Magic Under Glass

Jaclyn Dolamore
Grade: C-

Novels like this are strong arguments for the use of the public library. I might have spent perfectly good money had it not been for this brilliant institution.

Once upon a time, the land of Lorinar was enchanted by "trouser girls", exotic young woman from the eastern land of Tassim who danced in baggy trousers and silken slippers singing exotic songs such as "The Dragon Maidens Revenge" but that fashion has fallen out of favor. Now Nimira is reduced to singing in a penny music hall, dreaming of the days when her mother was the dancer and the money was plentiful. It seems an answer to prayer when Hollin Parry, a real life gentleman, hires her to perform with his piano playing automaton. He is convinced that the contrast between the living, breathing Nimira and the wooden prince of the piano will create a fantastic diversion for his guests.

The offer is not all it appears though. While Hollin is clearly a rich, landed gentleman it is also clear he is not in command of his own home. Miss Rashten, the head housekeeper, seems strangely more in charge than her employer. More, she has the power to forbid them both the upper levels of the house, a place that holds a strange lure for Nimira.

The job also doesn't appear as easy as it first sounded. It isn't long before Nimira discovers that two girls had been hired before her to perform with the mechanical wooden man. And that both had fled the house claiming that the automaton was haunted. When the wooden man tries to communicate with her, Nimira realizes that Hollin will never believe her without evidence, so she does what she thinks best; she communicates right back! As she and the wooden man figure a way to speak using the piano she learns he is, in fact, enchanted. And his story is a dangerous one indeed. . . .

Part Jane Eyre and part fairy tale, this book winds up thoroughly confused as to where it is going. The unique tale and location intrigue but the simplicity of the story telling and the authors inability to write a cohesive story make sure that intrigue falls flat.

In addition, the characters were difficult to grasp. Or maybe they just weren't likable. While Hollin was amiable and friendly he was also spineless and dishonest. Since he wasn't one of those sinister characters that is sugar on the outside and poison on the inside I found it very confusing. There was nothing that indicated to me why the dichotomy existed, except as it went to further the plot. That annoyed.

Nimira was odd also. While she was a better person by far than Hollin, I didn't understand her motivations. That would have been fine but she also just didn't engage my interest, which wasn't fine.

Overall, the book was flat and while the premise was interesting the execution did not live up to its promise. I would have gone with a C but it earned a minus for taking time out to do a lecture via character at the end.

Tea: Don't waste a cuppa.

Lament

Maggie Stievfater
Grade: A but grudgingly
YA Fantasy

Deidre Monaghan and James Morgan are best friend with astounding musical talents. Best in their instruments -- Deidre on harp, James on the bagpipes-- it is rare that they meet anyone who can match them in talent. When Deidre meets Luke Dillon during her usual pre-show puking session she is surprised not just by his classy and compassionate handling of a truly awkward situation but by the simple fact of meeting a new talent with whom she is unfamiliar. The two go on to play a duet, one so hauntingly lovely Deidre is for the first time ever truly pleased with what she has accomplished. But the beauty of their talent has attracted the wrong kind of attention for Deidre. It begins with an odd boy with a vicious sense of humor. It escalates with four leaf clovers surrounding her wherever she goes. It ends with a betrayal -- and the murderous attention of the Faerie Queen.

This is a turn the page quick as you can type tale. You can't wait to see what happens between Deidre and Luke as they begin that dizzying dance of first love. And I truly loved how the author portrayed it. I thought she had the awkwardness, eagerness, innocence and breathless hope of the whole experience down pat. There were no heaving bosoms or out of whack sex drives, just the gentle wonder of finding out the person you find utterly fascinating finds you fascinating right back.

I really loved these two characters. Luke is everything every teenage girl dreams of but not in an obnoxious way. Yes, he has a flaw. A huge one. But he is handsome and considerate, artistic and strong, fun but able to be serious when the need arises -- like I said, the kind of hero you sigh over.

Deidre is a good heroine. Strong and caring and smart. Talented and ambitious but not overly so.

James is a great friend. A real teenager in his habits and behaviors but above and beyond in loyalty and compassion. There is a great moment in an ice cream shop that just had my heart gooing all over him.

My only reservation will be listed in the review for Ballad, the sequel.

Tea: Earl Grey with fairy cakes. Here is a recipe link.http://www.ivillage.co.uk/food/experts/coach/articles/0,,177274_673444,00.html