Reviews

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

kayla_vermaak's review

2.0

I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the cover and the title however I was bitterly disapointed as I continued reading. First of all the book was slightly confusing as there are a lot of made up objects and people, you end up half way through saying ' wait what's that again?'.
I thought that there was not a very big climax around the middle of the book. Also the ending was reasonably boring and easily estimated.
This book basically led me to plough through 486 pages of boring, literally just reading until the end so I could say I finished it and did not quit half way through (which I oh so much wanted to do).

starleyfowler's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

gemgem1101's review

5.0

Absolutely LOVED IT

A story that I was immediately drawn ( even though it’s not the typical book / genre I’d go for ) and I don’t regret it.
So many plots twists and a beautiful / descriptive setting! Many characters who play their roles perfectly & to finish it off , a perfect ending.
All questions that popped into my head throughout the book were answered & I cannot wait to get my hands on some more of Frances Hardinge’s books!

literarylover37's review

1.0

1.5 . Read 2/3 rds and then skimmed to the end. Main character annoyed me and the plot felt too dark for the middle grade style the book was written in.

olivesreadingarden's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 This was such a unique read, it took me a while but I still enjoyed it. It's definitely more of a mature YA and even dystopian-like, yet still a fantasy. The only negative really was that I do feel like it was a little longer than it needed to be.
The pacing is pretty fast though, a lot of twists and mystery, and the overall plot was so unique with the true wines and cheeses, the court setting, the whole Caverna underground setting, the double sided Grand Steward, the Kleptomancer.
Watching Neverfell grow into herself and figure out everything out was so interesting, of course, her being only 12 years old I did find her to be a bit annoying sometimes, but she was quirky and fun and her innocence was both endearing but frustrating. 

beccagomezfarrell's review

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

In the unique Caverna, everything is governed by the production of delicacies (cheese, wine, perfume, cartography) with a level of mastery that makes them essentially magical weapons. The citizens' inability to make facial expressions makes for a society in which plotting and intrigue are easily hidden. Very inventive.

beckysee's review against another edition

4.0

One of the most complex middle grade books I've ever read.
Also, Neverfell is such a great protagonist! I love how impulsive she is, and accepts the fact that she's a bit mad.

jenniferreads2's review

4.0

Interesting story. A little too long winded and convoluted for young readers, better tailored for adult audiences

lune_3713's review

5.0

Starts off slow but as it processes it better. Neverfell is super interesting as a character with her innocence, madness and risk taking qualities. Weirdly unique characters. The Grand Steward was a fun character to read about

adekka11's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5