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Son of Bitter Glass
A sweeping, romantic retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, and a companion novel to K. B. Hoyle's Son of the Deep...The glasshouse was built for Prince Isbrand’s protection. It is good and will keep out the curse. But the glasshouse cannot keep out the Witch.
Eira does not remember her own mother’s death, but she remembers the day Prince Isbrand’s mother died—for Eira loves her best friend as much as any person can love another. On the day Isbrand’s mother was murdered by the Snow Queen, her best friend was cursed—along with all the kingdom of Ravenia—to a slow and icy doom. But Isbrand’s curse is special, and to save him from the fate his mother suffered, his father, the king, imprisons him in a glasshouse and searches far and wide for ways to save his son.
Isbrand has always loved Eira, but now that he lives under the Snow Queen’s curse, he can’t possibly tell her how he feels. She’s already stuck living at his side in the glasshouse where her fate is tied to his own. And the Witch calls to Isbrand, tempting him, even within the safety of the glasshouse. As the curse’s deadline draws near, no plan of the king’s—or Isbrand’s love for Eira—can keep the Snow Queen from stealing him away.
Left desperate and alone, Eira must set off on an impossible journey into the frozen north to save Isbrand. Trekking through a world of old magic, fae tricksters, and creatures out of time, nothing can prepare Eira to face the Witch at the end of her journey. But enduring friendship and true love might save a kingdom destined for destruction.
Eira does not remember her own mother’s death, but she remembers the day Prince Isbrand’s mother died—for Eira loves her best friend as much as any person can love another. On the day Isbrand’s mother was murdered by the Snow Queen, her best friend was cursed—along with all the kingdom of Ravenia—to a slow and icy doom. But Isbrand’s curse is special, and to save him from the fate his mother suffered, his father, the king, imprisons him in a glasshouse and searches far and wide for ways to save his son.
Isbrand has always loved Eira, but now that he lives under the Snow Queen’s curse, he can’t possibly tell her how he feels. She’s already stuck living at his side in the glasshouse where her fate is tied to his own. And the Witch calls to Isbrand, tempting him, even within the safety of the glasshouse. As the curse’s deadline draws near, no plan of the king’s—or Isbrand’s love for Eira—can keep the Snow Queen from stealing him away.
Left desperate and alone, Eira must set off on an impossible journey into the frozen north to save Isbrand. Trekking through a world of old magic, fae tricksters, and creatures out of time, nothing can prepare Eira to face the Witch at the end of her journey. But enduring friendship and true love might save a kingdom destined for destruction.
231 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2024
1 person is currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Hoyle
16 books260 followersK. B. Hoyle’s love of good stories began when she stepped through a wardrobe at age six, and she never looked back. She is the multiple award-winning Young Adult author of THE GATEWAY CHRONICLES fantasy series, THE BREEDER CYCLE dystopian series, The Fairytale Collection, and more.
In addition to her many novels, K. B. Hoyle is the co-founder and CEO of Owl's Nest Publishers, an independent press specializing in books that capture the imagination of adolescents. She is also a sought-after voice in the areas of storytelling and culture, and she has contributed articles and essays to a variety of publications. Her speaking resume includes keynote addresses, leading writing workshops, and international experience as a featured panelist at the 2013 Sydney Writers' Festival.
K. B. Hoyle stays busy at her home in Wisconsin on a winding creek with her husband, their four sons, and the variety of wildlife that frequent their land.
For more information on K. B. Hoyle, visit her website at kbhoyle.com or find her around social media at @kbhoyle.author on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Email her at author@kbhoyle.com.
In addition to her many novels, K. B. Hoyle is the co-founder and CEO of Owl's Nest Publishers, an independent press specializing in books that capture the imagination of adolescents. She is also a sought-after voice in the areas of storytelling and culture, and she has contributed articles and essays to a variety of publications. Her speaking resume includes keynote addresses, leading writing workshops, and international experience as a featured panelist at the 2013 Sydney Writers' Festival.
K. B. Hoyle stays busy at her home in Wisconsin on a winding creek with her husband, their four sons, and the variety of wildlife that frequent their land.
For more information on K. B. Hoyle, visit her website at kbhoyle.com or find her around social media at @kbhoyle.author on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Email her at author@kbhoyle.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2024
K B Hoyle does it again. Her fairytale collection is magical—and I mean that literally and figuratively. Filled with depth and heart and characters you don’t want to leave behind. Speaking of which, James (a side character in Son of the Deep) makes a return in this book and steals the show. I love him and his broken-boy self so much and can’t wait for his OWN happily-ever-after.
Son of Bitter Glass takes a quirky, humorous turn from Son of the Deep with the introduction of the Fae, who, because they *aren’t* human, don’t quite know how to *human* well. They, along with James, of course, were my favorite parts of the story.
At its heart SOBG is friendship roadtrip story and that’s just a trope I can’t get enough of.
If you like fairytale retellings you don’t want to miss out on Hoyle’s collection. They’re true to the spirit of the originals while expanding the stories and deepening the themes. The best kind of retelling, in my opinion.
Son of Bitter Glass takes a quirky, humorous turn from Son of the Deep with the introduction of the Fae, who, because they *aren’t* human, don’t quite know how to *human* well. They, along with James, of course, were my favorite parts of the story.
At its heart SOBG is friendship roadtrip story and that’s just a trope I can’t get enough of.
If you like fairytale retellings you don’t want to miss out on Hoyle’s collection. They’re true to the spirit of the originals while expanding the stories and deepening the themes. The best kind of retelling, in my opinion.
April 20, 2024
Some fairytale retellings end up feeling trite or distorted, but SON OF BITTER GLASS honors both the heart and key details of Andersen's original story ("The Snow Queen"), while deepening and expanding its world and characters. "The Snow Queen" is my favorite of Andersen's tales, and this retelling did not disappoint. SON OF BITTER GLASS is a companion tale to SON OF THE DEEP (a retelling of "The Little Mermaid," but with a merman and human princess), which I've also read and highly recommend. However, the two books (part of Hoyle's ongoing fairytale series) can be read in any order.
If you want a classic-feeling fantasy with a dash of romance that will stir your heart and fire your imagination, then travel to the icy kingdom of Ravenia and meet Isbrand, Eira, and James. They'll live on in your imagination forever.
If you want a classic-feeling fantasy with a dash of romance that will stir your heart and fire your imagination, then travel to the icy kingdom of Ravenia and meet Isbrand, Eira, and James. They'll live on in your imagination forever.
February 19, 2024
When I heard K.B. Hoyle had written a retelling of the snow queen fairytale, I couldn't wait to get my hands on "Son of Bitter Glass"!
This is a beautiful story of constant friendship and enduring love between Eira and Prince Isbrand. The land of Ravenia is thrown into chaos when Visha, the snow queen, curses the land to eternal winter. Anytime anyone ventures outside their hearts and minds are in danger of being invaded and slowly tortured by the queen's bitter glass.
Prince Isbrand is locked away in a glass greenhouse and Eira is his main companion. I loved getting to see their friendship blossom into love. Time is working against them though as the queen's curse will take full effect when Prince Isbrand turns 18. It was such a moving experience to read about someone willing to go to the ends of the earth for love; someone willing to fight for truth, beauty, and goodness even when they are unsure of the outcome.
K. B. Hoyle is so gifted at sweeping the reader away with her intricate world building, well crafted story arc, and fully realized characters.
This is a beautiful story of constant friendship and enduring love between Eira and Prince Isbrand. The land of Ravenia is thrown into chaos when Visha, the snow queen, curses the land to eternal winter. Anytime anyone ventures outside their hearts and minds are in danger of being invaded and slowly tortured by the queen's bitter glass.
Prince Isbrand is locked away in a glass greenhouse and Eira is his main companion. I loved getting to see their friendship blossom into love. Time is working against them though as the queen's curse will take full effect when Prince Isbrand turns 18. It was such a moving experience to read about someone willing to go to the ends of the earth for love; someone willing to fight for truth, beauty, and goodness even when they are unsure of the outcome.
K. B. Hoyle is so gifted at sweeping the reader away with her intricate world building, well crafted story arc, and fully realized characters.
March 15, 2024
5/5⭐️ Ooo my goodness 🥺 💔
This was probably the cutest book I’ve ever read. It was fast paced and I love the world that they’re set in. Just enough fantasy and romance. ROMANTASY<3 This book is probably MG+. I enjoyed it 🧝🏽♀️
🫅🏻Isbrand is the prince. And his mom the queen was murdered by the hobgoblin and the whole kingdom was cursed. No one is allowed to step outside because of the curse, so the prince stayed inside a glass house which covered the whole palace. But the snow queen eventually lured him out and was cursed. He was soon kidnapped for eight months and was subject to the ❄️Snow Queens wrath. 👰🏽♀️Eira, Isbrand’s true love, went on a journey to save him. On the way to the artic region she and her friend James (my favorite character) encounter many faeries and are delayed for weeks at a time. Eira saves Isbrand in a heart crushing moment and soon marry.
Wow. I soooo recommend it <3
The title makes sense once you read it 😉
This was probably the cutest book I’ve ever read. It was fast paced and I love the world that they’re set in. Just enough fantasy and romance. ROMANTASY<3 This book is probably MG+. I enjoyed it 🧝🏽♀️
🫅🏻Isbrand is the prince. And his mom the queen was murdered by the hobgoblin and the whole kingdom was cursed. No one is allowed to step outside because of the curse, so the prince stayed inside a glass house which covered the whole palace. But the snow queen eventually lured him out and was cursed. He was soon kidnapped for eight months and was subject to the ❄️Snow Queens wrath. 👰🏽♀️Eira, Isbrand’s true love, went on a journey to save him. On the way to the artic region she and her friend James (my favorite character) encounter many faeries and are delayed for weeks at a time. Eira saves Isbrand in a heart crushing moment and soon marry.
Wow. I soooo recommend it <3
The title makes sense once you read it 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
The fairy tale retelling is satisfyingly twisty, the characters are great (James is back, hurray!!), and the writing is compelling. I enjoyed it and I'm excited to dive into the next one! (Disclaimer: K. B. Hoyle is a friend, but this is an honest review.)
February 4, 2024
An enduring friendship, a curse, a strategy to evade the fallout, real characters, real consequences, unlikely allies, a quest, a companion, an adventure, liminal faerie hijinks, frenemies, an all-in rescue mission, evil hanging from its own gallows…. What more could you ask for? Dynamic characters to love, admire, and befriend? If you insist!
An exciting next installment for this teen series!
All the different relationships explored in this story feel so real - the friends. the father, the friends’ parents, the stepmother, the stepbrothers, the newcomer - and how allllll of those relationships shift and change like kaleidoscope beads with the circumstances that tip them over. Wow. Hoyle does it again.
Also: I never turn down a friendship-turned-romance; it’s the best. Please and thank you.
An exciting next installment for this teen series!
All the different relationships explored in this story feel so real - the friends. the father, the friends’ parents, the stepmother, the stepbrothers, the newcomer - and how allllll of those relationships shift and change like kaleidoscope beads with the circumstances that tip them over. Wow. Hoyle does it again.
Also: I never turn down a friendship-turned-romance; it’s the best. Please and thank you.
February 1, 2024
This reimagining of The Snow Queen is everything I love and hope for in a fairytale retelling!
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This spin is so creative, adding in elements from other fairy tales to bring it all together to form a well-rounded story that was so fun to read.
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I loved the characters, both human and faery, and even the Snow Queen herself.
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If you love fairytales, give Son of Bitter Glass a try!
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"But faerie magic was like that: utterly suited to its purpose and totally indescribable to human logic."
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I received a digital copy from the publisher for review. However, I had already pre-ordered the paperback because I knew this would be good! Son of Bitter Glass is available on Kindle now; the print copy publishes on 2/20/24.
.
This spin is so creative, adding in elements from other fairy tales to bring it all together to form a well-rounded story that was so fun to read.
.
I loved the characters, both human and faery, and even the Snow Queen herself.
.
If you love fairytales, give Son of Bitter Glass a try!
.
"But faerie magic was like that: utterly suited to its purpose and totally indescribable to human logic."
.
I received a digital copy from the publisher for review. However, I had already pre-ordered the paperback because I knew this would be good! Son of Bitter Glass is available on Kindle now; the print copy publishes on 2/20/24.
February 13, 2024
Summary: A retelling of the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson.
Son of Bitter Glass is the second in KB Hoyle’s Fairytale series. This series is set in the same world, but the novels are stand-alone. The first in the series was a gender-switched retelling of The Little Mermaid . The Son of Bitter Glass is a retelling of The Snow Queen. I have never read The Snow Queen, although these are elements of the story that I can see that CS Lewis adapted into The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, And the Wardrobe . Disney’s Frozen was very loosely adapted from The Snow Queen as well. About halfway through the book, I skimmed the Wikipedia summary to see if I missed any significant elements or references. I do not think I was, and if you haven’t read The Snow Queen, I do not think you need to know the story to enjoy this book.
The Son of Bitter Glass opens with Eira and Isbrand as children. Eira is the daughter of an ambassador who himself is a friend of the king. Her mother died before she remembered her, but her father remarried so that she would have a mother. The stepmother has her own children with Eira’s father, and Eira feels out of step with her family. Her best friend is the prince, Isbrand (Isa), and they spend as much time together as they can apart from her family.
On Isa’s 12th birthday, a hobgoblin brings a curse from the Snow Queen. The queen is murdered, and the king, Eira’s father, and many others get a piece of the “bitter glass” in their eyes. But Eira protects Isa and keeps him safe from the bitter glass. The king charges Eira with protecting the prince. Over time, the childhood friends come to love one another romantically. But Eira is duty-bound to protect Isa, and it looks like Isa needs to marry another to keep him safe from the Snow Queen’s curse. As the story develops, there is a quest, and the one overlapping character of the series, James, helps Eira on her quest.
I am trying to keep the details vague because I do not want to spoil the story, although it is based on a short novel over 175 years old. So, if you want spoilers, they are easy to find. I like to go into fiction books with little understanding of the story. However, in a series that retells classic fairytales, part of the book’s fun is the elements that are the same or different from the source material.
I have read all of KB Hoyle’s fourteen books, many more than once. She is a storyteller who understands how classic stories are supposed to work. As I read this, I listened to the audiobook My Plain Jane . My Plain Jane was riffing off of Jane Eyre, but other than the rough outline, it was an entirely different book. It was a consciously postmodern self-referential novel filled with pop culture humor and joked about how backward the original story was. There is a place for that kind of retelling, but that isn’t the retelling this is. The Son of Bitter Glass takes the source material seriously as a fairy tale and keeps it a fairy tale. There are romantic elements, but this is a middle-grade or early YA book for pre-teens or early teens.
Part of what I like about classic novels is that the stories are more upfront about teaching. Some are more heavy-handed than I would prefer, but if you read a classic novel, you know that the novel is trying to teach you something about the world and how you should live. Sometimes, it is a negative teaching (how not to live), but often, the protagonist is imperfect but striving to do the right thing. Eira is imperfect, but she understands the concept of duty and is trying to do the right thing.
At one point, there is an explanation of the bitter glass that I think illustrates how the moral is clear.
I don’t mean that this is a moralistic book in the negative sense, but that it takes seriously the classic fairytale structure, which has a moral vision, and retells it in a form for current readers.
The Son of Bitter Glass is an excellent example of why I pick up every novel by KB Hoyle. They are well written, expertly plotted, and have significant depth to the books, so I always get more from multiple readings, and they are just plain enjoyable books. I look forward to her next novel.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/son-of-bitter-glass/
Son of Bitter Glass is the second in KB Hoyle’s Fairytale series. This series is set in the same world, but the novels are stand-alone. The first in the series was a gender-switched retelling of The Little Mermaid . The Son of Bitter Glass is a retelling of The Snow Queen. I have never read The Snow Queen, although these are elements of the story that I can see that CS Lewis adapted into The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, And the Wardrobe . Disney’s Frozen was very loosely adapted from The Snow Queen as well. About halfway through the book, I skimmed the Wikipedia summary to see if I missed any significant elements or references. I do not think I was, and if you haven’t read The Snow Queen, I do not think you need to know the story to enjoy this book.
The Son of Bitter Glass opens with Eira and Isbrand as children. Eira is the daughter of an ambassador who himself is a friend of the king. Her mother died before she remembered her, but her father remarried so that she would have a mother. The stepmother has her own children with Eira’s father, and Eira feels out of step with her family. Her best friend is the prince, Isbrand (Isa), and they spend as much time together as they can apart from her family.
On Isa’s 12th birthday, a hobgoblin brings a curse from the Snow Queen. The queen is murdered, and the king, Eira’s father, and many others get a piece of the “bitter glass” in their eyes. But Eira protects Isa and keeps him safe from the bitter glass. The king charges Eira with protecting the prince. Over time, the childhood friends come to love one another romantically. But Eira is duty-bound to protect Isa, and it looks like Isa needs to marry another to keep him safe from the Snow Queen’s curse. As the story develops, there is a quest, and the one overlapping character of the series, James, helps Eira on her quest.
I am trying to keep the details vague because I do not want to spoil the story, although it is based on a short novel over 175 years old. So, if you want spoilers, they are easy to find. I like to go into fiction books with little understanding of the story. However, in a series that retells classic fairytales, part of the book’s fun is the elements that are the same or different from the source material.
I have read all of KB Hoyle’s fourteen books, many more than once. She is a storyteller who understands how classic stories are supposed to work. As I read this, I listened to the audiobook My Plain Jane . My Plain Jane was riffing off of Jane Eyre, but other than the rough outline, it was an entirely different book. It was a consciously postmodern self-referential novel filled with pop culture humor and joked about how backward the original story was. There is a place for that kind of retelling, but that isn’t the retelling this is. The Son of Bitter Glass takes the source material seriously as a fairy tale and keeps it a fairy tale. There are romantic elements, but this is a middle-grade or early YA book for pre-teens or early teens.
Part of what I like about classic novels is that the stories are more upfront about teaching. Some are more heavy-handed than I would prefer, but if you read a classic novel, you know that the novel is trying to teach you something about the world and how you should live. Sometimes, it is a negative teaching (how not to live), but often, the protagonist is imperfect but striving to do the right thing. Eira is imperfect, but she understands the concept of duty and is trying to do the right thing.
At one point, there is an explanation of the bitter glass that I think illustrates how the moral is clear.
“Do you understand? The bitter glass distorts their vision—their perception—of everything in the world. It makes good people forget their love of good things, and it makes them love bad things instead.” Nordika closed her pale eyes as if pained. “The curse meets each person where their heart is weakest and turns them inside out.” (p92)
I don’t mean that this is a moralistic book in the negative sense, but that it takes seriously the classic fairytale structure, which has a moral vision, and retells it in a form for current readers.
The Son of Bitter Glass is an excellent example of why I pick up every novel by KB Hoyle. They are well written, expertly plotted, and have significant depth to the books, so I always get more from multiple readings, and they are just plain enjoyable books. I look forward to her next novel.
This was originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/son-of-bitter-glass/
December 19, 2025
This is such a beautifully written reimagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s tale of the Snow Queen. I loved this so very much - how perfect to read it during winter. ❄️
I loved Eira and Prince Isbrand so much and their beautiful tale of enduring love, self-sacrifice and courage. Hoyle communicates such powerful lessons of love and virtue and goodness through this story.
I loved the reappearance of several characters from Son of the Deep so much, but especially loved watching James deepen in his growth and maturity. I really love his character and understand that the next book in this collection features James even more. While it is not necessary to read Hoyle’s fairytale collection in order, I am so glad to be reading them in that way.
KB Hoyle is truly a gifted writer. I am amazed at her ability to weave together such beautifully told stories, develop such memorable characters, and create such amazing and magical worlds. I continue to absolutely love everything she has written.
Son of Bitter Glass, and all of the fairytale collection, will be much loved by any teen and adult reader and would be wonderful family read alouds. These are also fabulous choices for any book club.
I loved Eira and Prince Isbrand so much and their beautiful tale of enduring love, self-sacrifice and courage. Hoyle communicates such powerful lessons of love and virtue and goodness through this story.
I loved the reappearance of several characters from Son of the Deep so much, but especially loved watching James deepen in his growth and maturity. I really love his character and understand that the next book in this collection features James even more. While it is not necessary to read Hoyle’s fairytale collection in order, I am so glad to be reading them in that way.
KB Hoyle is truly a gifted writer. I am amazed at her ability to weave together such beautifully told stories, develop such memorable characters, and create such amazing and magical worlds. I continue to absolutely love everything she has written.
Son of Bitter Glass, and all of the fairytale collection, will be much loved by any teen and adult reader and would be wonderful family read alouds. These are also fabulous choices for any book club.
March 19, 2024
Teen Review
“5/5⭐️ Ooo my goodness 🥺 💔
This was probably the cutest book I’ve ever read. It was fast paced and I love the world that they’re set in. Just enough fantasy and romance. ROMANTASY<3 This book is probably MG+. I enjoyed it 🧝🏽♀️
I soooo recommend it <3
The title makes sense once you read it 😉”
💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
“5/5⭐️ Ooo my goodness 🥺 💔
This was probably the cutest book I’ve ever read. It was fast paced and I love the world that they’re set in. Just enough fantasy and romance. ROMANTASY<3 This book is probably MG+. I enjoyed it 🧝🏽♀️
I soooo recommend it <3
The title makes sense once you read it 😉”
💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
April 15, 2024
Isbrand and Eira have been friends their whole life. As they grow up and encounter struggles and suffering together, their love for one another grows steadily. But someone else is calling Isbrand to leave the safety of the castle, where he is protected from the shards of bitter glass that spread through the kingdom after his mother's death. Eira must risk everything to save Isbrand, but along the way fae encounters complicate her journey.
The love Isbrand and Eira have for each other is not like the teenage angst that we so often see. This is enduring care and compassion for one another based in their experience of life together. The relationships developed in this story provide a unique view of overcoming difficulty in dealing with other people. It encouraged me to remember the struggles and trials that other people encounter and how that can affect their relationship with me! A good reminder for teens as well.
The story is magical and engaging, and even though I could guess at its end I couldn't guess how the characters would get there! I enjoyed every minute of the adventure and can't wait to read the next installment of K. B. Hoyle's Fairytale Collection!
The love Isbrand and Eira have for each other is not like the teenage angst that we so often see. This is enduring care and compassion for one another based in their experience of life together. The relationships developed in this story provide a unique view of overcoming difficulty in dealing with other people. It encouraged me to remember the struggles and trials that other people encounter and how that can affect their relationship with me! A good reminder for teens as well.
The story is magical and engaging, and even though I could guess at its end I couldn't guess how the characters would get there! I enjoyed every minute of the adventure and can't wait to read the next installment of K. B. Hoyle's Fairytale Collection!
December 23, 2024
What an exciting and clever tale to read in winter! KB Hoyle writes the best kind of fairytale retellings—such intentional symbolism and world-building, virtuous characters, and suspenseful plots with many layers that surprise. The ending of this one really delivered, and I loved seeing more of James from Son of the Deep, book 1 in this series. I’m really excited to read the rest of his story in book 3!
February 21, 2024
Son of Bitter Glass is a fairy tale retelling based off of the Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson. Son of Bitter Glass takes place in the land of Ravenia, a land full of magical myths. The book begins with Eira and Isbrand, both eleven, talking about what a hobgoblin is and if they really exist in their land. Eira and Isbrand are best friends, that have grown up together and are so close that they meet every morning at their windowsills to start their day. Isbrand is a prince and as his birthday approaches he only can think of one thing that he wants from his best friend and that is her word in a promise that she will be his best friend forever. Eira thinks this is a silly request but on the day of Isa’s twelfth birthday Eira pledges her unending friendship to her friend and as a token of this gives Isa a copper coin as a sign of friendship and love forever. Unfortunately, Isbrand’s birthday is ruined when a hobgoblin delivers a gift, a looking glass that he proceeds to break in the presence of all the guests. The glass is cursed and infects everyone it comes in contact with. The bitter glass distorts their vision—their perception—of everything in the world good things, and it makes them love bad things instead. This gift also comes with a message from Visha, Queen of the North, demanding Isbrand to come to her, that Isa could not resist her and if he does not come the curse she placed on them would end the kingdom of Ravenia. The curse placed this leaves Isa, Eira and the whole royal court scrambling to keep the prince safe from the curse and the queens reach. The book continues to tell the tale of of loss, bitterness, trials and triumphs. Only the deepest magic is able to break the curse. The most beautiful part of the book are the words that K.B Hoyle writes that capture the imagination and senses of the reader. Her story and characters come alive on the page and make this teen novel engaging and captivating for all ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
I am only partially familiar of the fairy tale The Snow Queen. The extent of my knowledge comes from Frozen and Once Upon a Time, which are both only very loosely based on that story. And while I do intend to read the original someday, in the meantime, I thoroughly enjoy reading a good fairy tale retelling.
The Son of Bitter Glass is not a good retelling. It’s a great retelling! When we first meet Eira and Isbrand they are children. They have been friends for years and they have a wonderful relationship as friends. As the events of the story unfold and Isa is cursed, we see just how strong their relationship is and how far Eira will go to save Isa. It’s a powerful story of the depths of true love, doing what’s right no matter what, friendship, and even second chances (btw will we get another story with that side character do you think?). I also thought that the magical parts of the story were so whimsical and they sparked a lot of wonder in me. I loved Son of the Deep and I anxiously await the next book in K.B. Hoyle’s fairy tale series! Highly recommend!
The Son of Bitter Glass is not a good retelling. It’s a great retelling! When we first meet Eira and Isbrand they are children. They have been friends for years and they have a wonderful relationship as friends. As the events of the story unfold and Isa is cursed, we see just how strong their relationship is and how far Eira will go to save Isa. It’s a powerful story of the depths of true love, doing what’s right no matter what, friendship, and even second chances (btw will we get another story with that side character do you think?). I also thought that the magical parts of the story were so whimsical and they sparked a lot of wonder in me. I loved Son of the Deep and I anxiously await the next book in K.B. Hoyle’s fairy tale series! Highly recommend!
February 4, 2024
Son Of Bitter Glass is a beautifully spun tale of frozen hearts, dark curses, and two heroes who will make any sacrifice for the good of their people. I have read many retellings of The Snow Queen, and this one stands out as not only capturing the essence of the original, but also expanding upon it.
The Glass Curse was wicked and horrible and I absolutely loved how it was written, because it not only affected the hero and heroine but also the people of the Kingdom as a whole. It gave an edge of danger to the story that was very fun.
I loved that Eira had to rely on others to complete her journey, yet still had a strength of her own. It’s not often in today’s fantasy books we get heroines who are soft spoken and kind. She also had no desire to burn the world, or kill at the expense of others. What killed the witch at the end was not Eira but the consequences of Vishas own cruelty.
I cannot wait to read more from K.B Hoyle!
The Glass Curse was wicked and horrible and I absolutely loved how it was written, because it not only affected the hero and heroine but also the people of the Kingdom as a whole. It gave an edge of danger to the story that was very fun.
I loved that Eira had to rely on others to complete her journey, yet still had a strength of her own. It’s not often in today’s fantasy books we get heroines who are soft spoken and kind. She also had no desire to burn the world, or kill at the expense of others. What killed the witch at the end was not Eira but the consequences of Vishas own cruelty.
I cannot wait to read more from K.B Hoyle!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
I didn’t think I could love this as much as SON OF THE DEEP. I am so pleased to find I was wrong! This story is completely delightful, full of so many charming and lifelike characters both new and old (and even a particular favorite roguish young lord!), and the magical world is brimming with wonder. I loved finding the bits of the original fairy tale woven through in surprising ways, too. Over all, an incredibly fun read that I’d love to recommend!
February 3, 2024
Wow! This book whisked me back to a childhood spent reading Chronicles of Narnia and Prydain. Despite struggling to read ebooks lately, I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend for a quick, magical read about truly whimsical fae and the sweet love of childhood sweethearts facing an ultimate test.
March 5, 2025
I may have read this in like two days. I was challenged by the idea of bitter glass that can corrupt your heart. I have definitely experienced such a thing in my very life. Again, a clean, romantic fairytale retelling. I found Eira to be an inspirational heroine!
March 26, 2024
Man, what an adventure!
January 25, 2024
I grew up reading Hans Christian Andersen so it was a delight to read Ms. Hoyle’s take on the classic fairy tale “The Snow Queen” (which was literally 10,000x better than Disney’s “adaptation” of it). I enjoyed the nods to other fairy tales (is any fairy tale complete without an evil stepmother?) but also how the author pulled in characters from her previous fairy tale (which dove into “The Little Mermaid”). This is an absolutely perfect middle grade series: adventurous, sweet, full of young love, and characters you want your kids to emulate. These are the kind of books I want on the shelves for my kids! Also, the hints at the story to come makes me think there will be some low-key enemies-to-lovers and I am here for banter.
August 13, 2024
I am unbelievably picky about fantasy books, but Son of Bitter Glass by K. B. Hoyle checked all the boxes! It's an absolutely stunning retelling of The Snow Queen, perfect for readers eleven/twelve and up. The romance is sweet without being saccharine AND still important and meaningful. (Isn't that a hard balance to find??)
The story revolves around the deep friendship between Isbrand (Isa), prince of Ravenia, and Eira, a daughter of a nobleman. When Isa is cursed by a witch who embeds a shard of icy enchanted glass in his eyes and heart, his whole kingdom is at risk--and Eira is forced to set aside her growing romantic feelings for him in order to save the kingdom. But eventually it is the deep, sacrificial love she has for him that enables her to go to his rescue. Ten stars for a romantic story that is a perfect example of how self-sacrifice is the most important foundation for true love.
I love all these characters so much, and I was very excited to find out that this is the second of a three book (so far) series! The third book comes out this October and can be pre-ordered now.
I have to add that my sixteen-year-old daughter absolutely loved this story--she stole it from my shelf when my early pregnancy nausea made it too hard for me to focus on words on a page, and she devoured it in an afternoon before begging me to hurry and finish so she could discuss it with me. She is a fantasy lover and an actual, you know, teenager, so K. B. Hoyle definitely knows her audience and writes just what they love.
The story revolves around the deep friendship between Isbrand (Isa), prince of Ravenia, and Eira, a daughter of a nobleman. When Isa is cursed by a witch who embeds a shard of icy enchanted glass in his eyes and heart, his whole kingdom is at risk--and Eira is forced to set aside her growing romantic feelings for him in order to save the kingdom. But eventually it is the deep, sacrificial love she has for him that enables her to go to his rescue. Ten stars for a romantic story that is a perfect example of how self-sacrifice is the most important foundation for true love.
I love all these characters so much, and I was very excited to find out that this is the second of a three book (so far) series! The third book comes out this October and can be pre-ordered now.
I have to add that my sixteen-year-old daughter absolutely loved this story--she stole it from my shelf when my early pregnancy nausea made it too hard for me to focus on words on a page, and she devoured it in an afternoon before begging me to hurry and finish so she could discuss it with me. She is a fantasy lover and an actual, you know, teenager, so K. B. Hoyle definitely knows her audience and writes just what they love.
January 30, 2024
Son of Bitter Glass is a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, and it’s so good that even though I’ve already read it, I can’t stop rereading it. ON KINDLE. And I never read on Kindle.
I can’t stop rereading because I’m catching so much more this second time through. One of my favorite things about K.B. Hoyle's writing is that everything means something. No colors are chosen at random, statements early in the story allude to things that will happen later, and there is always another layer that I didn’t see coming. Plus, this story features some of the best kinds of characters: female characters who are brave and honorable, male characters with strength and virtue. Adventure, plot twists, quirky side characters, and a romance to root for.
I’m thrilled to have played a (very small) part in bringing this book to publication and I hope you’ll give it a read. The Kindle edition is available for just $2.99 and there’s still time to preorder a physical copy before the greatest release day ever, February 20 (aka my birthday).
This book is especially for teens, but content-wise the whole family can enjoy it together. A companion novel, Son of the Deep, came out a few years ago as well.
Have you read the original version of The Snow Queen? If so, you will love how many nods to Andersen’s classic that are included in Son of Bitter Glass!
I can’t stop rereading because I’m catching so much more this second time through. One of my favorite things about K.B. Hoyle's writing is that everything means something. No colors are chosen at random, statements early in the story allude to things that will happen later, and there is always another layer that I didn’t see coming. Plus, this story features some of the best kinds of characters: female characters who are brave and honorable, male characters with strength and virtue. Adventure, plot twists, quirky side characters, and a romance to root for.
I’m thrilled to have played a (very small) part in bringing this book to publication and I hope you’ll give it a read. The Kindle edition is available for just $2.99 and there’s still time to preorder a physical copy before the greatest release day ever, February 20 (aka my birthday).
This book is especially for teens, but content-wise the whole family can enjoy it together. A companion novel, Son of the Deep, came out a few years ago as well.
Have you read the original version of The Snow Queen? If so, you will love how many nods to Andersen’s classic that are included in Son of Bitter Glass!
February 2, 2024
So, I've been wondering why so many people are retelling old stories. Then, I read this one and I think I get it. This book has the beauty of classic stories, it has the morality and heroes to be admired. K.B. Hoyle is drawing youth back to the ancient wells of classic literature.
Admittedly, I've never read Hans Christian Andersen. (slacker) I loved these characters. Seriously, I'd be OK with my daughter dating James or Isa. I love the fact that the girl saves the day, but not in a modern feminist sort of way. She saves the day because she loves and is committed and willing to risk her very life. I love that in spite of their love, they know they can't forsake an entire kingdom for their own desires. Their love is selfless and pure and it's magical.
Admittedly, I've never read Hans Christian Andersen. (slacker) I loved these characters. Seriously, I'd be OK with my daughter dating James or Isa. I love the fact that the girl saves the day, but not in a modern feminist sort of way. She saves the day because she loves and is committed and willing to risk her very life. I love that in spite of their love, they know they can't forsake an entire kingdom for their own desires. Their love is selfless and pure and it's magical.
December 16, 2025
Really enjoyed this companion novel to Son of the Deep. Once again, Hoyle's characters shine, and she skillfully weaves in the original tale of The Snow Queen while creating a new story. I think the one thing that held the story back was how much overlap there was with Son of the Deep in the first half--all events that I'd just read in that book, but with a little more elaboration of what was happening in Ravenia on Isa and Eira's side. Once it moved passed the events of that story, the tale took off and became its own satisfying fairy tale.
July 26, 2025
very good
K B Hoyle always manages to surprise me with how riveting these stories are.
I often find myself enjoying books only to be underwhelmed by the endings, but this one gave me chills with its simplicity be beauty after an adventurous, interesting story.
Thank you for another many hours well spent.
K B Hoyle always manages to surprise me with how riveting these stories are.
I often find myself enjoying books only to be underwhelmed by the endings, but this one gave me chills with its simplicity be beauty after an adventurous, interesting story.
Thank you for another many hours well spent.
March 4, 2025
It’s been a few years since i read the first book in the fairytale collection and i had forgotten how beautifully these stories are retold! a thrilling adventure, pure love, and redeeming ending.
March 24, 2024
THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I absolutely loved son of the deep and I was freaking out when I found out they were connected!!! 😆
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