Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories Series Book 2)

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You submitted the following rating and review. I understand what Glamour in Glass was attempting to do with showing that relationships aren't all hunky dory with the kissing and the romantic poetic Glamour in Glass had something going for it that I was really excited about: I understand what Glamour in Glass was attempting to do with showing that relationships aren't all hunky dory with the kissing and the romantic poetic bombasts and what-have-you, but rather than making me feel like Jane and Vincent were working towards a deeper understanding, it instead felt more and more like they just didn't work together.

While I understand keeping things a secret, I also felt like Vincent was a tool without feeling any true remorse. Yes, he was spying, and yes, the argument can be made that he should have trusted Jane enough to share that information with her, but that doesn't excuse his fits of temper or his overreaching douche-baggery. His disrespect really, really bothered me. Jane also put me off. She is unable to bring herself to confront Vincent about his douche-baggery, but then is later characterized as being direct and straight-forward. She refuses to address any of her concerns to Vincent and then is angry when he confesses his role on their "honeymoon".

Add to that the many plot threads and you end up with a messy, emotionally stunted book about characters I didn't like. Sep 05, Lisa rated it really liked it Shelves: Review from Tenacious Reader: Glamour in Glass was every bit of an enjoyable escape for me as Shades of Milk and Honey. I absolutely love this time period setting and the magic of glamours just enhances that. In this one, Jane and Vincent work as a husband and wife team working as glamourists for noble families.

Jane is adjusting to married life, as they are working on their "honeymoon". I have to say, one of the things I am really enjoying about this serie Review from Tenacious Reader: I have to say, one of the things I am really enjoying about this series is light and fresh and it is also so easy to read. I know, that may not sound like much, but Kowal makes this story flow seemingly effortlessly, taking you noble world of Europe in the s.

I continue to enjoy Jane as a character. She is a strong female character that is edging a place for herself in the very misogynistic atmosphere that existed at the time. Women have their place, and it has typically been behind her husband and the men. Vincent treats her with respect, and sees her as an equal partner, but he's also a bit clueless and awkward at times and is not always aware of how not everyone is the same as him. And is not always aware of how his actions may come across. Awkward is actually a very good word for Jane and Vincent's relationship at times. Not bad, just they are still new to each other, and learning how to be a team and communicate and understand one another is just part of the process.

Definitely an enjoyable series so far, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. Apr 18, Amy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I'm a little in love with this book. It's not so much the story line though that is surprisingly good, and that's coming from someone who is both irrepressibly drawn, yet sick to death of all the Jane Austen spawns and wannabes that are out there as the individual bits and pieces that make up the book, and that Mary Robinette Kowal has passed on in her Author's Afterword, online blog, and in person.

She's hit all my geeky and bookish markers, which auspicates a beautiful future. So first off, a I'm a little in love with this book. So first off, a bit of personal history. I knew I'd be meeting the author at this year's JordanCon, and had not yet read any of her works. I was about to check out Shades of Milk and Honey at our wonderful local library, when I read that somehow, there had been a misprint in the first edition of her second book, Glamour in Glass and that first line of the novel is missing.

That blog entry captivated me, and I immediately ordered the book. I won the book misprint lottery, and actually got a copy of the book that is sans intended first line, and decided to take MRK up on her suggestion to have the author, herself, write the line in my book when I met her. Even missing that first line, I was enchanted with the sheer Austen-ness of the language of the book. Several times while reading, I would pause and declare to my ever patient husband, "She's really got it", which morphed into "she's channeling again" for the perfectness of language and sensibilities. Part of reasons behind this perfectness became clear when reading the afterward where MRK revealed the following, and won my heart forever: Because I am something of a geek, I wanted to eliminate as much language as possible from the book that would have been an anachronism.

To that end, I created a word list from the complete works of Jane Austen and used that as a spell-check dictionary. It flagged any word that she didn't use, which allowed me to look it up to see it it existed in or if the meaning had changed. I then either selected an alternate word, or in a few cases , opted to keep the word because it was clearer that the other options, and I am writing for a modern audience. The characters in the book were quite well drawn, the magic in the world the bit that makes this a fantasy novel -- "Jane Austen, with Magic!

And combine the two into an alternate history of sorts, and you get a tale well told. I must also add that something Jane experiences near the end of the book and I'm being careful not to add spoilers was really well handled. Having been in a similar situation several times minus the element of glamour myself, I can verify that such times call up a well of emotions, some not entirely what might be expected, but all equally valid. Now, if all that wasn't enough, the author showed up in Regency dress at a costume party, in a gown she made herself. Plus, I was fortunate enough to hear the author, a talented voice actor as well as a talented writer, read chapter two of this book which is the chapter that initially won me over when reading.

If you ever have a chance to meet this woman, run, don't walk, to do so. Which, curiously enough, is exactly what you should do in regards to getting your hands on a copy of her writing. Rating for story is 4. Feb 18, Audra Unabridged Chick rated it liked it Shelves: This second book in Kowal's Glamourist series returns to the Regency world she created in Shades of Milk and Honey my review here , but Kowal departs from the strongly Austen-y feel of the first to a more standard paranormal historical feel -- a development I welcome!

Jane and her new husband find themselves in Belgium for their honeymoon, and they use the time to study some of the Continental glamour techniques and skills, as well as experimenting with the use of glass in glamour work. But Nap This second book in Kowal's Glamourist series returns to the Regency world she created in Shades of Milk and Honey my review here , but Kowal departs from the strongly Austen-y feel of the first to a more standard paranormal historical feel -- a development I welcome!

But Napoleon escapes Elba and suddenly they're at the front lines of battle. Unhesitating in their support of the British army, their loyalty to country and their skill in glamour make them targets. As with the first book, I think heightened expectation set me up for disappointment, for while I liked this one more than Shades of Milk and Honey, I wasn't in swoons as I imagined I would. Once again, I yearned for more -- more detail, more character depth, more exploration of the world and its mores, that kind of thing. Kowal evokes warm intimacy, real sexual chemistry, and devoted friendship between Jane and Vincent, but it's done in quick brushstrokes that didn't satisfy me.

There was also a huge plot element I found problematic: Actually, the miscarriage was an intriguing plot element because I feel like you don't see that much in novels in which that isn't the central premise, and I was excited to see how our characters would handle this development. Sadly, it came so late in the novel it was really rushed over, and only just barely touched upon in the third book. No, what disappointed me was that Kowal made glamour dangerous to pregnant women, which meant, for much of the novel, Jane didn't perform glamour.

She was just disappointed and sulky about it, which was understandable, but kind of boring to read about. Additionally, I had hoped Kowal would ultimately reveal that it was sexism and not a reality about glamour and pregnant women, but alas, Jane was punished for using glamour while pregnant. I'm hooked enough that I'm starting the fourth book!

It's fluffy, Regency-ish fun, in which artists use magic, there are no love triangles, and we follow a couple through their new marriage which is refreshing and fun! Also, it was nice to "get" the title of this one, unlike Shades of Milk and Honey , which is still a mystery to me. But better than the first book, I think -- she didn't stick to an Austen novel this time, and it was simply a historical fantasy. Still, it felt thin somehow, like she was told to trim out details, which bums me out, because I'm really intrigued by this world.

The end -- including some big drama -- was rushed, too. Still -- I've picked up the third book.

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Apr 06, Sarah rated it really liked it Shelves: I am really getting a kick out of Kowal's alternate-Regency series. This book had quite a bit more action than its predecessor, and I enjoyed the larger view that it allowed in removing the protagonists from the genteel English countryside. Glamour is a subtle addition to history; it is a pleasure to observe the ways that it changes both the larger course of events and the day to day life of its practitioners.

The only problem with reading a book such as this the week it comes out is the long wa I am really getting a kick out of Kowal's alternate-Regency series. The only problem with reading a book such as this the week it comes out is the long wait for the next in the series. Apr 18, Fade rated it really liked it. A lovely sequel that improves greatly on the previous book. The relationships are as nicely handled as before, but there's a great deal more nuance in secondary characters, and moving away from "Will the protagonist find love? I'm now looking forward to a third in the series; I want to hear much more about the science of glamour.

Apr 17, Liz rated it it was ok Shelves: I enjoyed Shades of Milk and Honey, and was looking forward to seeing Jane and Vincent working glamour and dealing with whatever comes their way as a couple in this book. But everything felt slightly off: It also seems as if there are no other women in this world worth spending time with, which I find a little I enjoyed Shades of Milk and Honey, and was looking forward to seeing Jane and Vincent working glamour and dealing with whatever comes their way as a couple in this book.

It also seems as if there are no other women in this world worth spending time with, which I find a little disturbing. Admittedly, there don't seem to be many men of interest, either, but at least they aren't immediately dismissed for either being shallow or free with their affections. Maybe I was coming at it from the wrong point of view. I will probably read the third one at some point, because I do enjoy the world Kowal has set up. But I was very underwhelmed by this one.

My issue is more that often the constructions in French sounded American, as if someone had taken a sentence in American English and translated it directly into French, rather than thinking about how a French speaker would say the equivalent thing. I'm a translator by trade, and this jarred with me. Oct 10, Daphne rated it liked it Shelves: I greatly preferred the first book to this one.

Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal

While Glamour in Glass had the same main characters, the setting and tone of the book were completely different. It just didn't really excite me at all, and near the end I had to force myself to keep reading. The conflict of the war wasn't very appealing to me, and I was a little annoyed with both Jane and Vincent for their lack of communication with each other. Another thing that bothered me is that one of the things that is mentioned in the summa I greatly preferred the first book to this one.

It really didn't work for me with the pacing, and the book in general felt really slow to me. I did like Jane's character development in this book and the more in-depth view of society at the time. I also enjoyed how the magic system was explored more though I do think a little too much time was spent focusing on the details of it I'm on the fence about continuing this series. It's really nice to read a book set in this time that isn't just a historical piece but has some magic too, but this just felt too dry for me to really enjoy it.

I think has seen me branching out into more sub-genres of fantasy than any other year, thanks to participating in events like the Worlds Without End's Women of Genre Fiction Reading Challenge. Once, Mary Robinette Kowal fell into the category of "An author I've never read before, but would really like to" and so the book I chose for the challenge was Nebula Award nominated Glamour in Glass. Someone once told me that when writing a review, it helps to think about what makes a 3.

Someone once told me that when writing a review, it helps to think about what makes a book different and why readers should care. For this one, the thing that struck me right away was the setting. But while I may have read fantasy fiction aplenty that takes place in this time period, this is the first time I've actually ventured into something with strong elements of Regency romance, complete with the stylistic conventions that bring to mind the works of Jane Austen.

This is also the first time I've ever heard the term "Fantasy of manners". Hooray for discovering new things! It wasn't until after I picked up Glamour in Glass that I discovered it was actually the second book of a sequence called the Glamourist Histories. Normally, I dislike reading books in a series out of order, more out of a fear that I'd get lost than anything. That's why I was happy to learn that you don't have to read the first book Shades of Milk and Honey to follow the story and understand what's going on. The magic system in this book, called Glamour weaving and described with textile-related metaphors, was sufficiently explained and the general idea of it is easy to pick up.

I also quickly got that our main characters, Jane and Vincent, were newly married since the last book, and now they're looking forward to settling down to a life of nuptial bliss and doing Glamour together. However, at the start of this book is also the period following the abdication of Napoleon. While Jane and Vincent are on their honeymoon in Belgium, the deposed emperor escapes exile and makes his return to France, leaving the newlyweds with no easy way to return to England. Certainly, this book was somewhat of a departure from the kind of fantasy I usually read and the experience was very new and different for me.

The language and characters' mannerisms are definitely in keeping with the time period, which I have to admit was delightful and yet frustrating at the same time. Mostly, the frustrations come from the narrator Jane and the way she dwells on issues for a long time and perceives every little indignity as a personal slight to her, especially those pertaining to marriage and her husband.

I find this still bothers me even when taking into account the era in which these books take place, a time when men and women's statuses vastly differ, so I'm not holding that against Jane. Instead, my dissatisfaction of her character stems from from her relationship with Vincent and how often their marriage feels "off". First of all, a big chunk of the novel's conflict is the result of a breakdown of communication between the two of them.

I've seen this trope commonly used in romances, but I'm personally not a fan of it. Also, despite being madly in love, the two of them don't seem to know each other very well. Awkwardly, Jane is still constantly discovering new things about her husband that surprises her or makes her doubt him, and I also found myself questioning why she so often feels the need to seek permission or approval from him for every little decision. I have to assume their courtship mustn't have lasted very long, but perhaps this is where I need to pick up Shades of Milk and Honey to find out.

Speaking of the first book, I do intend to go back and read it. Despite my problems with the main character, I thought this book was well-written and contains interesting ideas. I can't really talk about some of the issues in it without giving away too many spoilers, but suffice to say the emotional reactions of the characters are very well-described, deep, and most importantly, realistic and believable. I also love the idea of Glamour magic, which is just abstract enough to give one the sense that it's so much more than can be put into words.

I'm looking forward to learning more details about Glamour in the first book, as well as in future installments of this series. See more reviews at The BiblioSanctum Book II matures not only the relationships—we get a deeper look at marriage and period gender roles—but the glamour, as well. Jane discovers a way to use glamour beyond the realms of artistic appreciation In fact, her discovery could 3. It took a while to manifest, imo, but it made for an almost spy-thriller ending that I completely loved lol.

The relationship dynamics of Glamour in Glass relating to gender roles and career, as well as trouble with the in-laws grabbed me right off the bat. Fast-paced, magically-riveting and brimming with human insight. What more can I ask for in just over pages? Feb 18, Olga Godim rated it liked it Shelves: This is a quiet fantasy novel set in Regency England, or rather an alternative version of Regency England, where magic is an art form like watercolors or music.

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There are two interlocking stories running through the narrative: Its magical system is definitely the most interesting aspect of this novel. Magic — orig This is a quiet fantasy novel set in Regency England, or rather an alternative version of Regency England, where magic is an art form like watercolors or music. The only thing the magicians in this world can do is create glamour — illusions that affect all senses: The protagonist Jane is a glamourist — a talented artist. While shy and awkward in society, she is sparkling when she designs her glamours.

Working magic, weaving lovely mirages out of magical threads, fills her with joy. Unfortunately, for certain people magic, or rather its military applications, could be a coveted weapon. In this way, magic is in the heart of the major conflict of the plot. A plain, unassuming young woman, Jane is unsure of herself in the day-to-day life. Newly-wed to her beloved Vincent, a famous glamourist whose art she admires, Jane adores her husband.

And she fights for her love against the overwhelming odds of war and treachery. The timing of the novel coincides with the end of Napoleonic wars. The Corsican is defeated and banished to Elba, life in England returns to normal, and to mark the new, risk-free Europe, Jane and her husband travel to the Continent for their honeymoon.

Unexpectedly, Napoleon escapes from Elba, and troubles ensue. Jane is a three-dimensional character, calm and rational one moment, weepy or overly suspicious the next, but always dedicated to her art — a real artist. Ready to sacrifice a lot for her art, she is not a common female image in the fantasy genre, which has lately been populated by different females: Like Jane, Vincent is an unusual type for fantasy fiction: They both are also patriots, caught in the military clash and plying their art to get out with their honor and their skin intact.

The tension grows steadily, as Waterloo looms, but this particular story is low-key. There are no fanfares there. Instead, the author concentrates on the artistic integrity of her heroes. What does it mean to be an artist, she asks? What are they ready to give up for their art? Mar 18, E. This will be the second time I write this review because the. This only goes to how how much I enjoyed this book that I am willing to rewrite the review.

I have never knowingly read a book out of order, until now. I have heard really good things about it but I have so many books on my to read list that I normally just read the books that I can get my hands on. I mean what is the advantage of reading an ARC if you can't read it before it is officially released? I am glad I didn't wait. One of the reasons why I refuse to read books out of order, especially fantasy, is because not only do you lose some of the character development, but it can be confusing to understand all of the magic system.

In this world the magic system is known as glamour and it is an illusionary style. Though I am sure I probably didn't grasp all of what the glamourists are capable of or how it works, I understand what was happening and all of the important information was explained. This story takes place in Europe during Napoleon's exile to the island of Elba. The main character, Jane, works as a glamourist with her husband Vincent. They have only been married a short time and decide that since the threat of Napoleon is gone they can take their honeymoon.

They both love doing glamour and decide to go to Brussels where a glamourist friend of Vincent's lives. He has a new technique that he wants to show them. For those of you who know your history, Napoleon eventually escapes from Elba. Jane and Vincent are now caught in the middle of a country that is split as to whether to support Napoleon or not. The only problem is they have something that the army wants.

It isn't for everyone, especially if you are looking for epic battles between armies. But, I liked the fact that it offered something that I haven't seen a lot of, a heroine who hasn't been modernized. Too many times when I read stories that are suppose to be about classic time periods the heroine has modern ideals, beliefs, feelings, and clash with what is historically accurate. Jane is a character who sticks to tradition yet remains strong and determined. Not only are the characters historically accurate but I could tell Mary did her research about the time period.

She gave enough details with the language, clothing, life-styles, even the weapons that I was immersed but at the same time there wasn't too much that it dragged the story down. I hope that Mary writes more in this same style. Sep 20, Renae rated it did not like it Shelves: Mostly, my complains in regards to this book center around the protagonist, Jane.

In this book, she was a selfish harpy with a severe case of Special Snowflake-itis. Because basically what it comes down to is that Jane thinks she is better than any other woman. Except, because Jane is so much better than all the other women, she hates this pregnancy never mind the fact that she was really looking forward to kids beforehand.

Why does she hate this pregnancy? Cue excessive weeping, angsting, and self-pitying. You are not as important as you think you are. Apparently, after three months as Mrs Vincent, Jane is now a nagging shrew. And when he is understandably upset by her interference, she sulks and again, makes it all about her. The plot is also extremely ridiculous. Does Kowal seriously expect me to believe that a pregnant woman with no command of the French language and an overinflated sense of self-importance managed to do this?

So basically, Glamour in Glass sucked. I should have left things as they were after the first book and not wasted my time. Jun 03, Kaitlin rated it really liked it Shelves: This is book 2 in the Glamourist Histories and I have to say this series continues to surprise and enchant me. I don't know if I can pinpoint exactly what it is about these books which I enjoy so much, maybe that it's very readable and yet it feels classic and I've always wished I could get more into classics.

I think the combination of classic tone of voice and setting with magic just really works, and Kowal clearly knows what she is doing and does it well!

This story once more follows our main This is book 2 in the Glamourist Histories and I have to say this series continues to surprise and enchant me. This story once more follows our main character of Jane from book 1. Once more we have echoes of Regency England and the Jane Eyre book but this time we follow Jane after the events of book 1 are finished up and as she embarks on a new section of her life.

She has become part of a new partnership, and she and her partner together undertake wonderful Glamour jobs. She's been employed by the King of England, and the creations that she's now able to weave are stronger and more beautiful than ever. When her partner decides upon a surprise Trip abroad she happily accompanies them and together the two of them settle into life abroad, until Napoleon and War become the talk of the days and it seems more and more dangerous to be British and in France or Belgium.

Jane as a character is one that I find it easy to enjoy. She's a likeable and intelligent character and she's also highly skilled, but this doesn't mean she's stuck up. She sees the good in everyone and frowns upon some customs of those abroad. Equally her resolve is tested many times over the book both when it comes to her work, her skill, and her beau but she doesn't let this stop her from sticking up for those she loves and believes in and doing whatever necessary to get them through the tricky situations.

The only slight disappointment for me concerning this book was that the ending was rather sudden and although things were resolved I did feel that there could have been a little more said at the ending. I suppose this is only a very minor complaint as actually this is a series and there are other books which will come after this and no doubt explain what happens next. I can't wait to find out! On the whole, another really fun story with a lot of surprises and drama, classic tones, and visually imaginative and original magic. I look forward to picking up book 3 which I do own already and reading that one.

A very fun and light series which is great to break up the longer reads 4. Aug 27, colleen the convivial curmudgeon rated it liked it Shelves: When I picked up the first book in this series, 'Shades of Milk and Honey', I knew it was a fantasy-romance, but I didn't know that the romance aspects would far trump the fantasy aspects.

But, despite that, I still generally enjoyed the story. That didn't stop me from being less than thrilled with the particular direction the story took - namely, Vincent acting a bit weird, and Jane fretting abou When I picked up the first book in this series, 'Shades of Milk and Honey', I knew it was a fantasy-romance, but I didn't know that the romance aspects would far trump the fantasy aspects. That didn't stop me from being less than thrilled with the particular direction the story took - namely, Vincent acting a bit weird, and Jane fretting about his weirdness, but constantly making excuses, and then fretting, and rationalizing, and fretting This was doubly annoying since, to the outside observer, it was freaking obvious what was going on.

Actually, this is the second story I've read this month which had a miscarriage. Edit - the event is sad, I mean, not sad that two stories had it in it. Ugh - you know what I mean! It was also interesting to take the story out of England, and see the portrayal of, we'll say, more European sensibilities, where women were actually allowed to participate in the after dinner discussion with the men, and they were a bit freer with shows of affection and whatnot. It was kinda of interesting to see Jane's initial knee-jerk reaction against such things, rubbing against her sense of English propriety, but then her more rational acceptance about how, honestly, she appreciated the more open and honest interactions.

But, anyway - a bit of politics and intrigue, and an exciting ending. It was nice to see Vincent's growing appreciate for his wife, coming to accept her as an equal and partner - not just in glamour, but in all things. And now a random picture to go with the saccharine nature of that last paragraph Jan 23, Anna rated it it was amazing Shelves: Well this was an unexpected treat! I thoroughly enjoyed Shades of Milk And Honey but this book is altogether on another plane, than that fantastical Austen pastiche. The main story in this book is that of the founding of a marriage - two people trying to figure out how to become family to each other when they don't know each Well this was an unexpected treat!

A secondary thread to this story is that of the young wife, who had been a wellbred, sheltered, country girl, moving into a wider world as a young matron and growing up. The second story is is that of magical research and development: This is the story of how magic became important. The three parts come together to create a wonderfully written and contemplative book. If any of this sparks your interest please do treat yourself to Glamour in Glass, you won't regret it.

I'm not sure how necessary it is to read Shades of Milk and Honey first - certainly if you want to understand the magic system thoroughly you had better read that first, but I think you could probably go straight to this one. Apr 02, First Second Books added it Shelves: Apr 10, TheBookSmugglers rated it liked it. Wedded bliss, however, is short-lived when Jane and Vincent are called away to Brussels to consult on new glamour techniques from one of Vincent's old colleagues.

The Continent - particularly anywhere near France - is in a volatile position, as an exiled Napoleon stirs and plots to break free of his prison on Elba. With spies and traitors aplenty, Jane and her new husband must be wary of their every move - especially when Jane has a theoretical breakthrough that could change everything the world knows of glamour and its practical applications, through recordings in glass. There's also the troublesome matter of Vincent, who seems to be keeping secrets from his wife and pulling away from her as political tensions mount.

Somehow, these different threads are all related, and Jane must untangle the truth if she is to save her husband and herself from a terrible fate. The second book in what I hope is at least a trilogy, I was not sure what to expect when I began Glamour in Glass. While I enjoyed the first book, in a purely frothy escapist way, I was not sure exactly how the series would progress from the ending of the first novel - Jane and Vincent marry, and live happily ever after, right? Add to this the significant problems with Shades of Milk and Honey , the largest of which rested in the fact that most any attempt to mimic Jane Austen yields poor results - and in the first novel, Ms.

I also had issues with the characters and overall romantic plot, as Jane is a heroine that left me wanting - she was shades of Anne Elliot, Elinor Dashwood, and Elizabeth Bennet, but not nearly as compelling as any of these iconic heroines. Too, Jane's love interest Sir Vincent lacked real definition as a character and I felt no emotional investment in their romance. With marriage, however, this could change, and I looked to Glamour in Glass with a hopeful and open mind.

And you know what, readers? I have to say, I'm glad I stuck with the series. Glamour in Glass is a far better book than Shades of Milk and Honey , and moves the story from beneath the long shadow of Jane Austen and transitions the story to something much more original - and, more importantly, memorable. First and foremost, I absolutely love the vision of magic - that is, glamour - in this book. We were introduced to the magical system of glamour, in which users manipulating folds of reality and twisting them to create illusions, in Shades of Milk and Honey.

While this system is tantalizing in book 1, however, it never really gets center stage treatment, feeling more like a minor backdrop to the story's focus on Jane, her sister Melody, and the burgeoning love interests.