Namira’s world is deeply rooted in the fantasy tradition, with an enchanting blend of sorcerers (good, bad and in-between), fairies, sirens and the like. However, as most of the action takes place within Mr. Parry’s house, the world and its myriad of alliances and intrigues is more hinted at than anything. Since it is a story with such an intimate scope, I would have expected to come to care for the characters and their plight more than I did. No question Namira is sympathetic and brave and Mr Parry is certainly more complicated than he seems at first, but I felt they kept me at arm’s length. It’s ironic that the automaton ends up being the most animated and endearing of the bunch.
Though apparently there is no sequel in the works at this time, it really feels like there should be – the ending is quite abrupt and had me wondering at first if my ARC was missing some pages.
MAGIC UNDER GLASS was released this month in hardcover. It will soon be getting a new cover to reflect the skin color of the main character Namira more accurately. (That is why you are getting this delightful picture of my cats checking out my ARC.) Find out more about the book at the author’s website.
If that type of book cover photo were to become, say, a regular thing, i really don't think I would mind! ;)
ReplyDeleteNice review! I definitely agree with you that though the story was good, I didn't really feel that connection with the characters. And, really, no sequel? The ending left me CERTAIN there was a sequel. Hm. :/
ReplyDeletelol, if more book covers featured Emmy and Finn, there'd be more love in the world :-D
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Namira was referred to as "Trouser Girl", which makes me think of Pratchett's Nation where Daphne was called "Trouser Girl" by Mau.
Great review. I can't wait to get to the point in my TBR pile where I can read this.
ReplyDeleteokay, just send me the kitties! they look so soft and snugly.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't they just use that cover? Love the cats! (but not more than you of course. never more than you. :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks great =]
ReplyDeleteI really like that cover - why do they need to change it?
Cantabile - The cover in the picture is not the published cover. It is just a cover for the bound pre-publication galley.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that they're changing the cover!!! Yeah!
ReplyDeleteThat book must be really good if Emmy and Finn are reading it too!
ReplyDeleteGreat review--I want to read it now!
ReplyDeleteI just keep hearing the strangest things about this book. I mean it sounds enticing and lovely and then so many people have mentioned the abrupt ending and the lack of character closeness...I'm torn.
ReplyDeleteI love that cover, and it happens blue is my favourite colour!
ReplyDeleteAs always, the kitties are adorable!!
"Though apparently there is no sequel in the works at this time, it really feels like there should be – the ending is quite abrupt and had me wondering at first if my ARC was missing some pages."
ReplyDeleteThis isn't exactly true... The sequel is most definitely in the works-- tentatively titled Magic Under Stone. It hasn't been officially announced, but it does exist (Google "Magic Under Stone"). =)
This sounds interesting. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteKittehs! With a book! You swayed my "dog lover" heart with that one.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad you felt distant from the characters. That can really ruin a book for me. Like other commenters, I'm torn about this one. I love the premise and wanted to support it after the cover change, but I'm unsure.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. Love the picture of the cats too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable picture! I really want to read this, it sounds so good!
ReplyDeletelove that you included the cats in the book photo! Btw, I just listened to your That's How I Blog appearance and loved it. I cannot believe that you got up a 4AM to do it. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteThis book certainly sounds like it has an interesting premise, but it also sounds a little bit sketchy on the character development. I will have to consider if this book would make a good read for me. Thanks for your very thoughtful review.
ReplyDeleteI´ve heard a lot of good things about that book. I really want to read it.
ReplyDeleteNice Review :)
You make a great point about the automaton being the most endearing. I read and enjoyed this book and found the relationship between Namira and the automaton to be much more believable than I anticipated. I wonder if the author made the concious decision to write Mr. Parry as so distant in an effort to have the reader feel more connected to the automaton.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS BOOK!
ReplyDeletei'm only half way through it and am loving it
but i would love to know more of what the automaton looks like