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Magic Under Glass
Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Nimira is a foreign music-hall girl forced to dance for mere pennies. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing with a piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new and better life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets are beginning to stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumors swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming...  more »
ISBN: 316397
Publication Date: 12/22/2009
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1

4 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 1
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skywriter319 avatar reviewed Magic Under Glass on + 784 more book reviews
The writing in MAGIC UNDER GLASS 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 romanceâ¦how wonderful does it sound? Unfortunately, MAGIC UNDER GLASS concerned itself with only a small corner of this worldânamely, 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 âOld Worldâ feel, this might be an unusual and appealing read for you!


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