Jenna Black

Glimmerglass

Sarah Sammis

Ryan 

2.5

glimmerglass is one of the first books that I added on my tbr ever since I joined Goodreads over 5 years ago. this book would be something that me from 5 years ago would want to read. it's weird going back to the genre of paranormal romance when it was a genre that I used to love over 5 years ago when I read books from Alyson Noel (the immortal series and the soul seekers series) and Amanda Hocking (the trylle series and the kanin chronicles). I never expected to actually read a book that has been on my tbr for a very long time because my reading tastes have adjusted - and matured - over time so I would usually add and removed books in my tbr. there's something about finding satisfaction and comfort from reading a book that has been something that you want to read for so long and it was how I felt as soon as I finished this book. with that, I'm happy that I kick off the new year by attempting to read a book that has been published for god knows how long.

I considered glimmerglass to be an overall okay book. it does it have its faults here and there, mostly towards the characters rather than the plot and the setting. it does read like a typical young adult paranormal romance: engaging, but trashy (both the characters and its steamy & a bit oversexualized romance.) however, I'm still questioning whether I want to continue on with the series mostly because it feels like I don't want to spend much time reading more of this series.

THE PROS
+ dana's narrative/black's writing style is very engaging. I don't think anyone would have difficulty reading this book, even with the setup of the world-building.
+ there's a lot of action and adventure throughout the book so it builds up to how engaging and how much of a page-turner this is.

THE CONS
- I was a bit underwhelmed with the world-building of the setting, expecting to be more enigmatic and mystical considering this is a far book, but it's set liked it's an alternative-present where apparently, people know the existence of faeries and avalon (maybe I had low-key high expectations since this is my first book about faeries).
- why is it that every time dana laid eyes on a male fae, she instantly falls head over heels over them for a split second. we get it, dana. they're attractive, you don't have to mention that every time you see one.
- I had a lot of issues with a few character in particular so this is where you find a lot of cons with this book so let me start with dana. she gets on my nerves sometimes, especially in the middle of the book. it doesn't feel like she really progress as a character as much throughout the story. she sometimes acts pretty immature and privileged and it's just annoying.
- Ethan is a complete stud, a player, and a piece of garbage. he can be attractive in the book but his personality sometimes isn't.
- this story doesn't have much political intrigue as I thought it would be based on the summary when it mentions "a cutthroat game of fae politics."(view spoiler)[ it's basically seamus and grace and alistair fighting over her like horseplay because of her status as a faeriewalker.  (hide spoiler)]
- (view spoiler)[ seamus is problematic in the one scene where he belittles Lachlan because of his classification as a troll and became a bigot and a classist from that.  (hide spoiler)]

Alexandra Mellas

Originally posted:http://raidingbookshelves.blogspot.co... 

Original Language: English
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Country: USA
Publication Date: May-2010
ISBN: 978-0312575939
Page Count: 304

Jenna Black brings a new magical adventure series to light with Glimmerglass; the story of Dana, one of the rare children of both a human and a fey parent. Dana is a Faerie Walker, a rare type of magic that allows her to cross the boundary between realms and bring magic, or technology, from one to the other. Her magic is very rare and when it is discovered Dana is in more danger than she can imagine, and no one can be trusted.
Glimmerglass is a compelling story with a protagonist that can be related to easily. Dana is the right mix of confused, impatient and impulsive; with an extraordinarily embarrassing drunk of a Mother, Dana does what any teenager would do: she goes to find her Father.

While at times the dialogue can seem too constructed, and the characters appear fickle, Glimmerglass is written with a refreshing dose of reality. No one, not even Dana's parents, can resist the lure of her magic and Dana must look after herself. This doesn't mean that Dana is in danger from everyone, or that her family and friends don't care, but that they can be distracted from pursuing her protection.
As Uncle Ben says "With great power comes great responsibility" and so must Dana learn that her magic is a lure that many will find hard to ignore.

I didn't like Ethan, he was too distant from the narrative to draw me in as a love interest. Too much effort is made to inflate his mysterious sexiness and there is no real effort by made Black to prove he has his own 'immense powers'. His relationship with his Father and sister also made him less appealing as a person when combined with his actions towards Dana.

Overall though, I was encouraged by Glimmerglass and thoroughly enjoyed the new twist on old magic concepts of two separate realms. The idea of Faerie Walkers fits neatly into our own folk law concerning the Other World, and explains why only a select few can travel between the worlds.

I look forward to getting my hands on Shadowspell which was published in January this year, and puts Dana in the way of worse danger than she has ever faced.


Raiding Bookshelves Rating
Judging by the Cover: Glimmerglass has a beautiful cover. I like the symmetry and the way it reflects Dana's abilities as a Faerie Walker! The softness of the models face looks great against the black background and the dots and smoke give a surreal feel to the cover!

Glimmerglass

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