Seraphina was like a precious gem, and Shadow Scale was like a breathtaking mural of gems. It didn't just carry the story on, it expanded it in all directions. I felt like it started slow and ended too fast, but that didn't stop me from loving this book and all its rich characters and amazing setting like crazy. Seraphina's travels opened the world up and highlighted a beautifully constructed diversity and a setting that seemed to be rich beyond even what was given.