The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

The Glass Spare (Glass Spare, #1)

by Lauren DeStefano

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?

Reviewed by Cocktails and Books on

4 of 5 stars

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This one started out a little slow but the world building the author did soon ensnared me and I couldn't put the book down.

Wil was an interesting character. She at first seemed so different from her brothers, but as her journey continued I found myself seeing parts of Owen in her.

I loved how the author weaved different points of view into the story from several of the characters. The only drawback was the fact that some of those voices were missing towards the end of the story.

I look forward to finding out what happens when Wil has to journey back home to get her answers.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 18 September, 2017: Finished reading
  • 18 September, 2017: Reviewed