Hartman book is, by definition now, simply a classic. The first
two Seraphina books put racial tensions and religion on center-stage
alongside love, self-acceptance, and roots and results of hatred to save
the world and bring peace to humans and Dragons. Tess of the Road was a
journey out of choking self-despair born from rape and fought uphill
against religious-based oppression of women and mental manipulation, a
journey not only the World Serpent of legend but also, without knowing
it, a way to face her demons and love herself again while being herself.
In the Serpent's Wake
continued Tess' journey and, like spark to tinder, she set the fires of
truth ablaze (in addition to some actual fires) by doing what is right
instead of what is easy while sailing archipelagos suffering
colonization and all the oppression that implies. A journey of facing
down the last of her demons, seeking forgiveness when necessary, showing
those blind to the truth that comfortable neutrality and denial allows
human evils to flourish; and, of course, finding the Polar Serpent to
save a friend.
Farewell
and lots of love to Tess and Seraphina Dombegh, Pathka, Kikiu, Jacomo
& Marga, Hami & Spira, and all of native nations of the
archipelagos. Luck to you as you continue your own stories.
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