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Glassheart
"Fantasy at its best." The Daily Telegraph
"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker
“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart
An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor – the second middle-grade novel from the author of Nevertell .
Through the glass, the magic is waiting…
Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves – even if it means fighting darkness itself?
A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Catherine Doyle.
Praise for Glassheart :
"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn ; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer
“ Rich and atmospheric , Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell
“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good .” Nick Tomlinson
" Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure ... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young
Praise for Nevertell :
“This is fantasy at its best .” Daily Telegraph
“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times
“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust
“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior
“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor
“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone
“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly .” The Bookseller
"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker
“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart
An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor – the second middle-grade novel from the author of Nevertell .
Through the glass, the magic is waiting…
Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves – even if it means fighting darkness itself?
A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Catherine Doyle.
Praise for Glassheart :
"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn ; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer
“ Rich and atmospheric , Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell
“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good .” Nick Tomlinson
" Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure ... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young
Praise for Nevertell :
“This is fantasy at its best .” Daily Telegraph
“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times
“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust
“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior
“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor
“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone
“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly .” The Bookseller
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2020
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538 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 16, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
In Glassheart we find Nona, a young girl who was orphaned during the war and now lives with her ‘Uncle’, Antoni who is of Polish descent, and a stained glass glazier repairing windows in worn-torn buildings.
One night Nona overhears Antoni talking to someone but there is no-one there. That is until a face appears in a mirror but there is no body. After that night Antoni is in and out of a trance-like state and tells Nona that they have to repair some windows at an old church in the middle of nowhere in Dartmoor.
On arrival Nona isn’t so sure about the place, something is off, just like her Uncle. Can Nona work out what is happening and bring her Uncle back to the world?
Just like Katharine Orton’s first novel ‘Nevertell‘, Glassheart is a magical tale that merges the boundaries of real-life and a life beyond our world.
Nona is a lovely young girl who has been through so much in her short life. She is tough and won’t let anyone hurt the only person she has left in the world, her Uncle Antoni. If she has to fight an evil entity to do so then so be it.
The book is truly lovely, however, unlike Nevertell, this one took a little while to get going and become fully immersed in the good versus evil plot. It is adventurous, magical, mysterious, and exciting and will have the reader rooting for Nona hoping that she can find a way to be victorious, with a little help, especially from her new friend Castor, who is from beyond this realm. It It has a real atmospheric feel to it and hopefully will keep young readers engaged in a beautiful story.
In Glassheart we find Nona, a young girl who was orphaned during the war and now lives with her ‘Uncle’, Antoni who is of Polish descent, and a stained glass glazier repairing windows in worn-torn buildings.
One night Nona overhears Antoni talking to someone but there is no-one there. That is until a face appears in a mirror but there is no body. After that night Antoni is in and out of a trance-like state and tells Nona that they have to repair some windows at an old church in the middle of nowhere in Dartmoor.
On arrival Nona isn’t so sure about the place, something is off, just like her Uncle. Can Nona work out what is happening and bring her Uncle back to the world?
Just like Katharine Orton’s first novel ‘Nevertell‘, Glassheart is a magical tale that merges the boundaries of real-life and a life beyond our world.
Nona is a lovely young girl who has been through so much in her short life. She is tough and won’t let anyone hurt the only person she has left in the world, her Uncle Antoni. If she has to fight an evil entity to do so then so be it.
The book is truly lovely, however, unlike Nevertell, this one took a little while to get going and become fully immersed in the good versus evil plot. It is adventurous, magical, mysterious, and exciting and will have the reader rooting for Nona hoping that she can find a way to be victorious, with a little help, especially from her new friend Castor, who is from beyond this realm. It It has a real atmospheric feel to it and hopefully will keep young readers engaged in a beautiful story.
April 20, 2021
Ohhhh what a beautiful book! This is an utterly gorgeous gothic MG historical fantasy set in Dartmoor in the late 1940s, and it's full of (intensely!) creepy magic and the most wonderfully vivid sense of place. It's also infused with powerful, resonant emotions, as the heroine battles PTSD and survivor's guilt from the war at the same time as fighting a terrifying new magical threat. I loved every minute of it.
March 16, 2021
Wow! Katharine Orton just gets better & better! Such a great book! This is set in the aftermath of WWII. Nona & her uncle travel everywhere together replacing stain-glassed windows in war-torn buildings. A mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Nona has to fight the darkness to protect everyone she loves-but can she? This was such a moving, magical adventure. There’s so much pain everywhere, left over from the war w/nowhere for it to go. In my opinion Nora shows sign of PTSD herself. Everyone around her in the story was affected in some way by war-even the villain. Important messages-we shouldn’t forget the past b/c it can be painful & dark. There’s darkness & light in all of us, & we have to embrace both to see the beauty in life. If we try to forget & not to think about it/remember & push the feelings down-the greater chance the darkness has to consume us. Same goes if we only let the darkness in & refuse to see the light. Balance. I got emotional just from the realty of what people really must of felt after the war-the author wrote this so well, & honored that pain & loss. It wasn’t just mentioned as a reason for everything & then not mentioned again. So impressed. Nona is brave, determined, & fights for those she loves. Castor has my heart. Such a great character. Will does too, even though a small part in the book-such an incredible one. Loved the 1/2 heart, & that whole concept. Highly recommend. Stunning cover by Sandra Dieckmann too.💜
August 28, 2020
Wow, wow, wow! This was a beautiful story. It is magical and real & touches upon the beautiful truth that if you show someone kindness when they are hurting then you can truly change a life.
Nona is strong & fierce whilst also being the right balance of confident and insecure. Orphaned in the war, her adopted father Uncle Antoni cared for her and teaches her what it means to make beautiful pieces of art with glass. She keeps her own token, a half heart made of glass, close to her not realising how important it will be in shaping her destiny.
I loved Castor and could picture his smile very vividly while I was reading.
Brilliant middle grade book that could be enjoyed by anyone, especially as a class book for Year 5/6.
Nona is strong & fierce whilst also being the right balance of confident and insecure. Orphaned in the war, her adopted father Uncle Antoni cared for her and teaches her what it means to make beautiful pieces of art with glass. She keeps her own token, a half heart made of glass, close to her not realising how important it will be in shaping her destiny.
I loved Castor and could picture his smile very vividly while I was reading.
Brilliant middle grade book that could be enjoyed by anyone, especially as a class book for Year 5/6.
August 20, 2020
Glassheart By Katharine Orton
Release date 5/11
Date read: 20/8
Rating: 4.5 stars
This was an arc kindly sent to me by @netgalley and @walkerbooks.
Tags: Middle-grade, family, supernatural, magical, spooky, children.
Synopsis:
An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor - the second middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of Nevertell.
Through the glass, the magic is waiting...
Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves - even if it means fighting darkness itself?
A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage, and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two.
Thoughts on the book: The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover it intrigued me, and I wanted to give it a read. From the start of the book the setting was wild and drew the tension to the story which had me wanting to know more. It also had a spooky feel to the story which had me on the edge of my seat all in the backdrop of world war two. Nona is a girl who has gone through horrific lost with the aftermath of the world war and you could feel the impact on that with moving to her ‘uncle’ who like her has gone through a huge sense of lost. The theme of found family is very prevalent in this book and how much are you willing to risk for people who are your not your blood. I loved the paranormal/ magical elements in this book which took the forms of spirits, spells and imps and others. This book will be perfect if you are looking for a magical but spooky read a post Halloween book read. I found this with a unique way of using historical and magical elements that I am looking forward to seeing more from this author, the villain was not what I was expecting but I feel the payoff was very sweet which made me cry.
Overall, as someone who has not read from this author before I really enjoyed it and I will be picking up more from this author and I cannot wait to add this to my middle-grade collection and to recommend it to people who would like to read a new magical adventure about a girl who thinks she is unable to do much but believing in herself she will be able to do what she feels is right in powers that have been playing with her since the war.
Release date 5/11
Date read: 20/8
Rating: 4.5 stars
This was an arc kindly sent to me by @netgalley and @walkerbooks.
Tags: Middle-grade, family, supernatural, magical, spooky, children.
Synopsis:
An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor - the second middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of Nevertell.
Through the glass, the magic is waiting...
Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves - even if it means fighting darkness itself?
A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage, and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two.
Thoughts on the book: The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover it intrigued me, and I wanted to give it a read. From the start of the book the setting was wild and drew the tension to the story which had me wanting to know more. It also had a spooky feel to the story which had me on the edge of my seat all in the backdrop of world war two. Nona is a girl who has gone through horrific lost with the aftermath of the world war and you could feel the impact on that with moving to her ‘uncle’ who like her has gone through a huge sense of lost. The theme of found family is very prevalent in this book and how much are you willing to risk for people who are your not your blood. I loved the paranormal/ magical elements in this book which took the forms of spirits, spells and imps and others. This book will be perfect if you are looking for a magical but spooky read a post Halloween book read. I found this with a unique way of using historical and magical elements that I am looking forward to seeing more from this author, the villain was not what I was expecting but I feel the payoff was very sweet which made me cry.
Overall, as someone who has not read from this author before I really enjoyed it and I will be picking up more from this author and I cannot wait to add this to my middle-grade collection and to recommend it to people who would like to read a new magical adventure about a girl who thinks she is unable to do much but believing in herself she will be able to do what she feels is right in powers that have been playing with her since the war.
August 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book.
Glassheart is the story of Nona, a young girl orphaned by the Second World War and taken in by a kindly Polish man and talented glass-worker, who she calls ‘Uncle Antoni’.
Uncle Antoni appears to be the subject of an enchantment that draws him and Nona to a mysterious ruined church, the stained glass windows of which need replacing.
There, Nona meets a mysterious creature called Castor, who tells her more about the church, and helps her with her mission to free Uncle Antoni from his enchantment, all the while trying to steer clear of the ominous ‘Soldier’; a man with a stag’s head who wants to exchange Nona’s life for that of his dead son.
The narrative hopped around a little, and there was some repetition, but younger readers may find the repetition helpful, and this feels like a book written for younger readers. I was expecting it to read a little older, given the number of pages and the fact that it’s not an illustrated book.
I would have liked to have learned more about how Nona’s relationship with Uncle Antoni came about and I think that would have built more empathy for both characters.
There were a number of things that happened which felt a little too convenient; rucksacks just happening to turn up without any real explanation is just one example, and these felt like a missed opportunity to provide a bit more of a challenge for the characters.
Nona seems quite young for eleven, and this matched the overall feel of the story for me.
The pace, and direction of the story picked up at around 60%. There’s a nice little twist that adds some meaning, which for me had been missing up to that point.
Overall I liked the idea for the story, but there were quite a few threads to keep track of, and it felt like it could have been told more succinctly.
Glassheart is the story of Nona, a young girl orphaned by the Second World War and taken in by a kindly Polish man and talented glass-worker, who she calls ‘Uncle Antoni’.
Uncle Antoni appears to be the subject of an enchantment that draws him and Nona to a mysterious ruined church, the stained glass windows of which need replacing.
There, Nona meets a mysterious creature called Castor, who tells her more about the church, and helps her with her mission to free Uncle Antoni from his enchantment, all the while trying to steer clear of the ominous ‘Soldier’; a man with a stag’s head who wants to exchange Nona’s life for that of his dead son.
The narrative hopped around a little, and there was some repetition, but younger readers may find the repetition helpful, and this feels like a book written for younger readers. I was expecting it to read a little older, given the number of pages and the fact that it’s not an illustrated book.
I would have liked to have learned more about how Nona’s relationship with Uncle Antoni came about and I think that would have built more empathy for both characters.
There were a number of things that happened which felt a little too convenient; rucksacks just happening to turn up without any real explanation is just one example, and these felt like a missed opportunity to provide a bit more of a challenge for the characters.
Nona seems quite young for eleven, and this matched the overall feel of the story for me.
The pace, and direction of the story picked up at around 60%. There’s a nice little twist that adds some meaning, which for me had been missing up to that point.
Overall I liked the idea for the story, but there were quite a few threads to keep track of, and it felt like it could have been told more succinctly.
February 14, 2021
Katharine Orton’s debut Nevertell wound the magical worlds of spirit around and through a tragic historical setting and whilst Glassheart is set in a more peaceful setting, the context and plot is laced with danger and traumatic backstories.
The art of stained glass making is central to the plot and to the entwined histories of the characters, this was a lovely centre to spiral out the story from incorporating Celtic & European folklore & spirituality among the rolling mists of Dartmoor.
I am deeply interested to see how Katharine’s writing will grow with each book as she masterfully takes the darkness of history and human emotions and turns them to light.
The art of stained glass making is central to the plot and to the entwined histories of the characters, this was a lovely centre to spiral out the story from incorporating Celtic & European folklore & spirituality among the rolling mists of Dartmoor.
I am deeply interested to see how Katharine’s writing will grow with each book as she masterfully takes the darkness of history and human emotions and turns them to light.
November 14, 2020
This is a difficult book for me to review. Because it is a good book. Yet it didn’t work for me. And I don’t really know why. It kinda made me feel like the Northern Lights did (which is also a good book that didn’t do it for me).
We follow Nona, who is orphaned during the war and now apprentice of Uncle Antoni, a Polish glass artist. Uncle falls under an enchantment, and together with a curious creature Castor she has to break this spell whilst also staying safe from ‘the Soldier’ who wants to exchange her life for that of his dead son.
There were some things that were just too convenient, too far-fetched, too all over the place. But it was also spooky, had a decent villain, a nice message, character growth, magic… But in general, it just wasn’t for me.
We follow Nona, who is orphaned during the war and now apprentice of Uncle Antoni, a Polish glass artist. Uncle falls under an enchantment, and together with a curious creature Castor she has to break this spell whilst also staying safe from ‘the Soldier’ who wants to exchange her life for that of his dead son.
There were some things that were just too convenient, too far-fetched, too all over the place. But it was also spooky, had a decent villain, a nice message, character growth, magic… But in general, it just wasn’t for me.
January 27, 2022
[its ight.] - short review suggestion by my brother.
Coming from Nevertell [which I didn't even write a review for- I was neutral\slightly bored by that book], this book surprised me with how much I enjoyed it, even from the very first chapter.
The story itself is whimsical in the way that all my favourite fantasy stories are; quietly magical and not too serious or lighthearted, and just enough childish wonder and darkness sprinkled in.
Something about this story just felt so comfortable to be in, it felt so at home with its lore. I especially liked the creativity behind this world's magic system; light and glass, second skins and all- it all felt very believable, very unquestionable [to the main character, of course.] It truly felt like one of the most natural fantasy settings I've ever read about; a near seamless blend between their reality and their myth.
The pacing of the plot is excellent too- there was not a moment where I felt bored. I wouldn't call the plot exactly "thrilling" or "blood-raising" but it was very eventful, something new was always happening or being discovered. It felt more like an exploration or navigation of the hidden world, rather than one big loud adventure. I like these more contained plots, they feel very driven and purposeful. The beginning caught me in with its mystery; the ending satisfied me with its neat tie-off. Very neat!
I also like most all the characters- in fact I couldn't say anything bad about any of them, really. Their complexity is subtle with how simply they're written on the page, but they don't feel like surface-level cardboard shapes, they feel quite tangible and well-rounded. They all have flaws and good sides and bad sides, but I found it very easy to sympathise with them and root for them.
All in all, a good book! I've been reading more in the children's section lately, just to taste that sweet childhood nostalgia in these stories... no books are quite like the ones written for children. When my pile is done I'm sure I'll have to broaden my horizon again. But for now, I'm going to enjoy these stories!
Coming from Nevertell [which I didn't even write a review for- I was neutral\slightly bored by that book], this book surprised me with how much I enjoyed it, even from the very first chapter.
The story itself is whimsical in the way that all my favourite fantasy stories are; quietly magical and not too serious or lighthearted, and just enough childish wonder and darkness sprinkled in.
Something about this story just felt so comfortable to be in, it felt so at home with its lore. I especially liked the creativity behind this world's magic system; light and glass, second skins and all- it all felt very believable, very unquestionable [to the main character, of course.] It truly felt like one of the most natural fantasy settings I've ever read about; a near seamless blend between their reality and their myth.
The pacing of the plot is excellent too- there was not a moment where I felt bored. I wouldn't call the plot exactly "thrilling" or "blood-raising" but it was very eventful, something new was always happening or being discovered. It felt more like an exploration or navigation of the hidden world, rather than one big loud adventure. I like these more contained plots, they feel very driven and purposeful. The beginning caught me in with its mystery; the ending satisfied me with its neat tie-off. Very neat!
I also like most all the characters- in fact I couldn't say anything bad about any of them, really. Their complexity is subtle with how simply they're written on the page, but they don't feel like surface-level cardboard shapes, they feel quite tangible and well-rounded. They all have flaws and good sides and bad sides, but I found it very easy to sympathise with them and root for them.
All in all, a good book! I've been reading more in the children's section lately, just to taste that sweet childhood nostalgia in these stories... no books are quite like the ones written for children. When my pile is done I'm sure I'll have to broaden my horizon again. But for now, I'm going to enjoy these stories!
March 12, 2025
2.5
i just did not care in the slightest
i just did not care in the slightest
October 9, 2020
This was a really fun middle grade read, the story was just a tad bit spooky and that made it all the more fun to read.
The MC Nona was a delight, strong, loyal, kindhearted and determined. She has so much happened to her and even with this adventure she's taking it all in stride.
The pacing is well done, nothing drags and it kept me engaged the whole way. The villain was appropriately evil enough and I think it was set up just fine for an MG book but I. did find his motivation very slightly lacking.
The magic is fantastical and the final battle was set up well.
Fun read and definitely worth a read for any MG fantasy fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The MC Nona was a delight, strong, loyal, kindhearted and determined. She has so much happened to her and even with this adventure she's taking it all in stride.
The pacing is well done, nothing drags and it kept me engaged the whole way. The villain was appropriately evil enough and I think it was set up just fine for an MG book but I. did find his motivation very slightly lacking.
The magic is fantastical and the final battle was set up well.
Fun read and definitely worth a read for any MG fantasy fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 12, 2020
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was a really sweet and magical middle grade set in the aftermath of World War 2. It follows our heroine Nova who is destined to fight a great evil and it was really great to watch as she grew throughout the book and realised her own power. I also really loved her relationship with her Uncle and the theme of found family. Overall I gave this 3 out of 5 stars.
This was a really sweet and magical middle grade set in the aftermath of World War 2. It follows our heroine Nova who is destined to fight a great evil and it was really great to watch as she grew throughout the book and realised her own power. I also really loved her relationship with her Uncle and the theme of found family. Overall I gave this 3 out of 5 stars.
November 4, 2020
This story was jam-packed with adventure.
Our main character, is an extremely brave and selfless young girl.
This story is set just after the First World War with the characters still feeling the aftershocks of the trauma of life during wartime.
Nonna lost her mother and brother and now is an apprentice to her new father-figure, Uncle Antoni. Who is a master worker of stained glass.
We jump into the action pretty early with Uncle Antoni under the influence of a spell that starts a chain-reaction of events.
Nonna is new to the world of magic so she acts as the readers "way in" to discovering the rules for this new mystical world. For a middle grade, this book had a fairly well established magic system with many different types including seeing visions in glass or water, monsters being created with dark magic from roots and stones and enchanted waters that defeated said creatures. We also had an interesting element with the shapeshifting or "second skin" magic.
However, I wish we had gotten a little more description of the setting. Being set in a forest there could have been a lot of room for descriptive writing. This may not necessarily be an issue for everyone, this is just the type of descriptive writing that I enjoy.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was the friendship between Nonna and Castor. I love the trope of having an animal pet/familiar for a friend and Castor in his crow form was so adorable.
There is so much visible character growth throughout this story, from multiple different people. Nonna matures so much, right before your eyes. She goes from strength to strength. Even the spirit sisters come to their own realisations in the second half of the story.
The most moving character growth I found, though, was Uncle Antoni. As an older man who's lived through the horror of war he starts off very set in his ways never opening up or speaking about what he's been through. And in turn he doesn't speak to Nonna about her loss and what she's experienced. However the last few chapters there's a beautiful scene where he attempts to bridge the gap between them. Which is also such an important message for younger kids reading this. To know that it's always ok to speak out about things that have affected you.
Our main character, is an extremely brave and selfless young girl.
This story is set just after the First World War with the characters still feeling the aftershocks of the trauma of life during wartime.
Nonna lost her mother and brother and now is an apprentice to her new father-figure, Uncle Antoni. Who is a master worker of stained glass.
We jump into the action pretty early with Uncle Antoni under the influence of a spell that starts a chain-reaction of events.
Nonna is new to the world of magic so she acts as the readers "way in" to discovering the rules for this new mystical world. For a middle grade, this book had a fairly well established magic system with many different types including seeing visions in glass or water, monsters being created with dark magic from roots and stones and enchanted waters that defeated said creatures. We also had an interesting element with the shapeshifting or "second skin" magic.
However, I wish we had gotten a little more description of the setting. Being set in a forest there could have been a lot of room for descriptive writing. This may not necessarily be an issue for everyone, this is just the type of descriptive writing that I enjoy.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was the friendship between Nonna and Castor. I love the trope of having an animal pet/familiar for a friend and Castor in his crow form was so adorable.
There is so much visible character growth throughout this story, from multiple different people. Nonna matures so much, right before your eyes. She goes from strength to strength. Even the spirit sisters come to their own realisations in the second half of the story.
The most moving character growth I found, though, was Uncle Antoni. As an older man who's lived through the horror of war he starts off very set in his ways never opening up or speaking about what he's been through. And in turn he doesn't speak to Nonna about her loss and what she's experienced. However the last few chapters there's a beautiful scene where he attempts to bridge the gap between them. Which is also such an important message for younger kids reading this. To know that it's always ok to speak out about things that have affected you.
April 27, 2021
A beautifully written story, set in the mysterious moors of Dartmoor post war, that mixes magic and moving on to create a wonderful folklore-ish tale.
Nona has been staying with her Uncle Antoni since she lost her family in the war. He works as a stained glass artist and his newest job brings them to a small church in Dartmoor. We soon find out there is more behind this commission then a simply replacement job. While her uncle seems to go into a trance and works without rest, Nona finds that she is in the middle of a dangerous situation between spirits of the world and an enemy darker then any force before. But hopefully with the new friends she makes and skills she learns, she can save everyone, even herself.
This is a gorgeous story, full of richly described places that truly evoke that folklore feel while also maintaining the creeping darkness from the enemy as the time runs out.
The characters were fascinating to read, the otherworldliness of both Alesea & Serafin were really brought to life in the book, the clear differences and innocence of how to deal with humans. Castor was the mix of both, stuck as an imp or a crow but wanting more.
Nona was a wonderful main character, her strength in the face of all she had lost and what she was prepared to do to stop that loss from happening again.
This book allows us to see the different and many ways people deal with grief and trauma in a digestible way through the use of magic and how the bonds we make with others can make all the difference in the end.
Thank you to Walker's Books and Netgalley for the early eArc of the book!
Nona has been staying with her Uncle Antoni since she lost her family in the war. He works as a stained glass artist and his newest job brings them to a small church in Dartmoor. We soon find out there is more behind this commission then a simply replacement job. While her uncle seems to go into a trance and works without rest, Nona finds that she is in the middle of a dangerous situation between spirits of the world and an enemy darker then any force before. But hopefully with the new friends she makes and skills she learns, she can save everyone, even herself.
This is a gorgeous story, full of richly described places that truly evoke that folklore feel while also maintaining the creeping darkness from the enemy as the time runs out.
The characters were fascinating to read, the otherworldliness of both Alesea & Serafin were really brought to life in the book, the clear differences and innocence of how to deal with humans. Castor was the mix of both, stuck as an imp or a crow but wanting more.
Nona was a wonderful main character, her strength in the face of all she had lost and what she was prepared to do to stop that loss from happening again.
This book allows us to see the different and many ways people deal with grief and trauma in a digestible way through the use of magic and how the bonds we make with others can make all the difference in the end.
Thank you to Walker's Books and Netgalley for the early eArc of the book!
February 26, 2021
A hugely atmospheric and beautiful lyrical read. It's a little slow paced to begin with, whilst we follow Nona and her Uncle Atoni as they repair stained glass windows damaged from the war. But it soon picks up the pace when Nona hears Antoni talking seemingly to himself into a mirror. Nona is determined to find out why her Uncle is acting so strangely, and which face was staring back at him from the mirror.
The story has a wonderful sense of magical realism, blending our world with threads of another. I loved the magical undercurrent, the incredibly atmospheric world building and the peculiarities of the characters. It was really nice to see how protective Nona is of her uncle, something rarely depicted in fiction but certainly true of real life - children will fight ferociously for those they love in any way they can.
However, if you have read Nevertell you may be disappointed initially by Glassheart. Nevertell had characters which leaped from the page, and truthfully was a much more compelling book from the opening pages. Glassheart takes a little perseverance to get into the story, with less addicting characters and more of an adult approach than one intended for children in terms of pacing.
Nevertheless, if you enjoy magical stories with enormous atmosphere then you will certainly enjoy this book.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
The story has a wonderful sense of magical realism, blending our world with threads of another. I loved the magical undercurrent, the incredibly atmospheric world building and the peculiarities of the characters. It was really nice to see how protective Nona is of her uncle, something rarely depicted in fiction but certainly true of real life - children will fight ferociously for those they love in any way they can.
However, if you have read Nevertell you may be disappointed initially by Glassheart. Nevertell had characters which leaped from the page, and truthfully was a much more compelling book from the opening pages. Glassheart takes a little perseverance to get into the story, with less addicting characters and more of an adult approach than one intended for children in terms of pacing.
Nevertheless, if you enjoy magical stories with enormous atmosphere then you will certainly enjoy this book.
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
Glassheart blurs the lines of reality and a magical world beyond our reach. Nona, the main character was orphaned during the war and was adopted by her 'Uncle' Antoni who is a stained glass window maker. Nona is between these worlds and doesn't know it, until she finds herself on a journey she never expected.
Glassheart is in the Middle Grade category, for ages 9-12, although as an adult of 27 years I still found enjoyment in the story and its magic. The story at times was a bit spooky and some events that were upsetting for the main character Nona were emotional in description, which for readers on the younger side of the spectrum might be a bit upsetting. Although the characters and their experiences are sometimes magical in nature, the way the characters respond are realistic and relatable. Nona has some troubling experiences, and rather than having the typical fairytale attitude of 'everything is fine' you get to see her show emotion in a way that you in reality would express them too.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story, characters, and the world building is extremely well written, and I would recommend it to anyone aged 9+. In the future I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for more of Katharine Orton's books.
Glassheart is in the Middle Grade category, for ages 9-12, although as an adult of 27 years I still found enjoyment in the story and its magic. The story at times was a bit spooky and some events that were upsetting for the main character Nona were emotional in description, which for readers on the younger side of the spectrum might be a bit upsetting. Although the characters and their experiences are sometimes magical in nature, the way the characters respond are realistic and relatable. Nona has some troubling experiences, and rather than having the typical fairytale attitude of 'everything is fine' you get to see her show emotion in a way that you in reality would express them too.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story, characters, and the world building is extremely well written, and I would recommend it to anyone aged 9+. In the future I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for more of Katharine Orton's books.
August 1, 2021
This middle-grade fantasy adventure is exciting and more than a little scary – mirror magic, ‘rattlesticks’, war/Blitz trauma – so definitely not for the faint of heart!
The main character, Nona, lives with her Uncle Antoni (not actually her uncle, but he took her in when she was orphaned in the war), but from the very first page he is acting strangely. With magic and monsters at every turn, Nona has to try to rescue her uncle, herself, and pretty much everyone else along the way.
There is no escaping the tragedy in this story, but the author keeps the action moving instead of getting bogged down in the emotion, and so the focus becomes more about survival, love and hope – the realities of learning to continue living through grief – and the question of whether loss can make monsters of us all.
I didn’t find myself quite connecting with the character, perhaps because we only meet Nona and Antoni after the storyline is already underway, or because it isn’t clear whether some of the paranormal entities can be trusted, and so I found that I wasn’t quite as engaged with the story as I would have liked. That said, I LOVED Castor, and Nona grew on me as the story progressed.
This would be ideal for the older or very brave middle-graders… Minishine (8) would be scared stiff!
The main character, Nona, lives with her Uncle Antoni (not actually her uncle, but he took her in when she was orphaned in the war), but from the very first page he is acting strangely. With magic and monsters at every turn, Nona has to try to rescue her uncle, herself, and pretty much everyone else along the way.
There is no escaping the tragedy in this story, but the author keeps the action moving instead of getting bogged down in the emotion, and so the focus becomes more about survival, love and hope – the realities of learning to continue living through grief – and the question of whether loss can make monsters of us all.
I didn’t find myself quite connecting with the character, perhaps because we only meet Nona and Antoni after the storyline is already underway, or because it isn’t clear whether some of the paranormal entities can be trusted, and so I found that I wasn’t quite as engaged with the story as I would have liked. That said, I LOVED Castor, and Nona grew on me as the story progressed.
This would be ideal for the older or very brave middle-graders… Minishine (8) would be scared stiff!
September 23, 2020
Thank you to NteGalley, the publisher @walkerbooks and the author Katharine Orton for an eARC of this book.
Having fully enjoyed Nevertell I was really looking forward to this book by the same author. I was not disappointed. This is a really enchanting, middle-grade book full of adventure and magic. It is set in Dartmoor in the moors and centres around Nona and her Uncle Antoni. Her Uncle is a stained glass window maker and repairer who works on war-torn buildings and Nona, who was orphaned in the Second World War, lives with him. They travel everywhere together. After an explosion during the war, the only possession Nona has is half a glass heart. that she discovers has magical properties and she can see things in it. There is a dark and powerful magic which threatens everything. How will Nona prevent this from happening and protect the people she cares about? Will she have to fight against this dark power? A really beautiful read and great characters. An overall lovely adventure.
Having fully enjoyed Nevertell I was really looking forward to this book by the same author. I was not disappointed. This is a really enchanting, middle-grade book full of adventure and magic. It is set in Dartmoor in the moors and centres around Nona and her Uncle Antoni. Her Uncle is a stained glass window maker and repairer who works on war-torn buildings and Nona, who was orphaned in the Second World War, lives with him. They travel everywhere together. After an explosion during the war, the only possession Nona has is half a glass heart. that she discovers has magical properties and she can see things in it. There is a dark and powerful magic which threatens everything. How will Nona prevent this from happening and protect the people she cares about? Will she have to fight against this dark power? A really beautiful read and great characters. An overall lovely adventure.
October 25, 2020
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Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review
In Glassheart we meet Nona, a young orphan left without a family by the end of World War 11. Nona is taken in by a kind Polish man, who makes a living as a glass worker, Nona calls him Uncle Antoni. While Uncle Antoni takes on work in a church on some damaged stain glass windows under an enchantment, Nona explores and comes across a mysterious creature called Castor. Castor explains the history of the church and all about the enchantment that has been placed on Uncle Antoni.
While the overall story held such promise and gave a Pans Labyrinth feel to it all, there were areas that weren’t explained. I needed to know how Nona and Uncle Antoni meet, needed to know more about the enchantment and I needed more character details as well. The overall premiss of the story was good but it fell really short for me.
But the cover is pretty!
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Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review
In Glassheart we meet Nona, a young orphan left without a family by the end of World War 11. Nona is taken in by a kind Polish man, who makes a living as a glass worker, Nona calls him Uncle Antoni. While Uncle Antoni takes on work in a church on some damaged stain glass windows under an enchantment, Nona explores and comes across a mysterious creature called Castor. Castor explains the history of the church and all about the enchantment that has been placed on Uncle Antoni.
While the overall story held such promise and gave a Pans Labyrinth feel to it all, there were areas that weren’t explained. I needed to know how Nona and Uncle Antoni meet, needed to know more about the enchantment and I needed more character details as well. The overall premiss of the story was good but it fell really short for me.
But the cover is pretty!
January 10, 2022
Wow, what an incredible book!
First of all, it felt /so/ much like I was reading a Ghibli movie in book-form? The tone, the scale of the story, everything - which just made it even more enjoyable. The characters were great and fully fleshed out, and surprisingly mature for a children’s novel. The exploration of glass making was fascinating, for someone who lacks knowledge of it, and the adventure this story told is one I won’t forget for a long time.
And Castor! Wow! What brilliant interactions between him and Nona, a wonderful friendship that reads so realistically for a fantasy novel. I loved this book, it was so good!!
Oh! And also! What the hell was that eldritch horror /thing/ in the last few chapters? I am so impressed that Orton managed to write a horrific, eldritch monster that sounded actually terrifying… and just get it into the book. I can see that creature in my mind’s eye, and it isn’t… fun.
First of all, it felt /so/ much like I was reading a Ghibli movie in book-form? The tone, the scale of the story, everything - which just made it even more enjoyable. The characters were great and fully fleshed out, and surprisingly mature for a children’s novel. The exploration of glass making was fascinating, for someone who lacks knowledge of it, and the adventure this story told is one I won’t forget for a long time.
And Castor! Wow! What brilliant interactions between him and Nona, a wonderful friendship that reads so realistically for a fantasy novel. I loved this book, it was so good!!
Oh! And also! What the hell was that eldritch horror /thing/ in the last few chapters? I am so impressed that Orton managed to write a horrific, eldritch monster that sounded actually terrifying… and just get it into the book. I can see that creature in my mind’s eye, and it isn’t… fun.
October 30, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Walker Books in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very atmospheric historical fantasy set in the Dartmoor countryside shortly after the end of the Second World War. The protagonist in this story is Nona who lives with her Uncle Antoni (a stained glass restorer, who repairs windows that were damaged during the war). Both Nona and Antoni suffered during the war and the emotional scars from these losses still weigh heavily upon them. One night, Nona's uncle receives a comission from a mysterious figure to travel to the wilds of Dartmoor and restore the glass in an old church. Following this, more and more strange events occur leading Nona to discover a hidden and magical world. Nona has a very important role to play, but is she brave enough to confront the terrors that surround her in Dartmoor and the fears from her past?
As soon as I began this story, I was pulled into its dark and spooky atmosphere. The author's language choices and writing style did a great job of conveying how helpless and alone Nona was and the way Uncle Antoni behaved just made every situation even more scary. The exploration of Nona's feelings felt very genuine. By the end of the story, you could see the journey that she had been on and it was a very satisfying conclusion. This book would be great to read and then discuss how people who survived the war (either as soldiers or civilians) coped with the trauma that they experienced.
Things that I didn't like so much in this book were the pacing and some of the plot conveniences. As I stated earlier, the beginning really sucked me in with its spooky atmosphere. Soon after this, the plot quickly got started and the characters travelled to Dartmoor. However, once in Dartmoor, I felt that there was a bit too much repetition of similar events. As the remainder of the book from Chapter 4 onwards was just set in the church and the woods around it, there weren't many places for the characters to go. This gave the story quite a claustrophobic feel (which might have been what the author intended). However, it also led to a lot of the characters getting chased, taking refuge and learning something to advance the plot, and then getting chased again. There were also several plot conveniences where characters learned how to do something just at the moment when the needed to be able to do it, or the weight of a threat was lessened by characters having a seemingly impossible escape.
There is definitely a lot to like in this book and it would make an excellent spooky read to enjoy while tucked up safe and warm indoors. This book is suitable for readers aged 8+ who are interested in books set in the past and enjoy a scary read.
This is a very atmospheric historical fantasy set in the Dartmoor countryside shortly after the end of the Second World War. The protagonist in this story is Nona who lives with her Uncle Antoni (a stained glass restorer, who repairs windows that were damaged during the war). Both Nona and Antoni suffered during the war and the emotional scars from these losses still weigh heavily upon them. One night, Nona's uncle receives a comission from a mysterious figure to travel to the wilds of Dartmoor and restore the glass in an old church. Following this, more and more strange events occur leading Nona to discover a hidden and magical world. Nona has a very important role to play, but is she brave enough to confront the terrors that surround her in Dartmoor and the fears from her past?
As soon as I began this story, I was pulled into its dark and spooky atmosphere. The author's language choices and writing style did a great job of conveying how helpless and alone Nona was and the way Uncle Antoni behaved just made every situation even more scary. The exploration of Nona's feelings felt very genuine. By the end of the story, you could see the journey that she had been on and it was a very satisfying conclusion. This book would be great to read and then discuss how people who survived the war (either as soldiers or civilians) coped with the trauma that they experienced.
Things that I didn't like so much in this book were the pacing and some of the plot conveniences. As I stated earlier, the beginning really sucked me in with its spooky atmosphere. Soon after this, the plot quickly got started and the characters travelled to Dartmoor. However, once in Dartmoor, I felt that there was a bit too much repetition of similar events. As the remainder of the book from Chapter 4 onwards was just set in the church and the woods around it, there weren't many places for the characters to go. This gave the story quite a claustrophobic feel (which might have been what the author intended). However, it also led to a lot of the characters getting chased, taking refuge and learning something to advance the plot, and then getting chased again. There were also several plot conveniences where characters learned how to do something just at the moment when the needed to be able to do it, or the weight of a threat was lessened by characters having a seemingly impossible escape.
There is definitely a lot to like in this book and it would make an excellent spooky read to enjoy while tucked up safe and warm indoors. This book is suitable for readers aged 8+ who are interested in books set in the past and enjoy a scary read.
November 16, 2020
Glassheart by Katharine Orton is a YA fantasy book, with our heroine, Nona, being 11 years old, and it is set after the World War II, with descriptions of the Blitz.
She lives with her uncle, who creates stained glass windows, but she wakes one night to find her uncle talking to someone she can only see as a reflection in a mirror. The next day they go to the middle of nowhere on the moors of Dartmoor. Who has enchanted her uncle and why is what Nona has to find out.
This is a very emotive book, with lots of memories of those who have been lost. It's a good story of a young girl taking on forces stronger than her for those she cares about.
Glassheart was published on 5th November 2020, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop .
You can follow Katharine Orton on her website and on Twitter .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Walker Books.
She lives with her uncle, who creates stained glass windows, but she wakes one night to find her uncle talking to someone she can only see as a reflection in a mirror. The next day they go to the middle of nowhere on the moors of Dartmoor. Who has enchanted her uncle and why is what Nona has to find out.
This is a very emotive book, with lots of memories of those who have been lost. It's a good story of a young girl taking on forces stronger than her for those she cares about.
Glassheart was published on 5th November 2020, and is available on Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop .
You can follow Katharine Orton on her website and on Twitter .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Walker Books.
October 1, 2020
This is a fast paced, action packed story, that draws you in quickly and keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Katherine’s writing style is smooth, and enticing. It flows beautifully which makes it very easy to lose yourself in her magical world and enchanting tale.
Her characters are believable and well crafted. Her settings and descriptions make it easy to imagine yourself there alongside Nona and Caster. Feeling what they feel, in a way that other books often fail to do.
This is a definite must read for fantasy lovers and a book I could see any one being able to enjoy. It certainly one I’ll be recommending to my son, as I know he would love this. I’ll certainly be reading more by this author in the future.
Katherine’s writing style is smooth, and enticing. It flows beautifully which makes it very easy to lose yourself in her magical world and enchanting tale.
Her characters are believable and well crafted. Her settings and descriptions make it easy to imagine yourself there alongside Nona and Caster. Feeling what they feel, in a way that other books often fail to do.
This is a definite must read for fantasy lovers and a book I could see any one being able to enjoy. It certainly one I’ll be recommending to my son, as I know he would love this. I’ll certainly be reading more by this author in the future.
October 22, 2020
I really loved the way the opening chapter sets the scene, its just that little bit eerie and spooky, it was such a great pull into the rest of the story. Magical and quite tense, I really enjoyed this one.
I liked that the setting was post war. I feel like there are so many books set during, that the period afterwards is often overlooked. It's also a time where there is so much to unpick, as everyone is healing from the traumatic experiences they have all lived through.
Nona was such a wonderful main character, fiercely loyal and strong, even after everything she had been through. I just loved her. She is supported by plenty of great supporting characters.
Definitely one I would recommend to younger and older readers alike!
I liked that the setting was post war. I feel like there are so many books set during, that the period afterwards is often overlooked. It's also a time where there is so much to unpick, as everyone is healing from the traumatic experiences they have all lived through.
Nona was such a wonderful main character, fiercely loyal and strong, even after everything she had been through. I just loved her. She is supported by plenty of great supporting characters.
Definitely one I would recommend to younger and older readers alike!
October 29, 2020
Looking at stained glass window always brought me hope, and also a bit of wonder, almost magical wonder. This book creates a great connection between trying to deal with the traumas and terror of WWII and the repair of stained glass windows. It is a book full of magic, actions and great characters such as Castor and the lead character Nona. Nona is a strong and brave orphan girl who lives with her uncle Antoni and together they have a mission! We are taken to the enchanted scenery of Dartmoor through a very beautiful writing style. Additionally, the craft of making stained glass windows could be compared to the craft of writing which takes us to a world full of wonder, magical wonder. Recommended to those looking for hope and magic!
November 13, 2020
Nona is a girl who was orphaned after the Second World War, and taken in by a king man Antoni, who she refers to as uncle.
Antoni teaches Nona how to create and install beautiful glass work in war torn buildings. One evening, Nona realises that there is something wrong Uncle Antoni, he had been put under a smell and they end up journeying to a war torn church, in the hope to fix the windows and save lives.
The church is home to magical and mythical creatures, who are fighting against the soldier, a half human half magical being who is out to destroy everyone and everything in its path.
Glassheart had really good promise, I’m unsure if it was because it is a middle grade or it was me, but while it was enchanting and wonderful in some parts the whole story together fell flat for me.
I wanted to know more about Nona and Uncle Antoni before they met, their life and stories before the war and how they came to be. There was no real build up of the story for me, before the saving - and times I was reading it it was a bit of a blur.
With that being said, it was an easy read, one that would be suitable for a younger reader who enjoys magic, mythical things and a bit of adventure.
Thank you @walkerbooksaus for the #gifted copy in exchange for review!
Antoni teaches Nona how to create and install beautiful glass work in war torn buildings. One evening, Nona realises that there is something wrong Uncle Antoni, he had been put under a smell and they end up journeying to a war torn church, in the hope to fix the windows and save lives.
The church is home to magical and mythical creatures, who are fighting against the soldier, a half human half magical being who is out to destroy everyone and everything in its path.
Glassheart had really good promise, I’m unsure if it was because it is a middle grade or it was me, but while it was enchanting and wonderful in some parts the whole story together fell flat for me.
I wanted to know more about Nona and Uncle Antoni before they met, their life and stories before the war and how they came to be. There was no real build up of the story for me, before the saving - and times I was reading it it was a bit of a blur.
With that being said, it was an easy read, one that would be suitable for a younger reader who enjoys magic, mythical things and a bit of adventure.
Thank you @walkerbooksaus for the #gifted copy in exchange for review!
March 21, 2021
Set in the UK, just past WWII, we have protagonist Nona (11 y.o. orphan) and their adopted uncle. And then fascinating supernatural shenanigans happen.
This is very much of a genre that I adored as a kid, very Susan Cooper or Diana Wynne Jones. Unfortunately, as an adult, it is emotionally exhausting to read, not least because our child protagonist has been effectively abandoned by their only adult support. And yes, it isn't deliberate or malicious, but it is very much a mirror of the loss that has already happened, and reads very strongly as a metaphor for mental illness and/or dementia.
It is a Chosen One type story, but rather than relying on the child suddenly having adult level skills, it requires the skills that the child already has, and has honed being a child.
This is very much of a genre that I adored as a kid, very Susan Cooper or Diana Wynne Jones. Unfortunately, as an adult, it is emotionally exhausting to read, not least because our child protagonist has been effectively abandoned by their only adult support. And yes, it isn't deliberate or malicious, but it is very much a mirror of the loss that has already happened, and reads very strongly as a metaphor for mental illness and/or dementia.
It is a Chosen One type story, but rather than relying on the child suddenly having adult level skills, it requires the skills that the child already has, and has honed being a child.
November 10, 2021
I read this book with my 9 year old daughter. She enjoyed it, me less so, but I do realise I am not exactly the target audience! I find with a lot of children's books we read they are too descriptive, this one included. The book could have been halved without all the unnecessary detail. I can't bear lots of short sentences and also sentences that begin with 'and'. I knew the author had done a creative writing class before I read that about her. So for me, too much description, not enough story. For my daughter, she enjoyed it but didn't like the fact it started as a 'normal' story, then a 'fairy' story and then 'dark destruction'. She would have preferred one genre. It felt like the author just chucked everything at it. I personally couldn't wait to finish it! An average score for us.
September 11, 2020
This is a good middle grade story that mixes a tale of grief and loss after war with a magical tale of spirits and healing. I liked Nona's character a lot, she is strong despite her loss and shows great courage when facing the soldier, a dark character made terrible by his own great loss. I felt the soldier was well developed and a slightly more complex villain than I expected. My favourite character was Castor, a wonderfully imagined creation. The stories resolution was both hopeful and convincing and I felt that the idea of stained glass holding magic made for a good tale.
September 24, 2020
This is a wonderfully enchanting book full of magic and mystery.
It's gripping from the very start and holds you until the end.
The characters are very well written and developed throughout, which I really love. Nona is a brilliant character who is curious and brave.
The story is very well written and thought out. It has everything I could want from a story, magic, mystery, danger, slight heart-break, and wonderful characters.
It's gripping from the very start and holds you until the end.
The characters are very well written and developed throughout, which I really love. Nona is a brilliant character who is curious and brave.
The story is very well written and thought out. It has everything I could want from a story, magic, mystery, danger, slight heart-break, and wonderful characters.
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