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Magic Under #1
Magic Under Glass
Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir.
Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 9781599904306
Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN 9781599904306
225 pages, Hardcover
First published December 22, 2009
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About the author
Jaclyn Dolamore
15 books781 followersJaclyn Dolamore has a passion for history, thrift stores, vintage dresses, David Bowie, drawing, and organic food. She lives in western Maryland with her partner and plot strategist, Dade, and three weird cats. To keep abreast of new releases, sales, and extras, please join her mailing list! http://tinyurl.com/JaclynDolamore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 724 reviews
November 9, 2009
The audience didn’t understand a word we sang. They came to see our legs. As the posters said TROUSER GIRLS FROM THE LAND OF TASSIM! We were billed just underneath the acrobats and the trained dogs.
So begins Magic Under Glass, a debut novel by Jaclyn Dolamore (Bloomsbury, Dec ‘09). It follows Nimira, a music hall girl, a dark-skinned oddity in light-skinned Lorinar, as she leaves the security of the music hall for employment with the mysterious and dashing Hollins Parry. Mr. Parry wishes to retain her services to sing with a handsome automaton — a man-shaped clockwork machine that plays the piano when wound (sexy, right?). Apparently Mr. Parry has had some problems with retaining girls in the past as they insist the automaton is haunted. They claim it mumbles to them, which is admittedly terrifying, and then they run away.
Nimira, however, is no wimp. So when the clockwork man does his mumbling thing for her, she doesn’t go running to Mr. Parry. Instead, in a completely refreshing sequence where she doesn’t spend pages agonizing over what she really saw (a pet peeve of mine in fantasy), she gets over her shock and disbelief and settles down to business: finding out what . . . or who . . . the automaton is. And what he is a angst-puppy trapped in cogs and springs. In other words, my brand of fun.
The result is a whimsical, smart novel that is sort of like a cross between Howl’s Moving Castle and Jonathan Strange and Mister Norrell. The details are lovely, the voice consistent, the characters complex. And Nimira is refreshingly clever throughout. The ending is a bit muddled and weirdly paced, but it wasn’t enough to put me off my game. My biggest complaint was how short the book was — I could’ve been happily entertained for twice as long.
My verdict? I really enjoyed this novel now, but I have to tell you that, as a teen, I would’ve married this thing and had little clockwork babies. Highly recommended.
So begins Magic Under Glass, a debut novel by Jaclyn Dolamore (Bloomsbury, Dec ‘09). It follows Nimira, a music hall girl, a dark-skinned oddity in light-skinned Lorinar, as she leaves the security of the music hall for employment with the mysterious and dashing Hollins Parry. Mr. Parry wishes to retain her services to sing with a handsome automaton — a man-shaped clockwork machine that plays the piano when wound (sexy, right?). Apparently Mr. Parry has had some problems with retaining girls in the past as they insist the automaton is haunted. They claim it mumbles to them, which is admittedly terrifying, and then they run away.
Nimira, however, is no wimp. So when the clockwork man does his mumbling thing for her, she doesn’t go running to Mr. Parry. Instead, in a completely refreshing sequence where she doesn’t spend pages agonizing over what she really saw (a pet peeve of mine in fantasy), she gets over her shock and disbelief and settles down to business: finding out what . . . or who . . . the automaton is. And what he is a angst-puppy trapped in cogs and springs. In other words, my brand of fun.
The result is a whimsical, smart novel that is sort of like a cross between Howl’s Moving Castle and Jonathan Strange and Mister Norrell. The details are lovely, the voice consistent, the characters complex. And Nimira is refreshingly clever throughout. The ending is a bit muddled and weirdly paced, but it wasn’t enough to put me off my game. My biggest complaint was how short the book was — I could’ve been happily entertained for twice as long.
My verdict? I really enjoyed this novel now, but I have to tell you that, as a teen, I would’ve married this thing and had little clockwork babies. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2010
Since this book has been out a while now and some frequently asked questions pop up in reviews, I thought I'd edit my review to answer a few here.
--There will be a sequel! It's called Magic Under Stone and it should be released in 2012. As far as I know, that book will complete the story. A companion book--same world, different characters and locale--called Between the Sea and Sky will be released in 2011.
--The title "Magic Under Glass" refers to the fairies kept under glass which are also sort of a metaphor for the trapped situation of the characters, especially Erris. Originally there was actually a bigger plot involving this magical machine made of glass, but that was cut in edits.
--The series is not really called "Magic Under", that's just some arbitrary thing Goodreads assigned to it.
--Nimira's home country was drawn from many other countries, with China and India being the largest, but far from the only, influences. In my original draft it really sounds more like China, but over various evolutions it came out sounding more like India. Still, it wasn't meant to be any one place in particular. I think of this as taking place on an alternate Earth where migration and trade was altered, sometimes slightly and sometimes vastly, by the presence of magic, winged folk, mermaids, etc., so cultures developed in different ways.
P. S. Yes. I gave it 4 stars. Well, I like some of my other books better! =P
--There will be a sequel! It's called Magic Under Stone and it should be released in 2012. As far as I know, that book will complete the story. A companion book--same world, different characters and locale--called Between the Sea and Sky will be released in 2011.
--The title "Magic Under Glass" refers to the fairies kept under glass which are also sort of a metaphor for the trapped situation of the characters, especially Erris. Originally there was actually a bigger plot involving this magical machine made of glass, but that was cut in edits.
--The series is not really called "Magic Under", that's just some arbitrary thing Goodreads assigned to it.
--Nimira's home country was drawn from many other countries, with China and India being the largest, but far from the only, influences. In my original draft it really sounds more like China, but over various evolutions it came out sounding more like India. Still, it wasn't meant to be any one place in particular. I think of this as taking place on an alternate Earth where migration and trade was altered, sometimes slightly and sometimes vastly, by the presence of magic, winged folk, mermaids, etc., so cultures developed in different ways.
P. S. Yes. I gave it 4 stars. Well, I like some of my other books better! =P
May 20, 2011
I, like many people I imagine, first heard about “Magic Under Glass” after the less than publicity friendly but justifiable outrage over the whitewashing of the heroine on the first cover of the book. Luckily, the publishers listened to the complaints and gave the book a lovely new cover with the appropriate cover model so remember good readers, public pressure does sometimes work! But that unfortunate incident aside, this has been a book on my radar for a while after several excellent reviews and the promise of a book with Steampunk elements that wouldn’t make me want to fall asleep.
Indeed, “Magic Under Glass” is a very sweet read, chock full of charm and imagination. It’s a book that can easily be read in one sitting, which I found to be both a good and bad thing; good because it was well paced and highly readable, and bad because the slightness of the novel left me feeling a little unsatisfied. The story and world Dolamore has created is so jam packed with potential and while the story occasionally lives up to it, I felt like there was definitely room for more. The alternative Victorian-esque universe of forbidden sorcery, fairy-human political strife and clockwork creatures was fascinating but much of it is only hinted at. I understand a sequel is in the works but as a stand-alone novel, which “Magic Under Glass” works well as, there was much opportunity for these elements to be expanded upon. Unfortunately, the ending as a result also feels a little rushed. Larger events are hinted at, ones of political complexity and cultural hostilities, which I was eager to learn more about, but were never given much time to truly develop. Dolamore writes wonderful, very readable prose, and clearly knows how to pace a story, so I firmly believe she could have easily added another 50 or so pages to this novel for such elements, as well as some extra character development, without any change to the structure of the novel.
The novel’s strengths lie mainly in the heroine Nimira, a strong, independent if occasionally stubborn and entitled young woman who has come from a life of privilege and adoration to one of decidedly less importance, where she is looked down upon both for her occupation and ethnicity. I enjoyed Nimira’s voice immensely, especially in the way she fights to be recognised as more than a trouser girl. Her interactions with most of the other characters seem a little one-sided, which is mostly down to the supporting cast being much less developed than she is. The villain is far too one-dimensional and predictable to ever be truly convincing and the potential her early discussions with Erris, the fairy prince trapped inside the automaton, have potential and a tentative charm, it quickly turns to romance with no real depth, which was a great disappointment, especially since Nimira’s interactions with Hollin, a much more complex and developed character, are much more believable as the beginnings of a possible relationship. I never truly believed the evolution of Nimira and Erris’ relationship.
While I thoroughly enjoyed “Magic Under Glass”, I do feel that it could have benefited from further character and plot development, as the potential offered in this book is truly great. The beginnings of wonderfully imaginative and varied world-building, as well as the hints of complex political intrigue, give Dolmore a great head start in creative what I hope to be a rich and enjoyable series. This world would make a wonderful Studio Ghibli movie. It’s a quick, if very slight read but it leaves the reader wanting more.
3.5/5.
Indeed, “Magic Under Glass” is a very sweet read, chock full of charm and imagination. It’s a book that can easily be read in one sitting, which I found to be both a good and bad thing; good because it was well paced and highly readable, and bad because the slightness of the novel left me feeling a little unsatisfied. The story and world Dolamore has created is so jam packed with potential and while the story occasionally lives up to it, I felt like there was definitely room for more. The alternative Victorian-esque universe of forbidden sorcery, fairy-human political strife and clockwork creatures was fascinating but much of it is only hinted at. I understand a sequel is in the works but as a stand-alone novel, which “Magic Under Glass” works well as, there was much opportunity for these elements to be expanded upon. Unfortunately, the ending as a result also feels a little rushed. Larger events are hinted at, ones of political complexity and cultural hostilities, which I was eager to learn more about, but were never given much time to truly develop. Dolamore writes wonderful, very readable prose, and clearly knows how to pace a story, so I firmly believe she could have easily added another 50 or so pages to this novel for such elements, as well as some extra character development, without any change to the structure of the novel.
The novel’s strengths lie mainly in the heroine Nimira, a strong, independent if occasionally stubborn and entitled young woman who has come from a life of privilege and adoration to one of decidedly less importance, where she is looked down upon both for her occupation and ethnicity. I enjoyed Nimira’s voice immensely, especially in the way she fights to be recognised as more than a trouser girl. Her interactions with most of the other characters seem a little one-sided, which is mostly down to the supporting cast being much less developed than she is. The villain is far too one-dimensional and predictable to ever be truly convincing and the potential her early discussions with Erris, the fairy prince trapped inside the automaton, have potential and a tentative charm, it quickly turns to romance with no real depth, which was a great disappointment, especially since Nimira’s interactions with Hollin, a much more complex and developed character, are much more believable as the beginnings of a possible relationship. I never truly believed the evolution of Nimira and Erris’ relationship.
While I thoroughly enjoyed “Magic Under Glass”, I do feel that it could have benefited from further character and plot development, as the potential offered in this book is truly great. The beginnings of wonderfully imaginative and varied world-building, as well as the hints of complex political intrigue, give Dolmore a great head start in creative what I hope to be a rich and enjoyable series. This world would make a wonderful Studio Ghibli movie. It’s a quick, if very slight read but it leaves the reader wanting more.
3.5/5.
April 21, 2011
3.5 stars.
In many ways, this is an exquisite little fairy tale. I loved the vividly imaginative concept of a young singer being asked to perform with a clockwork piano player, who may or may not be an enchanted prince. The descriptive passages that show us the city, the cruelty of fairies being caught under glass, and Nimira's mother's embroidered costume are all enjoyably detailed, and I appreciated the more unusual aspects of the infamous love triangle, particularly the fact that Hollins isn't made out to be a complete villain.
For all its wonderful attention to detail as far as physical setting and objects are concerned, however, it's surprising how little description there is of the emotional aspects of the story. What dismay or pity or love Nim feels seems rather distant, and you never really get the shock of emotion that you might be hoping for. (And none of the characters, Nim included, really have any sort of back story.) The notion of a man being trapped in clockwork for twenty years is wildly romantic and incredibly tragic, and I wish the author had chosen to explore the depths of this scenario a little bit more passionately.
Still, I really enjoyed reading the story (enough to look for a copy for my own shelves, even), though it's much shorter than I expected and some of the machinations of the plot are a little slight, particularly at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the story goes, however...and crossing my fingers that as the story develops, the characters' emotional lives will, too.
In many ways, this is an exquisite little fairy tale. I loved the vividly imaginative concept of a young singer being asked to perform with a clockwork piano player, who may or may not be an enchanted prince. The descriptive passages that show us the city, the cruelty of fairies being caught under glass, and Nimira's mother's embroidered costume are all enjoyably detailed, and I appreciated the more unusual aspects of the infamous love triangle, particularly the fact that Hollins isn't made out to be a complete villain.
For all its wonderful attention to detail as far as physical setting and objects are concerned, however, it's surprising how little description there is of the emotional aspects of the story. What dismay or pity or love Nim feels seems rather distant, and you never really get the shock of emotion that you might be hoping for. (And none of the characters, Nim included, really have any sort of back story.) The notion of a man being trapped in clockwork for twenty years is wildly romantic and incredibly tragic, and I wish the author had chosen to explore the depths of this scenario a little bit more passionately.
Still, I really enjoyed reading the story (enough to look for a copy for my own shelves, even), though it's much shorter than I expected and some of the machinations of the plot are a little slight, particularly at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the story goes, however...and crossing my fingers that as the story develops, the characters' emotional lives will, too.
November 2, 2010
So I'm awfully late getting around to this one. But I could just never find a copy and then with all the cover issues it was in and out of stock everywhere for what seemed like ages. It sounded like a book I wanted to read right off the bat, despite the issues with cover and availability. Finally my family took pity on me and gave it to me for my birthday awhile back. And now that it's been nominated for the Cybils, I decided it was high time to find out what all the fuss was about. MAGIC UNDER GLASS is Jaclyn Dolamore's debut novel and it resides somewhere in the realm of fantasy meets steampunk meets historical fiction. For the record--a realm I love very, very much. I've read quite a mixed batch of reviews on it around the blogosphere, but I was nevertheless fairly excited still to find out for myself what lay between the pages of this slim but intriguing book.
Nimira is one of the so-called trouser girl. Young women who sing and dance in rather seedy dance halls across Lorinar for two cents an admission. Fleeing her lush homeland of Tiansher after her family's ruin, Nim seeks out the fabled dance halls of foreign Lorinar, where the magic and success she imagines falls so very short of her dreams. Trouser girls are out of favor and looked down upon. And it is not until three years later that Nim spies her ticket out when a young gentleman by the name of Hollin Parry walks into the hall and makes her an offer she can't refuse. Come sing along with his piano-playing automaton and live a life of ease. Never mind that the automaton might be haunted, or that there's quite a bit Hollin's not telling her, about both his history and his estate. Nim jumps at the chance, determined not to be put off by a clockwork man like so many other girls Hollin hired were. After all, he's just a contraption of wood and gears made to look like a man. Stick the silver key in his back, wind him up, and sing along. What could be simpler than that?
MAGIC UNDER GLASS is an easy, read-in-one-sitting sort of book. I enjoyed the world Ms. Dolamore created, with its impending war between faeries and humans and I loved the descriptions of Erris the automaton and his shifting eyes, his skillful fingers, and his inability to move beyond a careful set of scripted motions. There was frankly a wild amount of potential in this storyline. And I do mean wild potential. I loved the stolen practice sessions in which Nim sat next to Erris and decoded his stilted messages and longed for the ability to converse normally and at length. I loved the idea of the faerie court in uproar and the mysterious hints at necromancy. But unfortunately, none of it came to fruition for me. What a disappointment it was, as the characters stayed firmly two-dimensional, the villain painfully uninteresting, and the relationship between Nim and Erris set up so wonderfully but remaining completely undeveloped. I finished the book merely out of a sense of obligation and one last lingering hope that it might pull out in the end. But all I got was slapdash characterization and a bewilderingly hurried resolution, if you can call it that. The whole thing felt like a synopsis, if you will, and not the final work. I realize there is a sequel in the works, but this novel needed so much more depth and breadth to it to keep me going.
Nimira is one of the so-called trouser girl. Young women who sing and dance in rather seedy dance halls across Lorinar for two cents an admission. Fleeing her lush homeland of Tiansher after her family's ruin, Nim seeks out the fabled dance halls of foreign Lorinar, where the magic and success she imagines falls so very short of her dreams. Trouser girls are out of favor and looked down upon. And it is not until three years later that Nim spies her ticket out when a young gentleman by the name of Hollin Parry walks into the hall and makes her an offer she can't refuse. Come sing along with his piano-playing automaton and live a life of ease. Never mind that the automaton might be haunted, or that there's quite a bit Hollin's not telling her, about both his history and his estate. Nim jumps at the chance, determined not to be put off by a clockwork man like so many other girls Hollin hired were. After all, he's just a contraption of wood and gears made to look like a man. Stick the silver key in his back, wind him up, and sing along. What could be simpler than that?
MAGIC UNDER GLASS is an easy, read-in-one-sitting sort of book. I enjoyed the world Ms. Dolamore created, with its impending war between faeries and humans and I loved the descriptions of Erris the automaton and his shifting eyes, his skillful fingers, and his inability to move beyond a careful set of scripted motions. There was frankly a wild amount of potential in this storyline. And I do mean wild potential. I loved the stolen practice sessions in which Nim sat next to Erris and decoded his stilted messages and longed for the ability to converse normally and at length. I loved the idea of the faerie court in uproar and the mysterious hints at necromancy. But unfortunately, none of it came to fruition for me. What a disappointment it was, as the characters stayed firmly two-dimensional, the villain painfully uninteresting, and the relationship between Nim and Erris set up so wonderfully but remaining completely undeveloped. I finished the book merely out of a sense of obligation and one last lingering hope that it might pull out in the end. But all I got was slapdash characterization and a bewilderingly hurried resolution, if you can call it that. The whole thing felt like a synopsis, if you will, and not the final work. I realize there is a sequel in the works, but this novel needed so much more depth and breadth to it to keep me going.
August 31, 2016
I can't believe I seriously considered not finishing this book. That doesn't happen to me often, but in this case I already started disliking the main character, Nimira. She came off as a little too entitled, but thankfully that isn't harped on too much and we get this truly moving story.
Nimira has moved away from her homeland to find her fortune through her talent on stage. Unfortunately she hasn't had much success, until one day Hollin Parry comes to see the show and offers her a job. Mr.Parry has an automaton piano player and he wants someone to sing with it and apparently he thinks Nimira can do the job. As it turns out though Hollin isn't only looking for a singer, and is hiding many secrets. You'll see a lot of Hollin in the story and turns out to be one of the most complex characters in the book. The automaton is rumored to be haunted and Nim will learn soon enough how true that is. The reader and Nimira found out that Erris (the automaton's name) is a fairy trapped into this contraption and forced to play piano. Nimira will do her best to help him, and along the way find out things that she hadn't bargained for.
Honestly I usually I'm not fond of fairies in books. There is always something that bothers me, but I appreciate how fairies are depicted in this one. Not mean spirited and definitely not always tiny. We actually don't actually encounter any fairies except for Erris, but he's enough to show that these are not the typical fairies we meet in other readings.
The author did an excellent job of having the character of Erris come through to you, even though he can't move or talk. No easy task, and to say some of my favorite scenes are with Nimira and Erris "talking" to each other says something. Towards the end the action kicks up a notch and with how the story ends it is just begging for a sequel! Definitely will be reading the next one (if there is one?!?!)
Later note: Thank goodness there is a sequel! Magic Under Stone.
Nimira has moved away from her homeland to find her fortune through her talent on stage. Unfortunately she hasn't had much success, until one day Hollin Parry comes to see the show and offers her a job. Mr.Parry has an automaton piano player and he wants someone to sing with it and apparently he thinks Nimira can do the job. As it turns out though Hollin isn't only looking for a singer, and is hiding many secrets. You'll see a lot of Hollin in the story and turns out to be one of the most complex characters in the book. The automaton is rumored to be haunted and Nim will learn soon enough how true that is. The reader and Nimira found out that Erris (the automaton's name) is a fairy trapped into this contraption and forced to play piano. Nimira will do her best to help him, and along the way find out things that she hadn't bargained for.
Honestly I usually I'm not fond of fairies in books. There is always something that bothers me, but I appreciate how fairies are depicted in this one. Not mean spirited and definitely not always tiny. We actually don't actually encounter any fairies except for Erris, but he's enough to show that these are not the typical fairies we meet in other readings.
The author did an excellent job of having the character of Erris come through to you, even though he can't move or talk. No easy task, and to say some of my favorite scenes are with Nimira and Erris "talking" to each other says something. Towards the end the action kicks up a notch and with how the story ends it is just begging for a sequel! Definitely will be reading the next one (if there is one?!?!)
Later note: Thank goodness there is a sequel! Magic Under Stone.
October 9, 2014
Heavily inspired by Jane Eyre, Magic Under Glass features a strong cast of characters in a vaguely defined world. There are fairies, sort of, and an enchanted automaton, and a less than convincing romance. So it could be better.
The best thing, by far, is Nimira herself, the main character. She's bright, generally clear-thinking, bold, and talented. I liked her quite a lot. Her narration made a book that otherwise has very little going on a quick read.
But the world building is really too vague. Nimira is a "trouser girl", from a country that, based on context clues, is maybe supposed to be equivalent to Thailand? Somewhere else in southeast Asia? I'm not sure. We don't learn enough about Nimira's culture to get a clear picture of it. The picture we get of the country the book actually takes place in is likewise vague. It's England-y, except when it's American-ish. You know, basic nondescript fantasyland. If you're not going to go to any effort to characterize your fictional countries, why use fictional countries at all? Why not just call the countries Thailand (or whatever) and America (or whatever)? That's all aside from the total lack of development given to magic, fairies, and the fairy country that lies across the border. (Wait... If this book is set in fantasy America, does that mean that the fairy country is in fantasy Canada?)
Speaking of lack of development, the romance... It isn't exactly instalove, and it does develop at what I think is a reasonable pace. I can't be exactly sure, because I'm not exactly sure how much time passes over the course of the book. That's vague, too. But no matter how much time has passed in story, if you don't show a couple falling in love, it doesn't feel as real.
If Nimira herself weren't so great, this book would have been a slog for me. But she is actually quite wonderful, and I loved reading her. I just wish the rest of the book was up to the same standard.
The best thing, by far, is Nimira herself, the main character. She's bright, generally clear-thinking, bold, and talented. I liked her quite a lot. Her narration made a book that otherwise has very little going on a quick read.
But the world building is really too vague. Nimira is a "trouser girl", from a country that, based on context clues, is maybe supposed to be equivalent to Thailand? Somewhere else in southeast Asia? I'm not sure. We don't learn enough about Nimira's culture to get a clear picture of it. The picture we get of the country the book actually takes place in is likewise vague. It's England-y, except when it's American-ish. You know, basic nondescript fantasyland. If you're not going to go to any effort to characterize your fictional countries, why use fictional countries at all? Why not just call the countries Thailand (or whatever) and America (or whatever)? That's all aside from the total lack of development given to magic, fairies, and the fairy country that lies across the border. (Wait... If this book is set in fantasy America, does that mean that the fairy country is in fantasy Canada?)
Speaking of lack of development, the romance... It isn't exactly instalove, and it does develop at what I think is a reasonable pace. I can't be exactly sure, because I'm not exactly sure how much time passes over the course of the book. That's vague, too. But no matter how much time has passed in story, if you don't show a couple falling in love, it doesn't feel as real.
If Nimira herself weren't so great, this book would have been a slog for me. But she is actually quite wonderful, and I loved reading her. I just wish the rest of the book was up to the same standard.
January 3, 2018
Yay this book was truly beautiful. I loved every character and I cannot deal with emotions. So much happened that made me love it and I wist past it! I cannot wait to read the next book!
August 15, 2010
Edited
Magic Under Glass sounded excellent. Nimira is a "trouser girl"; that is, a girl who wears trousers while singing foreign tunes. With women still engulfed in fabric from head to toe, and people blushing when the lace circling on a chair flips up to show a leg, you can understand why they were considered such a novelty. Then comes Mr. Hollin in all his flatness and top hat to stomp the story into the gravel until it could be considered bland, at best.
Okay, so Nimira needs cash, right? She doesn't want to be looked down upon for her career, so when Hollin offers her a job singing with an automation, she said yes without a second thought. She goes home to his estate with him and lives there, eating bonbons and joyfully standing still for gown measurements.. Yo! Nimira! Why didn't you ask how much you'd get paid, the entire story? And why'd you live with a married, I mean, "widowed" man?? Where's you're governess? We are in an early time period, right? Dunce!
Just Take it or Leave it is the author's motto it seems. In a tumble, she says, "Hollin's a sorcerer afraid of the Sorcerer's Council. This is an automation and that's it. I'm not setting up a world here. I'm just going to poke some magic in here for sport that doesn't jive with other aspects of the story." Mmmhmm, I see that. Noticed what ya did there from the very first few pages. Good job?
My major beef just so happens to be a big spoiler... try to keep up, kids.
***WARNING****
**May Ruin Story**
Is Mr. Hollins a little, shall we say, loopy? Lonely, perhaps? He must be, for he and Mr. Shullings keep his dearest wife locked up in the tower. He neglects to inform Nimira of this little detail(but obviously, she already knows this because of a little mishap earlier and some good ol' spying.) when he requests they run away from mean Mr. Shullings, head of the Sorcerer's Council and his long coming punishment for summoning the queen of the dead to help cure his once loved wife of some sickness. *clears throat" Yeah, he loves Nimira. So what if he only met her, what, two days ago? They had a picnic for goodness sake. Time to go adventuring.
Nimira is conveniently in love with someone, or something, too. That automation. How do they converse? Why, he points at a letter on an Alphabetical chart and she writes it down. Conversations consist of "I like nim., Get Kartus" etc.. She then acts similarly to Mr. Hollins, misbehaving, summoning the Queen of the Dead to release his body from the machine, give him a new life, whatever, I don't know?.
Well, it works, and once Mr. Shullings gets an earful of this, he whisks the automation away and attempts to charge Mr. Hollins for his crime. But,Get this: Mr. Hollins did the exact same thing as Nimira did, summoning this illegal queen, to save his wife from a sickness....He gets a punishment, Nimira is later free to walk around with machine man..free of charge.
There's no rhyme or reason for why anything happened. The author clearly didn't sketch out skeletal bones on paper to ensure everything made sense and had a purpose.
I gatta ask, why is there another book coming out? This was CRAP. Crap I finished, which qualified it for a 2 star rating. And I didn't pay for it. Library book. Not too big of a loss.
Magic Under Glass sounded excellent. Nimira is a "trouser girl"; that is, a girl who wears trousers while singing foreign tunes. With women still engulfed in fabric from head to toe, and people blushing when the lace circling on a chair flips up to show a leg, you can understand why they were considered such a novelty. Then comes Mr. Hollin in all his flatness and top hat to stomp the story into the gravel until it could be considered bland, at best.
Okay, so Nimira needs cash, right? She doesn't want to be looked down upon for her career, so when Hollin offers her a job singing with an automation, she said yes without a second thought. She goes home to his estate with him and lives there, eating bonbons and joyfully standing still for gown measurements.. Yo! Nimira! Why didn't you ask how much you'd get paid, the entire story? And why'd you live with a married, I mean, "widowed" man?? Where's you're governess? We are in an early time period, right? Dunce!
Just Take it or Leave it is the author's motto it seems. In a tumble, she says, "Hollin's a sorcerer afraid of the Sorcerer's Council. This is an automation and that's it. I'm not setting up a world here. I'm just going to poke some magic in here for sport that doesn't jive with other aspects of the story." Mmmhmm, I see that. Noticed what ya did there from the very first few pages. Good job?
My major beef just so happens to be a big spoiler... try to keep up, kids.
***WARNING****
**May Ruin Story**
Is Mr. Hollins a little, shall we say, loopy? Lonely, perhaps? He must be, for he and Mr. Shullings keep his dearest wife locked up in the tower. He neglects to inform Nimira of this little detail(but obviously, she already knows this because of a little mishap earlier and some good ol' spying.) when he requests they run away from mean Mr. Shullings, head of the Sorcerer's Council and his long coming punishment for summoning the queen of the dead to help cure his once loved wife of some sickness. *clears throat" Yeah, he loves Nimira. So what if he only met her, what, two days ago? They had a picnic for goodness sake. Time to go adventuring.
Nimira is conveniently in love with someone, or something, too. That automation. How do they converse? Why, he points at a letter on an Alphabetical chart and she writes it down. Conversations consist of "I like nim., Get Kartus" etc.. She then acts similarly to Mr. Hollins, misbehaving, summoning the Queen of the Dead to release his body from the machine, give him a new life, whatever, I don't know?.
Well, it works, and once Mr. Shullings gets an earful of this, he whisks the automation away and attempts to charge Mr. Hollins for his crime. But,Get this: Mr. Hollins did the exact same thing as Nimira did, summoning this illegal queen, to save his wife from a sickness....He gets a punishment, Nimira is later free to walk around with machine man..free of charge.
There's no rhyme or reason for why anything happened. The author clearly didn't sketch out skeletal bones on paper to ensure everything made sense and had a purpose.
I gatta ask, why is there another book coming out? This was CRAP. Crap I finished, which qualified it for a 2 star rating. And I didn't pay for it. Library book. Not too big of a loss.
October 8, 2009
I don't usually throw the words "Spell-binding", "Luscious", or "Amazing!" around lightly-- so when you see all three of them, plus many more similar ones, in my review, you know you're in for one heck of a book!
First off, Magic Under Glass is a wonderful example of fantasy and fairy tale combined-- it reminds me of the (early) Disney movies, not because it's "childish" (far from it) but because of Jackie's ability to weave the story around the reader, completely emerging us into Nimira's world, and combining a great romantic element to it as well. Much like "Beauty and the Beast" enchants the romantic/fantasy lover in young girls, this book rekindles that same feeling, even for those of us that thought we had long since grown out of this stage!
Speaking of movies, Magic Under Glass is one of the few books I wouldn't mind seeing turned into a movie, which isn't something I usually want to happen to my favorite books. However, no movie is needed, since Dolamore paints such a beautiful and lush portrayal of the novel, characters, and pretty much every element that made the story so wonderful! Spell-binding is putting it lightly-- once you pick this book up, you won't want to stop, so be prepared to set everything else aside for a day!
I really enjoyed reading the interaction between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (and later, their love) was easy to see, and nicely done. And Erris... well, he's an interesting character, since he's neither the automaton that everyone believes, nor human, but, in fact, the long lost Prince of the fairies. He's such a sweet, and slightly tortured, young man, that I can see how Nimira falls for him. By the end of the novel, I too had developed a bit of a crush on Erris.
The details, both in the characters, the setting, and the story itself, are, simply put, spectacular! I can find no real fault in any of Dolamore's writing, except for I wish I could get my hands on the sequel now, so I can find out more about Nimira and Erris! Otherwise, she manages to capture the readers attention from the very beginning, and right away you'll find yourself entangled in the magic and whimsy aura of Nimira's world, not wishing to leave, even when the story comes to a close.
4.5 STARS! For a debut novel, Jackie Dolamore does a truly magical job at creating a world that will leave the readers breathless, craving more of strong-willed Nimira's story. A heavy dash of magic, a touch of mystery and suspense, and to round it all out, a lush dose of romance combines almost effortlessly into a one of a kind book that I have no doubt anyone will love. Don't even let the "YA" genre fool you-- I would recommend this to older readers just as easily as I will the younger. Everyone loves a good fairy tale, and Magic Under Glass definitely fits the requirements for a good classic!
First off, Magic Under Glass is a wonderful example of fantasy and fairy tale combined-- it reminds me of the (early) Disney movies, not because it's "childish" (far from it) but because of Jackie's ability to weave the story around the reader, completely emerging us into Nimira's world, and combining a great romantic element to it as well. Much like "Beauty and the Beast" enchants the romantic/fantasy lover in young girls, this book rekindles that same feeling, even for those of us that thought we had long since grown out of this stage!
Speaking of movies, Magic Under Glass is one of the few books I wouldn't mind seeing turned into a movie, which isn't something I usually want to happen to my favorite books. However, no movie is needed, since Dolamore paints such a beautiful and lush portrayal of the novel, characters, and pretty much every element that made the story so wonderful! Spell-binding is putting it lightly-- once you pick this book up, you won't want to stop, so be prepared to set everything else aside for a day!
I really enjoyed reading the interaction between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (and later, their love) was easy to see, and nicely done. And Erris... well, he's an interesting character, since he's neither the automaton that everyone believes, nor human, but, in fact, the long lost Prince of the fairies. He's such a sweet, and slightly tortured, young man, that I can see how Nimira falls for him. By the end of the novel, I too had developed a bit of a crush on Erris.
The details, both in the characters, the setting, and the story itself, are, simply put, spectacular! I can find no real fault in any of Dolamore's writing, except for I wish I could get my hands on the sequel now, so I can find out more about Nimira and Erris! Otherwise, she manages to capture the readers attention from the very beginning, and right away you'll find yourself entangled in the magic and whimsy aura of Nimira's world, not wishing to leave, even when the story comes to a close.
4.5 STARS! For a debut novel, Jackie Dolamore does a truly magical job at creating a world that will leave the readers breathless, craving more of strong-willed Nimira's story. A heavy dash of magic, a touch of mystery and suspense, and to round it all out, a lush dose of romance combines almost effortlessly into a one of a kind book that I have no doubt anyone will love. Don't even let the "YA" genre fool you-- I would recommend this to older readers just as easily as I will the younger. Everyone loves a good fairy tale, and Magic Under Glass definitely fits the requirements for a good classic!
September 9, 2016
Love the premise. But that only makes the book more disappointing. This is no Night Circus (a la Morgenstern) with loving crafted moments you want to (and get to) dwell in with characters whose hearts you get to know blissfully well. This is pseudo-streampunk lite (+faries) that seems as though it's trying to appeal to an emotionally older audience but is paced like it's for short attention span juvenile readers.
Friendships are cemented in a two minute interaction and True Love takes about 150 words. I felt more like I was reading the outline for the story than a proper novel. For a protagonist, Nim is very simple -- we're only ever told three things she thinks about -- wanting to be a serious performer (like her mother), resenting people who call her a "trouser girl" as a slur, and of course love. Not that you can't build a story around these three things, but I'd like to know a few others to round her out as a real person.
Every other character is even flatter. Erris is sad (trapped for 30 years in the form of an automaton, so... duh) and handsome. The villains are villainous -- cruel and bigoted. Everyone knows it, so there's no tension, no surprise. And then there's Hollin. You might think he's the most complex character in the piece because his actions are not consistent with one state of mind, but he's actually one-dimensional too -- and that dimension is wishy-washy. Of any character, he seems to change the most, because the last thing he does is more courageous than he's ever been before -- being the uber wimp -- but his emotions have just been so shallow and his commitments have been so flimsy that I don't CARE that he's sort of redeeming himself. I feel a little sorry for him, but the way you feel sorry for someone you don't actually want to help or make the effort to be friends with. Hence, disappointment.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone other than a pretty narrow range of romantically-minded young girls, perhaps middle school age.
Friendships are cemented in a two minute interaction and True Love takes about 150 words. I felt more like I was reading the outline for the story than a proper novel. For a protagonist, Nim is very simple -- we're only ever told three things she thinks about -- wanting to be a serious performer (like her mother), resenting people who call her a "trouser girl" as a slur, and of course love. Not that you can't build a story around these three things, but I'd like to know a few others to round her out as a real person.
Every other character is even flatter. Erris is sad (trapped for 30 years in the form of an automaton, so... duh) and handsome. The villains are villainous -- cruel and bigoted. Everyone knows it, so there's no tension, no surprise. And then there's Hollin. You might think he's the most complex character in the piece because his actions are not consistent with one state of mind, but he's actually one-dimensional too -- and that dimension is wishy-washy. Of any character, he seems to change the most, because the last thing he does is more courageous than he's ever been before -- being the uber wimp -- but his emotions have just been so shallow and his commitments have been so flimsy that I don't CARE that he's sort of redeeming himself. I feel a little sorry for him, but the way you feel sorry for someone you don't actually want to help or make the effort to be friends with. Hence, disappointment.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone other than a pretty narrow range of romantically-minded young girls, perhaps middle school age.
January 1, 2010
Magic Under Glass is magical and well, just AWESOME!
I loved this book!
I really enjoyed the characters, the relationship between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (soon love) was easy to see, and a joy to read. Erris...he's an interesting character, I found him to be kind of tortured, I mean he was trapped in a life like “doll” or automaton, cut off from the world. Going through all that, he ended being sweet and honest. I could see why Nimira falls for him. Nimira is not your ordinary “trouser girl” she is brave, she just lit up the room. Mr Parry, he is one of those characters who can’t face there problems, he runs away. I found him to be codependent because he always needed someone at times he was a coward but Nimira helped him. I hated Mr. Smolling!But he kept the story interesting too(even though I hate with a passion lol)
The whole story just came together, captivating. Dolamore wrote awesome book, now my only problem is another rant of I WANT A SEQUEL!! lol Jackie Dolamore does an awesome job creating a magical world that will leave the readers glued to the pages, craving more of the story.
Magic Under Glass is full of magic, mystery, and romance. Who doesn’t love a good fairy tale?
I loved this book!
I really enjoyed the characters, the relationship between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (soon love) was easy to see, and a joy to read. Erris...he's an interesting character, I found him to be kind of tortured, I mean he was trapped in a life like “doll” or automaton, cut off from the world. Going through all that, he ended being sweet and honest. I could see why Nimira falls for him. Nimira is not your ordinary “trouser girl” she is brave, she just lit up the room. Mr Parry, he is one of those characters who can’t face there problems, he runs away. I found him to be codependent because he always needed someone at times he was a coward but Nimira helped him. I hated Mr. Smolling!But he kept the story interesting too(even though I hate with a passion lol)
The whole story just came together, captivating. Dolamore wrote awesome book, now my only problem is another rant of I WANT A SEQUEL!! lol Jackie Dolamore does an awesome job creating a magical world that will leave the readers glued to the pages, craving more of the story.
Magic Under Glass is full of magic, mystery, and romance. Who doesn’t love a good fairy tale?
August 13, 2019
I was really disappointed with Magic Under Glass. It had been on my wishlist for so long, and when I got a copy I was really eager to dive in.
There was just so much I wanted to love - an interesting, fantastical world filled with magic, faeries and complex social divisions. Unfortunately, there is nothing here that is all that special. The universe is basically Regency England with faery foreigners and a bit of magic thrown in for the hell of it.
And the characters? Extremely one-dimensional. Leading lady Nimira felt more like a plot tool than an actual character - moving from scene to scene for the sake of it. Her love interest, Erris, was as mechanical as his automaton exterior - and needless to say their "tragic" love felt forced and unrealistic.
Magic Under Glass was supposed to be a lovely wholewheat-brown-bread guaranteed good read. But it was the literary equivalent of white bread. Very disappointing.
Bottom line? Magic Under Glass is an old-school faery tale - lots of plot, no character. I didn't think it was a bad book, it was a bland book.
http://deadbookdarling.com/2010/05/re...
There was just so much I wanted to love - an interesting, fantastical world filled with magic, faeries and complex social divisions. Unfortunately, there is nothing here that is all that special. The universe is basically Regency England with faery foreigners and a bit of magic thrown in for the hell of it.
And the characters? Extremely one-dimensional. Leading lady Nimira felt more like a plot tool than an actual character - moving from scene to scene for the sake of it. Her love interest, Erris, was as mechanical as his automaton exterior - and needless to say their "tragic" love felt forced and unrealistic.
Magic Under Glass was supposed to be a lovely wholewheat-brown-bread guaranteed good read. But it was the literary equivalent of white bread. Very disappointing.
Bottom line? Magic Under Glass is an old-school faery tale - lots of plot, no character. I didn't think it was a bad book, it was a bland book.
http://deadbookdarling.com/2010/05/re...
March 25, 2017
An automaton that plays the piano, fairies, sorcerers and necromancers, and a 'trouser girl' who sings on the stage. Add a Jane Eyre style mysterious madwoman haunting the third floor of the manor, and you have a vaguely gothic steampunk historical fantasy with a dash of sweet romance. Quite an interesting combination.
Some aspects were less developed than I would have liked, leaving me feeling detached from it all. The world-building, the characters, and how their relationships developed were all a bit weak. I find myself not really caring whether I read the second book or not (this is a completed duology). I might feel like it at some point.
Some aspects were less developed than I would have liked, leaving me feeling detached from it all. The world-building, the characters, and how their relationships developed were all a bit weak. I find myself not really caring whether I read the second book or not (this is a completed duology). I might feel like it at some point.
April 8, 2010
Nimira is a "trouser girl" singing and dancing for her living in Lorimar when she is approached by powerful sorceror Hollin Parry. Hollin wants to hire her to sing with the accompaniment of a life-sized, piano playing automaton he owns. His offer promises to change Nimira's life drastically for the better -- but there is a catch. Every other woman he has hired has run away, terrified of the automaton, which they insist is alive. Nimira takes the job, refusing to be afraid of an automaton, but when it comes alive for her, she finds herself in the center of a story of a fairy prince trapped in a wooden body, and a dangerous man who wants the prince dead -- and she must find a way to put things to rights.
When I won this book from WillowRaven of Red House Books, I was excited because I had seen it around and thought it sounded cute, but I figured it'd be a throw-away read. A cute little story about a fairy prince and the human girl who can save him, aww isn't that nice, the end. I didn't think I would find myself very invested in the story or the characters, and I didn't think I would be late coming back from my lunch break at work because I wanted to finish the chapter...
So Magic Under Glass surprised me. I actually genuinely liked it. Not unreservedly, but more than I expected to for sure. Nimira is an engaging heroine, and I absolutely loved how she communicated with the fairy prince/automaton. I also liked that things weren't completely easy for her in her feelings or her decision making, and that her foreign background wasn't dismissed, but there was some social/racial tension and some wistfulness for home. It added a layer of authenticity and depth to the story, so that even though it wasn't a main issue by any means, it helped paint the scene.
It's a very fast-paced book with a nice blend of feistiness, romance, magic and culture. The drawbacks for me were few, but they are big enough that they deserve a mention:
1. There is a blurb on the cover saying "For fans of Libba Bray and Charlotte Bronte" which amused me to no end at first. I assumed it was just because of the time-period of the book, and I was like, "Charlotte Bronte? Really? They're just going to throw that out there?" But when I got further into the book, I realized why that comparison was made. There is a strong resemblance to Jane Eyre in certain aspects of the book, which I can't go into without being completely spoilery. It didn't bother me much, and if you haven't read Jane Eyre, it won't bother you at all, but I am sure there are those of you who are going to read this and be a little pissed that it has a rip-off feel at times.
2. I felt the first 1/2 was better than the 2nd. Now, to be fair, I read a proof copy, so I don't know how mine differed from the finished version. But for me, with the ARC, the first 1/2 was gripping and fast in an enjoyable way, and really captivating. I liked the set-up of the world and getting to know Nimira, and everything flowed really well. In the second 1/2, I felt like the snowball was rolling a little too fast. I wanted better pacing, more of a chance to absorb what was going on and let everything develop. The second 1/2 wasn't bad by any means, but compared to the first, it felt like a little bit of a rush job.
Those 2 caveats aside, I really enjoyed this book. It was the light, fun read I expected, but with a little more oomph than I'd hoped for, and that's a good thing. If there is more coming (if this turns out to be a series, which it will, if the rumor mill is right) I will certainly pick up book 2, and I look forward to reading more from Dolamore in the future.
June 5, 2010
Nimira is a singer/dancer (what’s known as a ‘trouser girl’) trying to make her way in the world. When a mysterious gentleman shows up at her act and offers her a job singing with his piano-playing automaton, Nimira jumps at the chance. With the salary he’s offering, she’ll be able to save some money to send home to her family (which has fallen from grace and become impoverished). There’s one catch, however. The other girls who have worked with the automaton claim that it’s haunted. Nimira, however, discovers that the automaton is really an enchanted fairy prince – caught up in a conflict that is not of his making. After sharing their stories, Nimira and the Prince (Erris) fall in love, and Nimira searches for a way to restore Erris to his former self. She must call on dark magic in order to do so, and her new employer, Hollin Parry, interrupts the transformation. After successfully fighting off the dark spirits that threaten to overwhelm them, they find that Erris is still clockwork, although now he can speak and move independently (he still needs to be wound in order to act). Parry wants to surrender him immediately to the council, but Nimira convinces him to stand up to the council instead – particularly Smollings.
Smollings is found to be a murderer, but it’s a bittersweet victory for Nimira and Erris in the end. Although Erris is now free, he has lost the glamour that made him seem corporeal and Nimira is horrified by his new appearance. Parry, however, learns of a sorcerer who might be able to help them. And, presumably, there will be a sequel where this story plays out (possibly several, as there are still potential hostilities with the fairies).
This book received a lot of publicity over its cover image/jacket, because the original one didn’t accurately portray Nimira (she’s dark-skinned, and the original shows a fairly light-skinned young woman). But readers also raved about how wonderful the story was, which built it up a lot in my head. I thought the conceit was a bit weird – a singer automaton act, really? That’s not a job I would take. The last automaton story I read (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) I found rather bizarre in not a good way (which is possibly where my initial gut reaction to Magic Under Glass truly originates). This just takes place in such a short period of time/pages that it’s hard to grasp what the world is really like and where the characters are coming from (what is magic in this world, why are there these tensions between the fairies and the humans, what does Nimira really want from life – so many questions!). I found Nimira and Erris’ feelings for one another hard to believe – all of the relationships seem rushed. The fact that Parry has a wife possessed by spirits and hidden away in an upstairs bedroom (whom he conveniently forgets in his desire to run off with Nimira) was a little too Jane Eyre, and also weird. And then there’s the detestable Smollings who has everyone under his finger and no compunctions about taking out any competition. He’s just cruel for no good reason. While this is more detailed than many of the series fantasies being published for young adults, it still lacks substance. I hope its sequels are richer experiences.
Smollings is found to be a murderer, but it’s a bittersweet victory for Nimira and Erris in the end. Although Erris is now free, he has lost the glamour that made him seem corporeal and Nimira is horrified by his new appearance. Parry, however, learns of a sorcerer who might be able to help them. And, presumably, there will be a sequel where this story plays out (possibly several, as there are still potential hostilities with the fairies).
This book received a lot of publicity over its cover image/jacket, because the original one didn’t accurately portray Nimira (she’s dark-skinned, and the original shows a fairly light-skinned young woman). But readers also raved about how wonderful the story was, which built it up a lot in my head. I thought the conceit was a bit weird – a singer automaton act, really? That’s not a job I would take. The last automaton story I read (The Invention of Hugo Cabret) I found rather bizarre in not a good way (which is possibly where my initial gut reaction to Magic Under Glass truly originates). This just takes place in such a short period of time/pages that it’s hard to grasp what the world is really like and where the characters are coming from (what is magic in this world, why are there these tensions between the fairies and the humans, what does Nimira really want from life – so many questions!). I found Nimira and Erris’ feelings for one another hard to believe – all of the relationships seem rushed. The fact that Parry has a wife possessed by spirits and hidden away in an upstairs bedroom (whom he conveniently forgets in his desire to run off with Nimira) was a little too Jane Eyre, and also weird. And then there’s the detestable Smollings who has everyone under his finger and no compunctions about taking out any competition. He’s just cruel for no good reason. While this is more detailed than many of the series fantasies being published for young adults, it still lacks substance. I hope its sequels are richer experiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2015
There is the outline of an interesting novel here, but it's so brief and compressed that characters constantly act with no comprehensible motivation. The Plot Must Go On, even if it requires characters to make snap judgements (always correct), abruptly change their minds, and fall in love at first note. To substitute for organic character development, the author inserts wild emotional outbursts, but despite fountains of tears I could never quite understand what all the crying was for.
I did like the prose, and I'd be willing to try something else by the author if it were a different length/genre, but I'll give the sequel to this a pass.
I did like the prose, and I'd be willing to try something else by the author if it were a different length/genre, but I'll give the sequel to this a pass.
October 29, 2009
All right, set your phasers to stun, everyone: I didn't like this book. Spoilers ahead, so read at your own risk.
I'm feeling really let down that I didn't enjoy this book, actually. I was so excited to see a copy available for the tour and I heard such great things from other reviewers. And yes, for the first quarter of the book or so, I was hooked, and really enjoying the story. I think my initial enjoyment of the book is one of the reasons the rest of it was such a huge letdown.
My first issue is that the length of the book did not adequately provide space and time for the world that serves as the setting of the story to be fully explored and described. We know that there are different cities and different provinces and that there's a fairy realm that's supposedly off limits by a wall, but that's pretty much all the world building we get. Not being familiar with the history of the region and the alliances and politics made it hard to care about the events of the story or to understand why anyone was choosing to act as they did.
Continuing in the vein of things I don't care about, I didn't find much to like about any of the characters. Hollin, especially, gave me the scratch- someone should tell him that Halmark doesn't make a card for getting your wife locked up in the attic by your evil nemesis. The bad guys (Smollings and whatshername, the Nurse Diesel character) weren't all that inspiring either- their rantings and ravings about the evil fairies seemed kind of paranoid at best and the ravings of lunatics at worst since we never really meet any fairies in this book at all. Again, the lack of world building makes it hard to understand why everyone's got their panties in a wad.
The most interesting facet of the story was definitely Erris, the automaton/fairy prince/emo dude. I found myself most interested in his story and how he came to be in his current situation, but no information about any of that was forthcoming.
Incidentally, although the blossoming romance between Nimira and Erris is sweet and one of the nicer storylines of the book, I was kind of grossed out by Nimira having to wind him up even after Erris is supposedly made human. It was like they had to cut right from the bloom of young love to the long-term care part of the relationship.
I think, if this book had been 400 pages long, with juicy descriptions, beautiful worlds, and a ton more details about the political situation and back stories of the characters, then same twisty, turny plot would have been fantastic and I would be raving about this book. As it is, the entire story suffered for the brevity of the story and while I want to know if Erris ever fully leaves his key-powered world behind, I will probably just ask someone who reads any future books what happens.
Overall Grade: C-
Read more reviews at What Book is That?
I'm feeling really let down that I didn't enjoy this book, actually. I was so excited to see a copy available for the tour and I heard such great things from other reviewers. And yes, for the first quarter of the book or so, I was hooked, and really enjoying the story. I think my initial enjoyment of the book is one of the reasons the rest of it was such a huge letdown.
My first issue is that the length of the book did not adequately provide space and time for the world that serves as the setting of the story to be fully explored and described. We know that there are different cities and different provinces and that there's a fairy realm that's supposedly off limits by a wall, but that's pretty much all the world building we get. Not being familiar with the history of the region and the alliances and politics made it hard to care about the events of the story or to understand why anyone was choosing to act as they did.
Continuing in the vein of things I don't care about, I didn't find much to like about any of the characters. Hollin, especially, gave me the scratch- someone should tell him that Halmark doesn't make a card for getting your wife locked up in the attic by your evil nemesis. The bad guys (Smollings and whatshername, the Nurse Diesel character) weren't all that inspiring either- their rantings and ravings about the evil fairies seemed kind of paranoid at best and the ravings of lunatics at worst since we never really meet any fairies in this book at all. Again, the lack of world building makes it hard to understand why everyone's got their panties in a wad.
The most interesting facet of the story was definitely Erris, the automaton/fairy prince/emo dude. I found myself most interested in his story and how he came to be in his current situation, but no information about any of that was forthcoming.
Incidentally, although the blossoming romance between Nimira and Erris is sweet and one of the nicer storylines of the book, I was kind of grossed out by Nimira having to wind him up even after Erris is supposedly made human. It was like they had to cut right from the bloom of young love to the long-term care part of the relationship.
I think, if this book had been 400 pages long, with juicy descriptions, beautiful worlds, and a ton more details about the political situation and back stories of the characters, then same twisty, turny plot would have been fantastic and I would be raving about this book. As it is, the entire story suffered for the brevity of the story and while I want to know if Erris ever fully leaves his key-powered world behind, I will probably just ask someone who reads any future books what happens.
Overall Grade: C-
Read more reviews at What Book is That?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2011
One of the hardest parts of becoming a parent, in my opinion, is having to crystallize in words what it is that we believe, to articulate with precision that which we have only vaguely felt to be true before. To have to look into the eyes of a child who trusts us and answer a question like, "Why do we have war?" One thing that has become clear for me in the past few years is that I do not believe in "Good Guys" or "Bad Guys." We each of us make a thousand decisions every day that slowly shape us into the person we are - dynamic, not static. Sometimes we make good decisions and sometimes we make bad ones, but at the end of the day, we are still all people. It may not seem like this has anything to do with Magic Under Glass, but it does! I promise!
The world in which Dolamore has created is rich in cultural texture. The story is fast paced and intriguing. However, where I feel Dolamore really shines is in her characterizations. So often in YA we are given villains who do bad things because they are just evil. Not so for Magic Under Glass. The characters are weak and strong. They make bad choices for good reasons and good choices for bad reasons. There is room for redemption. I appreciate the shades of grey. Without ever becoming preachy, Dolamore shows how racism can come from a place of smug superiority, or from a place of fear. She shows how people who want the same thing for their country can come to diametrically opposed positions on how that can be achieved. There is more than one way to be courageous. She shows how passion can be good - and how it can lead to zealotry. Dolamore's characters are neither "good guys" nor "bad guys," they are simply people who have made good choices and people who have made bad ones, but they all had their reasons. I can not wait to see where they go from here. I will absolutely be reading her next book.
The world in which Dolamore has created is rich in cultural texture. The story is fast paced and intriguing. However, where I feel Dolamore really shines is in her characterizations. So often in YA we are given villains who do bad things because they are just evil. Not so for Magic Under Glass. The characters are weak and strong. They make bad choices for good reasons and good choices for bad reasons. There is room for redemption. I appreciate the shades of grey. Without ever becoming preachy, Dolamore shows how racism can come from a place of smug superiority, or from a place of fear. She shows how people who want the same thing for their country can come to diametrically opposed positions on how that can be achieved. There is more than one way to be courageous. She shows how passion can be good - and how it can lead to zealotry. Dolamore's characters are neither "good guys" nor "bad guys," they are simply people who have made good choices and people who have made bad ones, but they all had their reasons. I can not wait to see where they go from here. I will absolutely be reading her next book.
September 17, 2014
I am almost feeling guilty about giving out so many 1 stars lately, but it says "did not like it" for a 1 star - and I did not like it! The best thing about this book is the description of it! You actually get more depth and excitement from the Goodreads description. So, just read that, and move along to something else.
I guess it's hard to do a lot in a couple of hundred pages, so the author decided to cram a bunch of ideas in, and skip the development of characters and relationships. These characters are as one dimensional as the wind-up fairy prince who is trapped in an "automation" (if you think this is somehow "steampunk", you will also be sorely disappointed! Why is putting the word "automation" and some sprockets and alchemy suddenly this exciting new thing? Ugh!?). The main character, a "Trouser Girl", which is to mean a stage performer who thinks she is way too good for this life, is in no way endearing or sympathetic. In more ways, we are sympathetic to the weird rich dude who takes her in and somehow falls in love with her after one conversation (this guy is seriously hard-up). But, wait, she falls in love with the fairy prince, although they have had a total of one full conversation between them since she has to wait for him to painfully spell out every single word he wants to say. We get the pleasure of this as well. Fun. Nothing is built in this book - everything just happens for the plot's sake. The author has a lot she has to get in, and few pages to do it, so we have to keep moving - just stay with me, people, they are in love now, okay, NEXT - on to the demon-talking lady - on to the sorcerer's fight - on to the fairy wars, etc..
Personally, I felt this book would have been better as notes for someone to develop a book off of. Maybe a general idea of a story that someone could have brought life into. Because there was no life in these characters or this story. Boring and chaotic at the same time.
I guess it's hard to do a lot in a couple of hundred pages, so the author decided to cram a bunch of ideas in, and skip the development of characters and relationships. These characters are as one dimensional as the wind-up fairy prince who is trapped in an "automation" (if you think this is somehow "steampunk", you will also be sorely disappointed! Why is putting the word "automation" and some sprockets and alchemy suddenly this exciting new thing? Ugh!?). The main character, a "Trouser Girl", which is to mean a stage performer who thinks she is way too good for this life, is in no way endearing or sympathetic. In more ways, we are sympathetic to the weird rich dude who takes her in and somehow falls in love with her after one conversation (this guy is seriously hard-up). But, wait, she falls in love with the fairy prince, although they have had a total of one full conversation between them since she has to wait for him to painfully spell out every single word he wants to say. We get the pleasure of this as well. Fun. Nothing is built in this book - everything just happens for the plot's sake. The author has a lot she has to get in, and few pages to do it, so we have to keep moving - just stay with me, people, they are in love now, okay, NEXT - on to the demon-talking lady - on to the sorcerer's fight - on to the fairy wars, etc..
Personally, I felt this book would have been better as notes for someone to develop a book off of. Maybe a general idea of a story that someone could have brought life into. Because there was no life in these characters or this story. Boring and chaotic at the same time.
May 17, 2010
Nimira is a long way from home having travelled over seas to make her fortune. However a fortune never came and nether did the acclamations that she had hoped to receive. Nimira was a singer and a dancer and had been promised to perform for the height of society, but instead she had ended up at the already full world of music-hall performers.
As a trouser-girl Nimira's talents were wasted on leering drunks with only mere pennies for her trouble. Although she would never admit it, she long dreams of being swept away by a wealthy gentleman never to see the unseemly stage again, to be rescued into a world of good food, fine dresses and high society.
When one night Nimira notices a hansom gentleman in the crowd she dared not hope that he could be the one to rescue her, but he was exactly that. Or so it had seemed at first. But Hollin Parry was no ordinary gentleman for he was a sorcerer and the position he offered to Nimira was no ordinary position.
A piano-playing automaton was to accompany Nimira as she sang; it was to be a special act. But Nimira's initial shock of discovering the automatons secret was only the beginning. If she is to have any hopes of saving the clockwork man she must first restore him to being a man. But is he simply a man trapped in a clockwork body, or the ghost of a man haunting an automaton, or something much more sinister.
Magic Under Glass hold elements of a fairytale alongside elements of classic literature, with notable influences from Jane Eyre. Issues of class, gender and politics are wrapped in a world of magic and fantasy that stands on the brink of war. Ultimately a love story, Nimira must fight through racism and cultural intolerance, as well as a few ghost stories and the odd mad woman, before she is able to be with the man she loves. But what will happen once she's with him?
As a trouser-girl Nimira's talents were wasted on leering drunks with only mere pennies for her trouble. Although she would never admit it, she long dreams of being swept away by a wealthy gentleman never to see the unseemly stage again, to be rescued into a world of good food, fine dresses and high society.
When one night Nimira notices a hansom gentleman in the crowd she dared not hope that he could be the one to rescue her, but he was exactly that. Or so it had seemed at first. But Hollin Parry was no ordinary gentleman for he was a sorcerer and the position he offered to Nimira was no ordinary position.
A piano-playing automaton was to accompany Nimira as she sang; it was to be a special act. But Nimira's initial shock of discovering the automatons secret was only the beginning. If she is to have any hopes of saving the clockwork man she must first restore him to being a man. But is he simply a man trapped in a clockwork body, or the ghost of a man haunting an automaton, or something much more sinister.
Magic Under Glass hold elements of a fairytale alongside elements of classic literature, with notable influences from Jane Eyre. Issues of class, gender and politics are wrapped in a world of magic and fantasy that stands on the brink of war. Ultimately a love story, Nimira must fight through racism and cultural intolerance, as well as a few ghost stories and the odd mad woman, before she is able to be with the man she loves. But what will happen once she's with him?
December 29, 2009
Jaclyn Dolamore's debut novel is a quick and engaging read that left me me wanting more. Not only did the slim volume end much to quickly, Dolamore's unique plot line and characters stayed with me even after I finished the last line.
First off, I'm still a bit in awe of the cover art. I thought it was gorgeous when I first saw it on Jackie's website and when I saw the arc, but it was nothing compared to the bound version when I saw it in the bookstore. It definitely is eye catching!
I was intrigued by the mention of an automaton as I read the plot summary for the novel. I wanted to know how Dolamore would pull off this interesting love story and how the more magical elements would play into the story.
I will say that I did find the explanation of the magical elements of the plot line a bit lacking. I'm hoping that an additional installment will bring some of unexplained details to light. I liked the idea of sorcerers and fairies, but wanted to know more about them. I think may have been the epic fantasy geek in me shining through... I longed for Magic to be a few hundred more pages long with lots of detail about these magical elements.
Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 47/50 (A)
Dolamore has succeeded in writing a wonderful debut novel! I will definitely be reading her next novel(s). And I am so excited to see the next book's cover!
First off, I'm still a bit in awe of the cover art. I thought it was gorgeous when I first saw it on Jackie's website and when I saw the arc, but it was nothing compared to the bound version when I saw it in the bookstore. It definitely is eye catching!
I was intrigued by the mention of an automaton as I read the plot summary for the novel. I wanted to know how Dolamore would pull off this interesting love story and how the more magical elements would play into the story.
I will say that I did find the explanation of the magical elements of the plot line a bit lacking. I'm hoping that an additional installment will bring some of unexplained details to light. I liked the idea of sorcerers and fairies, but wanted to know more about them. I think may have been the epic fantasy geek in me shining through... I longed for Magic to be a few hundred more pages long with lots of detail about these magical elements.
Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 47/50 (A)
Dolamore has succeeded in writing a wonderful debut novel! I will definitely be reading her next novel(s). And I am so excited to see the next book's cover!
June 18, 2010
I first heard about this book in the context of the huge rigamarole over the cover. (The main character is from an India-inspired fantasy nation, and her ethnicity is a huge part of the plot, yet this was the first cover, until the internet kicked up a fuss and the publisher fixed it.) It's sort of a steam/clockpunk world, which interested me. The main character, Nimira, is a singer who is hired to perform with a clockwork automaton pianist who (minor spoiler for the first bit?) turns out to be an enchanted, long-lost fairy prince. Nim and the automaton/prince, Erris embark on a friendship via a piano key code, and Nim vows to help Erris reverse the spell that he's under. The villain seemed a bit too villainous for me (I like my villains to have some complexity of character), but there were some lovely parts to this book. I would tell you my favorites, but it would be spoilery. When I finished this book, I only wished Dolamore had spent more time in her world, giving us more depth for both the world and the characters. I'm intrigued to see where she takes the sequel.
(Cross-posted to my blog, http://www.elenagleason.com)
(Cross-posted to my blog, http://www.elenagleason.com)
February 28, 2010
Well, I have to say that the plot and characters themselves were pretty good. I liked the idea of a fairy prince, Erris, being imprisoned as an automan and the romance between himself and the main character, former trouser girl-Nimira. Yes, most of the characters were interesting...and all the authors ideas were good ones,..though they seemed incomplete.
And before I get carried away, I have to give Jaclyn props, it is a good plot. But..
The whole story seemed to be missing many details, everything was jumped onto way too quickly, and the story was rushed. The author must've been so eager to get to the end, just caught up in moving on the next part of the story, not being able to wait and give some extra insight to it that would've made it much better and realistic in the way things would've played out.
I was disappointed that it all happened so quickly, and it did have potential. I don't think that it was a waste of my time so much, it was a good way to pass a couple hours, just as I had said, disappointed. It's like a story you would tell a child before going to bed, quickly, done and over with, good night!
I cannot say that it left me wanting more, since it was lacking.
And before I get carried away, I have to give Jaclyn props, it is a good plot. But..
The whole story seemed to be missing many details, everything was jumped onto way too quickly, and the story was rushed. The author must've been so eager to get to the end, just caught up in moving on the next part of the story, not being able to wait and give some extra insight to it that would've made it much better and realistic in the way things would've played out.
I was disappointed that it all happened so quickly, and it did have potential. I don't think that it was a waste of my time so much, it was a good way to pass a couple hours, just as I had said, disappointed. It's like a story you would tell a child before going to bed, quickly, done and over with, good night!
I cannot say that it left me wanting more, since it was lacking.
November 26, 2010
The premise of this book was quite promising, and Dolamore's writing was very good. However, I found myself deeply frustrated because the story lacked depth. Events moved too quickly--there was no building sense of dread, and I found myself unable to suspend my disbelief long enough to accept that the relationships among the characters developed as quickly as they did.
There are some similarities here to Jane Eyre, but I think Dolamore missed the long-building, slow burning, but incredibly intense relationships of that novel. Everything here moves so quickly that I cannot accept that characters would be willing to sacrifice so much for someone so unknown.
There are some similarities here to Jane Eyre, but I think Dolamore missed the long-building, slow burning, but incredibly intense relationships of that novel. Everything here moves so quickly that I cannot accept that characters would be willing to sacrifice so much for someone so unknown.
February 18, 2011
TBR Reduce Challenge #11- 2011 (Alexa)
A truly touching romance, elegant writing and a remarkable cast of characters.
Magic Under Glass is magical, unique, intriguing and beautifully done.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, I want more of Nim and Erris!
A truly touching romance, elegant writing and a remarkable cast of characters.
Magic Under Glass is magical, unique, intriguing and beautifully done.
I'm looking forward to the sequel, I want more of Nim and Erris!
March 16, 2019
This has got to be the best book I have read in a long time. I chose the book purely because of the beautiful cover, and was really not expecting much. As they say never judge a book by its cover. Not having heard of the author before, I was pleasantly impressed with the plot and writing style.
I never knew what a 'trouser girl' was, and this term had peeked my interest with the reference to it on the very first page. One particular trouser girl, named Nimira - was offered an opportunity to sing alongside an animatron for a sorcerer. As Nimira starts practicing with the animatron, she soon discovers that there is more to the clockwork man than meets the eye. I'm not going to spoil the book by revealing more about it - but it really is a fantastic read.
I never knew what a 'trouser girl' was, and this term had peeked my interest with the reference to it on the very first page. One particular trouser girl, named Nimira - was offered an opportunity to sing alongside an animatron for a sorcerer. As Nimira starts practicing with the animatron, she soon discovers that there is more to the clockwork man than meets the eye. I'm not going to spoil the book by revealing more about it - but it really is a fantastic read.
December 5, 2021
Read this in two sittings. Enjoyed it from chapter 1. Must now acquire the second book!
January 28, 2013
I expected to like this book more.
I was surprised that it took me several days to get into it and finish; usually I finish a book in one day.
However, I was not engrossed in this story.
It makes me sad because I think that the author's concept and writing has potential.
But I found the writing to be mostly bland as well as the plot and the "love story".
I found this book on goodreads, and was very excited to read it because the plot sounded unique.
The central character of an 'automaton' reminded me a bit of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, another story involving an automaton which I read last year.
I am engaged to a boy who loves robots, and so I thought a love story involving an automaton (which is kind of like a robot) and a girl would be interesting.
Unfortunately, the author never convinces me that this is a love story between Nimira, the protagonist, and Erris, the enchanted automaton.
I was only convinced that Nimira loved Hollins, and here comes the ultimate reasoning for my two stars.
Nimira expresses love and respect towards Hollins despite the fact that
This made Nimira a very unlikable character for me, and she was not remarkable to begin with. She holds herself with pride over her supposedly strong "convictions", but she still flirts with Hollins even when he criticizes fairies, a race with whom she empathizes.
The whole plot line involving was frustrating and inconsistent. If Hollins And the fact that it carried on for most of the book was frustrating.
The whole last section of the book dragged. It was mostly just insipid dialogue, and the only intriguing part of the book for me, the "love story" between Nimira and Erris, faded even further.
The author never made it clear to me WHEN Nimira fell so utterly in love with Erris. She seemed to have sympathy, yes, but not romantic love. Whatever was written from her perspective seemed very unnatural and forced.
To me, it was only made clear that she felt for Hollins.
It was very anti-climatic when This SHOULD have been the point where the "love" between him and Nimira became especially engrossing, but it wasn't.
And why was
What would have made a juicier twist is
There, I hope the author uses that in the next books in this series.
What I DID enjoy was the character of Linza.
I loved her comedic moments and her courage. She was great and my favorite character in the book.
To conclude, I am glad that I gave this book a chance and finished it, but it still gets only two stars from me. However, I give the author kudos for achieving her writing dream. It's cool that she was homeschooled like me, and played elaborate pretend games with her sister, also like I did growing up. I can tell that her love of reading influences her writing. I think that she has good ideas and a bright future with her writing career.
P.S. I think reading the hardcover edition of this book affected me. I really love the paperback cover art and as silly as it may seem, I may have liked the book better if I read the paperback edition. It suits the atmosphere and the style of the story better to me.
I was surprised that it took me several days to get into it and finish; usually I finish a book in one day.
However, I was not engrossed in this story.
It makes me sad because I think that the author's concept and writing has potential.
But I found the writing to be mostly bland as well as the plot and the "love story".
I found this book on goodreads, and was very excited to read it because the plot sounded unique.
The central character of an 'automaton' reminded me a bit of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, another story involving an automaton which I read last year.
I am engaged to a boy who loves robots, and so I thought a love story involving an automaton (which is kind of like a robot) and a girl would be interesting.
Unfortunately, the author never convinces me that this is a love story between Nimira, the protagonist, and Erris, the enchanted automaton.
I was only convinced that Nimira loved Hollins, and here comes the ultimate reasoning for my two stars.
Nimira expresses love and respect towards Hollins despite the fact that
This made Nimira a very unlikable character for me, and she was not remarkable to begin with. She holds herself with pride over her supposedly strong "convictions", but she still flirts with Hollins even when he criticizes fairies, a race with whom she empathizes.
The whole plot line involving was frustrating and inconsistent. If Hollins And the fact that it carried on for most of the book was frustrating.
The whole last section of the book dragged. It was mostly just insipid dialogue, and the only intriguing part of the book for me, the "love story" between Nimira and Erris, faded even further.
The author never made it clear to me WHEN Nimira fell so utterly in love with Erris. She seemed to have sympathy, yes, but not romantic love. Whatever was written from her perspective seemed very unnatural and forced.
To me, it was only made clear that she felt for Hollins.
It was very anti-climatic when This SHOULD have been the point where the "love" between him and Nimira became especially engrossing, but it wasn't.
And why was
What would have made a juicier twist is
There, I hope the author uses that in the next books in this series.
What I DID enjoy was the character of Linza.
I loved her comedic moments and her courage. She was great and my favorite character in the book.
To conclude, I am glad that I gave this book a chance and finished it, but it still gets only two stars from me. However, I give the author kudos for achieving her writing dream. It's cool that she was homeschooled like me, and played elaborate pretend games with her sister, also like I did growing up. I can tell that her love of reading influences her writing. I think that she has good ideas and a bright future with her writing career.
P.S. I think reading the hardcover edition of this book affected me. I really love the paperback cover art and as silly as it may seem, I may have liked the book better if I read the paperback edition. It suits the atmosphere and the style of the story better to me.
December 16, 2009
With a premise like this one, one can have only high expectations for Jaclyn Dolamore’s debut novel, MAGIC UNDER GLASS, and indeed, most of them are met in this sensuously written historical fantasy set in a magical and dangerous world.
The writing in this book is exquisite. Jaclyn Dolamore effortlessly captures readers’ attention with her unassuming descriptions of this fantastically different world. Nimira’s voice is appealingly innocent in this politically corrupt sphere, and yet we can also feel that she’s not going to passively accept her lot in life. The love triangle between Nimira, Hollis, and Erris (the automaton), while slightly strained at times, is also gentle and leaves a lot for your own interpretation and enjoyment. Its hushed and restrained nature is appropriate for the untrustworthy world in which they move, a world where their every movement is watched, and someone’s always ready to blackmail or threaten you.
However, I felt like the story never lived up to its full potential. An impending fairy war, political corruption, an impossible romance…how wonderful does it sound? Unfortunately, MAGIC UNDER GLASS concerned itself with only a small corner of this world—namely, the development of Nimira and Erris’ relationship, with what felt like only occasional intrusions from the larger world. This disjuncture between the story’s world and the actual tale that was told us felt jarring to me and fell a little short of what I desired from reading the first few chapters. The ending, also, felt too tame, and seemed to be a setup for a sequel, which meant that it ended rather abruptly and a little disappointingly.
Still, MAGIC UNDER GLASS was an intriguing read, and fans of Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy should definitely check this out. With a great blend of magic, political intrigue, and an “Old World” feel, this might be an unusual and appealing read for you!
The writing in this book is exquisite. Jaclyn Dolamore effortlessly captures readers’ attention with her unassuming descriptions of this fantastically different world. Nimira’s voice is appealingly innocent in this politically corrupt sphere, and yet we can also feel that she’s not going to passively accept her lot in life. The love triangle between Nimira, Hollis, and Erris (the automaton), while slightly strained at times, is also gentle and leaves a lot for your own interpretation and enjoyment. Its hushed and restrained nature is appropriate for the untrustworthy world in which they move, a world where their every movement is watched, and someone’s always ready to blackmail or threaten you.
However, I felt like the story never lived up to its full potential. An impending fairy war, political corruption, an impossible romance…how wonderful does it sound? Unfortunately, MAGIC UNDER GLASS concerned itself with only a small corner of this world—namely, the development of Nimira and Erris’ relationship, with what felt like only occasional intrusions from the larger world. This disjuncture between the story’s world and the actual tale that was told us felt jarring to me and fell a little short of what I desired from reading the first few chapters. The ending, also, felt too tame, and seemed to be a setup for a sequel, which meant that it ended rather abruptly and a little disappointingly.
Still, MAGIC UNDER GLASS was an intriguing read, and fans of Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy should definitely check this out. With a great blend of magic, political intrigue, and an “Old World” feel, this might be an unusual and appealing read for you!
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