Glamour in Glass

By: Mary Robinette Kowal

Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal stunned readers with her charming first novel, Shades of Milk and Honey, a loving tribute to the works of Jane Austen in a world where magic is an everyday occurrence. This magic comes in the form of glamour, which allows talented users to form practically any illusion they can imagine. Shades debuted to great acclaim and left readers eagerly awaiting its sequel. Glamour in Glass continues following the lives of beloved main characters Jane and Vincent, with a much deeper vein of drama and intrigue.

In the tumultuous months after Napoleon abdicates his throne, Jane and Vincent go to Belgium for their honeymoon. While there, the deposed emperor escapes his exile in Elba, throwing the continent into turmoil. With no easy way back to England, Jane and Vincent's concerns turn from enjoying their honeymoon…to escaping it.

Left with no outward salvation, Jane must persevere over her trying personal circumstances and use her glamour to rescue her husband from prison...and hopefully prevent her newly built marriage from getting stranded on the shoals of another country's war.

©2012 Mary Robinette Kowal (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

better than the first book

besides the authors bad French accents this second book in her series was much more interesting than the first book.

Excellent sequel to a delightful first book

The story of Jane and Vincent takes on more nuance and intrigue in this second novel in the series. It was very well-done indeed, melding an interesting magic system with excellent plot and character development. My one small complaint (as a French speaker) were the French accents in English and pronunciation of French phrases. But as the author isn’t a native French speaker, she is forgiven. She certainly made up for it with an extremely compelling story and I look forward to the next in the series!

story is ok, so is the narration

I liked the parts in this one about the theory and practice of glamour. Felt it could have been pushed more. Or other ways in which glamour could be used explored further.

Jane and Vincent a good lead characters. I liked that their partnership was developed further here (as I had their relationship in the 1st series was a bit rushed). I enjoyed their relationship in this book much better. And I appreciated that them being married never equated to their relationship being taken for granted and that there was no further they could go.

The narration was a bit weak sometimes. The voice too soft to hear (had to keep rewinding to hear what was being said). Also, sometimes the voices were not distinct enough.

I will read the rest of the series, for sure.

Soooo good!

I didn’t expect much, but boy was I pleasantly surprised!!! This book kept me wanting to get back to it, and the twists and turns were perfectly executed!!! Great read!

Awesome Story!

I loved this charming tale of love and the lovers battle for their self esteem as they heroically save the day! They come to learn that their love will never fail them and nothing can tear them apart. Great historical romance in the style reminiscent of Jane Austin and beautifully read by the author. Highly recommend.

Even better than book one.

Glamour in Glass goes beyond the drawing room intrigue found on its predecessor and expands into the geopolitical climate of the early nineteenth century. While of necessity more violent than the first book, the author is careful not to have anything done out of character. It was extremely gratifying to read a book which in which the characters use creative problem solving rather than brute force. I eagerly anticipate where Jane and Vincent's adventures will next lead them.

growing on me

After the first book I thought maybe this series wasn't my cup of tea. I love Mary Robinette Kowal's lady astronaut series and thoroughly enjoyed the spare man, but historical fiction is not usually my thing. But I gave the second book a go and it's definitely growing on me. I just purchased the third book, and I'll probably finish the series.

Just keep reading.

Presumably you've already read the first one. The doctor recommends that you just keep on reading these until you finish them all.

Great story, bad narration

What made the experience of listening to Glamour in Glass the most enjoyable?

I've enjoyed the series. It's light, but enjoyable summer reading. The characters are fun to follow.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jane is a lively and interesting character, but I think she is too down on herself. It's the most oft-putting characteristic, but appropriate for the era.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Mary Robinette Kowal?

The narrator's foreign accents seemed to have been honed at the Rooney-Yunioshi School of Bad and Racist Portrayals of Foreigners.

the sequels promise to trump the original 2x over

Now that Kowal isn't restrained by Austin type plot lines her talent really has an opportunity to shine. The regency setting remains but the story takes on a wonderful adventure and intrigue tone. My only regret is that it didn't last longer.