Jacquelyn Benson

To save someone she loves from brutal murder, a clairvoyant who can never change the future sets out to catch a mysterious and powerful killer stalking the streets of Edwardian London.

The Fire in the Glass

London, 1914. Lily's visions could stop a killer... if she'll trust a reclusive aristocrat with her darkest secret. A monster stalks the gaslit streets of Edwardian London, draining the blood of the city's mediums. Lily Albright knows who's next. Lily is plagued by visions of the future she can never change. When a mysterious fiend threatens someone she loves, she's determined this time will be different. But she can't do it alone. To save a life, Lily must reveal her darkest secrets to someone she has little reason to trust—the reclusive Lord Strangford, a man haunted by his own unusual powers. From the glittering galleries of Bond Street to the rookeries of Southwark, Lily and Strangford plunge into a dark conspiracy that lies at the heart of England's rising eugenics movement. To thwart it, Lily must face a past rife with betrayal—and embrace the power she has spent her entire life trying to escape. This gripping historical fantasy is perfect for those who love supernatural suspense and slow-burn romance.

Christine

Skye

4 stars! 
+ Synopsis: The year is 1914, and someone is draining the blood of London’s mediums. Beware — it’s not what it seems! Only Lily Albright knows who the next targets are. She must decide between opening her life up to things she’s been running from in order to change the future, or going it alone and risk losing those she loves. 

Review with minor spoilers: 

+ I was instantly intrigued by Lily because she is a non-traditional woman making her own way in the world, but she’s got a secret, and I love it! Lily can see the future — or at least parts of it. 
+ When I learned about people being drained of blood, I was initially a little hesitant because I thought this book was going to end up being about vampires, but I’m happy to say that was NOT the case. Not a vampire in sight!
+ In order to change the future, Lily has to rely on a group of diverse, and quickly lovable, misfits to help her a). accept her gift and b). wield it to her command. She struggles letting people in because she has abandonment issues (thanks, mom and dad), but through the course of the story, she allows her walls to slowly come down. Her character-development is strong.
+ Lily’s love interest is obvious, although a bit frustrating (in a good way), but it doesn’t overshadow Lily’s story, and the novel doesn’t rely on it to carry your interest. I was a bit surprised at how quickly the feelings developed, but zooming out, I recognized that this is is a result of the time period, as well as the severe loneliness each character has experienced. They are both weary of love, but as they say “when you know, you know,” and while they may have been resistant at first, Lily and Strangford accept their feelings pretty quickly.
+ The villain is established somewhat early, and you spend much of the novel figuring out how to prove it versus figuring out who it is. I would have liked this to remain a mystery a little longer and to have been revealed as more of a surprise, but it didn’t hurt the story at all! I thought the reason behind the villainy was incredibly intriguing, and I appreciated that it wasn’t a traditional “bad guy does bad things because he’s bad” storyline! 
+ Sometimes historical fictions bog you down with constant reminders of the time period. This author didn't do that. She sets the story and trusts the readers to remember where and when they are. Her world-building is intentional and clear, yet still leaves room for your imagination to explore. 
+ My overall takeaway from this book book is a lesson of of self-acceptance: learning to love the things that make you different, while discovering how those traits can better the world you live in! When you can accept yourself, you can open up to others and let love in.
+ I happily give The Fire in the Glass a 4-star rating!

Acknowledgement: 
+ Thank you to the author, Jacquelyn Benson, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I was thrilled to learn there are plans for more books in the future, and I genuinely can’t wait to continue with Lily’s adventures!

The Fire in the Glass

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