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She Had Glass Eyes
When Dr. Joseph Faber unveils his eerie invention in 1846 London—a mechanical marvel that simulates human speech—the public recoils. But one witness listens too closely.
Deliverance Edvane, a solitary undertaker with a mind sharpened by disdain, sees in the invention not horror, but possibility. What begins as fascination soon spirals into obsession, as she plots to take the machine for herself. Darkness stirs in the spaces between invention and insanity in this chilling tale of machines, madness, and the dangerous echo of a voice not quite human.
Deliverance Edvane, a solitary undertaker with a mind sharpened by disdain, sees in the invention not horror, but possibility. What begins as fascination soon spirals into obsession, as she plots to take the machine for herself. Darkness stirs in the spaces between invention and insanity in this chilling tale of machines, madness, and the dangerous echo of a voice not quite human.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 11, 2025
She Had Glass Eyes is a masterful exploration of the relationship between humanity and advancing technology that blurs the line of what is real and what is an illusion of the narrator’s own imagination.
This is a must read for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Shelley’s Frankenstein. No doubt, this novella could be used alongside such classics in literature classrooms across the globe—and should be.
This novella would be a fantastic book club selection as it prompts so many discussion points and philosophies especially in the age of AI. Other topics of interest for book club conversation include societal expectations, what is love, and even the inner workings of a criminal mind.
This is a must read for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Shelley’s Frankenstein. No doubt, this novella could be used alongside such classics in literature classrooms across the globe—and should be.
This novella would be a fantastic book club selection as it prompts so many discussion points and philosophies especially in the age of AI. Other topics of interest for book club conversation include societal expectations, what is love, and even the inner workings of a criminal mind.
October 25, 2025
3.5/5 (rounded up for GoodReads)
Firstly I would like to thank Book Siren’s for matching me up with an ARC copy of this novella. When I read the description I knew it was right up my alley. The prose in this is really beautiful and feels very authentically historical. I find sometimes with historical horror, the language doesn’t always fit the time period in a believable way. This one absolutely does. The entire time I had no idea where this story was going but I was happy to be along for the ride.
My favourite kind of ‘MC losing their mind’ is when you don’t see it coming. While you certainly know that something is going on with our main character, her eventual mental break isn’t obvious throughout. Is she a little weird? Absolutely but not necessarily losing her mind crazy. ‘She Had Glass Eyes’ has a very interesting and imaginative premise, unlike any I’ve read before. I appreciate this greatly as sometimes with horror, it can feel like you’re reading the same story over and over once you’ve read a lot of it.
While I do love shorter horror, I do wish this one was longer and I wish it leaned a little further into ‘haunting’ aspect of Euphonia as that aspect was especially enjoyable. Overall however, I quite enjoyed this.
Firstly I would like to thank Book Siren’s for matching me up with an ARC copy of this novella. When I read the description I knew it was right up my alley. The prose in this is really beautiful and feels very authentically historical. I find sometimes with historical horror, the language doesn’t always fit the time period in a believable way. This one absolutely does. The entire time I had no idea where this story was going but I was happy to be along for the ride.
My favourite kind of ‘MC losing their mind’ is when you don’t see it coming. While you certainly know that something is going on with our main character, her eventual mental break isn’t obvious throughout. Is she a little weird? Absolutely but not necessarily losing her mind crazy. ‘She Had Glass Eyes’ has a very interesting and imaginative premise, unlike any I’ve read before. I appreciate this greatly as sometimes with horror, it can feel like you’re reading the same story over and over once you’ve read a lot of it.
While I do love shorter horror, I do wish this one was longer and I wish it leaned a little further into ‘haunting’ aspect of Euphonia as that aspect was especially enjoyable. Overall however, I quite enjoyed this.
September 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this short and spooky tale! It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
September 22, 2025
“I knew an impending corpse when I saw one.”
This was such an unusual story and felt like it was written just for my macabre heart.
In short, Deliverance is an undertaker who prefers the dead to the living. When she meets Euphonia, a talking and singing automaton head, she becomes obsessed.
This is a great story for spooky season (or any time) and it’s the perfect length to read in one sitting.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advance reader copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such an unusual story and felt like it was written just for my macabre heart.
In short, Deliverance is an undertaker who prefers the dead to the living. When she meets Euphonia, a talking and singing automaton head, she becomes obsessed.
This is a great story for spooky season (or any time) and it’s the perfect length to read in one sitting.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advance reader copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
She Had Glass Eyes is a thoughtful, eerie exploration of human connection, technology, and what happens when the two begin to blur. I very much enjoyed the storyline and concept. It’s a compelling mix of speculative fiction and psychological horror.
One of the most striking elements of the book is its thematic relevance. The parallels between Euphonia, a mechanized being given a disturbingly human presence and modern-day artificial intelligence. The way Dilly spirals into obsession mirrors how easily we can begin to anthropomorphize technology, turning tools into companions, simulations into relationships. This passage captures the book’s core horror:
“One day, we would indeed imbue such a creature with life—or become close enough to such a simulation of human likeness that we could not tell the difference. What a glorious world that would be! A town like this, filled with soulless creatures who had no ambitions other than to live as they had been made to do.”
This vision of society populated by near-human beings lacking soul, desire, or moral friction does not feel farfetched. In many ways, it feels like a direction in which we are headed with our increased dependence on AI technology. The idea that such creatures might one day might live among us, potentially uncontrolled is the real horror.
Stylistically, I had some issues with some of verbiage, and it slowed me down at times. Still, the writing serves the time-period and atmosphere well.
I also found myself curious throughout the book about the meaning behind the title. We often call eyes the gateway to the soul and in this case, it is far from the truth. Euphonia possessed no soul or no inner life.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. I’d absolutely be interested in reading more by C. S. Schiavone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of the most striking elements of the book is its thematic relevance. The parallels between Euphonia, a mechanized being given a disturbingly human presence and modern-day artificial intelligence. The way Dilly spirals into obsession mirrors how easily we can begin to anthropomorphize technology, turning tools into companions, simulations into relationships. This passage captures the book’s core horror:
“One day, we would indeed imbue such a creature with life—or become close enough to such a simulation of human likeness that we could not tell the difference. What a glorious world that would be! A town like this, filled with soulless creatures who had no ambitions other than to live as they had been made to do.”
This vision of society populated by near-human beings lacking soul, desire, or moral friction does not feel farfetched. In many ways, it feels like a direction in which we are headed with our increased dependence on AI technology. The idea that such creatures might one day might live among us, potentially uncontrolled is the real horror.
Stylistically, I had some issues with some of verbiage, and it slowed me down at times. Still, the writing serves the time-period and atmosphere well.
I also found myself curious throughout the book about the meaning behind the title. We often call eyes the gateway to the soul and in this case, it is far from the truth. Euphonia possessed no soul or no inner life.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. I’d absolutely be interested in reading more by C. S. Schiavone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
A short, yet satisfying story.
October 8, 2025
An exquisite read, ebbing with gothic glory. This is a must read for fans of Poe and Shelley.
October 22, 2025
This story was DELICIOUS! Dilly's voice, on page presence, and view of the world captivated me right away.
The novella takes around three hours of reading time, and every sentence is effective.
The mechanical wonder that mimics human speech horrifies general audiences and becomes Dilly’s obsession. The story’s intrigue is helped by Dilly being an unreliable narrator as she plots to steal “Euphonia” from Dr. Faber, speaking to the automaton as if it were sentient. And hearing Euphonia respond.
Dilly fixates on how lifelike Euphonia is: her hair, her glass eyes, her voice, and how she deserves to be free.
Conversely, Dr. Faber develops a romantic obsession that shift his loyalties from his mechanical invention to desiring a fully life of joy and family with Dilly. And the more apparent his love for her becomes, the more Dilly despises him for forsaking Euphonia and the more she reminds us that she prefers the company of the dead.
I loved the messaging around AI intelligence, humanity, perfection and death. The ending with Dr. Faber caught me by surprise, and I'm so glad this was my first gas lamp horror read ever.
Cozy up with this novella and a cup of tea for the Autumn. You won't be disappointed.
The novella takes around three hours of reading time, and every sentence is effective.
The mechanical wonder that mimics human speech horrifies general audiences and becomes Dilly’s obsession. The story’s intrigue is helped by Dilly being an unreliable narrator as she plots to steal “Euphonia” from Dr. Faber, speaking to the automaton as if it were sentient. And hearing Euphonia respond.
Dilly fixates on how lifelike Euphonia is: her hair, her glass eyes, her voice, and how she deserves to be free.
Conversely, Dr. Faber develops a romantic obsession that shift his loyalties from his mechanical invention to desiring a fully life of joy and family with Dilly. And the more apparent his love for her becomes, the more Dilly despises him for forsaking Euphonia and the more she reminds us that she prefers the company of the dead.
I loved the messaging around AI intelligence, humanity, perfection and death. The ending with Dr. Faber caught me by surprise, and I'm so glad this was my first gas lamp horror read ever.
Cozy up with this novella and a cup of tea for the Autumn. You won't be disappointed.
October 23, 2025
If you blended Edgar Allan Poe with perhaps the twilight zone, you would get something similar to this masterpiece.
I am grateful to have gotten a copy of this for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t read something with such an unreliable yet reliable narrator in quite some time. Dilly was an absolutely fascinating character, with her own agenda, motives, and take on the world the author so brilliantly created. I found myself rooting for her despite her obvious insanity. She never claimed to be anything other than what she was, yet the people that surrounded her tried so hard to get her to conform which is something I find quite relatable. To be an oddball in a world of normal people, or to find beauty, love and obsession in the grotesque can be such a wonderful thing… although, I reluctantly admit she may have gone a bit too far.
This was an absolutely lovely short read that I will be thinking about for a long, long time!
I am grateful to have gotten a copy of this for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t read something with such an unreliable yet reliable narrator in quite some time. Dilly was an absolutely fascinating character, with her own agenda, motives, and take on the world the author so brilliantly created. I found myself rooting for her despite her obvious insanity. She never claimed to be anything other than what she was, yet the people that surrounded her tried so hard to get her to conform which is something I find quite relatable. To be an oddball in a world of normal people, or to find beauty, love and obsession in the grotesque can be such a wonderful thing… although, I reluctantly admit she may have gone a bit too far.
This was an absolutely lovely short read that I will be thinking about for a long, long time!
September 24, 2025
A hauntingly beautiful gothic novella that shares the likes of Frankenstein.
The world-building is amazing; you truly feel as if you are there. The vocabulary shares similarities with Frankenstein, but it is not overdone and adds to the overall experience. I loved how, given the time period, the book, Frankenstein, was already released and was mentioned as it added to the similarities and distaste some townsfolk had toward Dr. Faber.
Overall a well-written book, only downsides are that I wish it were longer and that I found the contradictory nature of Dr. Faber to be sudden at times, but it made sense given the nature of his character.
As it is a short read, I would certainly recommend this to anyone interested! I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
The world-building is amazing; you truly feel as if you are there. The vocabulary shares similarities with Frankenstein, but it is not overdone and adds to the overall experience. I loved how, given the time period, the book, Frankenstein, was already released and was mentioned as it added to the similarities and distaste some townsfolk had toward Dr. Faber.
Overall a well-written book, only downsides are that I wish it were longer and that I found the contradictory nature of Dr. Faber to be sudden at times, but it made sense given the nature of his character.
As it is a short read, I would certainly recommend this to anyone interested! I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
October 6, 2025
A small tale that would make Edgar Allan Poe proud. Its haunting, cleverly written words can be read in just a couple of sittings, yet they leave a lasting image. I’ll never look at the word “euphoria” the same way again!
Horror isn’t a genre I usually pick up, but as an advance reader, I was intrigued by the Frankenstein-inspired concept the author conceived. I found myself on the edge of my seat through many scenes, feeling that creeping unease that comes with a truly good, eerie story.
A perfect read for the spooky fall season!
*I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Horror isn’t a genre I usually pick up, but as an advance reader, I was intrigued by the Frankenstein-inspired concept the author conceived. I found myself on the edge of my seat through many scenes, feeling that creeping unease that comes with a truly good, eerie story.
A perfect read for the spooky fall season!
*I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
C. S. Schiavone was able to weave a strong historical fiction novel and had that Gothic element that I was wanting and enjoyed getting into this world. I enjoyed the use of the time-period and how good it was used to tell the story and characters. I thought this worked as an invention going wrong and was on the edge of my seat with that invention from start to finish. The characters were so well written and thought worked well in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
She Had Glass Eyes | C.S. Schiavone
Thank you to BookSirens and C.S. Schiavone for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide a voluntary review.
Deliverance (Dilly) Edvane, a mortician, travels from her small village to London to see Joseph Faber's creation - Euphonia. Her fascination by the mechanical talking head morphs into infatuation as Dilly schemes to take Euphonia for herself.
Perfect for fans of:
🐦⬛ Gothic Horror
🧠 Intelligent, Socially Awkward FMC
📕 Novellas
🖤 Infatuation
This book gave off very Mary Shelley / Poe vibes. I liked the sprinkling of historical accuracies, such as PT Barnum and Joseph Faber. I liked the deeper themes of the novella: what it feels like to be an outcast, how do we define beauty/perfection, and what lengths will a person go in order to get what they want.
Dilly is a rather unreliable narrator. The stories of her childhood, which we believe as readers to have been neglectful and possibly abusive, vary depending on who she is speaking to. This gave me a very Victorian Psycho vibe, which I loved.
Overall this novella was very enjoyable and perfect for spooky season. I recommend picking up a copy when it releases 10/20/25!
Thank you to BookSirens and C.S. Schiavone for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide a voluntary review.
Deliverance (Dilly) Edvane, a mortician, travels from her small village to London to see Joseph Faber's creation - Euphonia. Her fascination by the mechanical talking head morphs into infatuation as Dilly schemes to take Euphonia for herself.
Perfect for fans of:
🐦⬛ Gothic Horror
🧠 Intelligent, Socially Awkward FMC
📕 Novellas
🖤 Infatuation
This book gave off very Mary Shelley / Poe vibes. I liked the sprinkling of historical accuracies, such as PT Barnum and Joseph Faber. I liked the deeper themes of the novella: what it feels like to be an outcast, how do we define beauty/perfection, and what lengths will a person go in order to get what they want.
Dilly is a rather unreliable narrator. The stories of her childhood, which we believe as readers to have been neglectful and possibly abusive, vary depending on who she is speaking to. This gave me a very Victorian Psycho vibe, which I loved.
Overall this novella was very enjoyable and perfect for spooky season. I recommend picking up a copy when it releases 10/20/25!
September 28, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this! The style and voice of the writing was so interesting and really gripped me. Pairing that with the themes and relationships that were explored made me need to know what happened. Creepy, fun, and thought-provoking, perfect for the halloween season.
I really enjoyed this! The style and voice of the writing was so interesting and really gripped me. Pairing that with the themes and relationships that were explored made me need to know what happened. Creepy, fun, and thought-provoking, perfect for the halloween season.
October 9, 2025
I just really enjoyed this little story - the writing, the characters, just everything about it! I found Dilly to be so relatable, and the fact that she was remotely decent to Dr Faber, clearly only to be close to Euphonia, and he still took that as so much more. While I didn't have the time, this absolutely could easily be read in one short sitting and I was a bit sad I had to split it up, I wanted to know what was coming next. Though it was a short story, I don't feel like things were rushed, or left out, I would gladly read more of Dilly and what might come next, or more of what happened before.
Big thank you to BookSirens for an advance copy, who knows if I'd have come across this otherwise, looking forward to more from the author.
Big thank you to BookSirens for an advance copy, who knows if I'd have come across this otherwise, looking forward to more from the author.
October 24, 2025
This story is fantastically creepy! It is perfect for Spooky season. I loved the imagery and time period. I loved the historical references and that the lead character was kind of a loner you question her sanity at some points it was fantastic
November 7, 2025
This was very well written and the ending has a great payout. I did think the build up took a long time even with it being a short story. I like when a character falls into complete madness. I would have liked some more unaliving. Maybe I have a problem.
I want to thank Book Sirens for a free advanced copy. My review is voluntary.
I want to thank Book Sirens for a free advanced copy. My review is voluntary.
December 5, 2025
ALRIGHT!!! I am honestly not sure what I just read but my goodness did it deliver on the fall creepy vibes!! WOW!! 😱😱😱
I was constant questioning what was happening and where this story was going. And the minute I thought I knew what was going on, something new happened to completely throw me off the trail. This can be evidenced by my notes that are mostly on caps and with lots of exclamation points.🤣 This novella is definitely a wild ride but I loved it!!
If you like Hitchcock esq storytelling with a dash of Poe thrown in, this is the spooky fall read of your DREAMS!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was constant questioning what was happening and where this story was going. And the minute I thought I knew what was going on, something new happened to completely throw me off the trail. This can be evidenced by my notes that are mostly on caps and with lots of exclamation points.🤣 This novella is definitely a wild ride but I loved it!!
If you like Hitchcock esq storytelling with a dash of Poe thrown in, this is the spooky fall read of your DREAMS!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 28, 2025
Delightfully creepy tale of obsession and an eerie invention. I really enjoyed this well written gothic horror novella. The protagonist isn't particularly likeable but she is fascinating in her obsession. There's a lot of weird unspoken energy between her and the automaton she becomes obsessed with. The story was definitely unusual and had some twists.
November 7, 2025
I received a FREE copy of the ebook edition of She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone was a recently released novella as of October 20, 2025 and is 73 pages in length. This novella fits into the gothic, historical, fantasy, and horror genres.
I liked the premise of this novella and the story's summary, which is why I chose to read and review it. I also enjoyed the unreliable leading female character, Deliverance (Dilly) Edvance, in She Had Glass Eyes as well.
She Had Glass Eyes is set in England in the mid-1800s. It has a bit of a Frankenstein feel to it. Essentially, you have an inventor named Dr. Joseph Faber, who has created a mechanical marvel named, Euphonia, that simulates human speech. While on public display, most of the general public recoils from Euphonia, but not Dilly. Dilly's fascinated by Euphonia... Actually, Dilly's obsessed with Euphonia and dreams about her nightly. Dilly likes the idea of creating an army of mechanical beings. Dilly looks forward to working with Dr. Faber in the future with regards to Euphonia and that is wrought with strife. I won't go into a deep dive into Dilly and Dr. Faber's working relationship towards the end of She Had Glass Eyes, other than to say it does not bode well for all.
As far as the writing goes and the overall plot development in She Had Glass Eyes, I was less than impressed. I felt like She Had Glass Eyes could have been so much better!! I'm kind of surprised with all the glowing online reviews for She Had Glass Eyes.
She Had Glass Eyes by C.S. Schiavone was a recently released novella as of October 20, 2025 and is 73 pages in length. This novella fits into the gothic, historical, fantasy, and horror genres.
I liked the premise of this novella and the story's summary, which is why I chose to read and review it. I also enjoyed the unreliable leading female character, Deliverance (Dilly) Edvance, in She Had Glass Eyes as well.
She Had Glass Eyes is set in England in the mid-1800s. It has a bit of a Frankenstein feel to it. Essentially, you have an inventor named Dr. Joseph Faber, who has created a mechanical marvel named, Euphonia, that simulates human speech. While on public display, most of the general public recoils from Euphonia, but not Dilly. Dilly's fascinated by Euphonia... Actually, Dilly's obsessed with Euphonia and dreams about her nightly. Dilly likes the idea of creating an army of mechanical beings. Dilly looks forward to working with Dr. Faber in the future with regards to Euphonia and that is wrought with strife. I won't go into a deep dive into Dilly and Dr. Faber's working relationship towards the end of She Had Glass Eyes, other than to say it does not bode well for all.
As far as the writing goes and the overall plot development in She Had Glass Eyes, I was less than impressed. I felt like She Had Glass Eyes could have been so much better!! I'm kind of surprised with all the glowing online reviews for She Had Glass Eyes.
November 26, 2025
This is a little gothic novella inspired by the author's love for Poe. There's also a Frankenstein inspiration through Dr. Joseph Faber and his invention Euphonia. Deliverance "Dilly" Edvane, a former mortician, becomes obsessed with the device seeing it as perfection, a friend that needs to be saved. She looks fondly back on her time as a mortician, how death can be so final and sees this device as a way to the future to replace how mortal humans are. She offers to help Dr. Faber when he and the P.T. Barnum show stops in her village. However, he has other plans that drive Dilly further into her obsession.
I always appreciate a book that makes me pause to go down a rabbit hole. The real-life inspiration for Dr. Faber and the Euphonia device that actually existed lends a chilling weight to the story. The creation of the device in Victorian times and the ideas presented in this story can even refer to today's ideas and moral issues with AI.
While the story is complete, I felt there was much more darkness left to explore. I was hoping there would have been more unraveling towards the end, some more visions from Dilly. I was left with wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I always appreciate a book that makes me pause to go down a rabbit hole. The real-life inspiration for Dr. Faber and the Euphonia device that actually existed lends a chilling weight to the story. The creation of the device in Victorian times and the ideas presented in this story can even refer to today's ideas and moral issues with AI.
While the story is complete, I felt there was much more darkness left to explore. I was hoping there would have been more unraveling towards the end, some more visions from Dilly. I was left with wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2025
A story more gothic and reflective of the Victorian era cannot exist! The plot together with the expert writing teleport the reader straight into this period, captivating them with this word and wonderful tale.
I loved the main character Deliverance, reminiscent of a more adult Wednesday with her disdain of everything that has to do with the living, and more at peace with the dead, as her job as a mortician requires. But hers is more than a job, it feels like a calling, until she truly finds what she’s been looking for all her life.
The automaton that moves and speaks like a human finally unblocks something in her and it becomes her obsession, so much so that she loses (or finds) herself completely, and won’t stop at anything to fulfil her purpose.
I loved the plot, the descriptions and how the author managed to describe the inner turmoil of Deliverance so vividly. I truly felt the passion and desperation in her and how the connection she made with the automaton consumed her completely! The automaton in her eyes is the embodiment of perfection, not living and not dead, but both at the same time!
If you want to experience a true gothic story of obsession through the eyes of a wonderful protagonist, this is the one.
Thanks to the author and Twenty Hills Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
I loved the main character Deliverance, reminiscent of a more adult Wednesday with her disdain of everything that has to do with the living, and more at peace with the dead, as her job as a mortician requires. But hers is more than a job, it feels like a calling, until she truly finds what she’s been looking for all her life.
The automaton that moves and speaks like a human finally unblocks something in her and it becomes her obsession, so much so that she loses (or finds) herself completely, and won’t stop at anything to fulfil her purpose.
I loved the plot, the descriptions and how the author managed to describe the inner turmoil of Deliverance so vividly. I truly felt the passion and desperation in her and how the connection she made with the automaton consumed her completely! The automaton in her eyes is the embodiment of perfection, not living and not dead, but both at the same time!
If you want to experience a true gothic story of obsession through the eyes of a wonderful protagonist, this is the one.
Thanks to the author and Twenty Hills Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
November 15, 2025
If Poe and Shelley wrote a book together, it would be She Had Glass Eyes. Deliverance (Dilly) Edvane wants nothing more in life than the calm and beauty that she found working in the morgue as a child in the mid 1800s. She carved her place in life much like she carved the bone candlesticks that light her house.
Now, scornful of the flitting life of "proper" society, she travels to P.T. Barnum's show to see Euphonia, a realistic doll's head that has been wired to speak. Her kinship with Euphonia is instant, and Dilly's plans to rescue Euphonia from her maker begins.
Callie Sioux's ability to create a deep character in under 300 pages is remarkable. It is the kind of story that makes me feel disturbed that I felt empathy for Dilly, but kept me reading to the end.
If you enjoy Poe, gothic horror, or the macabre; She Had Glass Eyes is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, scornful of the flitting life of "proper" society, she travels to P.T. Barnum's show to see Euphonia, a realistic doll's head that has been wired to speak. Her kinship with Euphonia is instant, and Dilly's plans to rescue Euphonia from her maker begins.
Callie Sioux's ability to create a deep character in under 300 pages is remarkable. It is the kind of story that makes me feel disturbed that I felt empathy for Dilly, but kept me reading to the end.
If you enjoy Poe, gothic horror, or the macabre; She Had Glass Eyes is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2025
I am leaving this review voluntarily after I received an advance review copy for free:
A macabre young lady in historical England finds herself fascinated with a unique scientific intention that is being pandered as part of circus show. I found myself very invested in the unreliable characters in this short but intriguing read. The descriptions of the main character, Dilly,'s past pulled me in. I found it refreshing to have a dark protagonist.
I do feel the relationship of Dilly and the inventor could have been developed further; it (both the relationship and the novella itself) felt cut short a little. I liked that the story was not a romance, but I would enjoy more description of the scenes of the two working together and their dynamic during that time. Still the type of relationship and the misunderstanding therein fit very well for both characters and did not feel forced. I would gladly read more books by this author!
A macabre young lady in historical England finds herself fascinated with a unique scientific intention that is being pandered as part of circus show. I found myself very invested in the unreliable characters in this short but intriguing read. The descriptions of the main character, Dilly,'s past pulled me in. I found it refreshing to have a dark protagonist.
I do feel the relationship of Dilly and the inventor could have been developed further; it (both the relationship and the novella itself) felt cut short a little. I liked that the story was not a romance, but I would enjoy more description of the scenes of the two working together and their dynamic during that time. Still the type of relationship and the misunderstanding therein fit very well for both characters and did not feel forced. I would gladly read more books by this author!
January 9, 2026
This was a short but poignant story about, essentially, a woman. It read so easy, and it was so fascinating to get into the mind of the main character, Deliverance. The story also touches on the subject of new technology being introduced into people’s lives, and how everyone perceives this—very reminiscent of today’s moral battle with AI.
It had some good discussion points regarding the new technology, as well as a woman’s descent into obsession with a machine that can imitate a human, and in her mind represents the perfection of woman.
I really enjoyed my reading experience, and couldn’t help but wish this was longer so it could give me more unhinged energy, but with so little page count, the story still gives the reader a lot to think about. Highly recommended.
I received this book for free, and all of the above are my honest thoughts. Thank you.
It had some good discussion points regarding the new technology, as well as a woman’s descent into obsession with a machine that can imitate a human, and in her mind represents the perfection of woman.
I really enjoyed my reading experience, and couldn’t help but wish this was longer so it could give me more unhinged energy, but with so little page count, the story still gives the reader a lot to think about. Highly recommended.
I received this book for free, and all of the above are my honest thoughts. Thank you.
September 26, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this from the publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WOW, this was incredible. I have to first remark on the prose, which was beautiful and polished. Every word, every sentence, carried weight and meaning. Dilly is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever read, so delightfully disturbed and vividly wrought on page. The subject matter was timely for its own period and for our current one as well, giving the reader much to reflect on about where we've come from and where we're going with our technology, especially with the growing prominence of AI in all aspects of society.
I highly, highly recommend, especially for a spooky fall read.
WOW, this was incredible. I have to first remark on the prose, which was beautiful and polished. Every word, every sentence, carried weight and meaning. Dilly is one of the most fascinating characters I've ever read, so delightfully disturbed and vividly wrought on page. The subject matter was timely for its own period and for our current one as well, giving the reader much to reflect on about where we've come from and where we're going with our technology, especially with the growing prominence of AI in all aspects of society.
I highly, highly recommend, especially for a spooky fall read.
October 20, 2025
I loved this haunting and creepy tale. It had the feeling of a classic horror story. I couldn’t get enough of it!
I was instantly pulled into the story. I loved the writing style and thought the world building was excellent. I felt like I was right there in the middle of things, which was a little unsettling at times, but I loved.
This story raised some really intriguing and important questions. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. If you’re looking for a quick, spooky read, grab a copy of this book. I highly, highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I was instantly pulled into the story. I loved the writing style and thought the world building was excellent. I felt like I was right there in the middle of things, which was a little unsettling at times, but I loved.
This story raised some really intriguing and important questions. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. If you’re looking for a quick, spooky read, grab a copy of this book. I highly, highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
October 29, 2025
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This was a very interesting and dark short story that perfectly captured the darker sides of humanity and obsession. It was fascinating to read how obsessed Dilly seemed to be with death and emptiness. Euphonia was a human invention and without a soul, thus it was not bound to die, which somehow seemed to mean it was immortal to Dilly. Her constant obsession with the immortality of non-existence was truly bizarre, and I found it intriguing how much death and the disappearance of life or the soul fascinated her, rather than the living souls that surrounded her. Therefore, I could not relate much to her character, but I enjoyed reading this horrific and grotesque tale. I particularly liked the tone and style of writing.
This was a very interesting and dark short story that perfectly captured the darker sides of humanity and obsession. It was fascinating to read how obsessed Dilly seemed to be with death and emptiness. Euphonia was a human invention and without a soul, thus it was not bound to die, which somehow seemed to mean it was immortal to Dilly. Her constant obsession with the immortality of non-existence was truly bizarre, and I found it intriguing how much death and the disappearance of life or the soul fascinated her, rather than the living souls that surrounded her. Therefore, I could not relate much to her character, but I enjoyed reading this horrific and grotesque tale. I particularly liked the tone and style of writing.
October 26, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A well done short story! I liked the how the protagonist was given character through unusual proclivities and obsession. It started with sentences that were successful in creating a hook, "It was the type of spring morning lovesick Irish poets write about, and the atmosphere I most despise."
It's also rather humorous! "A pink and frilled bloom of color and vivacity descended on me like one of the plagues of the Bible."
A well done short story! I liked the how the protagonist was given character through unusual proclivities and obsession. It started with sentences that were successful in creating a hook, "It was the type of spring morning lovesick Irish poets write about, and the atmosphere I most despise."
It's also rather humorous! "A pink and frilled bloom of color and vivacity descended on me like one of the plagues of the Bible."
November 4, 2025
C.S. Schiavone’s She Had Glass Eyes is a masterfully eerie short story that blends historical fiction with psychological horror. The 1846 London setting is vivid, capturing both the grimness and intrigue of the era. Deliverance Edvane is a fascinatingly complex protagonist whose fascination with Dr. Faber’s invention evolves into a chilling obsession. Schiavone’s prose is precise and haunting, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between invention, madness, and morality blur. A captivating, unsettling tale that lingers long after the final page.
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