Tess of the Road

Rachel Hartman

2005 • 544 pages

Ratings34

Average rating4

In the medieval kingdom of Goredd, women are expected to be ladies, men are their protectors, and dragons can be whomever they choose. Tess is none of those things. Tess is...different. She speaks out of turn, has wild ideas, and can't seem to keep away from trouble. Then Tess goes too far. What she's done is so disgraceful she can't even allow herself to think of it. Unfortunately, the past cannot be ignored. So Tess's family decides that the only path for her is a nunnery.

But on the day she is to join the nuns, Tess chooses a different path for herself. She cuts her hair, pulls on her boots, and sets out on a journey. She's not running *away*; she's running *toward* something. What that something is, she doesn't know. Tess just sees the open road as a map to somewhere else--a life where she might belong.

In a return to the spellbinding world of the Southlands created in the award-winning, *New York Times* bestselling novel *Seraphina*, Rachel Hartman explores self-reliance and redemption in this wholly original fantasy.

This description comes from the publisher. *Tess of the Road* takes place in the world first described in *Seraphina*.

Genres

Mood

Adventurous

Content Warning

Rape

Want to edit this book?Become a Librarian

Series

2 primary books

#1 in Tess of the Road

Tess of the Road is a 2-book series with 2 released primary works first released in 2005 with contributions by Rachel Hartman.

Series

4 primary books5 released books

#3 in Southlands

Southlands is a 5-book series with 4 released primary works first released in 2005 with contributions by Rachel Hartman.

#0.5

The Audition

Popular Reviews

Reviews with the most likes.

Dina

Wow, this was quite a ride - or I should better say walk.
Other reviews said that this was a quieter book, one more focused on the main character's growth, her finding herself and her place in the world, and while that's certainly true, there was also a fair amount of action.

This was my first Rachel Hartman book but I will definitely read the Seraphina duology now, even if I kind of spoiled some things for myself. Tess of the Road is, without a doubt, a masterpiece of YA fantasy and I am so glad enough people recommended it for me to pick it up and see for myself.

May 16, 2019

Fiona

I think I would have enjoyed this book twice as much if it had been half as long.

Not having read any of Ms. Hartman's previous books, I was probably at a disadvantage and it took me ages to really get into the story. Once I did, I felt like there was just too much going on and it distracted me from actually enjoying myself. For longtime fans, I suspect this will more than satisfy.

Thank you to Penguin/Random House for the free copy for review.

March 7, 2018

naackles

Have you ever picked up a book and just known it was going to change your life? That might be a little bit dramatic, but that's how I felt when I got this book from the library. I don't even know where to begin, this book was everything. Tess is so endearing and broken and flawed, but you can't help loving her instantly. Her journey is slow and not a lot happens, but at the same time SO much happens. Being able to trace her path of healing and self-discovery is so so moving. Am I crying while writing this review? Maybe. The discussion of self-guilt brought on by the abuse and expectations of religion and family is so profound. Idk what else to say but if you are looking for a heartwarming book set in a well-developed world with a little bit of fantasy and a whole lotta heart please read this freaking book.

October 23, 2019