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Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers)
Serafina lives secretly with her father in the basement of the Biltmore mansion. Her father has been a mechanic for the family for many years, but no one even knows about the existence of Serafina. She has taken on the task of Chief Rat Catcher at the mansion. This is the story of the biggest rat she ever caught.

 Category
YA Fiction

 Why I chose this book
Read a review on Amazon

 My personal opinion (the review)
The story was intriguing. I just visited Biltmore House a few months ago, so the setting was familiar. I also enjoy stories showcasing magic or special abilities, and this falls into that category. But it was creepy- a sinister being preys on children. Children being in danger has always been a sensitive issue for me, so I was turned off a bit. But it was a clean story, interesting, and it drew me in. I'm glad I finished it.

 Warnings
Language: None
Violence: Some, but not graphic
"Adult" situations: None
Death: Yes, and of major character(s)

 Movie rating equivalent
PG

 Protagonist description
Serafina is required to be secretive, but wants to live out in the open

 Point of view of story
Third

 Book length
On the short side of medium

 Story flow
Good

 Grammar and spelling issues
None

 Character connection (no spoilers)
Not really; the ends and back story were tied up nicely

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