Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: December 22, 2009
Pages: 225
Series: Magic Under, book one
Source: Checked out from my school LMC
About the Book: 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 the halls, and Parry’s involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. Then Nimira discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman named Erris is trapped inside the clockwork automaton, waiting for someone to break his curse. The two fall into a love that seems hopeless, and breaking the curse becomes a race against time, as not just their love, but the fate of the entire magical world may be in peril.
My Thoughts: I ordered this book for my middle school LMC shortly after it was released. I could not wait to read it! As is often the case my reading pile was bigger than I had time to read. Since I didn’t want to keep this book out of the hands of my students I reluctantly put it on the shelf. Fast forward to this school year. One of my students read Magic Under Glass and fell in love with it. She said I just had to read it! When my students are passionate about a book I make a point to check it out. I am so glad I did!
Magic Under Glass combines many elements I love… historical setting, a world similar to ours (but not quite) fairies, magic, automaton, mystery, a creepy manor, and, as the description says, “a madwoman roaming the halls.” Did you catch that? A madwoman roaming the halls. How are you not rushing off to read this now?!?
I really enjoyed Nimira, Erris, Hollin, and the other characters. I didn’t like them all but they were interesting and well written. I loved learning about the world the story is set in and especially Nimira’s background. The book has a gothic feel that I just couldn’t get enough of.
Jaclyn Dolamore has written a lovely and intriguing story. The end will have you begging for the next book. Thankfully Magic Under Stone was recently released so you don’t have to wait!
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