The Glassman

by MultiMind

Mars, the lead vocalist of rock band Lumination Rising, has had to learn how to live with his new self. Living in the aftermath of a devastating accident, Mars gained a new ability: he can control and create glass.

But that's not all that changed about Mars - and that is exactly what worries the band.

Haunted by what he can do, Mars grapples with himself and his mind. Eager to help, cousin and bandmate Amos tries to keep Mars' head straight ... and the new abilities a secret.

The world can't know about the glass or the change. There's music to be made and a record company to please.

Mars isn't a monster - but he isn't so sure himself.

188 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2023

About the author

MultiMind lives in Baltimore, Maryland. She tries to find time for her countless hobbies, from 3D printing to bookbinding to virtual reality. She writes books that are fairly Black, quite queer, and very much embedded in the world of Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror.

Reviews

[Autumn ✨]

✨won an audiobook copy from a storygraph giveaway!✨

[Amelia Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this first: the cover and the title lured me in, and I ended up loving the whole story. I expected different kind of ending, but somehow still wasn't disappointed.
Imagine if your body started producing glass shards when you got emotional or even on a whim, how cool could that be right? Well, yes and no, Mars can do that, but he also can't entirely control that power, and also has to hear thought's of others if they are thinking about him, it sounds fascinating, until you use your imagination and realize it's probably going to be disastrous. Accidents happen, and band members are dealing with outbursts of Mars' powers and trying to save him and others. As someone who could easily relate to Mars' suicidal thoughts, I was so invested in this story that ended up being surprised when it ended, I felt mixed about it, but as I'm writing this, I know that ending was what the story needed.
I loved the dynamic between the band members, even when they were scared of the Glassman, they didn't break the band and always tried their hardest to stay together and protect their relationships.
The cover art really helps put faces to their names, I love that style and their appearances.
I'll definitely be reading more books by this author, this was short and interesting, I didn't want to put down the book, even though my cat insisted she was dying from starvation every twenty minutes.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mix of frustrating, exciting, and suspenseful! I was half expecting Mars to kill everyone by the end, but I like the open-ended ending, leaving us to wonder if the band will embrace him for real, or will things just go downhill even quicker the more people learn about his powers.

This felt like a really cool mutant origin story. Like if Dazzler had glass powers and not blinding lights. I liked it!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an audiobook of this book, and honestly I'm so glad I won it, this was not my usual type of read, however I became obsessed by this world and its characters. I really wanna read more about the joined concert bc both bands members are so freaking interesting!!
Mars and Danielle have my whole heart<3

[Evelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won the book with a give away and now I am waiting for the next episode because MAAAAAN I need to know the rest!!!!! Can’t finish like this even if I enjoyed it nevertheless!

[Just Another Final Girl Review (Brittany) Levely-Connolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever asked yourself or someone else:
‘If you could have any superpower in the world, what would it be?

You probably just thought of a power you wished you had, and how awesome, beneficial and cool it would be, as well as how much easier your life would become. We don’t think about the horrible accidents or the ways in which most hero’s obtain their powers. Nor do we spend time thinking about the ways in which you mind, body and entire life is forever changed. What happens when you don’t know you have obtained a new power? What about the period of time it must take one to learn how to control those powers? Having superpowers may seem like an amazing gift that changes one’s life for the better. Have you ever considered dark side of becoming super human?

I’m a monster, a freak. And you know it.”(13)

The Glassman explores the darkness and horrors that come with obtaining superpowers, especially the horrors that accompany them: psychological and physically. The impact they have on one’s career and interpersonal relationships. The danger you become to others, especially the ones you love.And the danger and damages that can occur when using said powers.

“The question was like a soft blade on a vital vein, it stung Mars so. He used to hide it so well, but his cape of illusion had one quite threadbare by now.”(3)
Jacob ‘Mars’ Juarez, lead vocalist of the up and coming LA band Lumanation Rising, has his entire life upended after a freak accident in which he survived an explosion at his day job. Although he survived, he now is able to make glass from within his own body and can hear the thoughts of those around him. His inability to control his powers during band practice leaves Dao, a friend and member, permanently disfigured, and puts the band on hiatus. His wife fears his touch, just as much as he fears touching her. They never know when his skin could become sharp and cut her. The only person who seems to not fear Mars and his new powers is his band mate and cousin Amos. Can Amos help Mars learn to control his powers or will Mars end up becoming the monstrous villian he already thinks he is? Can he ever return to touring with his band or will he always be a danger to others?

Now time for what did I think and why did I rate this a 3?

This novel was a very quick read and can be read by most in one-two days and the reading level