Glassheart

The Secrets of Eden Eld #3

by Kate Alice Marshall

The terrifying conclusion to Thirteens and Brackenbeast, for fans of Neil Gaiman's Coraline and Stranger Things.

First they defeated Mr. January.

Next they trapped his sister, Mrs. Prosper.

Now Eleanor and her best friends, Pip and Otto, have one last chance to escape the People Who Look Away.

The last of the evil siblings is their most formidable opponent yet, with two vicious hounds at her side and the ability to open roads across time and worlds.

When Eleanor and her friends flee into another world to escape her clutches, they accidentally disrupt the flow of time itself, plunging Eden Eld into chaos. Worse, the trio has a second curse to contend with: they've been infected by the Prime Stories, malicious fairy tales that take people over and erase their memories. But the power of these Stories may also hold the key to defeating the People Who Look Away, and Eleanor and her friends must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to stop the wicked siblings.

Eleanor has already lost so much. She's not sure if she can stand more heartache. So as the Stories continue to take over, she wonders if forgetting might be better after all. Or can she find a way to be a hero--and still stay Eleanor?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Young Adult

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Kate Alice Marshall is the author of thrillers and horror for all ages. Her YA and Middle grade books include I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS. Her adult thrillers include WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS and NO ONE CAN KNOW.

She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.

Reviews

[Emily Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had a nickel for every young adult fantasy series I’ve read in 2024 with a character named “the editor” that lives in a magical library and rewrites stories that impact what happens in the real world…I’d have 2 nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was the best out of the three books and it wraps up the story beautifully. The ending is perhaps a little too neat. Too many sacrifices are undone for them to matter as much as they could, but the main point of the story, the way our identities are formed, how some aspects of them are externally enforced and that ultimately we can and should decide who we are for ourselves, is a powerful message, and well-crafted into a story that got richer and richer with fairy tales and a world-building full of texture. I didn't expect the turn it took or how it tied every character's motivation back to their identities and their relationships with their parents and their friends.

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

sometimes you just need to read a children’s book to remember your humanity, your love for community, and the beauty of love and friendship and family, especially found family.

[ava · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have no one to talk about this with lol there’s so much lore 🥲

the final book in the trilogy was good! almost everything was tied up nicely with room for more adventures in the future (even though there won’t be any more books). however, i think it could’ve been longer since it was the final book; it felt a little rushed to me in places and i wanted it to explore the characters more and take more time. overall though i loved this series and would definitely recommend it :)

[Aya୭ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might f around and start reading more middle grade books again 😭 This series brought back my joy for reading, i felt like a kid again.
I can see this being made into an animation movie coraline style, especially the 1st one (which is my fav out of the 3) and i would eat it up too.

[Anna Gibson · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Story answered. Something cold and poisonous and lovely flowed through her veins. Taking hold."

This series is a bit of a conundrum for me. It is well-written, especially the second and third books, which had more room to breathe than the first book. The first book I felt was stuffed with too much lore and too much emotional weight that didn't catch because of how newly we were introduced to the characters. But by the time the second and third books roll around, there is more room for the emotional development and baggage that the characters carry on.

The writing has great depth and some passages, especially in this book when the emotional weight is at its strongest, are achingly beautiful and not something there is normally room for in a middle grade series. I enjoy that Marshall dives into the emotional, psychological and even social implications of what is happening to the characters. I love the cat-of-ashes, sassy thing that she is.

But...

It's too much packed into three middle grade books. This last novel in particular went in tons of wild directions, even up to the last section when things ought to have been laid down for the resolution but instead we were introduced to yet more massive lore drops, longwinded explanations, etc. Way, way too much is explained in long sections of what is primarily dialogue, and given the inspiration from an RPG game, it very much feels like a DM (or *insert RPG storyteller moniker here*) breaking everything down to the people playing the game with them. Especially in this book, I found myself just... sighing at times. It got tiring.

What horror elements were present in book 1 and for the first 40% or so of book 2 are mostly gone. The idea of the creepy things exists, but they are no longer written in a way that evokes horror, but instead evokes fantasy quests, fairy tales, etc. This doesn't mean the things aren't creepy, it just feels like a different genre altogether.

In the author's notes, Marshall notes that the trilogy spawned from a one-shot RPG game, and while I didn't think much of this for the first book, in the second and third book, this inspiration/beginning can be massively, clearly noticed.

I do think the failure in that regard is in the marketing or rather what I assume the marketing must be in order to promote the book, considering the current popularity of middle grade horror. The book is marketed as being a spooky middle grade horror, and I've seen it recommended along with things like Coraline, Small Spaces, The Girl in White, etc. But it's not primarily horror at all. It's an epic fantasy fairy tale quest with some dark elements. The books, to me, essentially abandon the sense of being middle grade horror about 50% into book 2 and it never looks back.

I think there are readers out here, especially young ones, who will absolutely eat this up and enjoy it. It just wasn't for me.

[Zac · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It was a good finale but I felt that there were too many things happening at the same time and not all arcs were given the right time to be tackled. Also, Mr. January's defeat was a little... underwhelming? I don't know, maybe I was expecting a different ending.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending to this trilogy!

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a good series, but I didn’t have the same motivation of the previous one. It’s better than the first one, but not as good as the second. A strange middle ground between the two, it was one of those “good but not that good” books where I think the author wasn’t as creative as she could’ve been at the end, but I didn’t hate any of it. Probably my second favorite writing from her besides the Ashford files.

3.4 🌟

[Anni (annithebookaholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆

This was just as good as the first two. It does a really good job at finishing all the storylines while also introducing new stuff in a way that works well.

I really loved all of the characters, and I'm sad that we won't hear from them again, but the ending was perfect and really fitting.

[Jess - The Hexed Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75
Cover 5; characters 5; Plot 4; Pace 5; Intrigue 4; Logic 5; worldbuilding 5; Writing 5; Enjoyment 4.

This was a fantastic concluding novel! This book gave us so much of the past of the people who look away and the future of our golden trio. It was a super fun, quick read with just enough spooky elements for the fall season.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a happy ending with lovable characters, magic, solid villains, tricky side kicks, and a talking pet dog.
I ate this series up and loved every second.
The lore was beautiful, the characters lovable, the decisions they have to face heartbreaking, and man, what I’d give to go on a real adventure. ❤️
Thanks to the author for taking me on one.

[taylor :] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m genuinely obsessed with this trilogy and wish it had more attention. It’s so well written and had me hooked from chapter one, it’s literally incredible. Love it so much and wish there were more people who had read it :,)

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Story answered. Something cold and poisonous and lovely flowed through her veins. Taking hold."

REVIEW

➽ I finally read the last book in the Thirteens Trilogy, but unfortunately, I liked it the least. Thirteens was great MG Horror, but the two sequels felt like they completely switched genres to Fantasy. It wasn’t that apparent in Brackenbeast, but Glassheart barely had any Horror elements, which is such a shame. The Small Spaces books do MG Horror much better, while this series left me a bit disappointed. In this final book, we follow Pip, Otto and Elle as they face their last challenge so they can finally defeat the People Who Look Away and save Eden Eld from their horrible influence. My favorite part of the book was the friendships, as I loved the bond Pip, Otto, and Elle had. They’re all under pressure, as the Prime Stories are slowly taking over their minds and will erase them completely over time. Eleanor has seen it happen to her parents, which is why she won’t let it take their friends without a fight. I liked the discussions about identity, changing your fate and choosing love even though it can hurt you. The Cat-of-Ashes is always a star for me, as I love animal companions of questionable morality!

➽ I just wish the story had stayed closer to its roots and remained a spooky, ominous story. Glassheart felt more like your classical Fantasy Adventure and was all over the place. We went on a few side tangents and did things I don’t usually care for (such as randomly going into the past and trying to redeem the villains). The magic of the first book was gone, and the ending felt so different from the beginning. The conclusion was a bit too neat for my taste, after all that buildup!

INFORMATION
➽ CW's: Violence
➽ Representation 🌷 Black SC
➽ Rating: 3.5 Stars

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[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glassheart was a quick-paced conclusion to the trilogy that really allows Eleanor to stand on her own as a protagonist. In the first two books, her ability to solve mysteries and make progress relied more heavily on Pip and Otto. Though we see the trio together still, Eleanor seems to be more confident and we see some growth in her throughout this book. Additionally, readers are taken through some twists and turns as the plot of this book explores timelines and alternate realities, giving us a nice step away from what could have become formulaic. However, my favorite part of Glassheart is that it beautifully approaches the topic of what shapes us as humans, and what we may have to sacrifice for the good of humanity. We also see Eleanor struggling with the internal dilemma of doing what feels right vs. doing what she wants.

This an easy series to read. There is a nice amount of intrigue and foreshadowing, with puzzles along the way to keep readers interested. This is a great little series for your students who enjoy mystery and are drawn to shows/stories such as Wednesday (The Addams Family), Coraline, etc.

**Note for educators** If you work in a more conservative state with more restrictive policies, note that this series is LGBTQ+ friendly. While none of the plot focuses on same-sex relationships or sexuality, there are MINUTE parts of the series where gender identity and sexual-preference are considered. There are questions regarding whether or not the protagonist is possibly bisexual in the second book (Brackenbeast.) In the third book (Glassheart), a small, but important character seems to be non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. We also learn that another secondary character was in a lesbian relationship.

The plot does not dive deep into these things, as the gender/sexualities of each character is not important to the plot of the story. Instead, these brief mentions are likely included as a way for the author to help readers feel seen/represented in books, and most readers would likely gloss over them without a second-thought. However, as an educator based in Texas, I wanted to mention that it is part of the story for anyone who may work in a place where more restrictive book policies have to be considered, so you are aware of the subject-matter and are able to make these recommendations/decisions with as much information as possible.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have reviewed a number of Kate Alice Marshall’s novels and few authors move as effortlessly through Middle Grade to Young Adult fiction and she is equally skilled at writing for both age groups. Glassheart concludes the trilogy which began with Thirteens (2020) and continued with Brackenbeast (2021) and I would recommend reading them in order as these feature the same characters, town and bad guys. Book one opened with Eleanor moving to the weird town of Eden Eld where every few years thirteen-year-old kids disappear, after making friends with Pip and Otto, the trio go up against the supernatural being Mr January. Brackenbeast has the three children challenging Mr January’s sister Mrs Prosper and in this final part of the series must fight for survival to escape the People Who Look Away. Glassheart is a very cool conclusion to a perfectly pitched Middle Grade series for kids who like their books scary, but not too scary.

For kids who like paranormal plots mixed with mystery then this trilogy, which is packed with unexpected turns, is hard to match. Also, the character development over the three-book period was also nicely pitched as the trio are sucked into another world and must decide what they must sacrifice in order to survive. Throw in some dangerous curses, accidentally disrupting the flow of time and malicious fairy tales that take people over and erase their memories there is a lot going on. However, never for a moment did I think that Eleanor, Pip and Otto would not come good in the end and I would not have it any other way. AGE RANGE 10-13

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final MG novel in the Thirteens series was the perfect ending to a spooky ride!
🏰
Pip, Otto and Eleanor have defeated Mr. January and his sister, Mrs. Prosper. Now it’s time to go up against the last sister and the People Who Look Away. This sister can open roads across time, making it difficult for the kids to know when she’ll strike against them. They’re also learning they’re infected with the Prime Stories, which can take and erase their memories, making them not care about their lives. Eleanor cannot let that happen to her or her best friends so she fights to figure out a way to be brave and save them all.
🏰
What a great way to end this series! Honestly I didn’t know how it was going to end, but Marshall did a fantastic job of wrapping everything up and I really enjoyed the lgbtq inclusion in this last book in the trilogy. 5⭐️ for all three!

CW: childhood trauma, violence (age appropriate)

[DaniLanglie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and sweet ending to this middle grade horror series! I liked the theme of healing that wove throughout the books, and hit especially at the end here, as Eleanor has to learn that it's okay to break, that you can mend after something harms you. At the end of this story, she gets to have her mother and father back, but it doesn't feel cheap or like all of the hardships she's been through have been erased. I actually got a little choked up when Eleanor used Wander's story to save Thea, and then Wander was told the name of her dead lover and said "it's like a name I heard in a dream once." That was lovely!

I don't have a ton more to say here. Otto and Pip took more of a backseat in this book than the first two I felt; it really was the Eleanor show to close things off, it was her powers and her ideas and her emotional journey. That feels appropriate to wrap up the trilogy.

[Khushi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really sad to say that the last book in this trilogy is way to chaotic for my satisfaction. Also this book feels like a completely different genre than the first two. I really wish it was more spooky like the first two than the fantasy adventure that it turned into. I still enjoyed it but I was expecting something different from it altogether. I missed those spooky stranger things vibes in this book. I still enjoyed the first half of the book immensely. If only the second half was a little less rushed, it would have been so much better.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that there’s a tiny bit of time for regular old middle school vibes in this (the second book was great but a little bleak). Elle talking to her aunt and uncle about a potential crush is extremely cute and funny. I’ve never get over the casual way parents/guardians ask just like “who is she? He? They?” and protagonists think that they’re not sure if they like “boys or girls or both or neither” in a middle grade fantasy these days, it’s so 😭😭.
Then I cried pretty much straight through the second half (maybe 2/3?), so I’m glad we had a little fun at the beginning.

[Katy Schlappi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5! I feel like this was the best book of the trilogy. I loved the Thea/Katie redemption arc and the general background of all of the siblings. I still could not predict at any point where the story was going and where it would end up. My only complaint, which stands for all of the books, is that there are always so many different stories going on at once that I can get lost in one part of the book and forget about how we got there.

This was truly such an entertaining trilogy that any middle grade horror fan would enjoy.

[Caryn - iam.caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly spectacular finale to an absolutely outstanding trilogy!

The unexpected places this story took me completely blew me away. I was expecting to love the finale as much as I loved the previous two, but the unexpected turns made me love it even more than I thought I would.

I will be recommending this trilogy to everyone.

If you’re an audiobook fan, Keylor Leigh fully smashed it. She’s incredible.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteens was a terrific novel, the sequel was well written, had some scary moments but not quite as good but this one is perfect.
The kids friendship is strong, the adults respect them and the bad guys are ready for the final showdown. And Marshall throws some humor into it. Twice i had to put the book down because i was laughing so hard.
Wish i'd read this series 50 years ago.

[Soleila Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series end I really do wish there could be more. I don’t know what it is about it, but this book plays a big role in my life for some strange reason and it would make my day if there could be more to the story.

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very satisfying conclusion to this series in which the foes are vanquished, new alliances are made, and our heroes aren't consumed by their fates. I'm going to miss these characters. They definitely found a place in my heart.

[Doree Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like reading sequels because I'm generally disappointed.

This series is a huge exception. And I liked the last book best of the trilogy, which NEVER happens.

It's such a great story of friendship, love, and how to write your own story. Definitely recommend.

[Tim Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good ending with some great ideas. I had some concerns that the end was coming too soon but it worked really well and tied everything up in an organic nature. Looking forward to future tales if they come. otherwise, it is a satisfying ending.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up.

I loved this so much more than the first two books, and I think it's the perfect conclusion to the story.

I'd also love to see a little novella about what the cat(s) get up to. They're my favorite character(s) from all three books.

[Lorri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was on par with the other books but why did the author need to bring crushes into it? It isn’t part of the plot and it was so nice to have an adolescent mini-series that wasn’t focused on who everyone has a crush on and the drama around it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Glassheart" is a chilling and heartfelt finale to Kate Alice Marshall’s middle grade trilogy. Eleanor and her friends face their darkest fears as stories threaten to consume them. A satisfying end full of courage, mystery, and magic