Falcon in the Glass

by Susan Fletcher

In Venice in 1487, the secrets of glassblowing are guarded jealously. Renzo, a twelve-year-old laborer in a glassworks, has just a few months to prepare for a test of his abilities, and no one to teach him. If he passes, he will qualify as a skilled glassblower. If he fails, he will be expelled from the glassworks. Becoming a glassblower is his murdered father’s dying wish for him, and the means of supporting his mother and sister. But Renzo desperately needs another pair of hands to help him turn the glass as he practices at night.

One night he is disturbed by a bird—a small falcon—that seems to belong to a girl hiding in the glassworks. Soon Renzo learns about her and others like her—the bird people, who can communicate with birds and are condemned as witches. He tries to get her to help him and discovers that she comes with baggage: ten hungry bird-kenning children who desperately need his aid. Caught between devotion to his family and his art and protecting a group of outcast children, Renzo struggles for a solution that will keep everyone safe in this atmospheric adventure.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Adventure, Historical, Fiction

310 pages, Hardcover

First published July 9, 2013

About the author

Susan Fletcher is the award-winning author of fourteen books for young readers, including Dragon’s Milk, Shadow Spinner, and Journey of the Pale Bear. Her novels have been translated into ten languages and have received a Golden Kite Honor from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as acclaim from the American Library Association, the Children’s Book Council, Bookriot.com, Natural History Magazine, Western Writers of America, Women Writing in the West, and many more. Susan taught for many years in the M.F.A. in Writing for Children program at Vermont College.

Although Susan loves to write about the long-ago and the yet-to-come, she can’t bring those worlds to life without grounding them in details from the world in which we live now. To that end, she has explored lava tubes and sea caves; spent the night in a lighthouse; traveled along the Silk Road in Iran; ridden in a glider, on a camel, and on a donkey; and cut up (already dead!) baby chicks and mice for a gyrfalcon’s dinner. To write Sea Change, she immersed herself in the geography and cultural vibe of Galveston, Texas; explored a Gulf of Mexico oil platform; and brought to mind her childhood experiences of skin diving off Catalina Island with her family.

Reviews

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how vividly Susan creates the setting for her books. I always feel like with her imagery I can step into the community/time period and really view the world. I was quite excited to read her newly released, yes you can get this fantastic book NOW!! book, Falcon in the Glass.

My thoughts on Falcon in the Glass: What an experience, to go back in time to life in Venice in the 15th century and experience life through a glass maker laborer’s existence. I always love how Susan Fletcher can spin a tale. I am quite a fan of her Dragon Chronicle series and was completely lost in this new gorgeous tale which is filled with intrigue, adventure, survival, glassmaking, history, murder, assassins, and determination.
The book slowly welcomes you into a world where you care about every character and begin to worry about each fate. The main character is Renzo, a young boy determined to pass a test to prove he is worthy of being an apprentice to a glassmaker. He is in a pretty desperate situation after his father is murdered by an assassin and failed the first test almost a year ago. Renzo takes a risk and reaches out for help from someone that could create some pretty big complications.
It has been a little while since I read a historical fiction book about a new-to-me time period. I love how Susan Fletcher immersed herself in this world and created a magical yet realistic place to exist in imagination.
I hope many students who loved getting lost in another fantastic book, The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen, also enjoy getting lost in this story. I would recommend it for mature fifth grade students up through adults!

Quotes I loved from Falcon in the Glass:
“It was a ghostly sight, so startlingly strange that for some time afterward the captain wondered if he might have imagined it.”
“His shoulders, arms, and back all ached; a dark pool of weariness pressed down on the crown of his head and seeped into his eyes.”
“The mind might grasp the work, but the body must know it too, know it without thinking – in the memory of the hands, in the wisdom of the eyes, to judge from the color of the glass when it’s time to blow it, to spin it, to warm it again in the furnace.”

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falcon in the Glass by Susan Fletcher
302 pgs.
Target audience: Middle Reader
Rating: Wizard

In the late fifteenth century on the island of Murano, Italy, Renzo longs to be a glassmaker like his father before him. When his father is murdered, Renzo’s only option is to work as a drudge in his uncle’s studio until he can prove his glassmaking skills enough to pass a test in just two weeks. If he fails not only are his dreams shattered but along with it any hope of supporting his mother and sister. He spends every night at the glassworks practicing but he cannot do it alone. One night he meets a young girl, Letta, and her falcon. she belongs to a group of children persecuted as witches by the Doge for their uncanny bond with birds. In exchange for food and shelter he convinces Letta to stay at the glassworks each night and help him prepare for his test. Before he knows it he’s got the whole lot of bird children hiding in the studio. Renzo must juggle between his glassblowing practice, keeping the Padrone happy, protecting his new secret family from the authorities, supporting his own family and the threat of a possible assassin. Faced with these seemingly impossible odds, Renzo turns to the glass he loves and with the children’s help creates something extraordinary. But will it be enough to save them all? The author uses her unique compassion and understanding of human-animal connections to create a realistic, heartwarming, gripping tale of secrets, betrayal, mystery and loyalty. The details of Venetian life and Murano glassmaking are vivid and flow naturally throughout the storyline. Recommend to fans of “The Glass Swallow” by Julia Golding. (This book was provided by the publisher, Simon and Schuster).

[MacK · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not the most memorable of plot lines or characters, but the commitment and appreciation of setting is a tremendous boon. Set in a Renaissance Venice glass blower-y, The Falcon in the Glass captures a young adult's struggle to find their place in a world that doesn't involve a single school (but has a big chunk of teaching), that has no cliques, but definitely deals with class and sectarianism.

It's rare to find really well done historical YA fiction, let alone historical YA fiction that delves into long past times. To capture both the universality of teenage education, social conflict and family trouble and the unique experience of Renaissance Venice is tremendous to find. Chances are it's not propping up any island displays in your neighborhood Barnes & Noble, and it won't grab much attention. But if you have a young reader with a hunger for history, you could do a lot worse than this book.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 2.5 stars

During my junior year of college, I was lucky enough to get to travel to Italy. Part of the trip was Venice and a quick jaunt out to Murano. Ever since I’ve been unable to resist any book set in Murano, not that it’s easy to resist any book set anywhere I haven’t traveled or want to travel. Still, Murano, for some reason, has a special place in my heart. Thus, though I’d not really heard much about this middle grade title, I could not resist it. While I did enjoy the setting, my heart wasn’t really in the story, which wasn’t as epic as the sort of fare I am used to.

Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.

[Connor W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Falcon in the Glass by Susan Fletcher" is about a young boy named Renzo who lived in Venice. He always dreamed of becoming the best glass maker in Venice. But those dreams were quickly destroyed when his father was killed. Renzo soon worked as drudged (do hard, menial, or dull work) in a glass-works. He has to pass a test in less than 2 months to prove himself he has skill with working with glass. He is already behind, he has a mother and sister that need him to pass for their survival.
This is a good book taking place in 1487 because of Renzo's growth over the course of the book is unmistakable, but not too sudden or without encouragement. But I did have a few questions about the "Bird Children." Their connection with the birds were never really explained in great detail even though the grandma's background did show a little light in the connection. Although, I did feel like a chance at some more vivid imagery could've been added to this book.Even though it had an awkward beginning, the book also brings the past and the characters back to life, switching among many different narrators.
As an overall ending, this book was a good book, but not as good as "The Young Elites" was. This book also had a few good,believable conflicts. The flow of the book was also a very smooth flowing book. I'd recommend this too anyone at our school or other schools. I'd even recommend this to people that read allowed to their kids or grand-kids as a bedtime story.

[Isabelle Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally, the book was too boring in some areas, and in others too intricate. It started really slow, and it took quite awhile until I finally was able to feel some sort of connection to the story. what saved the book for me was the ending. The prison breakout was really interesting and the conversation with an assassin. What does upset me though, is that I never learned the origin of these children. The book stresses their heritage is different and unique to them, which makes them misunderstood, yet I haven't learned what's so special about them and that really disappointed me.

[Victoria Budkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Venice is such an intriguing place to me. I want to see it one day, so much.
I loved the characters in this book. Loved the progression.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good. finished in 3 sittings. cried on a plane.
reads like a sophisticated savory perfume.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Venice during the Renaissance, "Falcon in the Glass" is a work of historical fiction. Susan Fletcher's meticulously researched Young Adult novel does a nice job of bringing the period to life for the reader.

Renzo lives with his mother and younger sister, Pia. Renzo's father, killed by an assassin,left him the lasting legacy of being a glassmaker. As the story begins, Renzo is working tirelessly late at night to prepare for his padrone's test. Should he pass the test, he will be taken on as an apprentice in a Murano glasswork shop and, thus, be able to provide for his family - "family first." While working late at night he surprises a young girl, Letta, and her bird who have broken in to the glasswork shop, seeking warmth. Eventually, Renzo convinces her to help him as he tries to master his craft. In exchange for food and warmth for the "bird children" she is protecting (her "family"), Letta agrees. When they are discovered by the glassmaker's son, everything changes and Renzo must choose between his family and the girl he loves.

While the the time period, the subject of glassmaking, and the intrigue of the situation are interesting, I found "The Falcon in the Glass" to move slowly. Therefore, I struggled to get through it. While I am glad that I persisted, I am not sure that less diligent teens will. The author does some things that had me waiting for a fantasy element to appear in the plot. Though the accusation of witchcraft is mentioned, and though the bird children and their "grandmother," with their green eyes, and bird friends are intriguing, the book never quite makes the leap. Some might find this disappointing. Others may feel that something is missing.

In terms of characterization, the main character, Renzo, isn't exactly likable. Most of the other characters are flat. I wanted to be more attached to the protagonist and characters like Pia and Letta, but that never quite happened.

There are some good messages about taking care of those less fortunate, the importance of family, and scapegoating. The book has value in this regard. I especially liked the captain's discussion of the fear of strangers. He says, "We humans! Blinded by our ignorance, consumed by our fears! Always looking beyond our own separate tribes for someone to scapegoat for our difficulties." True in the 1400's. True in the 2013's!

Just so so for me. I will recommend it to specific readers.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 15th century Murano, Italy, Renzo yearns to be a glassmaker like his father. However, because his uncle Vittorio dared to leave the island--glassmakers are forbidden to leave in case they might spread the secrets of the glass--Renzo's father was killed in retribution. Now Renzo works as a drudge in another glassmaker's shop, hoping to prove himself good enough to become an apprentice. What he doesn't count on is the bird children. No one quite knows who they are; a gaggle of green-eyed children driven from their homeland by plague, and accompanied by birds bonded to them in some mysterious manner. Homeless, and with their matriarch imprisoned as a witch and the authorities on the hunt for the children, they have few places to hide. When they choose the glassworks, and Renzo sees that the eldest--Letta--can help him with his late-night glassmaking practices, he risks his and his familys' lives to let them stay. Everything hangs on the edge of danger, though; the assassin is still hunting Vittorio, who might return to Murano and seek Renzo out, and the authorities are still hunting for the bird children, whom the Venetian people want hanged as witches. Is there any hope for any of them?

I thought this book was excellently researched and constructed, with great world-building and detail (if maybe a little too much detail about glassworking, with all the Italian terms included). The pacing worked really well, moving at a fast clip with lots of action and suspense. The characters were all flawed and believable, and even the purported bad guys weren't all bad. I liked that the ethics were realistically fuzzy, and that often there really was no right answer--and sometimes Renzo had to take help from people who had gravely injured his family. I wish there had been more explanation about the origins of the bird people; this is really a historical novel, but that small element of fantasy will have fantasy lovers demanding more information. I also wish the story had been not so relentlessly fraught and grim; there are really no light moments here. It's quite a dark story. Although it's believable considering the time in which it's set, I also think that the grimness may push away readers accustomed to the likes of Rick Riordan and J.K. Rowling, who balance the darkness in their books with lots of humor and lightness in other parts.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renzo dreams of becoming the greatest glassblower on Murano, the island near Venice where many beautiful glass pieces are created each day. But since his father’s death he has been forced to prove himself early in the hopes that he can become an apprentice and help support his mother and young sister.

His task is much harder, because he’s not allowed to have anyone help him learn what he needs to know before he is tested. When he happens across a band of children who have a mysterious connection with birds, he forges a relationship that just may help him get what he needs while providing them with food and shelter. To do this, Renzo will have to work against forces that would lock up the children and bring him and his family down with them.

Falcon in the Glass by Susan Fletcher brings the history and beauty of glassblowing in Murano to life along with a tale of children who must be daring and brave to change their circumstances.

Renzo at first sees the bird children as pawns he can use to help him get what he needs to bring security to his family. But as he begins to look at them as individuals, he learns that he can no longer think only of his own comfort. He finds himself taking risks for them because he knows it’s the right thing to do. He also begins to feel a special bond with their leader, Letta.

When Letta and the others are accused of witchcraft, Renzo has to find a way to help his new friends without bringing suspicion upon his own family.

Fletcher is a master at evoking a vivid depiction of a past way of life while also creating a fascinating tale set there. As a twelve-year-old boy, Renzo is grown up beyond his years because he has an enormous amount of responsibility to take care of his family. Yet he hasn’t hardened so much that he can’t see the humanity even in those who set themselves against him.

Falcon in the Glass is a great read for anyone who loves a blending of history and adventure. I recommend it for readers aged 9 to 13.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll rate this book a solid 4/5. I liked the characters and the premise. The bits of glassmaking knowledge in the book and the fact that in the beginning it largely focuses on glassmaking made me thoroughly enjoy reading.
I honestly found myself waning towards the end of the book. Renzo's hesitancy to get up and DO SOMETHING drove me pretty crazy. Towards the beginning he is strong in what he wants to do and takes steps to accomplish that goal. In the end he becomes hesitant and fearful of the consequences of any decision he may make. He did gain the compassion I felt he lacked in the beginning of the book however. It's an interesting character development. In a way, the fact that it is not perfect makes me like it more.

Favorite part: The heavy use of glassmaking terminology and Renzo's making glass. I love stories that teach you something or make you wish you had the skill to do something. This succeeded with glassmaking for me. I felt it was strongest when Renzo and Letta where making the glass falcon.

Least Favorite part: I didn't like how Renzo became so reticent in the end of the book. I felt he lacked the drive that made me like him in the beginning. It did actually make me doubt whether he would decide to help though, which is something most books similar to this one do not make me doubt. Renzo is a person, flawed but brave.
In the end I really liked him and the book.

PS- Do wish I could know more about the Bird Children... Come on Fletcher! That could have been so COOL!

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's only a sniff of magic in this volume, but the glassblowing story and history is magical enough to make up for it. I liked the complex motivations of all the characters, but I admit they were more told than shown (probably par for the course for a middle grade book). The boy struggles with questions of loyalty and what it means to do the right thing, especially when doing the right thing could endanger your family. Other males in the story struggle with similar issues, a bit darker. The main female characters are less ambiguous because they are the underdogs...

The depiction of glassblowing was gorgeous, and matched well with my memories of seeing glass blown, which is a plus to me. Nor were most of the characters evil or completely ossified in their personalities, another was a plus for me. The author touched only lightly on human-animal pairings and I guess I would have liked to see more. Stories about conflicts with guilds, and the need to work hard to learn your art for apprenticeship/success/survival, always intrigue me, as does glassblowing. I liked most of the characters though I thought they could use a little more character development. Since the most recent glass-related fantasy I read was The Glassmaker's apprentice this was a nice palate-cleanser.

[Elaine Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Susan Fletcher's work. She has a way of making a historical time magical and thrilling. It's as if you are reading an adventure, but you have to remind yourself that it's a true happening. I have been to Venice, Italy and have seen the Doge's Palace dungeons, so the story means even more to me. A novel about historical glassmakers may sound dull,.......until you've read the story that Susan created. What would the world do without this kind of talent?

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Falcon in the Glass was a surprisingly sophisticated and well researched novel. Fletcher mixes historical fact with light fantasy (children who speak to birds) and has crafted a creative and adventurous story. She also intersperses details of life in Italy during the 1200s as well as the art of making Venetian glass and the witch hunts that occurred during that period in time.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've recently had the pleasure of stumbling across two good YA fantasies. First, the excellent Stoneheart trilogy by Charlie Fletcher. And second, this little gem by Susan Fletcher (and not coincidentally just next door to the first on the library shelf!)
Set in 13th century Murano, "Falcon in the Glass" follows would-be glassmaker's apprentice Renzo as he struggles to earn his place in the glassworks after his father's murder. This was challenge enough, but then a group of freezing, starving orphans with an unusual - and some believe unholy - affinity for birds showed up in the storage room while he was working one night. Suddenly Renzo is saddled with another heavy load of adult-level decisions to make as he balances his dream of glassmaking and desire to care for his own mother and little sister against the fate of these children (and their oddly compelling eldest cousin!)
I found the story compelling, the writing finely crafted, and the conclusion satisfying. I learned a little about glassmaking, and a little about Murano and Venice. And I also appreciated that Fletcher fit the entire story into a single book rather than, as has become the norm now days, looking to create a long running (and profitable) series. I am all for long series, but a well-crafted stand-alone book has a beauty of its own.

[Bilbo-Maggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8-3/5 stars. Rated PG (I guess...?) for very mild swearing (the D-word used a couple times) and violence.

Falcon in the Glass was good but that was about it. It wasn't great, or amazing, just good. Renzo felt a little flat to me, not terribly so, but it was hard for me to connect with him and he felt a little lifeless. It was hard to connect to many of the characters and I kept thinking and feeling that Fletcher didn't spend enough time on any of them in order for me to get really attached to them (though I loved little Paolo). The concepts in this book were fantastic and the writing was really well done. The best part of the book, though, was the bird children, but sadly Susan Fletcher didn't really expound upon them in great detail. Fletcher could have created an entire world with these children and their unique abilities, but she didn't. In short I didn't dislike this book, but I was definitely disappointed in it. There could have been so much more and there just... wasn't. It was almost like reading a story that had a bunch of missing bits and pieces, like reading a sequel before the first book and you're left wondering who these people are and why they are doing what they're doing. In the end I can't say that I didn't enjoy it because the writing was good and the concepts were incredible, but--as I said above--I was disappointed in it and wished that Fletcher had done more to expound on the characters and the story.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only after I finished this did I realize that Susan Fletcher birthed Shadow Spinner, as well, which I love and therefore my review of Falcon in the Glass is much altered.

I liked this. I liked the imagery, I liked the information it gives on Murano and glassworking, I liked the characters (the Assassin!) and as a falconer, of COURSE I liked the inclusion of the birds. After all, the birds are why I chose to read this in the first place. Intuitive falconry, the strange and explainable phenomenon where falconers need little or no instruction, but just ARE, fascinates me. It is a topic oft spoke of but little understood among falconers. You either have it, or you don't. This book gives little insight, as virtually no one/nothing can. And yet, here it is.

Strange.

But, this book...I liked it. I liked it, but I didn't love it, nor was I able to lose myself to it. A small peeve of mine is that even though the Assassin kills someone in Renzo's place and TELLS Renzo this, the boy doesn't seem to care. Even though it was almost assuredly Sergio, whom I felt sorry for and rather liked. Thanks, Fletcher.

There's a small but fair amount of violence and one or two swearwords. If you like historical fiction, Italy, birds, or the creative arts, I'd recommend this. It's an easy and entertaining read.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Falcon in the Glass by Susan Fletcher. The genre of this book is fiction and does have a little bit of fantasy. The author keeps your attention by using different point of views during the novel whether it be Renzo’s point of view (the main character) or someone else who similarly is connected or interested in the green eyed people. Renzo is a glass maker who at the beginning of the novel was trying to work his way up in ranking to be able to show off his glass making skills. The green eyed people are people who, have green eyes, and a special connection to birds. When Renzo befriended one of the “bird children” he was overwhelmed with a new world of mystery and magic. As the story continues Renzo focuses less and less on working his way up in ranking and focuses more on helping his new friend. Renzo’s character changes from being selfish to being more caring and it is obvious that at the end of the story compared to the beginning Renzo sees the world more openly. The author also uses suspense in the novel which makes the reader continue to read and not want to stop.

[Marc Kohlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exquisite, thrilling and dramatic piece of Historical Fiction/Fantasy. Truly a Coming-of-Age epic that is well worth the read. Fletcher has masterfully crafted an intriguing and immersive book that never lets the reader go even after they finish it. Mystery, power, courage and sacrifice-they all play a part in this novel! Renzo's journey from undermined apprentice to unlikely protector to Hero is really human and resonant to people worldwide and the story transcends time and cultural boundaries. I also found it inspiring and Renzo's character in particular represents essential human, not just Italian, values-Honor the family, loyalty to friends and taking a stand against injustice. The research Fletcher did is impeccable- truly felt transported to Renaissance Venice as I read it. A spectacular story readers of all ages can internalize with and see how use of intelligence, determination and bravery can help one overcome dangerous challenges. Would really love to see a TV series based off this as well!

[Jessica Mallegol-Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Research Done, Interesting Story

A lot of research was done to build this story. Proper terms, methods, and a lot of historical recollections were made to form this wonderful little book.

I’ve read many of Susan Fletcher’s works and this particular story is very different from her earlier works. I love the way Susan puts a lot of effort into describing crafts such as pottery or in this case, glassblowing.

The story itself winds its way around old traditions, how they are broken, and why people should be forgiven for this at times. It isn’t steeped in magic like her previous works, but instead, steeped in elegance. This book allows you to immerse yourself into the mind of a young glassmaker.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is set in the late 15th Century on the island of Murano.
Renzo is the son of a glass maker, who works as a drudge
in a glass studio.
When eight children arrive on the island, Renzo must choose
to risk his family and future to help the children out.
There is a bit of a moral quality to the story, but it's not
heavy handed.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Fletcher's work in general and this was a quick vacation read. Seemed like there could be a sequel?

[Anna Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book if you want a little bit of a mystery.

[Ma'Am Saps · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice story

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A late Christmas gift that was well worth the wait

[Michal Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renzo is the son of a murdered glassblower and is striving to be as good a glassblower as his father. He works for a new padrone as a drudge, almost lowest on the totem pole. He practices glassblowing at night and meets a group of children led by Letta, green eyed girl with a bird (kestrel). Renzo earns Letta's trust and Letta becomes his apprentice, giving him "sight" to form glass falcons. This talent is what earns Renzo his apprenticeship at the glassworks, but it comes at a price. The children are taken by the ruling Ten and there's an assassin looking for Renzo and his uncle Vittorio, the same man who murdered Renzo's father. This is a great story with historical Venice as the setting. Renzo doesn't trust easily and Letta becomes his focus when she and the children disappear. Thanks to her, Renzo crafts falcons and becomes a teacher with glass to the padrone's son, Sergio. He passes the gift from his father to a son ignored by the padrone. There is a bit of mystery and sneaking around in the dark canals. I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending because I wanted to find out Renzo's next step. I'd recommend this book to middle schoolers who enjoy European historical fiction and/or those students who prefer fantasy with animals.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Language - PG (3 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG; Violence - PG
Renzo is the man of the house since his father was killed, which means he has the responsibility to take care of his mother and sister. While doing his best to provide for them, Renzo knows that they won't survive if he stays a drudge. In order to become an apprentice and have a future, though, he has to pass a glass blowing test and that will be impossible without help. Renzo can either follow the rules and fail, or risk the consequences and save his family. Where does duty lie?
The struggle Renzo faces is real, and that's what makes his story a page-turner. It seemed like the book could have ended halfway through, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well it continued on without feeling forced. In fact, the second half was even better than the first, and the ending was very satisfying.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cool setting with interesting details about glassmaking, which I find fascinating. But -- good grief, the characters! Renzo is utterly spineless the first half of the book. Urchins who aren't even supposed to be around the studio (see earlier incidence of spinelessness) smash expensive goblets for which Renzo could lose his precarious job and all future prospects. Yet a couple of quelling comments from the lead girl later, and he's convinced that he is the one being selfish. Um. I know 13 year old boys, and I can't think of a single one who would react this way. There's a difference between having empathy and being a total pushover, and Renzo falls into the latter category. Lead girl Letta is pushy, shrewish, and unlikable. Hell, I preferred the assassin to these two.

The plot only works if you're convinced by the depth of the friendship between Renzo and Letta, and pretty obviously, I wasn't. I've liked Susan Fletcher's books in the past, but Falcon in the Glass isn't a keeper.