I've previously read and reviewed WITHER and FEVER by Lauren DeStefano. I've also read the sequel Sever, but I haven't reviewed it. ..anyways.
This has been sitting in my stack of books to read since I made a journey to the 2017 ALA conference in Chicago. So it's also an advanced reader's copy; there will undoubtedly be differences between the version I read, and the published version.
...let's just go to the amazon summary, "The first in a new fantasy duology, The Glass Spare is a gorgeously told tale of love, loss, and deadly power from Lauren DeStefano, the bestselling author of the Chemical Garden series. Perfect for fans of Shannon Hale and Renee Ahdieh.
Wilhelmina Heidle, the fourth child and only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.
Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, though, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.
But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with Wil’s power.
With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever?" AMAZON LINK OF JUSTICE
Wil is the fourth child in the line to the throne. Her oldest brother, Owen, is in line for the throne and is constantly being groomed to be the next king. Her second oldest brother is a jerk who doesn't need a name really. Gerdie is her third oldest brother, and also best friend. When Wil was born, she had a mysterious mark on her chest, and kind of an ominous vibe. Owen is being groomed to take over the throne at some point. Again, the second oldest brother is a jerk, but Gerdie is a fantastic alchemist. Being an alchemist is a little out of place since the technology in this world is kind of an advanced. Wil is a spy, and as she looks nothing like the rest of the royal family, it's easier for her to go into places. The queen is very superstitious and has little rituals she does to keep all her children safe, like counting and such.
Anyways, the story begins with Wil going to the black market to track down a rather elusive drug for Gerdie to use in his alchemy experiments. She has a daring escape where she also frees children from the black market salesman. There are some things that go on in the castle, but when Wil is out with Gerdie one day, the black market salesman finds her. He attacks her, and Wil turns him into gems on accident. Once Wil accidentally turns the salesman into gems, she can't turn her power off. She accidentally starts turning anything alive into gems around her, including the grass and such.
Unaware of Wil's condition, the King sends her off on a dangerous mission. Owen goes to stop her, but Owen is also unaware of Wil's condition... and Wil accidentally turns him into gems. The King finds them and witnesses it, but insists Wil leaves immediately. The King tells everyone else they're dead...including Gerdie. Wil leaves to track down a famous marveler who she believes can cure her of her curse.
That's enough summary.
I thought the story was interesting overall, but I thought a lot of the technology/alchemy/marveling relationships were kind of odd and not well explained. I wish there was a better explanation for that aspect of it.
However, I really liked the story telling. Besides the magic stuff element, the world building was pretty good, the characters were well written, and I loved all the character relationships with each other. I loved the dynamics with the siblings, the story followed different narrators around so we were treated to a very dynamic story as well.
A solid read, and I think a sequel is coming out soon.
Happy reading!
Anyways, the story begins with Wil going to the black market to track down a rather elusive drug for Gerdie to use in his alchemy experiments. She has a daring escape where she also frees children from the black market salesman. There are some things that go on in the castle, but when Wil is out with Gerdie one day, the black market salesman finds her. He attacks her, and Wil turns him into gems on accident. Once Wil accidentally turns the salesman into gems, she can't turn her power off. She accidentally starts turning anything alive into gems around her, including the grass and such.
Unaware of Wil's condition, the King sends her off on a dangerous mission. Owen goes to stop her, but Owen is also unaware of Wil's condition... and Wil accidentally turns him into gems. The King finds them and witnesses it, but insists Wil leaves immediately. The King tells everyone else they're dead...including Gerdie. Wil leaves to track down a famous marveler who she believes can cure her of her curse.
That's enough summary.
I thought the story was interesting overall, but I thought a lot of the technology/alchemy/marveling relationships were kind of odd and not well explained. I wish there was a better explanation for that aspect of it.
However, I really liked the story telling. Besides the magic stuff element, the world building was pretty good, the characters were well written, and I loved all the character relationships with each other. I loved the dynamics with the siblings, the story followed different narrators around so we were treated to a very dynamic story as well.
A solid read, and I think a sequel is coming out soon.
Happy reading!
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