The world building could have used some more explanations, but I was decently engaged. The world of The Glass Spare was in fun mix of steampunk and fantasy, combining technology with magic and whirring gears. Wil’s powers are new and interesting, and I did find myself hoping to find out what exactly they were and how she was cursed to have them.

I do admit that Wil does have some growth towards the end of the novel. Luckily, the supporting characters carried the plot along even when Wilhelmina’s indecisiveness was irritating and stalled progress. All of the characters were unique and interesting-all except for Wilhelmina. I especially enjoyed the voice Fulford gives to Wil’s little brother. Billie Fulford does a wonderful job with narrating the novel. She also must outwit the cunning second born of an opposing nation, Loom. Wil journeys across many lands to fix her wrongs. Wil has dreamed of exploring the world and pleasing her father, but when she finds out that her touch turns people into gemstone and accidentally kills her eldest brother, she is rejected and thrown out of the kingdom. Wilhelmina Heidle is the fourth child and only daughter to a king who uses her as a spy and keeps her hidden away. 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? 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.īut 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. At first Wil is horrified - but as she tests its limits, she's drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. 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. Wilhelmina Heidle, the fourth child and only daughter of the king of the world's wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows.

Perfect for fans of Shannon Hale and Renee Ahdieh. 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 best-selling author of the Chemical Garden series.

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano