H. L. Burke

Nyssa Glass is a reformed cat burglar turned electrician's apprentice, settled into a life repairing videophones and radio-sets. However, when her past comes calling, she finds herself framed for murder and forced into one last job. No one has entered Professor Dalhart's secluded mansion in almost a decade, at least not that returned to tell the tale. If Nyssa wants to ensure her freedom, she'll brave the booby-trapped halls and mechanized maids. Nyssa has skills, but this house has more than its share of secrets. As she steps into the cobwebbed halls lined with dusty mirrors, she has to wonder. Is the House of Mirrors really abandoned?

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

Mary Horton

This story was not what I was expecting. Honestly, I'm not sure what I expected--a steampunk story with mystery and excitement and creepy mansions, maybe? 

Well, this is kind of like that...but really, it just felt like a rather boring sci-fi book. 

The whole plot seemed to revolve around technology and computers and I'm just over here like, "Um, can we not talk about technical stuff PLEASE AND THANK YOU." In case any of you didn't know, I'm not a very techy person. Maybe if I had known this story revolved around robots and computers, I would have steered clear. All the technological stuff was, quite frankly, boring and confusing. I felt really disoriented the entire story. (Like I said, I FAIL AT TECHNOLOGY. :P)

Also, the action? Yeahhhh, it was pretty much nonexistent. The only really exciting part was the first chapter. 

So yes, this honestly didn't feel anything like steampunk. It mostly felt like sci-fi to me--with some top hats and goggles thrown in to make it "steampunk." 

Another thing: I think I was supposed to have an emotional attachment to the characters but I honestly didn't. Although I enjoyed Nyssa and Hart's banter, that was the extent of my concern for them. SORRY. They just...didn't stand out to me?? I DON'T KNOW. My thoughts are very confused right now. 

There was also the instance of two swear words. I was under the impression that this was written by a Christian author--especially since some of the characters seem to have faith in God--so that rather shocked me. I just typically don't want to worry about language when I pick up a Christian book. *shrugs*

ANYWAY. This review probably makes it sound like I hated the story, but I didn't. It was just okay. Rather boring, rather too confusing, and rather too much like sci-fi for my tastes. (But hey, it earns some points because HART AND NYSSA'S BANTER. That was pretty great. *nods*)

2.5 stars

Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

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