A Face Like Glass

kind of formulaic plot with heavily-telegraphed twists and i didn't love the main character, but interesting world, well-written.

What a strange and wonderful story! At times it reminded me of a Laika film, at others a Studio Ghibli film and maybe even a bit in strangeness like Alice in Wonderland or a Doctor Who episode. Although it is completely it's own world and story too! The world of Caverna is strange and wildly imaginative, pulling you into its labyrinthine tunnels with its protagonist Neverfell, a character I couldn't help but love right from the get go. Curious, heartfelt and brave, she embodies the type of person I think everyone should be reading about. Her emotions may bubble to the surface often, but they guide her through the strange Court of Caverna, where emotion is taboo and your face is carefully crafted to your station and to only reveal what you want it too. Except Neverfell never learnt how to do that, and her emotions play across her face, betraying her every thought, which both lands her in a bit of a pickle and also helps her rise above those around her. A Face Like Glass is a many layered story. On the surface it's a fantastic adventure story, but dig a little deeper and you'll find themes about empathy, emotions, caste system society and how being different isn't always a bad thing. I absolutely loved it and especially the character of Neverfell...she deserves a place alongside Alice, Chihiro and Hermione (among many others) as a strong, inventive, brave young lady who uses her wits and her empathy to navigate a strange world and put her stamp across it. If your not a fan of the bizarre and strange, maybe this isn't for you, but if you enjoy being sucked into a new world and into an adventure unlike anything you've experienced before, then definitely check this one out!

Pros: fascinating world-building, interesting characters, twisting plot

Cons:

Neverfell was found around the age of five in the tunnels of Cheesemaster Grandible. Seven years later, a series of errors has her emerging into the wider world of Caverna and the mysterious Court that rules it. For in a world where Faces must be learned and lying is a fact of life, Neverfell's face can change expression with her emotions, and lying is beyond her skill.

The world of Caverna is fascinating. You're introduced to it - and all of its various workings - slowly, through Neverfell's eyes and experiences. While she's told early on that everyone lies and manipulates, her own trusting and trustworthy natures make it hard for her to protect herself from the plots of others. As the book progresses, you learn more about the world and the darknesses it's based on.

The plot takes a lot of turns I wasn't expecting, which was a real joy. Neverfell's a great character and her constant curiosity has her acting in unpredictable ways. She starts off hopelessly naive, but over the course of the book learns what society is like, and that not everyone she meets has her best interests in mind. The Kleptomancer is really fun, and I'd have loved seeing more of him and of the brilliantly insane cryptomancers.

This is a fun book, one that briefly touches on numerous discussion points, so it would make a great book club novel.

Another fine tale of adventure and conspiracy from Ms. Hardinge.

Another book I would have never picked up if it wasn't for my LJ book club.

This book was a very interesting concept and came with heaps of praise. While it was very interesting, there were parts that were very boring and slow. The first 1/4 of the book was VERY slow. I guess I didn't realize just how long these “fantasy for children” books can get.

There are lots of twists and turns though and the plot doesn't always go how you would expect. If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would.

I think if you're a BIG fan of fantasy, you will like this book. If you're just a casual fantasy fan (like I am), you may get frustrated with the slow plot.