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Austra Family #1
Shattered Glass
For the first time in print -- the author’s cut.
“If you’re a timid reader, then don’t read this novel. If you’re a rather puritanical reader, then don’t read this novel. If, however, you’re a huge vampire fan in search of details that humanize and mythologize vampires, then this is definitely a book for you! Shattered Glass may not wholly embrace all the characteristics of the traditional vampires, but it definitely establishes a new breed of vampire worth reading about.” – Starfire Reviews
Stephen Austra -- glass artist and immortal – is the head of a family that acquired wealth and fame for its marvelous creations of stained glass windows in medieval cathedrals and churches. While restoring a historic Midwest church, he meets a young painter, Helen Wells. Their attraction is immediate and intense, but she is more than just a potential lover. She also has the capacity to save his race, if he can only keep her and those she loves safe from the dark force that is stalking both of them.
Chilling, erotic, a sensational read!
“… [includes] one of the most horrific chapters in vampire literature.”
– J. Gordon Melton, author of The Vampire Encyclopedia
“If you’re a timid reader, then don’t read this novel. If you’re a rather puritanical reader, then don’t read this novel. If, however, you’re a huge vampire fan in search of details that humanize and mythologize vampires, then this is definitely a book for you! Shattered Glass may not wholly embrace all the characteristics of the traditional vampires, but it definitely establishes a new breed of vampire worth reading about.” – Starfire Reviews
Stephen Austra -- glass artist and immortal – is the head of a family that acquired wealth and fame for its marvelous creations of stained glass windows in medieval cathedrals and churches. While restoring a historic Midwest church, he meets a young painter, Helen Wells. Their attraction is immediate and intense, but she is more than just a potential lover. She also has the capacity to save his race, if he can only keep her and those she loves safe from the dark force that is stalking both of them.
Chilling, erotic, a sensational read!
“… [includes] one of the most horrific chapters in vampire literature.”
– J. Gordon Melton, author of The Vampire Encyclopedia
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
24 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Bergstrom
27 books87 followersElaine Bergstrom is a Milwaukee-based novelist whose writing melds vampire, romance, mystery and, always, suspense.
Her first published piece of fiction was her first novel, Shattered Glass (1989). It introduced the character of the immortal Stephen Austra and artist Helen Wells, a victim of polio, along with Stephen's family of vampires who are “born not created and have an abhorrance for coffins, particulary their own.” The novel was a critical success, a consistent favorite with readers of adult-oriented vampire fiction. Bergstrom has written six novels in the Austra series, including Daughter of the Night, which featured Elizabeth Bathory as a half-breed Austra vampire. Beyond Sundown, the newest book in the Austra series, released early in 2011. The Violin, a novella, in 2012. Most are in print. All are available on Amazon kindle or through the author's website www.elainebergstrom.com
Using her grandmother's name, Marie Kiraly, Bergstrom wrote a sequel to Dracula called Mina ... The Dracula Story Continues, and its sequel, Blood to Blood ... The Dracula Story Continues, which both look at Mina Harker as a woman changed by her experience in Transylvania, struggling to find her way in the repressive Victorian society. Both were featured in the Science Fiction Book Club and Doubleday Book Club.
For the novel Madeline ... After the Fall of Usher, she adopted Poe’s journalistic style to tell a story in which the details of the last few months of Poe’s life are correct, with her own fictional story overlaid on them.
J. Gordon Melton (The Vampire Encyclopedia) notes that Shattered Glass contains "one of the most horrific scenes in vampire literature." (less)
Her first published piece of fiction was her first novel, Shattered Glass (1989). It introduced the character of the immortal Stephen Austra and artist Helen Wells, a victim of polio, along with Stephen's family of vampires who are “born not created and have an abhorrance for coffins, particulary their own.” The novel was a critical success, a consistent favorite with readers of adult-oriented vampire fiction. Bergstrom has written six novels in the Austra series, including Daughter of the Night, which featured Elizabeth Bathory as a half-breed Austra vampire. Beyond Sundown, the newest book in the Austra series, released early in 2011. The Violin, a novella, in 2012. Most are in print. All are available on Amazon kindle or through the author's website www.elainebergstrom.com
Using her grandmother's name, Marie Kiraly, Bergstrom wrote a sequel to Dracula called Mina ... The Dracula Story Continues, and its sequel, Blood to Blood ... The Dracula Story Continues, which both look at Mina Harker as a woman changed by her experience in Transylvania, struggling to find her way in the repressive Victorian society. Both were featured in the Science Fiction Book Club and Doubleday Book Club.
For the novel Madeline ... After the Fall of Usher, she adopted Poe’s journalistic style to tell a story in which the details of the last few months of Poe’s life are correct, with her own fictional story overlaid on them.
J. Gordon Melton (The Vampire Encyclopedia) notes that Shattered Glass contains "one of the most horrific scenes in vampire literature." (less)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 27, 2011
OK, I am the author and this is blatent self-promotion, but who else will do it? This is the original 1987 novel updated a bit with the sections cut for length years ago added back into the story. The novel bridges fantasy and science fiction, making the immortals here born that way, a separate species which pass as human. I'm listing here the date I finished the final edit. I would love some feedback on what you think of it. == Elaine
June 9, 2011
From a book originally released in 1989 and revamped for new readers comes an intriguing story set in 1955 involving the Austra family, a family of vampires who've interacted in the human world for decades. Stephen Austra is renowned for his glass artistry and enjoys being amongst humans. His current artistic endeavor brings him to Helen Wells, a polio survivor confined to a wheelchair. He soon becomes her lover which puts her and her family in jeopardy when murders start occurring that leaves victims drained of blood. As evidence mounts against Stephen, he's soon rushing to discover the real killer before the secret world of vampires becomes public. But once he discovers who's doing the killings, bringing him to justice won't be easy and one moment of hesitation might mean the end of Helen's life.
This is a book that has me very conflicted on how to rate it. I wish I'd read the original to see what was changed to see if my views about the story would be different. There were some things I enjoyed and thought worked well within the story, but there was more that I felt weighed down the story and made for a less than satisfying read.
I enjoyed the author's vampire mythos where vampires are born and not created and seeing the struggle to keep their race alive. I enjoyed seeing both good and bad vampires with their intense emotions fully on display. The descriptions of the vampire kills were bloody and savage and I very much felt a part of it. The same went for the sexual interludes, they were a bit animalistic and gave interesting insight into the character's heads. Stephen Austra is a likable character just trying to do what's right while protecting the humans he's come to care for. He's not led an entirely clean life, but acted as he thought best. Being able to admit he's not perfect is a good quality in a hero.
Helen too I enjoyed at first, but as she slowly became a part of the vampire world she became less likable. She started taking on a superior attitude as she left her humanity behind and I can only hope that she keeps on the right path. The killer too left me conflicted. I hated seeing his violence and his attitude towards humans, but I could understand his loss of control and desire to bring it to an end. The huge cast of characters was a negative factor in the story and was a bit distracting. Keeping track of everyone got a bit difficult as the story progressed. The excessive historical remembrances and side stories made the story drag and ripped me out of the main story time and time again.
There's much in this book to recommend it, especially to those readers who like a lot of background story. For me, it just seemed to drag through many sections and I felt that some things could have been removed that wouldn't have been missed. It's an intense read though that has me intrigued to see what happens next. For lovers of the vampire genre, you'll especially appreciate the unique world of vampires Ms. Bergstrom has created.
This is a book that has me very conflicted on how to rate it. I wish I'd read the original to see what was changed to see if my views about the story would be different. There were some things I enjoyed and thought worked well within the story, but there was more that I felt weighed down the story and made for a less than satisfying read.
I enjoyed the author's vampire mythos where vampires are born and not created and seeing the struggle to keep their race alive. I enjoyed seeing both good and bad vampires with their intense emotions fully on display. The descriptions of the vampire kills were bloody and savage and I very much felt a part of it. The same went for the sexual interludes, they were a bit animalistic and gave interesting insight into the character's heads. Stephen Austra is a likable character just trying to do what's right while protecting the humans he's come to care for. He's not led an entirely clean life, but acted as he thought best. Being able to admit he's not perfect is a good quality in a hero.
Helen too I enjoyed at first, but as she slowly became a part of the vampire world she became less likable. She started taking on a superior attitude as she left her humanity behind and I can only hope that she keeps on the right path. The killer too left me conflicted. I hated seeing his violence and his attitude towards humans, but I could understand his loss of control and desire to bring it to an end. The huge cast of characters was a negative factor in the story and was a bit distracting. Keeping track of everyone got a bit difficult as the story progressed. The excessive historical remembrances and side stories made the story drag and ripped me out of the main story time and time again.
There's much in this book to recommend it, especially to those readers who like a lot of background story. For me, it just seemed to drag through many sections and I felt that some things could have been removed that wouldn't have been missed. It's an intense read though that has me intrigued to see what happens next. For lovers of the vampire genre, you'll especially appreciate the unique world of vampires Ms. Bergstrom has created.
July 1, 2011
This book will forever stand out in my mind as the first book I read for pleasure. Oh, I tried to read before but none of the stories really captured my attention.
I was fresh out of high school and having a terrible bout of insomnia. My Dad, an avid reader, suggested I read at night and thought I would really enjoy this book. I had my doubts but thought it was worth a try. It didn't quite work out. I got so caught up in the story! Every time I felt like I was getting sleepy and would just finish the page and call it quits for the night, something would happen that would keep me wanting to read on. lol
I still suffered with insomnia for awhile but it did ignite in me a love of reading. :)
I didn't realize this turned into a series. Now I plan on reading them all!!!
I was fresh out of high school and having a terrible bout of insomnia. My Dad, an avid reader, suggested I read at night and thought I would really enjoy this book. I had my doubts but thought it was worth a try. It didn't quite work out. I got so caught up in the story! Every time I felt like I was getting sleepy and would just finish the page and call it quits for the night, something would happen that would keep me wanting to read on. lol
I still suffered with insomnia for awhile but it did ignite in me a love of reading. :)
I didn't realize this turned into a series. Now I plan on reading them all!!!
October 20, 2020
Strong beginning—Helen provided an interesting character as well as disabled representation, and I liked her relationship with Stephen. It felt real.
However the plot made no damn sense and whenever your boyfriend who is also your uncle has sex with your grandma, you should back out
However the plot made no damn sense and whenever your boyfriend who is also your uncle has sex with your grandma, you should back out
December 21, 2018
This is the first of the series of Austra family of vampires. They hide as professional craftsman glass makers in AustraGlass.
Helen, who is crippled by polio, falls for the handsome Stephen Austra who has moved next door. He is in town to repair a window of the church. Helen's uncle, who is in the police, is investigating a series of baffling murders where the victims are drained of blood.
I thought this was ok. The story moved along fairly quickly. Helen annoyed me a bit though.
Helen, who is crippled by polio, falls for the handsome Stephen Austra who has moved next door. He is in town to repair a window of the church. Helen's uncle, who is in the police, is investigating a series of baffling murders where the victims are drained of blood.
I thought this was ok. The story moved along fairly quickly. Helen annoyed me a bit though.
June 3, 2011
Right off I was struck by the dark, almost somber tone that was very gothic and at times seemed old-fashioned. Shattered Glass reminded me why I fell in love with the vampire genre as a teen and why I keep reading as an adult. This was well crafted, seductive writing at its best!
In one scene, fairly early one in the story, Stephen is discussing Helen's art and he says a line that perfectly describes Bergstrom's work~ the "style seems all your own". You won't find another book like this sitting on the crowded bookstore shelves because the writing style is different and the plot doesn't revolve around current market trends for paranormal fiction. I'm not bashing these books at all, I read and love many of them, I'm merely trying to point out that this book has that unique factor that makes it stand out.
Helen begins as the ideal tragic heroine but her strength and depth will surprise you. And Stephen isn't a traditional vampire by any stretch of the imagination. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Austra saga and look forward to the next 5 books!
In one scene, fairly early one in the story, Stephen is discussing Helen's art and he says a line that perfectly describes Bergstrom's work~ the "style seems all your own". You won't find another book like this sitting on the crowded bookstore shelves because the writing style is different and the plot doesn't revolve around current market trends for paranormal fiction. I'm not bashing these books at all, I read and love many of them, I'm merely trying to point out that this book has that unique factor that makes it stand out.
Helen begins as the ideal tragic heroine but her strength and depth will surprise you. And Stephen isn't a traditional vampire by any stretch of the imagination. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Austra saga and look forward to the next 5 books!
May 21, 2011
Review: It starts with Helen sitting on a proch late at night, while sitting there she see's someone moving into the house next door, she cant help but watch and stare. Her new nieghbour is the very sexy vamp Steven. the atraction between the two comes straight away. But Helen couldnt understand why he was moving in so late at night. Dick is Helens uncle and is investigating a murder, a murder which in time Steven will get the blame for... I wont tell you how things work out because you will want to take a look for your selves. . The story line for this was really good But the story jumped at times and i found it hard to follow, but maybe that was just me being me. I liked the way Steven and Helen were together. i thought it was so romantic. I dont think this story was for me but i do know some of you ladies will really like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2012
I had read this book as a teen, and recently reread to decide if I should keep the book. The work was sufficiently entertaining the second time around to say yes! The author's version of vampires are more a mix of vampire and werewolf. While much of the book is a simple seduction of a woman by the handsome vampire Steven Austra, there is also a subplot with his brother Charles killing people our of despair for the woman he lost years ago. This could have easily been just another vampire story with those all too familiar plotlines, but there are enough sensible changes to the vampire legend to make the vampires very terrifying AND sexy...just the way I like them. I will likely reread this one more time, years from now!
June 12, 2013
This book was hard to get into at first. I am a fast reader. The authors made me slow down and really read what she had wrote. I would have gave it 2 stars until around a third of the way through the book. After that everything started to made sense and the story took off. The writing is detailed, but not too graphic. The protagonist and antagonist she created were very interesting. I plan on rereading the book in the future.
January 5, 2015
3.5 stars
It's difficult for me to rate this book as I loved it so much when I was younger. I can definitely see why I found it so appealing then, but it's lost something since I last read it.
It's difficult for me to rate this book as I loved it so much when I was younger. I can definitely see why I found it so appealing then, but it's lost something since I last read it.
March 20, 2015
Okay story.
The book just didn't keep my interest. I got as far as 37 percent read and then stopped. Okay story.
The book just didn't keep my interest. I got as far as 37 percent read and then stopped. Okay story.
July 7, 2025
A good friend recommended this book to me years ago and I stumbled across the book recently. I do like the author's take on vampires better than most. She doesn't drag out all the old horror tales, but instead creates characters that are interesting and creates her own genre of material. I will search for the other titles in the series and hopefully her characters will keep the reader's interest.
February 21, 2025
One of a new breed of vampires who do not need to hunt blood unless they want to, Stephen Austra makes his living restoring the stained glass in cathedrals, but his existence and his relationship with his lover are threatened by a series of vicious murders.
November 4, 2018
This series will blow every other vampire series away and spoil you forever.
January 16, 2019
3.5 stars - I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the last one that I read. Still quite enjoyable
February 10, 2025
The cover is absolutely beautiful but I felt like nothing was happening… dnf, sorry about it.
April 26, 2008
The torture-porn chapter and lack of any payback for it put me in a bad mood for two days.
I wrote the author about it. She wrote back and missed my point entirely, pleased that some reviewer had called it the best "rape of the reader" in memory.
On my list of authors to never read again.
But if you like that sort of thing then it's the kind of thing you'll like.
I wrote the author about it. She wrote back and missed my point entirely, pleased that some reviewer had called it the best "rape of the reader" in memory.
On my list of authors to never read again.
But if you like that sort of thing then it's the kind of thing you'll like.
November 24, 2012
I found it pretty hard to read and stay interested in. Although the story is lovely I can see where it's going to go after reading Daughter of The Night. I think I've had enough of Austra family :) Unfortunately, DNF for me.
October 29, 2011
Jennifer Bacile, PYN Reviewer
...I found the concept of vampirism combined with alien origin to be an interesting combination...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
...I found the concept of vampirism combined with alien origin to be an interesting combination...
Read the entire review at ParaYourNormal
May 23, 2025
I've read this novel well over 10x over the past 20 years, and continue to be enthralled by the trials and tribulations of the Austra family each and every time. Possibly my favourite incarnation of vampirism ever.
August 2, 2007
Good take on the genre, in this series the vampires are another race which must be born, not bitten.
Read
March 3, 2009I have read this like 6 times
May 29, 2009
I didn't like it nearly as much as "Washington Square." But as vampire novels go, this one ranks up there. A worthwhile read.
December 12, 2009
I read this as a teen and liked it. It's a mild vampire book as I remember.
July 3, 2014
Interesting twist on vampire tales
January 8, 2020
My first book finished for #24in48
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews