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152nd out of 155 books
—
455 voters
The Glass Maker's Daughter (The Cassaforte Chronicles #1)
by
V. Briceland (Goodreads Author)
Magic lies at the heart of Cassaforte, medieval city of bewitchments and intrigue. Cassaforte is home to sixteen-year-old Risa Divetri, whose fate is about to be decided by the gods.
Risa has led the sheltered life of a nobleman's daughter, but soon she plans to leave home to study the family craft-creating enchanted glass objects. When the gods are consulted to determine w...more
Risa has led the sheltered life of a nobleman's daughter, but soon she plans to leave home to study the family craft-creating enchanted glass objects. When the gods are consulted to determine w...more
Paperback, 325 pages
Published
April 8th 2009
by Flux
(first published April 1st 2009)
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Fair warning: Spoilers ahead
I read this upon seeing one of my favourite authors give it 5 stars. I kept thinking it would get better but.... No such luck. Yes, it's a childrens book, but that doesnt excuse poor writing, plot, and character development. I guess my main issue was that the protagonist was lackluster at best. She's supposed to be a feminist at heart, self-reliant in tough situations. While she certainly seems impulsive (to the point of outright stupidity), I can't name an example o...more
I read this upon seeing one of my favourite authors give it 5 stars. I kept thinking it would get better but.... No such luck. Yes, it's a childrens book, but that doesnt excuse poor writing, plot, and character development. I guess my main issue was that the protagonist was lackluster at best. She's supposed to be a feminist at heart, self-reliant in tough situations. While she certainly seems impulsive (to the point of outright stupidity), I can't name an example o...more
Is that a gorgeous cover, or what? I have to say it was the cover that made me purchase this book and the great reviews it had on Amazon. From the premise I was expecting something fast-paced and full of fun magical happenings but I was rather let down once I got into the story.
There’s not much of it, or it’s not as dramatic as the premise made it sound. The only magic is the enchantments and spells invoked during the artisan’s craft and of course Risa’s powers. Those don’t manifest until much l...more
There’s not much of it, or it’s not as dramatic as the premise made it sound. The only magic is the enchantments and spells invoked during the artisan’s craft and of course Risa’s powers. Those don’t manifest until much l...more
Cassaforte is an enchanting character, full of twists and surprises, beauties and uglinesses. Seven magical island-castles surround the palace, and a whole city spreads out around them.
The back of the cover would have you believe that people named Risa and Milo are the focal point of the story, and it's true that they are instrumental in remaking everything, but Cassaforte herself is what they are all coveting, longing for, thinking of, working toward. It's a feeling that goes beyond patriotism...more
The back of the cover would have you believe that people named Risa and Milo are the focal point of the story, and it's true that they are instrumental in remaking everything, but Cassaforte herself is what they are all coveting, longing for, thinking of, working toward. It's a feeling that goes beyond patriotism...more
The protagonist has anger management issues, jumps to illogical conclusions without stopping to think, yells at people, translates the actions or words of others as disrespectful or dismissive of her 90 percent of the time and bases her sense of self on how powerful she feels or how impressive she is to others. And she stays that way pretty much all the way through the book. The author caught her mindset early and well in the book and then, except for a few nods to an increased awareness of othe...more
Risa belongs to a long line of glass makers loyal to the king. Each night the trumpeter from the palace blows the evening call, and each of the most important artisan houses sound a response. If the response does not come in time, the house will fall. But the king has been ailing for some time now, and everyone is uncertain what the future will bring with the prince on the throne. They just know it won't be good.
When it comes time for each young nobleman or noblewoman to be assigned a house of l...more
When it comes time for each young nobleman or noblewoman to be assigned a house of l...more
Thoughts on the Overall Book: Okay, for the people who know my reading habits, you'll know I RARELY read a book entitled "The ___'s Daughter" but I really wanted to read this series and it didn't sound like the kind of story those books usually are like. So anyway, besides that, I really liked this book overall. I'm a big fan of alternate historical fantasy, and I loved the world created in this book because it was a mirror of a medieval Italy and for some reason I always love that setting. It w...more
Strip away the glamour and this story is pretty standard: a city's livelihood is at the mercy of an ambitious, greedy tyrant, and it's up to one young rapscallion--who's been previously snubbed by the society she was raised in--to help make a difference. Throw a little self-pity, some amusing band of bohemes, a little romance, and betrayal, and you can pinpoint to numerous stories just like The Glass Maker's Daughter. Yeah, not many surprising twists or turns.
But that's not where the magic happe...more
But that's not where the magic happe...more
Even though this is the first book in the Cassaforte Chronicles by V. Briceland, it is actually the second one I have read. Due to an unfortunate series of circumstances I had the second book of this series in my hands before the first one and I devoured it quickly. I sped through The Glass Maker's Daughter faster than The Buccaneer's Apprentice only because I found that I could not put the book down. I had owned it for less than 48 hours before I was finished and I found myself itching to pick...more
cassaforte is a medieval city, mostly accessible by canals and bridges, with seven cazas- kind of like islands- just off the main city. a great ancient family lives at each caza, each responsible for a different aspect of culture- architecture, books, weapons, etc. each house knows special enchantments to protect the items it creates and make them especially useful.
every night at sunset, the king blows an enchanted horn from the palace and, each in turn, the leader of the cazas blow their encha...more
every night at sunset, the king blows an enchanted horn from the palace and, each in turn, the leader of the cazas blow their encha...more
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a great YA fantasy/fiction novel. In many ways the style of the writing and storytelling reminded me of Cornelia Funke's "The Book Thief" and the "Inkheart" trilogy (both of which I've read and really enjoyed as well.)
The main characters are very believable and "real", as is the conflict and tension within the story. The geography and setting are very interesting. The book explores all sorts of themes - parent/child relationships, religion, good/evil, c...more
The main characters are very believable and "real", as is the conflict and tension within the story. The geography and setting are very interesting. The book explores all sorts of themes - parent/child relationships, religion, good/evil, c...more
Risa is the daughter of The Glassmaker in the city of Cassaforte. Cassaforte is a medieval society, with 7 magical trade guilds that make up the elite of society. All of the elit children are chosen by one of two schools to be trained to take over their guild. When Risa is the only child Unchosen, she falls into despair. But as the city begins to crumble under a tyranical price, she begins to see that perhaps the gods left her Unchosen for a reason.
I really loved the set up for this book, with t...more
I really loved the set up for this book, with t...more
Wait what? The Cassaforte Chronicles? YES PLEASE! But back to the book. I did like it, and it was close to 4 stars but it didn't come up to par with the other books I've put up there.
The story was good, and the Italian was a nice touch, but one thing that did put the whole thing off was the 'cheat' of her last trick. It didn't seem enough to allow her to do what she did. It seems like the author was trying to convince herself that what she wrote would work, but...I'm not convinced, so that threw...more
The story was good, and the Italian was a nice touch, but one thing that did put the whole thing off was the 'cheat' of her last trick. It didn't seem enough to allow her to do what she did. It seems like the author was trying to convince herself that what she wrote would work, but...I'm not convinced, so that threw...more
This YA book has a strong female lead, but what I liked best was that she was also a teenage girl, with teenage girl flaws. She behaves in an immature manner from time to time, but doesn't spend the whole book behaving like a spoiled brat. I found the mythology of the book entertaining, the characters interesting and unique, and the overall effect was enjoyable and left a smile on my face when I finished. I found it to be on a level with Ella Enchanted, and would definitely recommend it for a li...more
Risa lives in Cassaforte, a magical medieval city ruled by a king and council of seven noble families. As a child of one of the Seven, she plans to attend one of the two city schools and learn the trade of her family. However, when the gods are consulted on which school she should attend, Risa remains unchosen.
Risa first rejects the gods out of anger and shame, but when her parents are held hostage at the castle and Risa’s home is threatened, she begins to see the wisdom of her position. She us...more
Risa first rejects the gods out of anger and shame, but when her parents are held hostage at the castle and Risa’s home is threatened, she begins to see the wisdom of her position. She us...more
Originally posted on The Authoress: Book Review and More.
If you like Tamora Pierce, you’ll love V. Briceland. I was completely hooked by this book—by the writing, the characters, the setting, the plot, the romance. I believe it rare to find stories where the world is completely thought-out and isn’t confined to what the character witnesses every day. While perhaps a tad bit difficult to understand at first, the remarkable detail really brings the story to life and keeps you riveted as the story...more
If you like Tamora Pierce, you’ll love V. Briceland. I was completely hooked by this book—by the writing, the characters, the setting, the plot, the romance. I believe it rare to find stories where the world is completely thought-out and isn’t confined to what the character witnesses every day. While perhaps a tad bit difficult to understand at first, the remarkable detail really brings the story to life and keeps you riveted as the story...more
From shutupimreading.blogspot.com
The Glassmaker's Daughter was a delightful fantasy adventure that is never low on thrills.
I will admit that the first few chapters confused me. There's a lot of terms that are used that I wasn't familiar with at all, and there wasn't an index, so you're left to just figure it out on your own. Luckily after a while I learned them.
After that, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique story that blends story elements like growing up, magic, friendship, challenges, and even a...more
The Glassmaker's Daughter was a delightful fantasy adventure that is never low on thrills.
I will admit that the first few chapters confused me. There's a lot of terms that are used that I wasn't familiar with at all, and there wasn't an index, so you're left to just figure it out on your own. Luckily after a while I learned them.
After that, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique story that blends story elements like growing up, magic, friendship, challenges, and even a...more
I really feel that Briceland could do a good job with a grown-up fantasy. The fantasy world itself is really worth reading about: the idea of a faux-Florence (or whatever Italian city was the inspiration) with Seven entitled families and Thirty noble families who are waiting for the day that one of the Seven will fall and they can rise up the ranks is awesome. The fact that all the families of the Seven (and though it’s unclear, I think also the Thirty) have particular crafts that they are good...more
To be fair I should have given this book two and a half stars. But I just couldn't bring myself to give it three. I sort of liked it. More or less, I liked the idea of it far more than the execution. The story is very jumbled in places and the pacing is very strange. I'd be settled in the story, going along and then abruptly the focus would change and I'd have to get settled again. I can't really say it was bad, it was just weird.
The main character, Risa, is also kind of an annoying heroine. She...more
The main character, Risa, is also kind of an annoying heroine. She...more
Cassaforte is a medieval city full of magic, enchantments, and intrigue. While there is a king that rules the general city, the magic lays within the seven main families of the city, who each contribute a gift. One such family is the Divetri family, makers of the finest glass, whom Risa Divetri belongs to.
Risa is a feisty spirit who is just coming of age to be chosen for one of the two schools in the city where young adults learn to develop their gifts. Risa is prepared to go to school and exce...more
Risa is a feisty spirit who is just coming of age to be chosen for one of the two schools in the city where young adults learn to develop their gifts. Risa is prepared to go to school and exce...more
I started the book feeling like the author wrote very well. However, somewhere along the way the atory itself (as separate from word usage) just could not hold my attention. I began trying to read faster and then resorted to scan-reading as if speed could somehow help me find some place in the story where I would become hooked. But it never happened. I read into chapter 5, and the seemingly neverending family conversation just killed the story for me.
I really LOVE THIS BOOK! If you have never heard of this author, well, just read it book. I just picked it up in the library, and I read it. It's pretty cool. A mix of fantasy and the old days of (I think) Italy. Also, the "second purpose" seems like, well, a smart-mouth kinda thing. Like, if you ask a person if they took something, they say no, but they STOLE it. (GET IT?) Well, READ IT!!!!!! please. ☺
This is a story about a girl who finds herself "unchosen" in a world where being selected for a life work means everything. As events unfold, her lack of status proves to be a blessing in disguise, and she discovers gifts and strengths that allow her to play a role that she is uniquely qualified for. It is well-written, has some unexpected twists, and an affirming message for real life.
This was an interesting concept. I really enjoyed the setting, which is comparable to ancient Venice. The city, with their culture and traditions and magic is really well done. The plot isn't super complex, but it is standard for YA, and everyone lives happily ever after. I think teens would find it entertaining and the romance between the two main characters is cute. I was also surprised at the amount of female empowerment (I can blow the horn too!) that's in this book, given that it is written...more
I thought that it was an amazing book. Right from the start I felt as if I had fallen into some mystical place and it was an adventure to go through. Right from the start I was intrigued and I wanted to know more and soon enough I was at the end of the book and I was happy I had found such a good book. Its really well written and its descriptive and fun.
Vance Briceland's "The Glass Maker's Daughter" is a rousing tale of a centuries old tradition endangered by a renegade (evil) prince, an unexpected heroine and the band of friends who help her fight to preserve her country.
While a bit formulaic, the story is enjoyable and keeps a quick, steady pace until the end. A fun, worthwhile read.
While a bit formulaic, the story is enjoyable and keeps a quick, steady pace until the end. A fun, worthwhile read.
For a fantasy novel, I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed how the heroine developed as a character and eventually found her confidence and place within her world.
One thing I did not like was the random quotes (from fictional history books and tour guides) at the beginning of each chapter. They made no sense and only added confusion.
One thing I did not like was the random quotes (from fictional history books and tour guides) at the beginning of each chapter. They made no sense and only added confusion.
It was a bit slow to start but once it got me it took me into the world of Cassaforte. Working with hot glass is a passion of mine and the author talked about glass the way I think about glass. Combining the glass with a fantasy story line was done very well. I am excited to read that this is part of a series!
This book was a really refreshing read. I liked the magical Venice-like setting, and the approach to magic (unique!!). It was a true Fantasy and very well written! (Free of YA rubbish romance and angst!!) I read this as a library book, so I need to get my own copy and check the next books out as well.
I liked a lot about the book: the setting and the magic and the characters, however I thought it could have been a little bit better book then it was. The plot seemed a little weak at points. I do love the name Risa by the way, and over all I enjoyed the book and will probably continue the series.
A very enjoyable read for those who enjoy fantasy. This fantasy world, though it borrows heavily on Renaissance-era Italy and Europe, has some very creative layers and fun characters. Nothing too deep, but this would be a nice book for those who don't like 'high fantasy'.
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Though he has written primarily under his various pseudonyms before now, Vance Briceland is the award-winning author of several adult and young adult novels, including You Are SO Cursed, a 2005 American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers title.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia and a graduate of the College of William and Mary, Briceland now lives in Old Greenwich, C...more
More about V. Briceland...
Originally from Richmond, Virginia and a graduate of the College of William and Mary, Briceland now lives in Old Greenwich, C...more
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Jul 20, 2009 11:34am