At eight years old, Nasya Ember was sold into a mysterious organization called The Order. She and several other girls were taken and trained by a group of women known as The Mothers. Training was extreme. The Mothers were ruthless. The girls who graduated from training were lethal. And for Nasya, training did more than prepare her to become a Hand of The Order. Each step forward in training awakened new things from inside of her, things neither she nor The Mothers can completely explain. Her search for answers runs parallel to her life within The Order. Will she choose power? Will she choose love? Or will other forces work against her?
***Warning. This Review may contain spoilers.*** I received this book as an ARc in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say that I love this book. The story follows Nasya who was sold to the Order by her parents who may or may not be her parents. There she is trained with other girls and out through the most rigorous of training where only 6 will conokete their training. The story will also flash forward to current times as Nasya prepares for an assigment as well as flashing back to an event from the past. Nasya's character and her character growth throughout was very relatable and amazing. Due to her parents selling her, she struggles with abandoment issues and wanting to be someone's first choice which greatly impacts her character. This book held me captive the entire time and I cannot wait for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
From the first page to the last I loved every bit of this! I've always found myself in love with fantasy types with fae and weres and magic! This author has given it all AND added in a twist in this amazing book! I'll try not to give too much away here. Nasya's character development was perfect, the plot was just captivating! Adding in the magic was just the chefs kiss! I could vividly imagine every scene with how well written this is! I was lucky enough to get to enjoy this book and absolutely can not wait for more!
I love the method of re-framing an existing fairy tale with new meaning and new energy and Brubaker has done this in spades here with a re-telling of Cinderella. Not just one wicked step-mother but SIX! The framing of young Nasya's world has these six set up as the good gals and Nasya takes that in unquestioningly. I loved the story arc that created a super-heroine character out of a poor, starving no-one girl. I'm rating it a 4* though, even though I think a better organizational effort could easily have made it a 5*. Okay, let's get into that, I hate time jumps within the body of an engaging tale. One time jump, okay. Forward and back, okay. But repeated jumps forward and backward, and cross-dimensional make a very good story into a chore to follow and that is the only flaw in this tale.
Nasya is Cinderella. I don't know why the author doesn't call this out in her blurbs or descriptions. It's integral to the character and leaving the reader to discover it takes something away from the whole.
I think the term "Sapphic" as description for this work doesn't fit, the same as other reviewers have. It may be meant to call out the target audience, but I fear that others who would truly enjoy this story may shy away and there's plenty for them to enjoy and nothing of what they may fear from using that term. There is some romance, both lesbian and straight, but none is the primary focus of the tale, only side shows. The scenes are engaging and add to the value of the story, but not to the level this description would imply.
As you enter the tale, you'd be wise to think of all the ways an awesome story could twist the tale of Cinderella, and then you'll still be happily surprised at how THIS author does it. Truly an amazing endeavor done in fascinating form. Maybe also consider what could happen if another fairy tale should slip in around the edges of the main Cinderella story, and then be prepared for another happy bit of excitement at how the author makes that happen too!
This isn’t really a review because I’m not really a book reviewing type of person, I read for fun, though I’ll say this is a relatively well-written book. In actuality this is more of a disclaimer on the concept of “sapphic” fiction. While I would say this does qualify due to the central romance being between 2 women, the book isn’t a romance and the focus is not on that relationship. The FMC is a sex worker so there’s a fair bit of discussion of sex with both men and women. Sex work is fairly romanticized in the book and it is repeatedly made clear that the FMC both always enjoys sex with clients and seems to always be very turned on by it. This is not an inherently bad take on sex work, but is possibly not the most realistic. Also there are 2 actual sex scenes and the longer and more explicit of the sex scenes is hetero. Though it takes place in the context of a sex worker/client situation it is both romanticized and quite a bit more detailed and descriptive than the sapphic sex scene with the main love interest. I do not know if there is a storytelling reason for this or if it’s just how the author chose to write the scenes. So if you don’t like explicit hetero sex in your “sapphic” book, be warned lol. The man involved in the hetero sex scene also features in the cliffhanger so it’s not clear whether a further relationship will be developed with the man in a future book. None of this necessarily takes away from the quality of the book and if the word sapphic wasn’t in the title it would probably not be worth mentioning but I always find it interesting which books choose to specifically label themselves that way. Note: I understand that sapphic doesn’t mean lesbian and I am fully supportive of bisexual representation in literature. Bisexual women are sapphic but the sex they have with men is not. This disclaimer is in no way meant to disparage the book or discourage anyone from reading if the concept appeals to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fairytale retellings are some of my absolute favorite books. There’s just something about taking my childhood, comfort stories and twisting them into something new that soothes my soul. This book? One of the most unique Cinderella retellings I’ve ever read. I’m obsessed.
Nasaya was still a child when her parents sold her to the Order, a group of women who basically trains/raises young girls to become assassins. Here she would learn the history of the order, how to control her magic, and meet Scarlet. Now Scarlet is really her only friend at first and of course over the years feelings begin to develop. She always treats Nasaya with kindness, helps her through her vivid (and prophetic) nightmares, and they even visit with each other after Nasaya is sent off to learn to control the new, stronger magic she has developed. But Scarlet is harboring her own secret which could just change the course of their relationship (spoiler alert it does).
Nasaya’s dream sequences were some of my absolute favorite scenes. They were so vivid that the lines between what was actually happening in the story and the dreams were blurred which I think added a little suspense/tension. The people around her really don’t know how to handle or really even to believe these dreams, especially the dreams that seem to tell stories of the past, which makes things a little more difficult/complicated for her.
This book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger after Nasaya takes out her biggest target to date and it looks like Scarlet might be in a little bit of trouble. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book. Huge thank you to the author for the gifted arc of her debut, this is my honest review
Ok, wow....blown away. I don't know where exactly to start, but I'm going to try. Our MC is basically sold to a lady and while it seems harsh( and it is to a degree), it somewhat saves her impoverished family( one less mouth and a lot of coin) and saves her in a manner of speaking. She's brought into the Order, a group of Assassins that are all female. Not all make it. They're educated highly, trained even more and molded into exquisite machines to carry out their assignments. Along the way, our MC discovers she has magic and her roommate is her best friend and she loves her. The majority of the book switches between the past, a generation or so before, the present where she's grown and making her way and fulfilling her assignments and the past where she is in training. I know it seems like a lot, but it fits seamlessly and it offers a lot of insight. Yes, there are several sex scenes and they are well done. Crafted perfectly to show the emotion and depth in some aspects, and the joy of it in others. The work assignments are well thought out and shown to have depth, planning and some harrowing escapes. These are very well written and reminiscent of Thriller/action books in that the pacing keeps you going strong and wanting the next bit. Last bit, pay a lot of attention to the visions and dreams. They offer valuable insights and are integral to the story as a whole. There's also a couple plot twists and a small cliff hanger, but the story ties up nicely. All in all, it's a superb read and I highly recommend it to all. Well done intrepid Author!
An Original, Engaging Twist on Female Driven Fairytales
I loved this book. Set in the early beginnings of time in a fictional land, protagonist Nasya is a very young girl reluctantly sold by her destitute parents into a secret all female order. The purpose of the order, and Nasya’s role within it, is drawn out slowly and deliberately. There is magic, mysticism, fantasy, friendship , romance, mystery and suspense.
What quickly pulled me in was the excellent writing; the author has a deep, rich vocabulary and knows how to use it. The descriptions of character emotions and Nasya’s internal dialogue are thoughtful and believable as she ages from preteen to young woman. The solid presentation of place(s) are well constructed, making one easily able to smell, taste, hear, and envision each setting: a walk deep into the woods is alive with sound and shadow; the unfolding seasons featuring the (sometimes) harsh elements paint scenes of hope and despair. The development of a not so surprising romance between friends is presented tastefully and realistically, rich with the struggle of the young characters’ understandings of the complicated feelings of love. It had me remembering my own past romantic relationships, fraught with both the difficulties AND the breathtaking lust between two people experiencing a magical time. The story includes many examples of the importance of female support, survival, determination, loyalty, respect, and strength. I was left wanting more! Book two will be available in June 2024. I will be preordering!
The story begins with our main character, Nasya, who is sold to an enigmatic lady, providing a bittersweet salvation for her impoverished family. Despite the initial harshness, this twist of fate leads Nasya into the mysterious Order, an elite group of female assassins.
Brubaker weaves a tale that seamlessly transitions between past and present, offering a deep and engaging narrative. The story is enriched with elements of magic, mysticism, and intense training, drawing you into Nasya's world as she discovers her powers and forms an unbreakable bond with her best friend and roommate, Scarlet. The relationship dynamics are beautifully explored, adding layers of emotion and depth to the characters.
The action sequences are thrilling, with meticulously planned assignments that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Brubaker's pacing is reminiscent of the best thriller and action novels, making it impossible to put the book down.
What truly stands out in this novel is the vivid world-building and descriptive imagery. Brubaker's rich vocabulary brings every scene to life, from the intense training sessions to the serene yet dangerous landscapes. The dreams and visions interspersed throughout the story offer valuable insights and adding an element of suspense.
This book is a journey of survival, loyalty, and self-discovery. The themes of female empowerment, strength, and friendship are prevalent, making it a compelling read. This book is a must-read, and I can't wait for the next one in the series!
***BOOK REVIEW*** Name: A Kiss of Glass Author: J.D. Brubaker Rate: 4/5🌟
~This is the first time I read a book from J.D. Brubaker. She had sent me her book for an honest review. Sorry it took me this long to read it. As I had mentioned when I did my unboxing revealed I had no idea what this book was about or what to expect about it. Yes, I had a guess that it had a hint of Cinderella vibes but not sure how it would have intertwined in this book. Once I started to read it I was not expecting the magic, the FMC is a fae, and the book sure has a great twist. I enjoyed how the storyline gives us the background of the characters from how they got to where they are from where they were in the past. It does end with a cliffhanger. So what will happen next??? Now we have to wait for book 2.
~A Kiss of Glass starts off when Nasaya was a child and gets sold to the order. Poor girl felt betrayed. The order is an organization who trains girls to become future assassins. She unlocks a powerful power in her and becomes a great assassin. Nasaya and Scarlet are best friends but they eventually sleep with each other. This is a LGBTQ+ fantasy and if that is a bother for you then too bad get over it! Because this book is a great read. So if you enjoy reading Dark Fantasy Mythology then this is the book for you… Please go and support this indie author… Thank you again J.D. Brubaker for giving me the honor of reading your book.
A Kiss of Glass is from a genre I don't often read, which is why I was pleased to find myself engrossed in this story. I admit that I didn't read the book jacket (I read this on Kindle), and dove right in to reading. This is why the glass slipper image puzzled me as I read the tale of a Nasya, a young girl who grows into a fierce woman. Fierce in vocation while also dealing with her upsetting and confusing past, and the shoe image seemed to be in contrast to that. My puzzlement was on me though, not the author, and the slipper does indeed make sense as you journey with the main character.
Brubaker kept my interest throughout, and I remember the first surprise moment that piqued my interest even more (I won't share here as it would be a spoiler). Brubaker does a great job of keeping the reader informed of the timeline which does include flash backs and flash forwards. I appreciated the assists such as providing Nasya's age in these moments so as to best understand where the main character was and her actions and interactions at that time. I'm looking forward to the second installment in this series!
Notes: This is an adult situation novel. If you appreciated the Handmaid's Tale, the storyline of the movie Salt with Angelina Jolie, and/or new retellings of classic fairytales, in this case of Cinderella, you're going to devour this book.
I am currently still reading this book but MANNN has it pulled me into a wonderfully fantastical world! Honestly, it has really reawakened the spark and nostalgia of reading novels! I had taken a huge break from reading books for a long time to pursue my own creative endeavors, but I am just IN LOVE with the language, descriptions, and labor put into the story-telling of this vastly amazing and mystical world. And let me tell you...EVERY TIME this author describes the meals that Nasya and the rest of the Order eats, I get hungry myself and get so many urges to order food! LOL I love that! I can visually see the appearances of each character and even the atmosphere and scenery. The world building in this book is truly amazing and worth it! I can smell the scents of all the foods described as I turn through the pages and overall I really can connect with Nasya and her feelings on this crazy, unexpected journey of hers. It feels like I'm watching a legit movie in my head and this is certainly more entertaining than watching tv! Thank you so much for reigniting my spark in reading long-prose novels again! I am definitely looking forward to finishing this book up as it is definitely a hard one to put down!
Our main character, Nasya Ember, lives with a family that is so poor they struggle to survive. One day they are given hope by a mysterious woman who offers to buy Nasya. Nasya’s desperate parents agree, and Nasya soon finds out that she is to be trained as an assassin by a secret society called The Order of the Hand. We follow Nasya through her childhood, her teenage years, and falling in love with a fellow trainee named Scarlet. The Mothers of the Order seem to think Nasya is useless until they discover that she’s Fey, and can wield magic. It’s called a dark reimagining of Cinderella. There is the name (which Nasya uses as an alias) and a glass slipper comes into the plot. But it owes more of its inspiration to Game of Thrones and Assassin’s Creed. A rambling, fun-filled epic fantasy that I found very entertaining. Could I have more, please?
Nasya and her sister maiah were feeding, the flames in the fire place dwindling but the tempting logs piled to the side needed to be saved. Even with all their clothing in layers on their body they were freezing and they were hungry. It had been a long time since they had eaten and their stomachs were growling. Nasya had just been sold to an elegant woman to be taken away, but her parents would have food, fire and clothing, more comfort than if she stayed at home. She had been sold to The Order. I was deeply fascinated by this book. Not having read this genre in a while I really did enjoy it. I had to buy the book right away the sample I had received from the Author was not enough. I felt immediately I have to read this book. I can tell you, I will be following this Author and reading more of her books.
I really liked this book! It was a bit confusing sometimes because it jumps between past and present but such a great story! I never got bored, I wanted to keep reading! I love that the Main character Nasya grows so much throughout this book! The character development is spot on! Minimal smut(I know some people care) but very intriguing plot! Worth the read!! I gave it a 4 star only because the confusion in the beginning but you get used to it and it makes sense why it’s written the way it is! Also.. I need book 2 like yesterday.. I need to know what happens next!
This is a Cinderella retelling like you've never known before. It starts off with Nasya being carted off to The Order. This has serious Handmaid's tale vibes. Later when she's older the mothers reveal her true identity. She's a fae assaain. The writing is beautiful but it's so much more than I had expected. Take a chance on this author.
....tropes for Kiss of Glass
Necromancy 🖤 Fae ✨️ Magic 🎩 Handmaid's tale vibes 🎵 Rejected by family 💀 Cinderella vibes ✨️ Fairytale 🎵 Sapphic ❤️ Ghosts 👻 Ass@sin 🗡 Unalivings 🤷♀️ Academy 🔥 LGBT rep 🏳️🌈 Virgin FMC 💗 Secret Identity 🔓
This book starts off slow when nasya is a child and goes through the years with her. The story line kept me guessing for a bit. Loved the mix of magic and all into it as well. Definitely worth the read! The character development with Nasya is great and it does has future scenes mixed in with the pass. Check it out !
I absolutely LOVED this book!! I had a hard time putting it down! This is a wonderful fairytale retelling with magic. It is about Nasyr who was sold to the Order . It is full of adventure and fun! Can’t wait till next one!!
I was completely hooked by Nasya’s story her strength, her confusion, her hunger for answers. Watching her transform under The Order’s brutal training gave me chills. The mystery of her powers kept me turning pages late into the night.
So part of the issue with this book might be that I'm not much of a fantasy person. It just seemed really slow. I finished it, but I have no desire to read the second book. I usually can't leave a storyline with a cliffhanger, but I will be for this series.
DNF @25%. Reading this was like being given unrelated puzzle pieces, and slowly having to deduce coherence from them. Plot, character, motivations, are all just scattered fragments. Before any meaningful direction became apparent, I ceased to care about any of it.
I thought this was going to be a kind of Cinderella story simple and nice but was I wrong it give me a Mafia Nanny vibe when the secret order came into play. It kept me intrigued and I was pleasantly surprised by how the plot.
Such a great read. I definitely recommend readers to read this book. It keeps me intrigued from the first chapter to the very last. Can’t wait for book 2.
This was a little bit outside of my usual wheelhouse, but I enjoyed it a lot! I have to praise the compelling storytelling and the unique spin on Cinderella.
I can not help but give these five stars. And remember that it's my personal opinion. This was a book I read as an ARC I was gifted by the author for an honest review. Let's start with the fact I highly suggest it and already anxiously await the next book! You follow a girl, Nasya, through both her past life and current. The transitions are made obvious by the setting stated at the beginning of each chapter and when in the past it helps to explain what is happening in the current time. Nasya must givt to understand herself while battling thoughts and emotions on why her family sold her, why what is happening to her is happening... but what happens when she's faced with choices between the order, love, and what is right?
**update** I just finished a "reread" by listening to the recently released audiobook version of this story. And boy was I blown out of the water.. I didn't think I could love it anymore... but I do! The life that narrator Rylee Kuberra brought to JD's characters was mesmerizing... I even more so an on the edge of my seat waiting for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.