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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore



Title: Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: 12/22/2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Magic, Love, Prejudice, Sorcerers, Fairies
Pages: 240
Plot (from back of arc):
Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing acompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers that the spirit of a dashing fairy gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world.

Jaclyn Dolamore's debut novel is a quick and engaging read that left me me wanting more. Not only did the slim volume end much to quickly, Dolamore's unique plot line and characters stayed with me even after I finished the last line.

First off, I'm still a bit in awe of the cover art. I thought it was gorgeous when  I first saw it on Jackie's website and when I saw the arc, but it was nothing compared to the bound version when I saw it in the bookstore. It definitely is eye catching!

I was intrigued by the mention of an automaton as I read the plot summary for the novel. I wanted to know how Dolamore would pull off this interesting love story and how the more magical elements would play into the story.

I will say that I did find the explanation of the magical elements of the plot line a bit lacking. I'm hoping that an additional installment will bring some of unexplained details to light. I liked the idea of sorcerers and fairies, but wanted to know more about them. I think may have been the epic fantasy geek in me shining through... I longed for Magic to be a few hundred more pages long with lots of detail about these magical elements.

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 47/50 (A)

Dolamore has succeeded in writing a wonderful debut novel! I will definitely be reading her next novel(s). And I am so excited to see the next book's cover!

24 comments:

  1. I have a copy as well, and I cannot wait to start. Thanks for the lovely review.

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  2. This one sounds incredible! Hopefully I'll be able to buy it soon :)

    Thanks for the review Sara!

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  3. This sounds so good! I've seen this posted around quite a bit and it definitely intrigued me. Your review made me even more interested! I've started developing more of an interested in the Victorian Era lately, so I really want to read this now!

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  4. I love the cover as well. I've seen the reviews around and i can't wait to read it myself.
    http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/

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  5. I thought the cover was gorgeous as well. I haven't seen the bound version yet though. I'll definitely take a trip to my book store to check it out.

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  6. Thanks for the great review! I love the cover art as well! I'll have to check this one out :)

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  7. Thanks for the review. I've seen/heard about this book but I didn't exactly know what it was about. It sounds great!

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  8. Can't wait to read it. The summary of the book seems really interesting

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  9. I'm just in LOVE with the cover, it's gorgeous! Great review!

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  10. I think its a great cover too. Plus the story sounds really interesting and can't wait to read this one.

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  11. I'm really looking forward to reading this book! I just love the main character's unique name! And I agree that the cover is very cool!

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  12. The cover is so beautiful!!

    It sounds interesting :) I will read it :P

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  13. great review!! It sounds interesting!! I'll try to read it soon

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  14. The cover does look gorgeous! It's what interested me in whole thing. Gotta read it still, though :) Thanks for your review!

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  15. Thanks for the review. It's sounds like a great book

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  16. did you say romance:10?

    it's aa cue for my
    i'm a romanceholic!
    so great1 let's read that book

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  17. I love it when a book stays with you after you finish.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  18. I am so dying to read this one! Ever since I first saw the cover it's been stuck in my mind that I MUST have this book, and the story just sounds so good! I'm so glad that you liked it!

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  19. Great review! Can't wait to read it!

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  20. Great review! Sounds like nothing that's out right now.

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  21. Such a great review. I would love to read this one.

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  22. love fantasy romance plots!
    i agree, the cover art is mesmerizing. and if it's as short a read as you suggest, then it better have more to come, more than just whet our appetite :)

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  23. Beautiful cover and great review!
    ^_^

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  24. I've just read this book's review on B&N before I found your blog, and now this book is on my to-read-list :)) Can't wait to get it. I just love the idea of a prince under a spell & a heroin :)) Just like my favourite classic beauty & the beast <3 Thanks 4 the review, although I was actually looking for some spoiler lol

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