What a contrast!

 These two May releases are so very different from one another!

The Shadow in the Glass

By JJA Harwood

Publisher: HarperVoyager (May 4, 2021)

Hardcover:‎ 416 pages

ISBN-10:‎ 0008368090

ISBN-13: ‎978-0008368098

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

 

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

 

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay…

 

A smouldering, terrifying new spin on Cinderella – perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Erin Morgenstern.

 

My Thoughts:

I finished this book, but I didn’t enjoy it.

 

Ella starts out fine in this recognizable take on the Cinderella story. Her goals are understandable and even admirable. But she makes a faustian bargain to get out of her situation, and it’s all downhill from there. This book is daaaaaaark, like those movies that are shot entirely half-lit.

 

She was told she’d lose part of her soul every time she makes a wish, and she’s determined not to keep making wishes—and yet, she always makes another one. She becomes self-centered and amoral and is just not a likable character. The “prince” in this story isn’t very likable either.

 

And of course, it’s clear to us what’s happening when Ella’s wishes are granted—but she’s too obtuse to realize it.

 

This is not billed as part of a series, but it ends on quite a cliffhanger.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Selling one’s soul, basically. Violence. Murder. Unmarried sex. An abortion of sorts. Swearing.

 

People Who Might Like This Book:

If you, as I do, like retold fairytales, you might want to give this a try. If you like darkly gothic tales with unlikeable protagonists, it might be for you.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Realm Breaker

By Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: ‎HarperTeen (May 4, 2021)

Hardcover:‎ 576 pages

ISBN-10:‎ 0062872621

ISBN-13:‎ 978-0062872623

Reading age:‎ 13 - 17 years

Grade level:‎ 8 – 9

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:

A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.

An immortal, avenging a broken promise.

An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.

An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.

A forger with a secret past.

A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

 

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

 

My Thoughts:

This book has pretty much everything I love about high fantasy: unsuspecting, humble heroes who wish for a bigger life, a misfit group that must work together, interesting antagonists who could be admirable if they’d just make slightly different choices.

 

At 576 pages, it’s a long book, but it went by quite quickly. The worldbuilding and magic system make sense, as does the way the characters come to work together. Of the characters, so far my favorite is the squire, Andry, and the assassin, Sorasa. But really, the entire “fellowship” is interesting, and each offers something to the group. They each have their own reasons for working together.

 

As for the antagonists, Erida, the queen, is the most interestingly developed. She has clear-cut reasons for what she does—even if we don’t agree with them.

 

Bonus: No YA love triangle. In fact, only the merest hints of romance. It does, however, have the “chosen one” teenage girl who is responsible to save the world.

 

I’ll definitely be telling my friends and students about this one. Looking forward to the next book!

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

We’re saving the world, folks—there’s lots of fighting with pointy objects, and a fair amount of blood. Sorasa is an assassin, and she enjoys her work. There’s some lying, cheating, and stealing. It’s a fantasy novel, so there’s magic of various types. Mild cursing.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

People who like epic fantasy and are willing to invest in a series that’s going to take a couple of years to finish. It should appeal to both women and men alike. Although it is marketed as young adult fantasy, it is quite accessible to the adult reader.

 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.