Review: The Glass Demon

Author: Helen Grant

Pages: 320

Source: Library

Synopsis (Amazon): Sometimes the path to the truth is paved with broken glass.  

 
Teenager Lin Fox is a stranger in a strange land—Germany, where her father has come on a quixotic quest to locate a priceless artifact. The medieval (and possibly mythical) Allerheiligen stained glass is believed by some to be lost, by others to have been destroyed, and by virtually all to be haunted. A mysterious letter persuades Dr. Oliver Fox that he can be the one to find it—but someone else is determined to ensure that the glass stays hidden forever.

First, an elderly stranger is found dead in an orchard, then one of Oliver’s contacts is mysteriously drowned—both bodies inexplicably surrounded by shards of colored glass. As dark superstitions simmer, Lin embarks on her own search to find the glass. As her life comes to resemble the grimmest of fairy tales, she realizes that what she must find is not only the truth about the legendary glass but a way to save the lives of those she loves.
When I first saw this book, I knew I had to read it right away. It sounded spooky and scary, and it was.

Lin was a good character. She hated having to move into Germany and she had her faults, and her good points. Though she wasn't a super memorable character, she was nice to read. The other characters were much more interesting, especially Tuesday, and her dad. Tuesday seemed like an airhead who didn't care about her kids at all, but when one of them was threatened, we really see how much she cared. Lin's father was someone she first idolized, and we soon see how that all changed. He isn't a bad guy, just someone with very interesting values, and I'm interested to see what other people think of him. He is easily a character you can hate- but in a good way.

The story completely surprised me. I had expectations of what was going on, just to be thrown off completely in the conclusion. That's probably just me though, but I have learned a valuable lesson. It was a good plot and now that I look back, all the clues are there. At times, I was seriously scared and had goosebumps. Only thing I didn't like was that it took a while before stuff actually happened.

I don't usually comment on writing since I have no qualification, but I have to say this was written well, with lots of "Elements of Literature" like I learned in English class. Lots of foreshadowing along the lines of "I was not to know that..." It builds suspense and it was creepy, but it was slightly overused. The descriptions however are beautiful. I'm not even kidding, this is written so elegantly! I can only wish to write as good as that someday.

This was a good read, but not on my all time favourite list. That's why I gave it 4 stars, though if you like mystery and suspense with paranormal elements, this book is for you!

****

-P.E.