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Glasswright #1
The Glasswrights' Apprentice
A glasswright's apprentice discovers a deadly conspiracy whose venomous schemes reach out to threaten everything she loves--her family, her guild, and even her kingdom. Original.
324 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2000
38 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Klasky
111 books541 followersMindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
June 9, 2010
This was a light, fun fast read. (especially after Rushdie!) Set in a medieval-style fantasy world, a young apprentice accidentally uncovers a plot against the royal family within her guild. Her attempts to do the right thing only get her deeper in trouble, as she unwittingly gets involved in secret societies on both sides of a political conflict.
I did have some problems with the book: with the title, I would have expected the author to do some research into glassblowing and traditional methods of working with glass. We don't get to see any of that. The protagonist, Rani, could have been in any guild. When, as punishment, the guild is disbanded, too, there's no mention of how glass might be valuable to society and where they're going to get it if all glasswrights
are banned.
Also, Rani is hopelessly naive. That's ok - some people are. But the author makes it painfully obvious who's lying, or whatever, and that Rani doesn't see it. The book would be more entertaining if things were equally opaque (or transparent) to both the reader and the protagonist.
Lastly, I really had a personal problem with the author portraying a strict, oppressive caste system as being "good." I know it's important to understand all sides of an issue - but I didn't feel there was enough exploration of the issue to justify her stance.
I did have some problems with the book: with the title, I would have expected the author to do some research into glassblowing and traditional methods of working with glass. We don't get to see any of that. The protagonist, Rani, could have been in any guild. When, as punishment, the guild is disbanded, too, there's no mention of how glass might be valuable to society and where they're going to get it if all glasswrights
are banned.
Also, Rani is hopelessly naive. That's ok - some people are. But the author makes it painfully obvious who's lying, or whatever, and that Rani doesn't see it. The book would be more entertaining if things were equally opaque (or transparent) to both the reader and the protagonist.
Lastly, I really had a personal problem with the author portraying a strict, oppressive caste system as being "good." I know it's important to understand all sides of an issue - but I didn't feel there was enough exploration of the issue to justify her stance.
May 14, 2016
This was, in the end, a pretty fun read, but it was also not a particularly well-written book.
What I liked about it was that the plot bounced along at a nice pace--lively but without seeming breakneck. I also enjoyed the sense that the gods were literally helping the protagonist, a 13-year-old girl, escape from various plots to capture her and find clues to solve a murder. (Caveat: It had better have been the gods' intervention, otherwise this story was too plugged with useful coincidences to be reasonable.)
I also didn't dislike too many things, although there was quite a lot of low-grade "Oh, come on" moments in the novel. For example, at one point, the protagonist is told her whole family, except for one brother, has been put to death. And she doesn't fall apart at that moment, which just does not seem believable given the kid had a large, loving family. The author hangs a lampshade on that hiccup by saying the protagonist can't quite believe it's true, but the truth is obviously that it would get in the way of the plot if she reacted appropriately right there and then.
My biggest issue with the book is that it seems, given the young protagonist and the slightly simplistic writing style, that this would really appeal to younger readers, but there're some events in the book that are pretty damned icky and not-okay for it really be aimed at that target audience. Near the start of the book, an old woman is threatened with rape. Then, later in the book, the protagonist herself (13-years-old, remember) is sexually assaulted by a man trying to force her into oral sex. Although that doesn't happen, she then goes on to rely on that man for her protection. The author tries to hang a lampshade on this bit of creepiness too, by saying "she was loath to trust a man who pawed young girls" but HELLO, HE TRIED TO RAPE A KID, THAT'S A BIT BEYOND "PAWING", OMG.
So I won't be reading more in this series, because although this book had its entertainment value, it wasn't particularly good and it did have some very creepy off-notes.
What I liked about it was that the plot bounced along at a nice pace--lively but without seeming breakneck. I also enjoyed the sense that the gods were literally helping the protagonist, a 13-year-old girl, escape from various plots to capture her and find clues to solve a murder. (Caveat: It had better have been the gods' intervention, otherwise this story was too plugged with useful coincidences to be reasonable.)
I also didn't dislike too many things, although there was quite a lot of low-grade "Oh, come on" moments in the novel. For example, at one point, the protagonist is told her whole family, except for one brother, has been put to death. And she doesn't fall apart at that moment, which just does not seem believable given the kid had a large, loving family. The author hangs a lampshade on that hiccup by saying the protagonist can't quite believe it's true, but the truth is obviously that it would get in the way of the plot if she reacted appropriately right there and then.
My biggest issue with the book is that it seems, given the young protagonist and the slightly simplistic writing style, that this would really appeal to younger readers, but there're some events in the book that are pretty damned icky and not-okay for it really be aimed at that target audience. Near the start of the book, an old woman is threatened with rape. Then, later in the book, the protagonist herself (13-years-old, remember) is sexually assaulted by a man trying to force her into oral sex. Although that doesn't happen, she then goes on to rely on that man for her protection. The author tries to hang a lampshade on this bit of creepiness too, by saying "she was loath to trust a man who pawed young girls" but HELLO, HE TRIED TO RAPE A KID, THAT'S A BIT BEYOND "PAWING", OMG.
So I won't be reading more in this series, because although this book had its entertainment value, it wasn't particularly good and it did have some very creepy off-notes.
July 23, 2009
This is book one of a new fantasy series. Rather dark, with the usual "female protagonist selected for some huge prophesy that will turn her world inside out, but make not just HER, but her WORLD better in the process" concept, but you are allowed, with the addition of a lot of different types of characters, to wonder whether or not our Heroine is really going to make things better, after all.
I just have one wish for those who write these books-- can you freaking PLEASE make the heroine LESS clueless? I mean, I am so very tired of everyone around them knowing so much but refusing to share any of teh knowledge as it might... I dunno... allow the heroine to make the RIGHT decision without killing her best friend or giving her some other horrid psychic wound? Sheesh...
I just have one wish for those who write these books-- can you freaking PLEASE make the heroine LESS clueless? I mean, I am so very tired of everyone around them knowing so much but refusing to share any of teh knowledge as it might... I dunno... allow the heroine to make the RIGHT decision without killing her best friend or giving her some other horrid psychic wound? Sheesh...
April 8, 2011
The plot was ill organized, and it left the reader feeling almost as lost as Rani until the end. It felt more like a bunch of short stories jumbled together. They happened to have one character in common, and they were all set in the same city. Other than that, I couldn't connect the pieces much until Rani had met with the brotherhood, where she stupidly agrees to join their treachery (because she doesn't realize they're lying, although she suspects everyone else she meets of lying).
Anyway, I disliked the main character. Rani is rather stupid. She flits around from caste to caste, getting many people killed (her guild, her family). She is also very slow to realize what is going on. She also too readily makes accusations against others. "It's the younger prince! It's the older prince's fault! It's the younger prince's fault!" All in the same day.
People treated her too nicely. The cook gave her life for Rani, for no real reason that I could tell. Then others constantly kept making amends for Rani, forgiving her for killing a man, even. Also, at the end, the prince told Rani that the Fellowship had been watching her for some time now, making her sound important when all she managed to do was get people killed.
The end was completely unbelievable. All along they had this stone that could tell lies from truth, and they hadn't used it before? Why didn't they use it to learn that all the glasswrights did not know where Rani was and hadn't conspired against the prince? No, the king has all the glasswrights tortured to death instead. Also, when Rani makes her accusations against the king's counselor and against the queen, they all accept her word, even when she has no proof.
It was like: "Oh, Rani, the girl who is on trial, must be forgiven. Instead, let's behead the queen and nobleman and cohorts on Rani's word. Rani killed a man, but we'll let her go." They had a thief's thumb chopped off, but Rani, who murdered the crown prince's personal soldier, isn't punished at all.
Good points. I liked the world, with the pilgrims and the dangers hinted at outside the city. I liked the way the castes were set up, with the syllables indicating rank.
Anyway, I disliked the main character. Rani is rather stupid. She flits around from caste to caste, getting many people killed (her guild, her family). She is also very slow to realize what is going on. She also too readily makes accusations against others. "It's the younger prince! It's the older prince's fault! It's the younger prince's fault!" All in the same day.
People treated her too nicely. The cook gave her life for Rani, for no real reason that I could tell. Then others constantly kept making amends for Rani, forgiving her for killing a man, even. Also, at the end, the prince told Rani that the Fellowship had been watching her for some time now, making her sound important when all she managed to do was get people killed.
The end was completely unbelievable. All along they had this stone that could tell lies from truth, and they hadn't used it before? Why didn't they use it to learn that all the glasswrights did not know where Rani was and hadn't conspired against the prince? No, the king has all the glasswrights tortured to death instead. Also, when Rani makes her accusations against the king's counselor and against the queen, they all accept her word, even when she has no proof.
It was like: "Oh, Rani, the girl who is on trial, must be forgiven. Instead, let's behead the queen and nobleman and cohorts on Rani's word. Rani killed a man, but we'll let her go." They had a thief's thumb chopped off, but Rani, who murdered the crown prince's personal soldier, isn't punished at all.
Good points. I liked the world, with the pilgrims and the dangers hinted at outside the city. I liked the way the castes were set up, with the syllables indicating rank.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2009
I picked it up to read again because I forgot how much I didn't enjoy it the first time. I actually picked up the whole series, so I thought I would give the other books a try to see if they were any better. Nope. The writing style is fine - it doesn't drag or anything. I just don't like the main character. I don't like how she thinks, her choices, her relationships, her assumptions, or basically anything about her. I also don't like the lack of accountability for your own actions in these books. Actually, none of the plots had a satisfactory resolution for me either. Gosh I'd better go find something good to read so I can get these off my mind. Hopefully this time I will remember to never read this book again.
November 16, 2008
This was so wretched that I immediately discarded it. I would have discarded anything else in the series, too, had I had any more. Dreadful stuff - the heroine was vapid and useless, and the plotting wasn't very believable. I am not sure why the reviews on the cover were so good - this book was a thorough disappointment.
Read
August 16, 2020DNF @ page 251/324. August 2020
(I don't record the exact date read as I don't count DNFs in my book challenge totals)
I had high hopes for this one - I absolutely love it when arts and crafts are incorporated in fantasy books, especially when they're part of a magic system (which it is not here, although I had hoped it would be)!
The main character is much younger than I expected, just 13, but in the medieval type setting that would be equivalent (roughly) to an older teenage of 16 or so and it is the right age for a new Apprentice in a Guild. However, Rani acts much younger than her age (by either old or modern reckoning).
She also has an incredibly annoying character flaw: she believes anything *anyone* tells her.
I was hoping for some descriptions of stained glass making, but almost immediately the Glasswrights Guild where Rani is a lowly Apprentice is disbanded and outcast for suspicion of treason and abetting the assassination of the Prince. Rani played a pivotal role in his death, by being in the wrong place at the wrong (or right, it's not very clear) time, and she goes on the run.
Alone and without resources, she crosses paths with a wide range of individuals, all with a hidden agenda they are happy to boast cryptically about while not telling Rani anything of use. As Rani endlessly recaps events in her head - almost every second paragraph! - she alters the "facts" as she knows them to fit every single new perspective and then adopts that viewpoint wholeheartedly as her own. Every. Single. Time. It's as if she has no thoughts or mind of her own!
And every mishap she is involves with is always someone else's fault, never her own.
I'd finally had enough when she swears a serious blood oath to a security society she doesn't understand and kills on the directive of an aristocrat she knows is a murderer and is up to no good.
Especially when I realized that this book is the start of a series and a not standalone, as I had hoped.
Sad, as I love stained glass and was so excited to see it featured in a fantasy novel!
(I don't record the exact date read as I don't count DNFs in my book challenge totals)
I had high hopes for this one - I absolutely love it when arts and crafts are incorporated in fantasy books, especially when they're part of a magic system (which it is not here, although I had hoped it would be)!
The main character is much younger than I expected, just 13, but in the medieval type setting that would be equivalent (roughly) to an older teenage of 16 or so and it is the right age for a new Apprentice in a Guild. However, Rani acts much younger than her age (by either old or modern reckoning).
She also has an incredibly annoying character flaw: she believes anything *anyone* tells her.
I was hoping for some descriptions of stained glass making, but almost immediately the Glasswrights Guild where Rani is a lowly Apprentice is disbanded and outcast for suspicion of treason and abetting the assassination of the Prince. Rani played a pivotal role in his death, by being in the wrong place at the wrong (or right, it's not very clear) time, and she goes on the run.
Alone and without resources, she crosses paths with a wide range of individuals, all with a hidden agenda they are happy to boast cryptically about while not telling Rani anything of use. As Rani endlessly recaps events in her head - almost every second paragraph! - she alters the "facts" as she knows them to fit every single new perspective and then adopts that viewpoint wholeheartedly as her own. Every. Single. Time. It's as if she has no thoughts or mind of her own!
And every mishap she is involves with is always someone else's fault, never her own.
I'd finally had enough when she swears a serious blood oath to a security society she doesn't understand and kills on the directive of an aristocrat she knows is a murderer and is up to no good.
Especially when I realized that this book is the start of a series and a not standalone, as I had hoped.
Sad, as I love stained glass and was so excited to see it featured in a fantasy novel!
Read
December 18, 2016This one was fun, but I think it could have used a good YA editor. Lots of adventure and drama and betrayal, but it got muddled between talking about revolution, good people doing bad things, and no ones hands being clean, and ended with a message of support for a caste system and monarchy? Which is something I give a side eye too. Not to say that it's definitely trying to be a Book With A Moral, but when a story is so explicitly about revolution and politics, I tend to pay attention to the systems that are tacitly supported or devalued.
Anyways I want to know what happens next to people, but I don't think I'll be seeking out the books at full price. (Also loses points for questionable treatment of disability.)
Anyways I want to know what happens next to people, but I don't think I'll be seeking out the books at full price. (Also loses points for questionable treatment of disability.)
August 23, 2008
Book #1 in the Glasswright series. I found this book a little bit hard to get into because I found Rani hopelessly naive and was getting frustrated that she managed to put herself into a terrible situation just by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. I kept thinking: oh I dont think you should trust these people Rani. But I kept reading and after the first two chapters I got really caught up in hoping Rani would be able to survive and figure out the strange conspiracy around her. I also loved some of the other characters like the leader of the band of Touched children - Mare, and the rhyming prince Hal. Pretty fast-paced young adult fantasy.
August 15, 2019
4 stars for world building. 3 for MC. Fun read for a thrift store pick-up. Some may say I’m being too generous with 4 stars - I say, it’s interesting to read books like this that were published pre-YA, and may be considered YA today.
February 17, 2021
Exciting pacing, ethics/identity questions for the young protagonist
August 9, 2024
It had surprisingly little to do with glass making, and was more about a girl bumbling from one bad situation to the next with really bad luck.
July 20, 2019
This was very good and interesting. I want to read the next one
September 11, 2010
I've just finished The Glasswrights' Apprentice by Mindy Klasky and I have to say that I thought it was good. It's getting harder and harder to find fantasy books out there that aren't urban or paranormal. This one of those grand old medieval setting fantasy novels, although it's set in another land, not on earth in our own past.
The main idea is that Rani's family has gathered up enough money to send her to the Glasswrights' Guild, thus setting her a level higher in the caste system of this world. In essence, her station is now above her own merchant family. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon an assassination attempt on the prince and tries to warn him, her entire world--not to mention the guild she has so recently become a part of--tumbles down around her.
All of this happens in the first few chapters of the book. The rest of the book is how Rani manages to survive when her guild has been destroyed and any connection to the Glasswrights warrants a death sentence. She remains focused on her own survival, but somehow at every step she seems to get drawn farther and farther into the political intrigues that she stumbled into to begin with.
I had some minor issues with the novel overall--some of which were annoyances that were explained in satisfactory detail as the book progressed. The writing was good, although you can tell that this was a debut novel. The emotions of Rani at times weren't quite solid enough or weren't explored enough, but I suspect based on how the book ended that this will get better as the series progresses.
One thing that should be noted about this book is that even though it has a fantasy setting, it does not have any magic, at least not in this first book. This is a medieval fantasy with lots of political intrigue . . . and that's it. It reminds me of Katherine Kurtz in some respects, although her books were much more detailed regarding the world, and of course she did have magic interwoven into the world. But even without magic, The Glasswrights' Apprentice was an interesting read and I intend to move on to the sequel, The Glasswrights' Progress as my next read. I'm interested in seeing where Mindy Klasky takes us next.
The main idea is that Rani's family has gathered up enough money to send her to the Glasswrights' Guild, thus setting her a level higher in the caste system of this world. In essence, her station is now above her own merchant family. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon an assassination attempt on the prince and tries to warn him, her entire world--not to mention the guild she has so recently become a part of--tumbles down around her.
All of this happens in the first few chapters of the book. The rest of the book is how Rani manages to survive when her guild has been destroyed and any connection to the Glasswrights warrants a death sentence. She remains focused on her own survival, but somehow at every step she seems to get drawn farther and farther into the political intrigues that she stumbled into to begin with.
I had some minor issues with the novel overall--some of which were annoyances that were explained in satisfactory detail as the book progressed. The writing was good, although you can tell that this was a debut novel. The emotions of Rani at times weren't quite solid enough or weren't explored enough, but I suspect based on how the book ended that this will get better as the series progresses.
One thing that should be noted about this book is that even though it has a fantasy setting, it does not have any magic, at least not in this first book. This is a medieval fantasy with lots of political intrigue . . . and that's it. It reminds me of Katherine Kurtz in some respects, although her books were much more detailed regarding the world, and of course she did have magic interwoven into the world. But even without magic, The Glasswrights' Apprentice was an interesting read and I intend to move on to the sequel, The Glasswrights' Progress as my next read. I'm interested in seeing where Mindy Klasky takes us next.
February 19, 2017
Many young adult books have a young teen as a protagonist, yet they manage to act so maturely and responsibly that they can be enjoyed by anyone because you completely forget their age.
Not so here. Rani, the main character of "The Glasswright's Apprentice," is a hapless boob who stumbles from one predicament to the next, in absolutely no control of her life, and who never does anything decisive in the entire book. She also continues to make assumptions about who is trustworthy and not trustworthy that are OBVIOUSLY flawed to the reader... I mean, really. She believes ABSOLUTELY anything anyone tells her. One person tells her one thing, and she believes them. Then she meets someone new, and they tell her a contradictory thing, and she believes them without question. And on and on.
AND she believes them when she's already realized that what they said can't be true. For instance, She's dumb like that- not completely clueless, but in a very inexperienced, 13-yr old kind of way.
And as someone older than thirteen, I found this book very tiresome. There were some interesting elements- I liked the Thousand Gods thing, and how the castes were separated by names/syllables (although that wasn't ever pointed out, it was pretty easy to pick up.) However, overall, I could suggest myriad other books that are much better than this- in both plot and character. Choose your poison.
It does have some redeeming qualities.
Not so here. Rani, the main character of "The Glasswright's Apprentice," is a hapless boob who stumbles from one predicament to the next, in absolutely no control of her life, and who never does anything decisive in the entire book. She also continues to make assumptions about who is trustworthy and not trustworthy that are OBVIOUSLY flawed to the reader... I mean, really. She believes ABSOLUTELY anything anyone tells her. One person tells her one thing, and she believes them. Then she meets someone new, and they tell her a contradictory thing, and she believes them without question. And on and on.
AND she believes them when she's already realized that what they said can't be true. For instance, She's dumb like that- not completely clueless, but in a very inexperienced, 13-yr old kind of way.
And as someone older than thirteen, I found this book very tiresome. There were some interesting elements- I liked the Thousand Gods thing, and how the castes were separated by names/syllables (although that wasn't ever pointed out, it was pretty easy to pick up.) However, overall, I could suggest myriad other books that are much better than this- in both plot and character. Choose your poison.
It does have some redeeming qualities.
October 23, 2018
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Rani’s artistic skills mean that her Merchant parents have sacrificed their life savings to transfer her to the Glasswrights for training and a better place in life. Rani is the bottom of the apprentices but she follows her tasks diligently enough. When she tries to prevent the Prince’s assassination she unwittingly allows for his murder – on the run she has to solve problems so that she can be free once again.
Oh dear. The protagonist Rani was a bit of an ignorant idiot. There were so many clues there that she didn’t pick up. And also her determination to get to her brother got a bit old after a while. She knows what life is like out there now, and yet she continues along stupidly. I rather liked it when she returned to her Merchant roots! Also, surely she’s young enough to disguise herself as a boy. It’s not like they have photographs of her!
I’m not sure why I enjoyed this novel, because I agree with other reviewers that Rani was a total idiot. But perhaps that’s her grab. For once we don’t have a brilliant protagonist who foils attempts and saves the day. Instead, we have some other smart and wily characters who are perfectly capable of getting themselves into (and out of) trouble. Rani must have the touch of the Gods on her as well, because she’s just so stupid and can’t wriggle out of things by herself – other people have to make sacrifices for me.
This is a nifty novel I picked up at my sister-in-law’s house (right after reorganising her whole bookshelf). Unfortunately, she didn’t have the second novel in this series! The novel is from the 2000s, so I don’t like my chances of finding the second novel. 3 stars from me.
Rani’s artistic skills mean that her Merchant parents have sacrificed their life savings to transfer her to the Glasswrights for training and a better place in life. Rani is the bottom of the apprentices but she follows her tasks diligently enough. When she tries to prevent the Prince’s assassination she unwittingly allows for his murder – on the run she has to solve problems so that she can be free once again.
Oh dear. The protagonist Rani was a bit of an ignorant idiot. There were so many clues there that she didn’t pick up. And also her determination to get to her brother got a bit old after a while. She knows what life is like out there now, and yet she continues along stupidly. I rather liked it when she returned to her Merchant roots! Also, surely she’s young enough to disguise herself as a boy. It’s not like they have photographs of her!
I’m not sure why I enjoyed this novel, because I agree with other reviewers that Rani was a total idiot. But perhaps that’s her grab. For once we don’t have a brilliant protagonist who foils attempts and saves the day. Instead, we have some other smart and wily characters who are perfectly capable of getting themselves into (and out of) trouble. Rani must have the touch of the Gods on her as well, because she’s just so stupid and can’t wriggle out of things by herself – other people have to make sacrifices for me.
This is a nifty novel I picked up at my sister-in-law’s house (right after reorganising her whole bookshelf). Unfortunately, she didn’t have the second novel in this series! The novel is from the 2000s, so I don’t like my chances of finding the second novel. 3 stars from me.
September 21, 2011
A fantasy book encompassing mystery, murder, fantasy, familial and societal bonds. The main character is a 13 yr old girl named Rani Trader whose family has paid a hefty cost in order to gain her the potential for a higher caste. Catastrophe strikes when she is accused of murdering the prince and must find a way to clear her name and discover the true killer. In her dark adventure she discovers trust is a trickier thing than she ever thought and no one is who she thinks they are, not even herself.
Rani finds herself moving in and out of castes, confused about where she really belongs and whether her society is right in upholding the system. Though fantasy, with rich description and imaginative plot, the novel deals with the issues of justice and loyalty in a very real way. Readers will find themselves asking the same questions Rani is, wondering if they would have done differently any of the things she does.
Consequently, I found myself looking at our own society and our possible unrecognized caste systems.
Rani finds herself moving in and out of castes, confused about where she really belongs and whether her society is right in upholding the system. Though fantasy, with rich description and imaginative plot, the novel deals with the issues of justice and loyalty in a very real way. Readers will find themselves asking the same questions Rani is, wondering if they would have done differently any of the things she does.
Consequently, I found myself looking at our own society and our possible unrecognized caste systems.
February 4, 2011
I absolutely loved this series about an independent young woman who begins training for her dream career as a stained-glass artisan, only to have her hopes crushed by events beyond her control. Nothing can crush her spirit, though. As the series progresses, she becomes involved in the political power struggle of her country through a secret espionage organization, encountering many life-endangering situations. Rani also becomes friends with members of the royal family, complicating her life even more! You will definitely want to read all five books in the series, which are all available as e-books now.
Overall, a great series for an adult OR an advanced young adult reader. Plus, you don't have to be a hard-core fantasy reader to enjoy this book. It's an alternate world, but one that is filled with regular people, NOT with gnomes/fairies/unicorns.
Overall, a great series for an adult OR an advanced young adult reader. Plus, you don't have to be a hard-core fantasy reader to enjoy this book. It's an alternate world, but one that is filled with regular people, NOT with gnomes/fairies/unicorns.
August 23, 2016
I quite liked this book at the beginning - the setting is interesting. However, I just couldn't like the protagonist, who came across to me as somewhat stupid and who literally gets away with murder. There was good potential in the plot but the soldiers are all brutes, the mysterious rebels are all villains, which makes the story a bit flat, and I just didn't feel the protagonist deserved a happy ending.
July 19, 2019
Ahoy there mateys. I don't really remember this series at all. The reviews say the protagonist is a moron and there is rape as a plot point. I am okay with having completely forgotten the first book. Arrrr!
January 18, 2008
This was a neat book, with a fascinating world and intricate caste system, plus a plot rich with intrigue. Hard to believe that it was her first!
February 1, 2024
This YA book wavers between being a bit difficult to get through and just-entertaining-enough. I first read it as a teenager (I must have been around 14-15 or so), and I enjoyed it then, so rounding up to three stars from 2.5 for old time's sake.
Rani, an apprentice in the glassworker's guild in a heavily socially stratified city, is suddenly and accidentally caught up in an assassination plot and must flee for her life. The story follows Rani through her adventures among the different castes, somewhat untangling what is going on as the story progresses. It begins well, and it's interesting to explore the different castes and guilds with Rani. This is the main strength of the book, offering a comprehensible and rich world as its setting; but there was more potential here that was used.
However, the story becomes somewhat rambly in the middle and, even as more becomes known about the people connected to the assassination, the novel loses momentum. Towards the end, things get more exciting, but the book struggles with plot and emotional/moral issues going largely unconsidered, giving it a (probably unintentional) emotional ambiguity that doesn't really hold up.
Rani as a character isn't very interesting or that objectionable, but she does feel underdeveloped, as if the author didn't really put much planning into the kind of person she would be ahead of time, how she would react emotionally to events, or how she would move through the city. This gives the book a "single draft" feeling, where it feels like a novel that was written as it went--certain events could probably have been compressed or combined to reduce repetition and sluggish moments, and create a more compelling sense of direction.
A major problem for an adult reader--likely part of the "single draft" feeling--is the suspension of belief. You expect some coincidences in teen fiction, but here things get out of control with both coincidental meetings and the things you are expected to believe did or did not happen. This makes the book feel unreal. For example, Rani, on the run as presumably the most famous person in the city, and although her family is also known, makes little attempt to disguise her name or even her identity, yet manages to interact over long periods of time with various groups of people, none of whom seem to clue in who she is. As she goes, she bumps into people who have a close connection to the plot, and learns that people close to her were connected long before the plot occurred.
At times, I think we're supposed to understand that the gods are pulling strings, but this doesn't feel very present in the book, and Rani herself doesn't recognise that some of this is very coincidental. This idea, which certainly could have offered the book a little more depth and cohesion, is not really fully developed.
More along the lines of emotion, Rani's entire guild has been arrested, with her fellow apprentices mutilated when she is not found, and much of her innocent family has been killed in retribution for her supposed crime, and yet Rani spends almost no time thinking about this. She doesn't feel much grief, guilt, or anger. At times, her thoughts and activities become disconnected from her general--and extremely fraught--situation, like when she fights with Rabe over the scavenged indigo gloves. This might work with a much younger character, but Rani is supposed to be 13, old enough to not simply forget what has happened. Things get more emotionally intense towards the end, but this only serves to intensify the issues with Rani's lack of thought or consideration.
Overall, this emotional vapidity, combined with a lack of forethought as the book unfolds, impacts the book's momentum and direction, making the plot seem incoherent. This is very clearly a first book, and one that was not significantly revised or rethought after its initial straight-through writing. Even a few simple changes, such as Rani choosing (or at least thinking about) alternative names that don't sound very much like hers, or perhaps attempting to disguise herself in some way, might have helped. Given what happens, an older character might have helped make space for the serious moral and emotional questions the book invokes, but never comes close to considering.
I read this after Court of Fives by Kate Elliot, because that book reminded me a little of this one in terms of plot. However, Court of Fives, although also coincidental at times, specifically avoids many of the issues on display here. If you're thinking about reading this book, or read it and liked it, consider Court of Fives.
Rani, an apprentice in the glassworker's guild in a heavily socially stratified city, is suddenly and accidentally caught up in an assassination plot and must flee for her life. The story follows Rani through her adventures among the different castes, somewhat untangling what is going on as the story progresses. It begins well, and it's interesting to explore the different castes and guilds with Rani. This is the main strength of the book, offering a comprehensible and rich world as its setting; but there was more potential here that was used.
However, the story becomes somewhat rambly in the middle and, even as more becomes known about the people connected to the assassination, the novel loses momentum. Towards the end, things get more exciting, but the book struggles with plot and emotional/moral issues going largely unconsidered, giving it a (probably unintentional) emotional ambiguity that doesn't really hold up.
Rani as a character isn't very interesting or that objectionable, but she does feel underdeveloped, as if the author didn't really put much planning into the kind of person she would be ahead of time, how she would react emotionally to events, or how she would move through the city. This gives the book a "single draft" feeling, where it feels like a novel that was written as it went--certain events could probably have been compressed or combined to reduce repetition and sluggish moments, and create a more compelling sense of direction.
A major problem for an adult reader--likely part of the "single draft" feeling--is the suspension of belief. You expect some coincidences in teen fiction, but here things get out of control with both coincidental meetings and the things you are expected to believe did or did not happen. This makes the book feel unreal. For example, Rani, on the run as presumably the most famous person in the city, and although her family is also known, makes little attempt to disguise her name or even her identity, yet manages to interact over long periods of time with various groups of people, none of whom seem to clue in who she is. As she goes, she bumps into people who have a close connection to the plot, and learns that people close to her were connected long before the plot occurred.
At times, I think we're supposed to understand that the gods are pulling strings, but this doesn't feel very present in the book, and Rani herself doesn't recognise that some of this is very coincidental. This idea, which certainly could have offered the book a little more depth and cohesion, is not really fully developed.
More along the lines of emotion, Rani's entire guild has been arrested, with her fellow apprentices mutilated when she is not found, and much of her innocent family has been killed in retribution for her supposed crime, and yet Rani spends almost no time thinking about this. She doesn't feel much grief, guilt, or anger. At times, her thoughts and activities become disconnected from her general--and extremely fraught--situation, like when she fights with Rabe over the scavenged indigo gloves. This might work with a much younger character, but Rani is supposed to be 13, old enough to not simply forget what has happened. Things get more emotionally intense towards the end, but this only serves to intensify the issues with Rani's lack of thought or consideration.
Overall, this emotional vapidity, combined with a lack of forethought as the book unfolds, impacts the book's momentum and direction, making the plot seem incoherent. This is very clearly a first book, and one that was not significantly revised or rethought after its initial straight-through writing. Even a few simple changes, such as Rani choosing (or at least thinking about) alternative names that don't sound very much like hers, or perhaps attempting to disguise herself in some way, might have helped. Given what happens, an older character might have helped make space for the serious moral and emotional questions the book invokes, but never comes close to considering.
I read this after Court of Fives by Kate Elliot, because that book reminded me a little of this one in terms of plot. However, Court of Fives, although also coincidental at times, specifically avoids many of the issues on display here. If you're thinking about reading this book, or read it and liked it, consider Court of Fives.
April 1, 2022
I find a lot of the reviews in this section deeply frustrating, because the consensus seems to be that Rani is a weak or simpering character, but I didn't get that impression in the slightest.
Rani trusts two people over the course of the book that she shouldn't have trusted:
And, as far as agency goes,
I find it frustrating how Rani is a multidimensional, smart character, and somehow the consensus is that, because she has flaws of any kind (as in, naively trusted her brother that she loved) she's irredeemable? Honestly, this is one of the better YA fantasy books I've read, with more complicated worldbuilding and more complex, interesting, and honest characters, and you should give it a shot.
Rani trusts two people over the course of the book that she shouldn't have trusted:
And, as far as agency goes,
I find it frustrating how Rani is a multidimensional, smart character, and somehow the consensus is that, because she has flaws of any kind (as in, naively trusted her brother that she loved) she's irredeemable? Honestly, this is one of the better YA fantasy books I've read, with more complicated worldbuilding and more complex, interesting, and honest characters, and you should give it a shot.
April 5, 2024
I read (and liked) this book series when I was a teen, so thought I'd give it a reread. It didn't hold up very well. I appreciated how naive and manipulatable Rani was (she's a child...it seemed realistic) and the religion of the Thousand Gods is interesting, but many of the larger points don't hold up.
March 13, 2018
Boring and inconsistent
I must be doing a terrible job of choosing books lately. This one started out well but the plot gets so convoluted that by the end, I was just waiting for it to be over. As another reviewer pointed out, Rani's character is incredibly inconsistent. At times she is smart and resourceful, other times she is a bumbling idiot who stumbles into trouble. I get that she is 13 years old but if she stumbles around making questionable decisions, she would more likely have been dead 10% in. She is a very frustrating and ultimately boring heroine because she is more a pawn among bullies and mad men than a brave, smart girl. When she does take action, it's usually at someone else's direction and she continues to trust clearly untrustworthy people. Plus she does things that are pretty out of character then bumbles off into another direction. After a while it gets tiresome and I felt like I wasted time on a book that has 4 more after it.
I must be doing a terrible job of choosing books lately. This one started out well but the plot gets so convoluted that by the end, I was just waiting for it to be over. As another reviewer pointed out, Rani's character is incredibly inconsistent. At times she is smart and resourceful, other times she is a bumbling idiot who stumbles into trouble. I get that she is 13 years old but if she stumbles around making questionable decisions, she would more likely have been dead 10% in. She is a very frustrating and ultimately boring heroine because she is more a pawn among bullies and mad men than a brave, smart girl. When she does take action, it's usually at someone else's direction and she continues to trust clearly untrustworthy people. Plus she does things that are pretty out of character then bumbles off into another direction. After a while it gets tiresome and I felt like I wasted time on a book that has 4 more after it.
September 3, 2017
When Raini is implicated in the assassination of the High Prince her life is destroyed. She struggles to hide and survive while searching for a way to exonerate her name.
The plot moved quickly, and I really enjoyed the way the main character moved from caste to caste and how different her life was with each one. However, the biggest weakness was the main character. She is not very memorable and spends most of the book just kind of going with the flow. There are only a few instances where she takes control and dictates the direction of the plot.
Overall an interesting story with some fun world building, but with weak characters.
The plot moved quickly, and I really enjoyed the way the main character moved from caste to caste and how different her life was with each one. However, the biggest weakness was the main character. She is not very memorable and spends most of the book just kind of going with the flow. There are only a few instances where she takes control and dictates the direction of the plot.
Overall an interesting story with some fun world building, but with weak characters.
June 16, 2021
Overall I didn't like the main character and got so frustrated at her choices when she made them. I also don't like that the author didn't take the time at the beginning of the story to build up the world and the readers connection to Rani. A quick chapter of Rani with her family, the move to the glasswrights guild and some info about the castes before transitioning to where the author started the book would have led to a much more coherent story. Instead we are left trying to care about a character we know little about as she reacts to things happening around her with no goal or plan in sight until two thirds of the way through.
April 22, 2020
A whirlwind of a read. From apprentice to assassin to slave to fugitive to soldier's pet to high placement in the castle itself, Rani flows from situation to situation. The 13 year old dives from danger to a modicum of safety only to be thrust in deeper. Miraculously each escape puts her higher in the system.
Got this at dollar a bag day at the library during the last year. I hear there is a sequel but I think I will not pursue this. Just too contrived for me. A lot of action but no thanks.
Got this at dollar a bag day at the library during the last year. I hear there is a sequel but I think I will not pursue this. Just too contrived for me. A lot of action but no thanks.
May 22, 2024
DNF - This book is so badly written, I don’t even know where to start. Let’s just add 2-3 adjectives in front of every noun, then have Rani accept everything she hears as ultimate truths. The writing flow itself is just rambling and not executed well. There is also a lot of child abuse right from the get go (she is 13) and once I stopped I read there is apparently sexual abuse as well so I am not proceeding with this.
1/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 stars ⭐️
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January 14, 2025I am not sure how to rate this book. On one hand, I absolutely could not put it down. From 20 pages in, it had me hooked.
On the other hand, I had to skim over all the blatant violence in the book, and I struggled with the fact that the main character is only 13. She definitely acts like a 13 year old, and that drives the plot along. A lot of key moments rely on her being small enough to fit into very small places.
On the other hand, I had to skim over all the blatant violence in the book, and I struggled with the fact that the main character is only 13. She definitely acts like a 13 year old, and that drives the plot along. A lot of key moments rely on her being small enough to fit into very small places.
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