Title:

Serafina

Author:

Robert Beatty

Category:

Science Fiction / Fantasy

Rating:

Date Reviewed:

April 15, 2023

saw this book on the shelf on the library, and the description on the inner flap of the dust jacket explains that Serafina and her father secretly live in the basement of the Biltmore Estate. Coincidentally, my sister had just visited the Biltmore and had described to me her fascinating tour of the grounds; she sounded enamored with the place. That little story of my sister's made Serafina and the Black Cloak sound a bit more interesting, so I checked it out of the library.

Serafina's father works as a repairman on the Biltmore estate. It is 1899; the Biltmore possesses such advanced marvels as electric lighting. Lights require a smart repairman, and that is Pa's job. Pa always counsels Serafina to keep herself hidden, not let anyone see her. Serafina is 12 years old now, and this secretive existence is all she has ever known. Her father dubs her C.R.C - the Chief Rat Catcher of the Biltmore Estate. Serafina is amazingly good at catching rats. Her night vision is superb, she can move silently and freeze motionless - only to then make a sudden move with lightning quickness. The rats don't stand a chance. Serafina is also excellent at hiding quietly and observing the many servants and visitors who are always milling around the grounds.

Does Pa tell Serafina to keep herself hidden because she looks a bit different than the others? She has large golden eyes. Only four toes on each foot. And there seems to be something... a bit off with her bone structure. Serafina never knew her mother, and Pa does not talk about her. He has taught her to read and write, and some other basic studies. Most of all, Pa warns Serafina to never venture into the forests that surround the Biltmore estate - they are too dangerous!

One night, when Serafina is prowling silently looking for rats, she sees a girl in a beautiful yellow dress. But there is a man in a shimmering black cloak chasing the girl through the basement. Serafina's first impulse is to hide, but she feels the other girl could use her help, so she joins in pursuit. Serafina sees the sinister man corner the girl in the yellow dress - "I'm not going to hurt you, child..." says the mysterious man in an insincere voice. The folds of his cloak wrap around the hapless girl - and then she is gone! Can it be? The sinister man spots Serafina and pursues her. Once he catches her, but Serafina fights like a wildcat and escapes. She knows these vast basements better than anyone, and she possess a great skill of hiding herself in spaces that are seemingly too small to hold her. All night Serafina huddles in hiding.

When Serafina tries to explain to her dad what she has seen, he dismisses her story as fanciful imaginings. A girl who vanishes inside a cloak? Ridiculous. Yet word comes from the guests the a young girl is missing. Miss Clara Brahms is nowhere to be found, and a search party is organized. Serafina knows the search will be futile, but there is no one she could talk to.

The Vanderbilt's have adopted their nephew, Braeden, after his parents were tragically killed. Braeden is a bit of loner, despite all the guests and their children who frequently visit. Braeden is more comfortable with the horses, or his giant dog, the fiercely protective Gidean. He and Serafina encounter each other, and circumstances cause them to team up to solve the mystery of the missing girl.

Serafina and the Black Cloak is not be confused with Seraphina by Rachel Hartmann, about a girl who can shape-shift between human and dragon form. I liked Seraphina better than Serafina and the Black Cloak, but Beatty's book was good enough that I might read the next book, I see that there are currently three more adventures of Serafina already written.