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 alisoninbookland on

3 of 5 stars

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This book seems like something I’d love. Princess who’s not what she seems? Check. Warring kingdoms? Check. Court politics? Check. Romance that’s really not romance? Check. Despite, all that I was left feeling underwhelmed. I did enjoy the technology aspects of this world. It wasn’t your typical fantasy world that takes place in the past with rudimentary technology. We have elements of that but then we also have electricity and cars and data goggles. It makes for a different type of fantasy world.

I love Wil’s relationship with her brothers. Far too often in YA books, sibling relationships aren’t great and are rather strained. Owen clearly loved his sister and was willing to do everything he could to help her. He had a lot of weight on his shoulders being the heir and yet yet still took the risks for his sister. He didn’t see her as the monster she saw. Gertie was delightful too. I love his inventions.

The story just left me wanting more. The kidnapping-to-show-how-bad-things-are trope really isn’t my favorite. I wish we could have spent more time in the kingdom to see how bad things are. It felt like it was too much telling and not enough showing.

The bottom line? Underwhelming and left me wanting more.

The Cursed Sea (book 2) came out this year. Does the story get better?

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 6 January, 2019: Finished reading
  • 6 January, 2019: Reviewed