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Girl of Glass #1
Girl of Glass
Two worlds. One glass wall. No turning back.
The human race has been divided. The chosen few live in the safety of the domes, watching through their glass walls as those left on the outside suffer and die. But desperation has brought invention. New drugs have the ability to alter humans, giving them the strength to roam the poisoned night unafraid—but survival comes at a terrible price.
Seventeen-year-old Nola Kent has spent her life in the domes, training to protect her little piece of the world within the glass. The mission of the domes is to preserve the human race, not to help the sick and starving.
When the fate of an outsider child falls into her hands, Nola dares to venture beyond the security of her home, diving into a world of darkness and vampires. Life within the glass didn’t prepare her for the realities of suffering or the depth of forbidden love.
When blood washes over the domes, Nola must choose between her home and her heart.
The human race has been divided. The chosen few live in the safety of the domes, watching through their glass walls as those left on the outside suffer and die. But desperation has brought invention. New drugs have the ability to alter humans, giving them the strength to roam the poisoned night unafraid—but survival comes at a terrible price.
Seventeen-year-old Nola Kent has spent her life in the domes, training to protect her little piece of the world within the glass. The mission of the domes is to preserve the human race, not to help the sick and starving.
When the fate of an outsider child falls into her hands, Nola dares to venture beyond the security of her home, diving into a world of darkness and vampires. Life within the glass didn’t prepare her for the realities of suffering or the depth of forbidden love.
When blood washes over the domes, Nola must choose between her home and her heart.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
913 people are currently reading
3103 people want to read
About the author
Megan O'Russell
47 books495 followersFrom the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 6, 2017
This book was hella good. The other day I was having a conversation about the fact that I read a lot of indie authors and books that do not make award winning lists. One of the really cool things about that is I discover books that otherwise I may not have because I am reading more obscure authors. This is a gem that if I didn't read indie, I would not have discovered. Simply put this book is an adrenaline pounding book that once you start you WILL NOT want to put down.
I know it is dystopian and dystopian is flooding the YA market but I can assure you that this book has an original feel and that you will enjoy turning page after page. The characters are nicely developed and you can't help but wondering how you will do in their world. If a dystopian book does not make me ask this question it is one that I will find disappointing.
This is another new author that I will certainly read from now on, as she has a way of developing unique, terrifying worlds that you will want to see how they pan out. Fantastic read and a fantastic start to my 2017 reading list.
I know it is dystopian and dystopian is flooding the YA market but I can assure you that this book has an original feel and that you will enjoy turning page after page. The characters are nicely developed and you can't help but wondering how you will do in their world. If a dystopian book does not make me ask this question it is one that I will find disappointing.
This is another new author that I will certainly read from now on, as she has a way of developing unique, terrifying worlds that you will want to see how they pan out. Fantastic read and a fantastic start to my 2017 reading list.
October 16, 2020
Very cool first installment in this paranormal dystopian series.
Looking forward to how the rest of the series comes together.
Thanks to Megan O'Russell & BookFunnel for my DRC.
Looking forward to how the rest of the series comes together.
Thanks to Megan O'Russell & BookFunnel for my DRC.
October 22, 2017
I really enjoy Megan's books! This book was great. Living in a dome would be something I could not imagine but with the help of Megan I could see it in my mind. This book was exciting and the characters were believable for me. I was drawn into this world and loved it all. * I received this book free and this is my honest review*
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March 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/8/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Two worlds...one glass wall...no turning back.
The human race has been divided. The chosen few live in the safety of the domes, watching through their glass walls as those left on the outside suffer and die. But desperation has brought invention, and new drugs have given the outsiders the strength to roam the poisoned night unafraid – but it comes at a price.
Seventeen-year-old Nola Kent has spent her life in the domes, being trained to protect her little piece of the world that has been chosen to survive. The mission of the domes is to preserve the human race, not to help the sick and starving. But when outsider Kieran Wynne begs for Nola’s help in saving an innocent life, she is drawn into a world of darkness and danger. The suffering on the other side of the glass is beyond anything Nola had imagined, and turning her back on the outside world to return to the safety of the domes may be more than she can stand. Even when her home is threatened by the very people Nola wants to help.
Blurb:
Two worlds...one glass wall...no turning back.
The human race has been divided. The chosen few live in the safety of the domes, watching through their glass walls as those left on the outside suffer and die. But desperation has brought invention, and new drugs have given the outsiders the strength to roam the poisoned night unafraid – but it comes at a price.
Seventeen-year-old Nola Kent has spent her life in the domes, being trained to protect her little piece of the world that has been chosen to survive. The mission of the domes is to preserve the human race, not to help the sick and starving. But when outsider Kieran Wynne begs for Nola’s help in saving an innocent life, she is drawn into a world of darkness and danger. The suffering on the other side of the glass is beyond anything Nola had imagined, and turning her back on the outside world to return to the safety of the domes may be more than she can stand. Even when her home is threatened by the very people Nola wants to help.
April 13, 2018
When the publisher gave me this reading copy, I had no idea what to expect. But the synopsis sounded so good that I definitely wanted to give it a try.
And I can assure you that I didn’t regret it for a second. I loved the Dystopian world mixed with some of the fantasy creatures we already know! But most of all I fell in love with the characters. Nola gave me all the feels. Such an amazing person! But that’s just my humble opinion.
This story has been written very well and it definitely deserves more love! So if you.’re into this kind of books, pick it up! You won’t regret!
I am definitely going to read the second book right now! I am totally in shock by the end of this one and I need to know how the story will continue. I just can’t believed this happened. And I am so grateful there’s a second book already!
My favourite quotes:
‘'Sometimes things have to change in order to survive. It all depends on which part of ourselves we’re willing to give up. Some choose the body, other choose the soul.”
'If a life boat isn’t big enough to save everyone on a ship, that doesn’t mean you let all the passengers die. You save as many as you can, and you head for shore.'
And I can assure you that I didn’t regret it for a second. I loved the Dystopian world mixed with some of the fantasy creatures we already know! But most of all I fell in love with the characters. Nola gave me all the feels. Such an amazing person! But that’s just my humble opinion.
This story has been written very well and it definitely deserves more love! So if you.’re into this kind of books, pick it up! You won’t regret!
I am definitely going to read the second book right now! I am totally in shock by the end of this one and I need to know how the story will continue. I just can’t believed this happened. And I am so grateful there’s a second book already!
My favourite quotes:
‘'Sometimes things have to change in order to survive. It all depends on which part of ourselves we’re willing to give up. Some choose the body, other choose the soul.”
'If a life boat isn’t big enough to save everyone on a ship, that doesn’t mean you let all the passengers die. You save as many as you can, and you head for shore.'
April 27, 2018
*this review contains minor spoilers*
I haven't read a dystopian book in forever. I'm pretty sure this is my first dystopian review on my review page??
There's a saying that's something along the lines of how people who avoid reality are "living in a glass bubble" and I feel that saying accurately describes the Domers (people like Nola who live in the dome) of this book. They're afraid of everything outside their little bubble and, while they're justified in thinking so to a point - everyone outside the dome is living in something equivalent to an apocalypse - some of their reasoning for feeling the way they do about the outsiders is pretty extreme.
Now, while being a dystopian story, Girl of Glass also has some pretty prominent supernatural elements as well. Vampires, werewolves, and zombies (oh my!) run amok in the world outside of the dome. At first I was pretty wary - supernatural elements in YA (especially with vampires and werewolves) tend to be pretty cliché and, with the introduction of THREE nonhuman beings being introduced into the plot, I was unsure if the result would go over well (there's literally a meme about it - I'll try to find it if I can, lol). However, I was very relieved to find out that the zombies and werewolves were used merely for world-building and the main focus was on the vampires. There were a few clichés, but overall, as far as vampires in YA lit go, I felt the creatures in Girl of Glass were written particularly well.
Now...the love triangle. I'm not usually a huge fan of love triangles - some read like they were written by middle-schoolers while others are actually decent - but overall I'm kind of...indifferent about the one in this book. Jeremy, in my opinion, was kind of...obsessive, so I liked Kieran more, but overall I didn't have much love or hate for this one. Although there WAS one scene where Nola went and kissed both of them within, like, three pages of each other or something. I didn't like that. Buuuuut I suppose as love triangles go it wasn't too bad. And I definitely was not expecting the twist with Kieran toward the end! >.>
Overall, this book definitely has its clichés and predictable moments, but I think it was a fun, easy read. I liked the world-building and the backstory behind the Vampers more than anything, but the characters were all pretty solid and, as far as clichés go, they certainly weren't terrible. Overall, if you're looking for a dystopian OR supernatural read, I'd definitely consider checking Girl of Glass out!
I haven't read a dystopian book in forever. I'm pretty sure this is my first dystopian review on my review page??
There's a saying that's something along the lines of how people who avoid reality are "living in a glass bubble" and I feel that saying accurately describes the Domers (people like Nola who live in the dome) of this book. They're afraid of everything outside their little bubble and, while they're justified in thinking so to a point - everyone outside the dome is living in something equivalent to an apocalypse - some of their reasoning for feeling the way they do about the outsiders is pretty extreme.
Now, while being a dystopian story, Girl of Glass also has some pretty prominent supernatural elements as well. Vampires, werewolves, and zombies (oh my!) run amok in the world outside of the dome. At first I was pretty wary - supernatural elements in YA (especially with vampires and werewolves) tend to be pretty cliché and, with the introduction of THREE nonhuman beings being introduced into the plot, I was unsure if the result would go over well (there's literally a meme about it - I'll try to find it if I can, lol). However, I was very relieved to find out that the zombies and werewolves were used merely for world-building and the main focus was on the vampires. There were a few clichés, but overall, as far as vampires in YA lit go, I felt the creatures in Girl of Glass were written particularly well.
Now...the love triangle. I'm not usually a huge fan of love triangles - some read like they were written by middle-schoolers while others are actually decent - but overall I'm kind of...indifferent about the one in this book. Jeremy, in my opinion, was kind of...obsessive, so I liked Kieran more, but overall I didn't have much love or hate for this one. Although there WAS one scene where Nola went and kissed both of them within, like, three pages of each other or something. I didn't like that. Buuuuut I suppose as love triangles go it wasn't too bad. And I definitely was not expecting the twist with Kieran toward the end! >.>
Overall, this book definitely has its clichés and predictable moments, but I think it was a fun, easy read. I liked the world-building and the backstory behind the Vampers more than anything, but the characters were all pretty solid and, as far as clichés go, they certainly weren't terrible. Overall, if you're looking for a dystopian OR supernatural read, I'd definitely consider checking Girl of Glass out!
January 1, 2021
There were a lot of things about this book I really didn’t like, so I’ll start off with the things I did like.
The concept. The Dome that protects the people from the toxicity of the outside was a great concept I loved and thought it had a lot of potential. I’m a big fan of concepts like this so I was very excited!
But in the end that’s one of the two things I ended up liking: the potential of a concept because, to be quite honest, the potential wasn’t even met.
I also liked Raina, a character who seemed to hate Nola as much as I did and could see how stupid she was. I felt more connected to Raina, a supporting character, than I did to Nola.
I was quite disappointed to find out that this was a dystopian version of vampires vs werewolves, a trope that has been rehashed so many times that I refuse to read anything along those lines. Had the book description on Amazon mentioned it, I would never have read it. (It only mentions a drug that turns people superhuman, but never explicitly states “vampire” or “werewolf”). This trope could’ve maintained the same story had the Dome aspect been taken away. It just seems strange to put these two concepts together. I don’t think they worked at all.
Someone mentioned that it could’ve just been Domers vs Outsiders and honestly I believe that would’ve made a lot more sense. The Vamps vs Wolves just seems thrown in here to attract fans of similar series (e.g. Twilight).
Then comes the ridiculous, meaningless love triangle. I sense nothing from Nola and nothing from the two boys she’s supposed to be torn between. It’s just emotionless, “breathless” kisses that hold nothing behind them. There’s no connection between Nola and they boys she supposedly loves. And although there is history between them all, it’s briefly alluded to and so there’s not much for us to go on. The love triangle seems forced and really, there is no other way to describe it other than it makes no sense.
Then we have Nola. Naive, stupid, foolish, ignorant and annoying. Naivety can be cute and endearing when the character has her heart in the right place and when she has the right intentions, but Nola has neither of those. She acts solely on emotion and never takes a minute to think about the bigger picture. She is too easily swayed and doesn’t seem to hold her own opinions. She is, essentially, a flip-flop - fighting for the outsiders one minute and then leading the Domers right to them the next. I couldn’t stand her - every decision she made, every word she spoke and every tear she cried - I just wanted to scream.
This wasn’t the worst book I’ve read but it was certainly one of the most nonsensical and boring ones I’ve ever come across and it’s very safe to say I won’t be reading any others from this series! Had I maybe found this book six or seven years before, when I was still deeply into the whole Vamp vs Wolf thing, perhaps the rating would be different.
Overall, the one star is for what the book could’ve been. And maybe also for Raina.
The concept. The Dome that protects the people from the toxicity of the outside was a great concept I loved and thought it had a lot of potential. I’m a big fan of concepts like this so I was very excited!
But in the end that’s one of the two things I ended up liking: the potential of a concept because, to be quite honest, the potential wasn’t even met.
I also liked Raina, a character who seemed to hate Nola as much as I did and could see how stupid she was. I felt more connected to Raina, a supporting character, than I did to Nola.
I was quite disappointed to find out that this was a dystopian version of vampires vs werewolves, a trope that has been rehashed so many times that I refuse to read anything along those lines. Had the book description on Amazon mentioned it, I would never have read it. (It only mentions a drug that turns people superhuman, but never explicitly states “vampire” or “werewolf”). This trope could’ve maintained the same story had the Dome aspect been taken away. It just seems strange to put these two concepts together. I don’t think they worked at all.
Someone mentioned that it could’ve just been Domers vs Outsiders and honestly I believe that would’ve made a lot more sense. The Vamps vs Wolves just seems thrown in here to attract fans of similar series (e.g. Twilight).
Then comes the ridiculous, meaningless love triangle. I sense nothing from Nola and nothing from the two boys she’s supposed to be torn between. It’s just emotionless, “breathless” kisses that hold nothing behind them. There’s no connection between Nola and they boys she supposedly loves. And although there is history between them all, it’s briefly alluded to and so there’s not much for us to go on. The love triangle seems forced and really, there is no other way to describe it other than it makes no sense.
Then we have Nola. Naive, stupid, foolish, ignorant and annoying. Naivety can be cute and endearing when the character has her heart in the right place and when she has the right intentions, but Nola has neither of those. She acts solely on emotion and never takes a minute to think about the bigger picture. She is too easily swayed and doesn’t seem to hold her own opinions. She is, essentially, a flip-flop - fighting for the outsiders one minute and then leading the Domers right to them the next. I couldn’t stand her - every decision she made, every word she spoke and every tear she cried - I just wanted to scream.
This wasn’t the worst book I’ve read but it was certainly one of the most nonsensical and boring ones I’ve ever come across and it’s very safe to say I won’t be reading any others from this series! Had I maybe found this book six or seven years before, when I was still deeply into the whole Vamp vs Wolf thing, perhaps the rating would be different.
Overall, the one star is for what the book could’ve been. And maybe also for Raina.
November 11, 2017
Addictive and hard-hitting
I absolutely LOVED this hard-hitting and addictive dystopian novel. It’s the first book I have read by the author and she is extremely talented in creating well-rounded characters and a riveting and thought-provoking read.
The central character Nola, the ‘Girl of Glass’ of the title, is flanked by two friends and would-be-lovers in an emotional love triangle: Kieran, who along with his father, has been banished from the domes for flouting its rules, and Jeremy a strict defender of the rules set by the dome dwellers and whose father is captain of the outer guard.
The writing flows beautifully and I felt the emotions of Nola, Kieran and Jeremy and empathised with their respective predicaments. The book also features some strongly developed secondary characters and excellent world building. The lives of those outside the domes , whose existence revolves around survival in a hostile environment, contrast with those of the dome dwellers, a privileged and ordered elite dedicated to science and duty. The impact of the drugs that many outside the dome are compelled to take to survive is pivotal to the plot and I enjoyed this element immensely.
Normally I shy away from books involving love triangles but here it worked for me, particularly so as Kieran and Jeremy, Nola’s friend and fellow dome dweller, shared a past history. I hugely enjoyed the tension filled plot as Nola is thrust into danger and is torn between two young men, whilst wrestling with her own moral compass in which she wants the best for all in the world and not just those fortunate to reside alongside her in the glass dome.
Should she chose the safety and order of the domes dedicated to protect the few or the danger and chaos of the world outside, where death can be just around the corner? It is only a matter of time before these two worlds collide and Nola will be caught in the crossfire and forced to choose.
A super read, one I’d recommend to teenagers and above. Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair aand honest review.
I absolutely LOVED this hard-hitting and addictive dystopian novel. It’s the first book I have read by the author and she is extremely talented in creating well-rounded characters and a riveting and thought-provoking read.
The central character Nola, the ‘Girl of Glass’ of the title, is flanked by two friends and would-be-lovers in an emotional love triangle: Kieran, who along with his father, has been banished from the domes for flouting its rules, and Jeremy a strict defender of the rules set by the dome dwellers and whose father is captain of the outer guard.
The writing flows beautifully and I felt the emotions of Nola, Kieran and Jeremy and empathised with their respective predicaments. The book also features some strongly developed secondary characters and excellent world building. The lives of those outside the domes , whose existence revolves around survival in a hostile environment, contrast with those of the dome dwellers, a privileged and ordered elite dedicated to science and duty. The impact of the drugs that many outside the dome are compelled to take to survive is pivotal to the plot and I enjoyed this element immensely.
Normally I shy away from books involving love triangles but here it worked for me, particularly so as Kieran and Jeremy, Nola’s friend and fellow dome dweller, shared a past history. I hugely enjoyed the tension filled plot as Nola is thrust into danger and is torn between two young men, whilst wrestling with her own moral compass in which she wants the best for all in the world and not just those fortunate to reside alongside her in the glass dome.
Should she chose the safety and order of the domes dedicated to protect the few or the danger and chaos of the world outside, where death can be just around the corner? It is only a matter of time before these two worlds collide and Nola will be caught in the crossfire and forced to choose.
A super read, one I’d recommend to teenagers and above. Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair aand honest review.
August 17, 2018
I got this novel for free through Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
It was an original take on classic monsters, with the vamps wolves and zombies. And I think that anyone who enjoys that kind of thing will like this book, as the idea behind it was very cool. The world building in this novel was well done. I am obviously in the minority when rating this book, so I definatly recommend giving it a go.
I found it hard to connect with the main character Nola and understand her motivations that lead her to do the things she did, and to me her love interests (Yes there is a love triangle) seemed forced and were only shallowly explained as to why they liked Nola or why she liked them or why I was supposed to be rooting for either, due to this I wasn't really engaged in the story which why I rated low (a 2 star on goodreads means 'it was ok')
I have nothing against the writing style or the flow and pace of the novel, but I do wish for a little bit more character development.
It was an original take on classic monsters, with the vamps wolves and zombies. And I think that anyone who enjoys that kind of thing will like this book, as the idea behind it was very cool. The world building in this novel was well done. I am obviously in the minority when rating this book, so I definatly recommend giving it a go.
I found it hard to connect with the main character Nola and understand her motivations that lead her to do the things she did, and to me her love interests (Yes there is a love triangle) seemed forced and were only shallowly explained as to why they liked Nola or why she liked them or why I was supposed to be rooting for either, due to this I wasn't really engaged in the story which why I rated low (a 2 star on goodreads means 'it was ok')
I have nothing against the writing style or the flow and pace of the novel, but I do wish for a little bit more character development.
April 3, 2018
I was asked to review this book and I have to tell you I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. Had no idea what I was getting myself into but I ended up getting hooked. I read the book in a couple of hours. It’s set in the future where the world is dying and people who live in the #DOME are our future. It’s a about a girl who sets out to help a boy she grew up with who got kicked out of the #dome she finds out he’s a vampire and after helping him she’s betrayed. The imagination of the author was amazing I could picture everything so clearly!!! I couldn’t wait to read the next book as it left me wanting more!!
May 17, 2018
I was super super late in signing up for a copy of this book, but i really enjoyed the read! Its so good, i can't wait to read the second one
Until then i will be rereading this book constsntly
Until then i will be rereading this book constsntly
March 13, 2018
-I received this book from Reader's Favorite. Below is my honest review.
The Girl of Glass, by Megan O’ Russell, is a young adult dystopian about what it means to be human.
Magnolia “Nola” Kent is a young woman who has lived in the Dome her entire life. When a riot on Charity Day gets out of hand, she meets an old flame named Kieran, who asks her for medication to save someone else’s life. As time goes on, she begins to realize just how different the world is, and desperately seeks help for the people outside. Before she knows it, she’s thrust into a world filled with drugs, poverty, and desperation, as she struggles between the all through the uses of a drug meant to help make humanity stronger. In this thrilling novel, Russell explores the apocalyptic world through the eyes of a girl who must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and monsters, all the while moving on from an uncertain life that knows nothing of sorrow.
Personally, when I read about Jeremy, Kieran, and Nola, I thought it would be just another teenage love triangle that would go about resolving itself in an overly-dramatic way. I was happy to see that this was not the case. All three care about the future and humanity, and all three have their own way of going about it. Kieran would support the vampires in trying to find a way that humans can survive on the outside, Jeremy would take charge within the Dome through the Outer Guard, and Nola would be the bridge that connected the Dome and the outside world. Despite that, the reality of an apocalyptic nightmare shattered their expectations. Desperation and poverty runs rampant, and it was only through the three sides were they able to even begin to grasp just how dire things are. In some cases, I found the vampires even more humane than the very humans that have trapped themselves inside their Ivory towers. Because honestly, Charity Day was rather a brutal concept, taking pity on the suffering citizens on the outside while they enjoyed their luxurious lives from within.
The book reminded me of a sermon that my pastor taught. Oftentimes, we saw the marginalized as groups to help, not to befriend, or to even simply talk with. If anything, they were only there to show that the we did care enough to feel bad, to feel remorseful, but nothing more. I saw the very same themes in this book, where many had to transform themselves into monsters just to survive. The reactions from the students made it clear that they didn’t understand just what it took to live outside the Dome, and it was only through the riots did they even catch a glimpse of what it was like to live in those conditions.
As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. With its fast paced story, its overwhelming scenes, and its dark setting, Russell delves into the future where people are only interested in serving themselves and their interests, where the few are only there to hold out for as long as they can, just before they finally succumb to the end as well. It’s a story rife with drama and politics, and one that I believe every reader will enjoy.
The Girl of Glass, by Megan O’ Russell, is a young adult dystopian about what it means to be human.
Magnolia “Nola” Kent is a young woman who has lived in the Dome her entire life. When a riot on Charity Day gets out of hand, she meets an old flame named Kieran, who asks her for medication to save someone else’s life. As time goes on, she begins to realize just how different the world is, and desperately seeks help for the people outside. Before she knows it, she’s thrust into a world filled with drugs, poverty, and desperation, as she struggles between the all through the uses of a drug meant to help make humanity stronger. In this thrilling novel, Russell explores the apocalyptic world through the eyes of a girl who must find a way to bridge the gap between humans and monsters, all the while moving on from an uncertain life that knows nothing of sorrow.
Personally, when I read about Jeremy, Kieran, and Nola, I thought it would be just another teenage love triangle that would go about resolving itself in an overly-dramatic way. I was happy to see that this was not the case. All three care about the future and humanity, and all three have their own way of going about it. Kieran would support the vampires in trying to find a way that humans can survive on the outside, Jeremy would take charge within the Dome through the Outer Guard, and Nola would be the bridge that connected the Dome and the outside world. Despite that, the reality of an apocalyptic nightmare shattered their expectations. Desperation and poverty runs rampant, and it was only through the three sides were they able to even begin to grasp just how dire things are. In some cases, I found the vampires even more humane than the very humans that have trapped themselves inside their Ivory towers. Because honestly, Charity Day was rather a brutal concept, taking pity on the suffering citizens on the outside while they enjoyed their luxurious lives from within.
The book reminded me of a sermon that my pastor taught. Oftentimes, we saw the marginalized as groups to help, not to befriend, or to even simply talk with. If anything, they were only there to show that the we did care enough to feel bad, to feel remorseful, but nothing more. I saw the very same themes in this book, where many had to transform themselves into monsters just to survive. The reactions from the students made it clear that they didn’t understand just what it took to live outside the Dome, and it was only through the riots did they even catch a glimpse of what it was like to live in those conditions.
As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. With its fast paced story, its overwhelming scenes, and its dark setting, Russell delves into the future where people are only interested in serving themselves and their interests, where the few are only there to hold out for as long as they can, just before they finally succumb to the end as well. It’s a story rife with drama and politics, and one that I believe every reader will enjoy.
April 6, 2018
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book. I loved this book!
The Earth is on its way to destruction and humans are at risk of extinction. In a last attempt to try to save humanity, domes are created throughout the world. Only selected individuals are privileged enough to live within the safe confines of the domes. In this dystopian world, people are safe from the toxic air of the outside world, safe from hunger, safe from dehydration, and safe from the outsiders.
The domes are self equipped with their own food production, homes, schools, jobs, etc. But is it really everything you will ever need to be happy? This is the question that Nola asks herself. Once a month food is distributed to the outside charity centers but other than that one monthly act of charity, the outsiders are on their own to meet death eventually. The only option for survival on the outside, is to consume enough illegal substances to heal you of the dangerous the outsiders are surrounded with. But this comes at a high cost, to be healed means to be changed irrevocably.
It is during one of the monthly charity runs that Nola comes into contact once again with Kieran who was banished from the domes, and now lives on the outside. Old feelings come flooding back to Nola, and she suddenly leaves the safety of her home within the glass walls to search for Kieran. What Nola discovers on the other side of the glass wall is not what she expected, and she is soon torn apart in more ways than one.
This book reminded me of Hunger Games, Divergent and the Silo Trilogies mixed together, but believe me when I say it really does have its own originality. This book drew me in, hard. Its captivating in every way. The characters, plot and setting were well developed, and it was well paced, even though the book is not long at only approximately 250 pages. I was worried in the beginning that it would feel too rushed. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I felt no part of this book to be rushed at all. There were also some well developed supporting characters that I liked. When the book ended, I was not ready for it to be done. I cannot wait to read book 2, Boy of Blood, scheduled for release later this month.
The Earth is on its way to destruction and humans are at risk of extinction. In a last attempt to try to save humanity, domes are created throughout the world. Only selected individuals are privileged enough to live within the safe confines of the domes. In this dystopian world, people are safe from the toxic air of the outside world, safe from hunger, safe from dehydration, and safe from the outsiders.
The domes are self equipped with their own food production, homes, schools, jobs, etc. But is it really everything you will ever need to be happy? This is the question that Nola asks herself. Once a month food is distributed to the outside charity centers but other than that one monthly act of charity, the outsiders are on their own to meet death eventually. The only option for survival on the outside, is to consume enough illegal substances to heal you of the dangerous the outsiders are surrounded with. But this comes at a high cost, to be healed means to be changed irrevocably.
It is during one of the monthly charity runs that Nola comes into contact once again with Kieran who was banished from the domes, and now lives on the outside. Old feelings come flooding back to Nola, and she suddenly leaves the safety of her home within the glass walls to search for Kieran. What Nola discovers on the other side of the glass wall is not what she expected, and she is soon torn apart in more ways than one.
This book reminded me of Hunger Games, Divergent and the Silo Trilogies mixed together, but believe me when I say it really does have its own originality. This book drew me in, hard. Its captivating in every way. The characters, plot and setting were well developed, and it was well paced, even though the book is not long at only approximately 250 pages. I was worried in the beginning that it would feel too rushed. However I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I felt no part of this book to be rushed at all. There were also some well developed supporting characters that I liked. When the book ended, I was not ready for it to be done. I cannot wait to read book 2, Boy of Blood, scheduled for release later this month.
August 27, 2020
Wow.
So many wows!
I wasn’t really sure what to expect of this book when I first picked it up, but I’m glad that I did.
Nola lives in a dome. One of the last “safe” places in the world. Outside the domes, the air is toxic. People are sick, and drugs run rampant. New drugs don’t just make the user sick though. They change them into monsters. Vampires, zombies, werewolves. Voluntary genetic mutation in the name of survival. When her friend, who was banished from the dome, comes to her for help during a charity event to the city, Nola’s life changes forever.
I really liked Nola as a main character. She was sympathetic, strong, and unwavering. Even when no one in the domes agreed with her, not even her mother, it didn’t stop her from wanting to help those less fortunate than her. She did what she could to pull it off.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. I’ve never read a take on the whole vampire/werewolf myth before. It was very original.
All in all, this is a fantastic dystopian story with romance, vampires, werewolves, and fantastic characters. You can’t go wrong with this story.
Narration was easy to listen to.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
So many wows!
I wasn’t really sure what to expect of this book when I first picked it up, but I’m glad that I did.
Nola lives in a dome. One of the last “safe” places in the world. Outside the domes, the air is toxic. People are sick, and drugs run rampant. New drugs don’t just make the user sick though. They change them into monsters. Vampires, zombies, werewolves. Voluntary genetic mutation in the name of survival. When her friend, who was banished from the dome, comes to her for help during a charity event to the city, Nola’s life changes forever.
I really liked Nola as a main character. She was sympathetic, strong, and unwavering. Even when no one in the domes agreed with her, not even her mother, it didn’t stop her from wanting to help those less fortunate than her. She did what she could to pull it off.
The worldbuilding was fantastic. I’ve never read a take on the whole vampire/werewolf myth before. It was very original.
All in all, this is a fantastic dystopian story with romance, vampires, werewolves, and fantastic characters. You can’t go wrong with this story.
Narration was easy to listen to.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
April 19, 2018
Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a classroom library building campaign. While I am extremely thankful for the author's generosity, it has not impacted my review in any way.
I don't want to give too much away, so all I will say is this book is probably close to the perfect dystopian YA novel (I might even offer it as an option for my students to read during out fantasy worlds unit next year. O'Russell incorporates all of the tropes of the genre but with enough of a twist to keep you guessing. At the beginning I had some reservations (why is there not more survailance in such a technological world, why did the talking computer only talk to them a few times, etc.); however, the story itself was so good I soon left these objections behind and just let Nola's story fill my mind.
I don't want to give too much away, so all I will say is this book is probably close to the perfect dystopian YA novel (I might even offer it as an option for my students to read during out fantasy worlds unit next year. O'Russell incorporates all of the tropes of the genre but with enough of a twist to keep you guessing. At the beginning I had some reservations (why is there not more survailance in such a technological world, why did the talking computer only talk to them a few times, etc.); however, the story itself was so good I soon left these objections behind and just let Nola's story fill my mind.
August 25, 2018
4.5 out of five stars.
I have to say. This book was amazing. It was fast paced, action packed and such an interesting world. It’s seriously such an intriguing world. I love that there are vampires and werewolves in there and I didn’t expect that to be in there. But really great book. I’m definitely picking up the sequel for this one. Megan such an amazing job, creating such a cool world and lovely characters. Wow.
I have to say. This book was amazing. It was fast paced, action packed and such an interesting world. It’s seriously such an intriguing world. I love that there are vampires and werewolves in there and I didn’t expect that to be in there. But really great book. I’m definitely picking up the sequel for this one. Megan such an amazing job, creating such a cool world and lovely characters. Wow.
April 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
October 24, 2017
Girl of Glass by Megan O'Russell is an intense story about a girl trying to find her place in a chaotic dystopian world. And I know, the word "dystopian" may make you want to tune this one out. It almost got me too, but just let me say one more thing; this book had a lovely unique premise that I really enjoyed!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
BEWARE, there will be very slight spoilers below!
I had so much fun reading this! The story begins starts with a bang and doesn't let up! The writing is wonderful and so easy to get totally lost in. This is another that I just cruised right through because I had to know what happened next.
I absolutely loved the premise that medicines that were supposed to help people survive in the contaminated world were responsible for infecting people and turning them to zombies, werewolves, and vampires. I was so excited to learn more about each of the drugs, and their effects. This book was heavy on the Vamp side of things, so I wonder if the others in the series will discuss the other two in more depth, or if it will stick to vampires.
I really enjoyed all of the characters, but I think Julian was my favorite. Because this book is centered on Nola, the main character, I do wish we had gotten to see more of the side characters though, just to learn a bit more about them.
One of my favorite scenes was with Kieran and Nola. Nola had just been through quite the experience that shocked her. Before rushing to help her up, Kieran paused to ask, "Can I touch you?" For some reason, this scene really stuck with me! How sweet of Kieran to ask her permission? We need more of this in Fantasy YA!
So while I loved most of this book, there was one major negative that really affected my overall thoughts, simply because of my personal reading preferences...
Beware, the negative:
There was a love triangle. I am not at all a fan of love triangles. Nola's relationship with each of the male characters was pretty cute though, so I did enjoy each of her interactions with them. But overall, this element just left me more annoyed than anything else.
My favorite passages:
Nola sat crouched just outside the glass. She was like a child reaching for something dangerous with the certainty that someone would snatch it away before she could get hurt.
You see, the Domers care about protecting the genetics of the human race. But, down here, we want to protect what it is to be human.
I prefer to write myself into an unlikely fairytale rather than accept that my existence is a horror story.
Don't forget, Nola, people living in domes was once story stuff, too. We can't choose which stories come true and which stay stories. None of us are that strong.
Standing up on her toes, she leaned forward and brushed her lips gently against his. Her heart fluttered, and her stomach danced. But, the world stayed upright. There was no rabbit hole she was falling into like with Kieran.
Julien had taught her to lie. He hadn't taught her how to live with it.
My final thoughts:
While a really fun premise, nice characters, and great writing... the love triangle just really wasn't for me and ended up affecting my overall thoughts.
However, if you're a fan of YA Fantasy with a nice dose of suspense, and don't mind the love triangle element, I highly recommend this to you!!
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
BEWARE, there will be very slight spoilers below!
I had so much fun reading this! The story begins starts with a bang and doesn't let up! The writing is wonderful and so easy to get totally lost in. This is another that I just cruised right through because I had to know what happened next.
I absolutely loved the premise that medicines that were supposed to help people survive in the contaminated world were responsible for infecting people and turning them to zombies, werewolves, and vampires. I was so excited to learn more about each of the drugs, and their effects. This book was heavy on the Vamp side of things, so I wonder if the others in the series will discuss the other two in more depth, or if it will stick to vampires.
I really enjoyed all of the characters, but I think Julian was my favorite. Because this book is centered on Nola, the main character, I do wish we had gotten to see more of the side characters though, just to learn a bit more about them.
One of my favorite scenes was with Kieran and Nola. Nola had just been through quite the experience that shocked her. Before rushing to help her up, Kieran paused to ask, "Can I touch you?" For some reason, this scene really stuck with me! How sweet of Kieran to ask her permission? We need more of this in Fantasy YA!
So while I loved most of this book, there was one major negative that really affected my overall thoughts, simply because of my personal reading preferences...
Beware, the negative:
There was a love triangle. I am not at all a fan of love triangles. Nola's relationship with each of the male characters was pretty cute though, so I did enjoy each of her interactions with them. But overall, this element just left me more annoyed than anything else.
My favorite passages:
Nola sat crouched just outside the glass. She was like a child reaching for something dangerous with the certainty that someone would snatch it away before she could get hurt.
You see, the Domers care about protecting the genetics of the human race. But, down here, we want to protect what it is to be human.
I prefer to write myself into an unlikely fairytale rather than accept that my existence is a horror story.
Don't forget, Nola, people living in domes was once story stuff, too. We can't choose which stories come true and which stay stories. None of us are that strong.
Standing up on her toes, she leaned forward and brushed her lips gently against his. Her heart fluttered, and her stomach danced. But, the world stayed upright. There was no rabbit hole she was falling into like with Kieran.
Julien had taught her to lie. He hadn't taught her how to live with it.
My final thoughts:
While a really fun premise, nice characters, and great writing... the love triangle just really wasn't for me and ended up affecting my overall thoughts.
However, if you're a fan of YA Fantasy with a nice dose of suspense, and don't mind the love triangle element, I highly recommend this to you!!
January 12, 2020
4 Cranky Stars
"It was easy to forget the world was ending when you lived in the safety of the domes." Magnolia "Nola" Kent has lived all her life in the Domes which were built to preserve the human race. Nola has never really questioned the reason that some people are given the safety of life in the domes while others are kept outside, trying to survive in the toxic environment.
"There is no such thing as safe when the world is descending into madness." Nola's childhood friend, Kiernan, and his father, a brilliant Doctor, have been banished from the Domes because of Dr. Wynne's desire to help those on the outside. When Kiernan approaches Nola during her Charity Day duties, her life is thrown into a whirlwind.
Dr. Wynne has developed a drug called ReVamp that allows humans to live on the outside, but there is a cost. "It all depends on which part of ourselves we're willing to give up. Some choose the body, others choose the soul."
Nola has to make a choice: does she help save a little girl's life and reestablish contact with Kiernan? Or, does she stay in the safe environment of the Domes and never see Kiernan again? When she finds out that there are vampires, but also zombies and werewolves, she begins to question everything she has known. "That's the problem with trying to save the human race. You lose humanity."
I enjoy books in the Dystopian young adult genre and love vampire books, so I am always looking for something new. This book is different but at the same time, a lot like many others in these genres. I was reminded of the Twilight saga because of Nola's indecision between Kiernan and Jeremy, another Domer destined to be in the elite Outer Guard. I also had a little difficulty in understanding the whole concept of the Domes versus the people outside. What happened to make it too toxic to live outside the Domes? How were the people chosen that are given the chance to live in the Domes?
During the last part of the book, it seemed like Nola's personality changed a lot without much explanation. I hope that the subsequent books in the series will answer the questions that were raised by this book. All in all, this was a well-written book that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to continuing the series and hope that the author answers the questions that were raised in this book.
"It was easy to forget the world was ending when you lived in the safety of the domes." Magnolia "Nola" Kent has lived all her life in the Domes which were built to preserve the human race. Nola has never really questioned the reason that some people are given the safety of life in the domes while others are kept outside, trying to survive in the toxic environment.
"There is no such thing as safe when the world is descending into madness." Nola's childhood friend, Kiernan, and his father, a brilliant Doctor, have been banished from the Domes because of Dr. Wynne's desire to help those on the outside. When Kiernan approaches Nola during her Charity Day duties, her life is thrown into a whirlwind.
Dr. Wynne has developed a drug called ReVamp that allows humans to live on the outside, but there is a cost. "It all depends on which part of ourselves we're willing to give up. Some choose the body, others choose the soul."
Nola has to make a choice: does she help save a little girl's life and reestablish contact with Kiernan? Or, does she stay in the safe environment of the Domes and never see Kiernan again? When she finds out that there are vampires, but also zombies and werewolves, she begins to question everything she has known. "That's the problem with trying to save the human race. You lose humanity."
I enjoy books in the Dystopian young adult genre and love vampire books, so I am always looking for something new. This book is different but at the same time, a lot like many others in these genres. I was reminded of the Twilight saga because of Nola's indecision between Kiernan and Jeremy, another Domer destined to be in the elite Outer Guard. I also had a little difficulty in understanding the whole concept of the Domes versus the people outside. What happened to make it too toxic to live outside the Domes? How were the people chosen that are given the chance to live in the Domes?
During the last part of the book, it seemed like Nola's personality changed a lot without much explanation. I hope that the subsequent books in the series will answer the questions that were raised by this book. All in all, this was a well-written book that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to continuing the series and hope that the author answers the questions that were raised in this book.
February 28, 2020
Dystopian meets Twilight in Girl of Glass a story about life behind glass, a way of preserving life, or well, all the best aspects of it. Within the domes, only the best of bodies, minds, and personalities live in luxury and safety. Outside the domes, drugs that change you, change your body, your abilities, and all the failures that came with the drugs are barely surviving. For Nola, she has everything she could want as the daughter of a botanist. Until an offer comes across her path, the chance for more. All she has to do is leave the domes, and find Nightland, an underground group of Vampires.
She is told that all they want is some medicine for their leader’s dying daughter. If she doesn’t, she will have the guilt of knowing that she could have saved a life. If she does, and she’s caught, she will be marked as a traitor to the domes. Naturally, she makes the most sensible choice: she steals the medicine. Now, she has been tossed into a world of betrayal and danger. Love is hiding behind the least expected places, and familiar faces aren’t as familiar as she thought.
Girl of Glass is ensnaring and immersive and is a well written dystopian. Danger lurks in every corner, and it is very descriptive. If you enjoy dystopian novels and love triangles, I recommend this book, along with the entire series. There weren’t a lot of things that I found wrong with this story, and the entire series is pretty much one big book. A well-written series, indeed.
She is told that all they want is some medicine for their leader’s dying daughter. If she doesn’t, she will have the guilt of knowing that she could have saved a life. If she does, and she’s caught, she will be marked as a traitor to the domes. Naturally, she makes the most sensible choice: she steals the medicine. Now, she has been tossed into a world of betrayal and danger. Love is hiding behind the least expected places, and familiar faces aren’t as familiar as she thought.
Girl of Glass is ensnaring and immersive and is a well written dystopian. Danger lurks in every corner, and it is very descriptive. If you enjoy dystopian novels and love triangles, I recommend this book, along with the entire series. There weren’t a lot of things that I found wrong with this story, and the entire series is pretty much one big book. A well-written series, indeed.
December 7, 2016
Being a teenager living like a bug under glass would not be my ideal way of living. But that's the way things are in this new world full of danger. Certain people were chosen to preserve the human race and put into domes away from the poisonous outside world. Everyone else was left to suffer and die, including children. It's a harsh reality. The people outside of the domes are starving and suffering from various ailments. To combat this they come up with drugs, but they turn the people into something else. Nothing about their life is easy. Nola lives in the dome with her mother. She has a future planned out and a guy head over heels for her. But when her old friend, Kieran, shows back up in her life, everything starts tumbling down around her. Not only is she torn between two guys, but two different worlds. This was an intriguing take on vamps and werewolves. One I really enjoyed!
January 1, 2018
Girl of Glass is one of the best YA dystopian novels I've read in a very long time. On par with Hunger Games, Megan O'Russell has created a gripping story line that has me chomping at the bit for book 2, Boy of Blood, to be released (it's coming out in March, I believe, and Thrice Read Books will be on the blog tour for it).
This was a really exciting read. Sam will probably also be reading (and doing a vlog, of course) this as well as Boy of Blood. The book does contain a few fight scenes, which are mildly graphic, but most readers shouldn't find these too disturbing. Girl of Glass contains vampires, werewolves and zombies (oh my!), but Megan has altered their origins for the purposes of her story.
This was a really exciting read. Sam will probably also be reading (and doing a vlog, of course) this as well as Boy of Blood. The book does contain a few fight scenes, which are mildly graphic, but most readers shouldn't find these too disturbing. Girl of Glass contains vampires, werewolves and zombies (oh my!), but Megan has altered their origins for the purposes of her story.
December 16, 2016
Girl of Glass is a great new novel by one of my favorite up-and-coming authors, Megan O'Russell. This novel, about a girl named Nola who is torn between the safety of living in a glass dome free from disease and worry and the outside world that contains the horrors that the world has become, is a great blend of the dystopian and the fantasy/horror genre and introduces a very unique spin on the vampire and werewolf motif. While Girl of Glass is geared toward the YA audience I, as someone, unfortunately, far removed from this age group, thoroughly enjoyed the book and would have no hesitation recommending it to folks of any age group.
April 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I was a little leery at first of the whole vampire, werewolf, futuristic dystopian thing but I'm super digging it! Nola comes from a dome where everything is connected. Those inside have been chosen as genetically superior to keep the human race going as the world dies around them. Nola's friend and his father have been banished outside of the dome where food is scarce and acid rain plagues their crops and deteriorates their city. It's an awesome, awesome concept, and the more I read about it the more I loved it. This is the kind of show I would watch every week. This book was super cool! Definitely can't wait for the second one.
May 20, 2021
Another YA sci fi where the premise is good but ruined by a stupid teenage romance love triangle. A bunch of rich people playing Noah's arch under the dome. Vs everyone else dying from climate change . So obviously the solution is magic medicine turning people into Vampires/Werewolves/Zombies yes the trifecta of generic evil traits. But just like another big book series these Vamps are nice and don't attack humans... que love triangle montage. Want more focus on the actual problem of the earth killing humanity than a Underworld meets Twilight series.
January 7, 2017
Oh how this book pulls the reader in and makes you not be able to put it down. Nola's character is just fabulous, she makes you feel like you are right in this with her. I can not begin to think how it would be to live inside all your life. I have seen some movies that kind of talk about toxic worlds that have underground sub-worlds and this book topped them all. The ending was superb and I can't wait to see what happens next to these worlds and characters
April 18, 2018
A good dystopian read. The love triangle didn't bother me but Nola's loyalty between the domers and vamps that would go back and forth did. Nola seemed to get injured quite a bit, maybe she needs bubble-wrapped? There was some action and a little romance but it mainly followed Nola and her discovery of the people living underground. I received an ebook at no charge for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.
August 11, 2018
Devoured it. Thanks to Voracious Readers I now have a new author to follow! Girl of Glass was a great dystopian adventure. I liked the decisive nature of the main protagonists who didn’t spend half the book planning or lamenting but rather took swift action and kept the story racing from start to finish. Highly recommend.
January 1, 2020
I thought the concept of the book sounded cool but was unpleasantly surprised by the incorporation of “vampires and ware wolves” (guess I missed that in the description). The book would have been much better without those details and it could have just been the “domers” vs the outsiders
March 21, 2017
Interesting premise, great writing, flowing rhythm.
I liked it a lot even if I'm now a little too old and cynical to click with Nola
I liked it a lot even if I'm now a little too old and cynical to click with Nola
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