Magic Under Glass

Magic Under Glass

The book overall was ok. I liked the beginning and loved how the plot was developing, but I felt that the ending didn't meet my expectations.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Ok

The book started out pretty good and it just got better and better and i couldn't put it down the last few pages but the ending was really abrupt and i felt i could have lasted longer

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Clever genre-cross

Nimira's been living in Lorinar for three years, after leaving her home country of Tiansher to seek her fortune. She performs artistic song and dance routines in music halls, but though she's not badly treated, she's just a few steps away from poverty, and she has no security. One day, a gentleman sorcerer named Hollin Parry attends one of her performances and offers her employment singing alongside a life-sized piano-playing automaton he's purchased. Hollin is incredibly respectful to her, and so Nimira decides to go with him to his estate, though she's a little unsettled by the rumors that his young wife's ghost still haunts the premises.

This book was deliciously hard to classify, and I had a fun time reading the story and trying to sort out all the different genre-cross elements that have been smoothly blended together. The clockwork automaton immediately made me think of calling the story a steampunk, but there isn't much emphasis on any other gadgets or whirligigs in the book, so that subgenre doesn't quite fit. I actually like the idea of calling it a magical alternate history because while Lorinar isn't England, it's very clearly an 1800's England-equivalent, and Nim's home in Tiansher seems to have an Arabian bent to it. I like how everything, even the most normal parts of the wordbuilding, is just slightly tilted--the surnames in Lorinar sound almost British, but not exactly like any name you've ever heard (except for "Parry"). Then on top of the clever pseudo-historical setting, the world is full of paranormal activity. Nimira can recognize a sorcerer by his clothes, the automaton is fairy-made, there are huge conflicts between humans and fairies, and mentions are made of the merfolk requiring sailors to pay a toll to cross the seas unharmed. I truly appreciated the mix of historical style and paranormal flair that I found in Magic Under Glass.

For me, the only downsides came toward the end of the story, where I wasn't sure whether the villain, Mr. Smollings, head of the Sorcerer's Council, wielded enough power in proportion to the threat he seemed to present. I kept thinking that if Nimira and other characters could only put their heads together, they could have easily rendered him nonthreatening early on.

As for Nimira herself, she's deepy admirable. She's very well educated, having been raised at court, and her singing and dancing are a part of her life that connects her to her deceased mother, a formidable lady who charmed everyone she met. Nim frequently asks herself what her mother would do in a given situation and draws strength from her past. I also love how she's not a complainer and never feels entitled to wealth and prestige, though her family were respected and prosperous in her home country. Now that she knows the horror of having no place in the world, she's stronger than ever and more compassionate to others in unfortunate conditions, like her maid at Hollin's house and the automaton himself, who plays a huge part in the story.

If anyone had told me prior to reading this book that I would end up liking and rooting for a character who is an automaton, I wouldn't have believed it. The story kept me on the edge of my seat with its eeriness, and though the ending left me a little unsatisfied and quizzical, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief when I found out that it isn't the final end, and the sequel, Magic Under Stone, is coming out in 2012. I'll be looking for it, absolutely.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Break Into this Glass

Fantasy has never been one of my genres of choice but I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read and loads of fun.

The fairy world Dolamore created seemed to be just within the readers grasp yet still so far away in time. It most definitely had an Asian vibe for me, kinda Memoirs of a Geisha lite, which made it feel more exotic and mystical. A definite asset to the story for sure.

Nimira and the automaton were both extremely compelling characters. In fact, for a virtually inanimate object the automaton was the most animated of them all. He seemed to be so much more alive and outspoken than Mr. Parry and in many cases Nim herself. His personality shone despite the rigid circumstances of his body, making him a really complex and dynamic character.

Dolamore also did a spectacular job relationship building. Nim was the center of everything. In particular, I liked the way Nim's relationships with both Mr. Parry and the automaton developed and how Dolamore kept the reader guessing about where her loyalties ultimately lied. I'll add in here that I have to admit I was worried about how the relationship between she and the automaton would develop and expand but was pleasantly surprised by their interactions and the ultimate outcome.

It's difficult to really speak to some of what happened in the book as I am not a fan of spoiling twists and turns. I will say that there were some interesting aspects to the story - some I anticipated and others that caught me off guard. A fun and interesting ride with lots of great twists and turns I would advise people to definitely pick this one up. It's an excellent book to dip your toe into the realm of fantasy.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Unique, and Interesting

At the start of the story, Nim is working for next to nothing in a run-down theater that's frequented by unsavory men. After she's invited to sing for the wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry, her life drastically changes. She's given nice clothes, good food, and even a maid, Linza, to wait on her. I really like Nim as a character. She was courageous, and she was determined to find out the truth behind the automaton, and how Hollin came to own him.

I really enjoyed the book, particularly Hollin's story. While the book was obviously focused on Nim, I was suspicious of Hollin at the start. Without giving too much away about his character, I wasn't sure what his true intentions were until I learned more about his history, and how magic hadn't always helped him.

I do wish that the story had been longer. Once I got to the last 50 pages, I was wondering how the story was going to wrap itself up so quickly. While I think that Dolamore did a good job tying up most of the loose ends, I did wish that the story had been a little longer. On the other hand, it did leave room open for a sequel.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

beautiful tale

Ever since Nimira's mother died and her father gambled away their fortune, she's been singing and dancing for tiny wages. One night, her fortune changes when a gentleman watches her performance. While he offers her a job, she looks upon it as a chance for escape. Without hesitation, she takes him up on it. They travel to his estate where he informs her of his situation. He recently purchases an automaton and wishes her to sing with it. He briefly mentions that the automaton might be haunted as other girls have fled the house. Nimira's not sure what to think. The master of the house treats her as an almost equal. Nimira's not sure if he's flirting with her or not. When she hears rumors swirling about his wife, she's more confused than ever. While practice alone with the automaton, she discovers that the machine is holding a man trapped inside - thus creating the haunting effect. She quickly finds out a way to communicate with him. With each passing day, they grow closer, but danger sparks when some very powerful comes to visit and he also has a theory of about the automaton. Could Nimira lose everything she holds dear?

A wonderful debut novel that to me reads half regency (although it's not, but it does remind me of Jane Eyre) and half fantasy. Just a beautiful story, which continues in a sequel!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Interesting Read

I picked this book up by chance. The cover, I thought, was misleading; I thought it would be silly or shallow, like a bunch of other young adult books that are floating around. I expected I would get through it very quickly. But the moment I started to read, I was pulled in. I couldn't stop. Although all of the names or countries are made up, you can definately see a resemblence to modern-day countries and civilizations. I loved how it was a modern-day gothic romance similar to one of the Bronte's works; it was deceptive and mysterious, and I enjoyed the haunted setting. The part about faeries was a little odd in the gothic context, but it really worked as far as social issues and racism was concerned. The budding romance between Nimira and the automatron really tugged at my heartstrings. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, and would have preferred the book to have been twice as big so that the author could finish the story.

All in all, I really enjoyed it. Some other reviews said the book was misleading, but really, who wants to know the entire plot just from what's said on the book jacket? This is definately a book that has more going on in it than a simple synopsis can tell.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Courtesy of Flamingnet.com Teen Book Reviews-enjoyed reading this fantasy

In the magical world of Lorinar, Nimira is an exotic and
dark-skinned trouser-girl who sings and dances in music
halls for money. She's away from her homeland of Tiansher
and is extremely poor, so when wealthy Hollin Parry offers
her a job singing with an automaton, she readily accepts.
But rumors that the automaton is haunted cause Nimira to
closely examine it and she discovers that a fairy is trapped
in the mechanical body! As she talks to Erris, the fairy, he
tells her how the current Ambassador of Magic killed the
previous Ambassador and how fairies are being tortured by a
council of sorcerers that Hollin is a part of. As Nimira
tries to help Erris, she can't help falling in love with
him, and is determined to find a way to save him.

Ithought that Magic Under Glass was an okay book. The
synopsis makes it sound like it will be an action-packed
romantic fantasy, but I think it fell short of its
expectations. I liked how the author created a new magical
world, but it had parallels to history, like Lorinar
resembling England and Tiansher, where Nimira was born,
resembling India or Africa. I also liked the similarities to
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, which I am currently reading.
However, I didn't think the relationship between Nimira and
Erris, the automaton, was believable. She was supposed to be
in love with him, but there wasn't much development,
character- and relationship-wise, between the two of them.
Even though there were things I disliked about Magic Under
Glass, I still enjoyed reading it, and I think fans of
fantasy will find this book to their liking.


Reviewed by a young adult student reviewer
Flamingnet Book Reviews
Teen books reviewed by teen reviewers

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Misleading

I read a lot of reviews about this book before getting it myself so my expectations were rather high. I adore the cover but find it slightly misleading after reading the book.
The story begins with lots of background information on the main character, Namira, within a short space and I was unsure as to where the story was leading.
It is set in what can only be described as a Victorian period, which is brought to life by the wonderful descriptions given. However, I did feel that I could not relate to any of the characters within the story which was a great disappointment to me.
There is lots of tense drama within the story countered by some tender, touching moments between Namira and Erris (the automaton). The imagery had thoughts of the King & I popping into my imagination. I did giggle at one point where a statue which is described comparably to the image of the Statue of Liberty as the 'goddess of wisdom'.
Cliff-hanger ending has paved the way for a sequel or sequels. I am curious to see where the story goes and how the characters develop.
On the whole, unfortunately, this was not the book for me. Which just goes to prove that you have to read something for yourself and not just take other people opinions.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Enjoyable

If you are looking for a quick paced story that pulls you in from page one with a main charactor that is easy to love then you have found your book. Parents there is a little violence but nothing in graphic detail with a lure of romance.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Magical Delight

Magic Under Glass is a magical delight from debut author Jaclyn Dolamore. I've been excited for this one for a while, and happy to have finally read it. I was not really disappointed with it. It's a quick, easy read that was enjoyable. It was a bit predictable in areas, and I though Nimira's world could have been more laid out (example; a map would be nice). I also thought the love relationship between Erris and Nimira could of been more developed, it felt a bit to rush and unrealistic. Also the dialogue was a bit impractical, making the emotion lack in some areas. But even through all that, it was a amazing, interesting read. The story line was well put together and I was excited for every chapter. I loved all the characters, even the antagonist. I can't really choose a favorite, it's too hard. Maybe Nimira & Erris. I also thought it was pretty strong of how Nimira took the racism in a different country. She showed a lot of her culture in the book, by showing the difference of what is acceptable in one country and what is not in another. Which goes to show that what we take for granted, other cultures might not. I really noticed how much I take for granted in my country, when I went to Japan for two weeks.
The ending hinted at a sequel, and I'm hoping there will be one because this book would feel uncompleted without it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good Book,Excellent Read

this book is truly amazing the author hooks you from the first word on the first page. I finished this book in two hours flat. once you pick this book up you will not want to stop reading it. I was a little disapointed at the end though the author left room for a sequel I hope that this book becomes the first in a series. the author tells you about the war that went on between humans and faires 30 years ago but dosen't elaborate or explain in depth what it was about or who was involved and why. in order to make the book even better I think that the author should have included this information if she put the automaton as a long lost fairy prince. But overall it was truly excellent in my opinion you will not be disapointed if you pick this book up off a shelf in the store.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My Favorite Book Ever!!!

I read this book in three hours it was so good. The storyline was great and had you hooked from the first page literally. It was not too predictable but still comforting. WARNING: only start this book when you have time to finnish it in the same sitting, yes it is really THAT good!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ridiculously fantastic

I initially went to B&N to pick up 4 certain books - but this wasn't on the list. I just happened to glance at Magic Under Glass in the "New Releases" section and grabbed it to read the back.

The story peaked my interest right away although I didn't think it was a "go home, curl up, and read it immediately" story-line. ("Don't judge a book by it's cover" clearly applies to this as the cover was alright but not particularly eye-catching.)

However - that night I started reading the book and on the second chapter I was completely hooked. I read the entire book in about 4 hours - not stopping for anything.

The story is very unusual, incredibly creative, and the characters are beautifully memorizing. The author does a fantastic job of making you want to be so much more involved with the book rather than just reading it. You most certainly want to be a part of it.

Most definitely buy this book as it is one you will want to read over and over each year.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Andrea for TeensReadToo.com

In MAGIC UNDER GLASS by Jaclyn Dolamore, Nimira is a "trouser girl" who is used to singing and dancing for pennies. Until the day Hollin Parry watches her perform and decides that he wants her to sing with a piano-playing automaton. But the automaton is not just a machine - he is really Erris, a fairy gentleman trapped in a clockwork body.

When Nim discovers this, she falls in love with him and vows to set him free. But first she must overcome several obstacles, including finding a way to get Erris an actual body and discovering a way past a scheming Ambassador of Magic who dislikes fairies.

The premise of MAGIC UNDER GLASS immediately caught my attention. A girl who falls in love with an automaton who is really a fairy gentleman trapped in a clockwork body is right up my alley!

I do have to say that I couldn't quite connect with Nimira. I'm not sure if it was because it was set in a different time/country or what, but I just didn't get as much from her as I would have liked. I did fall for Erris (the automaton), though. Right from the beginning, when he and Nim started their connection, I found him endearing and so badly wanted him to be set free. And I couldn't decide about Hollin - sometimes I found him to be a villain, but at other times I found him wanting so badly to be a hero and do the right thing. Did he? You'll just have to read the book to find out!

The premise was a great story. I think it could have been longer and I would have continued to enjoy it. I think (and hope) the ending was set up for there to be a sequel and will definitely be looking to read it if there is one!

This is a story about magic, and about fighting for the ones you love.

Reviewed by: Andrea

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great!

I loved this book from start to finish! I honestly found and wanted to buy this book in one minute, it was really an impulse buy! This book is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone:)

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Magical

Magic Under Glass pulled me in the moment I picked it up. It was magical. Beautifully written, with descriptions that unveiled to me the pictures Dolamore clearly wanted depicted. The story is original and captivating. I wanted more after turning the last page! I want to see more of the fairies and Erris' home. It did remind me a little of Jane Eyre, but quickly steered away, as this story holds its own secrets and intrigue. This book was truly enchanting, definitely one of my new favorites. Also, the cover is purley brilliant. It's beautiful. What first drew me to this book. Great job Jaclyn

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

Magic Under Glass is magical and well, just AWESOME!
I loved this book!


I really enjoyed the characters, the relationship between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (soon love) was easy to see, and a joy to read. Erris...he's an interesting character, I found him to be kind of tortured, I mean he was trapped in a life like "doll" or automaton, cut off from the world. Going through all that he was sweet and honest. I could see why Nimira falls for him. Nimira is not your ordinary "trouser girl" she is brave, she just lit up the room. Mr Parry, he is one of those characters who can't face there problems, he runs away. I found him to be codependent because he always needed someone, at times he was a coward but Nimira helped him. I hated Mr. Smolling!He's rude, insulting and arrogant! But he kept the story interesting too(even though I hate with a passion lol)


The whole story just came together, captivating. Dolamore wrote awesome book, now my only problem is another rant of I WANT A SEQUEL!! Lol Jackie Dolamore does an awesome job creating a magical world that will leave the readers glued to the pages, craving more of the story.


Magic Under Glass is full of magic, mystery, and romance. Who doesn't love a good fairy tale?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Spell-Binding and Lush!

I don't usually throw the words "Spell-binding", "Luscious", or "Amazing!" around lightly-- so when you see all three of them, plus many more similar ones, in my review, you know you're in for one heck of a book!

First off, Magic Under Glass is a wonderful example of fantasy and fairy tale combined-- it reminds me of the (early) Disney movies, not because it's "childish" (far from it) but because of Jackie's ability to weave the story around the reader, completely emerging us into Nimira's world, and combining a great romantic element to it as well. Much like "Beauty and the Beast" enchants the romantic/fantasy lover in young girls, this book rekindles that same feeling, even for those of us that thought we had long since grown out of this stage!

Speaking of movies, Magic Under Glass is one of the few books I wouldn't mind seeing turned into a movie, which isn't something I usually want to happen to my favorite books. However, no movie is needed, since Dolamore paints such a beautiful and lush portrayal of the novel, characters, and pretty much every element that made the story so wonderful! Spell-binding is putting it lightly-- once you pick this book up, you won't want to stop, so be prepared to set everything else aside for a day!

I really enjoyed reading the interaction between Nimira and Erris, their friendship (and later, their love) was easy to see, and nicely done. And Erris... well, he's an interesting character, since he's neither the automaton that everyone believes, nor human, but, in fact, the long lost Prince of the fairies. He's such a sweet, and slightly tortured, young man, that I can see how Nimira falls for him. By the end of the novel, I too had developed a bit of a crush on Erris.

The details, both in the characters, the setting, and the story itself, are, simply put, spectacular! I can find no real fault in any of Dolamore's writing, except for I wish I could get my hands on the sequel now, so I can find out more about Nimira and Erris! Otherwise, she manages to capture the readers attention from the very beginning, and right away you'll find yourself entangled in the magic and whimsy aura of Nimira's world, not wishing to leave, even when the story comes to a close.


4.5 STARS! For a debut novel, Jackie Dolamore does a truly magical job at creating a world that will leave the readers breathless, craving more of strong-willed Nimira's story. A heavy dash of magic, a touch of mystery and suspense, and to round it all out, a lush dose of romance combines almost effortlessly into a one of a kind book that I have no doubt anyone will love. Don't even let the "YA" genre fool you-- I would recommend this to older readers just as easily as I will the younger. Everyone loves a good fairy tale, and Magic Under Glass definitely fits the requirements for a good classic!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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