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The Skyscraper Throne #2
The Glass Republic
Pen’s life is all about secrets: the secret of the city’s spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly – and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror. Pen’s reflected twin is the only girl who really understands her.
Then Parva is abducted and Pen makes a terrible bargain for the means to track her down. In London-Under-Glass looks are currency, and Pen’s scars make her a rare and valuable commodity. But some in the reflected city will do anything to keep Pen from the secret of what happened to the sister who shared her face.
Then Parva is abducted and Pen makes a terrible bargain for the means to track her down. In London-Under-Glass looks are currency, and Pen’s scars make her a rare and valuable commodity. But some in the reflected city will do anything to keep Pen from the secret of what happened to the sister who shared her face.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
8 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Tom Pollock
16 books274 followersTom is a long-time fan of science fiction and fantasy, and has failed spectacularly to grow out of his obsession with things that don’t, in the strictest sense of the word, exist. He studied Philosophy and Economics at Edinburgh University. He now lives and works in London helping to build very big ships. The City’s Son is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 2, 2018
In the aftermath of her best friend's discovery of the secret spirits of the city and the goddess that controls them, Pen is left disfigured and isolated. Her best friend Beth is changed and Pen is left alone at school trying to resume so sort of normal life. Her one solace is her twin sister, Parva, who isn't her sibling but rather her reflection come to life on the other side of the mirror in the mirror world. Parva came into being with all the scars that Pen has, and is the only person who can understand Pen's struggle to adjust back into her everyday life. Unfortunately though Parva goes missing, only leaving a bloody hand print behind her for Pen to find. Pen desperate to save her mirror sister seeks out to make a deal to enter the world behind the mirror, making a costly deal without telling Beth anything about it.
This one was 3.5 stars for me. As usual don't bother reading from this point on because I'm probably going to say something that could be considered a spoiler. I did that thing once again where I had no clue this was a book from the middle of a series when I picked it up, so for a good chunk of it I was just like what the heck. Especially in the beginning of the book, or anything that had to do specifically with Beth's story line. I'm guess this book built on the events happening to Beth in the first book and just picked up assuming that the reader would be familiar with the fictional world. It just didn't work out that well because I didn't really get much time to familiarize myself with Beth so I just didn't care for her at all. I couldn't relate to her and every time her parts came up I just had to resist the urge to skip ahead.
I did however really enjoy Pen and her story line. There was a lot of time to get attached to Pen and sympathize with everything she was going through. I actually really got into the book a lot more after she ends up on the mirror side and begins to search for Parva. Before that I was hardheartedly reading because I hate putting books down once I start them but after that I really wanted to keep reading. That was the strongest part of the book for me personally. Also Espel and Pen were so adorable I couldn't stop smiling at them. The Faceless were also pretty cool, and I really enjoyed the unique idea of a reflection world full of people who were considered more attractive based on their lack of symmetrical features.
A lot of the fantasy in the book was really different from what I've usually read and I really appreciated that, again I just think I lost out because I haven't read the first one and so I just couldn't get into the other story arc with Beth, and I had to make a lot of assumptions of what exactly had happened in the first book. I know other people's reviews said they think the book can stand alone, but I just don't think that works unless you cut out all of Beth's parts. It's a bummer though because the whole thing with the Priests accusing Beth of being a liar and impersonating the goddess was actually super interesting. The only other thing that I didn't enjoy was the way the book just left off on a cliff hanger, obviously meant to set it up for another installation of the series. I always find it irritating when books or movies do that though, like don't cut them off in the middle of an action scene where you're setting up the conflict for the next part, just end it before that god damn.
Anyway potentially a good read for anyone looking for diversity. Pen is a Muslim hijabi and also ends up romantically involved with a girl which isn't what I typically expect from a YA protagonist. I know there's always people on here looking for more representation so that's a plus. I would just say go try to start at the beginning of the series because it does seem that most people who reviews this had read the first book at least and seemed to very much enjoy this follow up. It has a pretty unique premise which is always great, it just feels disjointed without context though for most of the book if you just read this as a stand alone.
This one was 3.5 stars for me. As usual don't bother reading from this point on because I'm probably going to say something that could be considered a spoiler. I did that thing once again where I had no clue this was a book from the middle of a series when I picked it up, so for a good chunk of it I was just like what the heck. Especially in the beginning of the book, or anything that had to do specifically with Beth's story line. I'm guess this book built on the events happening to Beth in the first book and just picked up assuming that the reader would be familiar with the fictional world. It just didn't work out that well because I didn't really get much time to familiarize myself with Beth so I just didn't care for her at all. I couldn't relate to her and every time her parts came up I just had to resist the urge to skip ahead.
I did however really enjoy Pen and her story line. There was a lot of time to get attached to Pen and sympathize with everything she was going through. I actually really got into the book a lot more after she ends up on the mirror side and begins to search for Parva. Before that I was hardheartedly reading because I hate putting books down once I start them but after that I really wanted to keep reading. That was the strongest part of the book for me personally. Also Espel and Pen were so adorable I couldn't stop smiling at them. The Faceless were also pretty cool, and I really enjoyed the unique idea of a reflection world full of people who were considered more attractive based on their lack of symmetrical features.
A lot of the fantasy in the book was really different from what I've usually read and I really appreciated that, again I just think I lost out because I haven't read the first one and so I just couldn't get into the other story arc with Beth, and I had to make a lot of assumptions of what exactly had happened in the first book. I know other people's reviews said they think the book can stand alone, but I just don't think that works unless you cut out all of Beth's parts. It's a bummer though because the whole thing with the Priests accusing Beth of being a liar and impersonating the goddess was actually super interesting. The only other thing that I didn't enjoy was the way the book just left off on a cliff hanger, obviously meant to set it up for another installation of the series. I always find it irritating when books or movies do that though, like don't cut them off in the middle of an action scene where you're setting up the conflict for the next part, just end it before that god damn.
Anyway potentially a good read for anyone looking for diversity. Pen is a Muslim hijabi and also ends up romantically involved with a girl which isn't what I typically expect from a YA protagonist. I know there's always people on here looking for more representation so that's a plus. I would just say go try to start at the beginning of the series because it does seem that most people who reviews this had read the first book at least and seemed to very much enjoy this follow up. It has a pretty unique premise which is always great, it just feels disjointed without context though for most of the book if you just read this as a stand alone.
June 30, 2017
This second book picks up after the events of The City's Son, but the main focus of the story switches to Pen. It opens with Pen's attempts to deal with the aftermath of her trauma, but she doesn't have time to get too self-involved before she is caught up in a dangerous new turn of events in the mirror world of London-Under-Glass.
As before I was so impressed by the sheer inventiveness on display here. While Pollock doesn't quite match Frances Hardinge's singular prose, the scope of his creativity and imagination certainly approaches hers. It was no surprise to reach the end and see Hardinge's name in the Acknowledgements.
The Glass Republic is an impressive second book that easily equals the quality of the first.
As before I was so impressed by the sheer inventiveness on display here. While Pollock doesn't quite match Frances Hardinge's singular prose, the scope of his creativity and imagination certainly approaches hers. It was no surprise to reach the end and see Hardinge's name in the Acknowledgements.
The Glass Republic is an impressive second book that easily equals the quality of the first.
June 25, 2017
The second book of the trilogy is largely Pen Khan's story as she navigates a recovery from the events of the first book and her own adventure as she journeys into the world of the Mirrorstocracy. Meanwhile Beth is discovering that her own changes are still ongoing.
This trilogy follows the structure of first book that could be a standalone followed by two books that are basically parts one and two of a larger story. As such, this avoids a lot of standard book two problems, and also by switching to the fascinating Pen, we get an even richer character than Beth to continue exploring this world.
This trilogy follows the structure of first book that could be a standalone followed by two books that are basically parts one and two of a larger story. As such, this avoids a lot of standard book two problems, and also by switching to the fascinating Pen, we get an even richer character than Beth to continue exploring this world.
August 31, 2014
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved The City's Son when I read it last year, Tom Pollock has created one of the most unique and fascinating worlds that I've read about in a long time and his imagination is astounding so I was excited to see where he would take us next in The Glass Republic. Where the first book was mainly focused on Beth this sequel definitely gives her best friend Pen a chance to shine. Pen was my favourite character in the first book so I was really looking forward to seeing more of her in this one, especially after everything she went through at the hands of the Wire Mistress in the last book.
Pen is now back at school but the huge amount of physical scarring left by the Wire Mistress has made her something of an outcast. Everyone wants to know what happened to her but there just isn't any kind of logical explanation that she can give them and telling the truth would be likely to get her sectioned. The only thing keeping her sane is the conversations she has with her doppelgänger Parva who is living in London-Under-Glass. Pen and Parva can only keep in contact through mirrors but when Parva goes missing Pen is determined to find a way through the mirror so that she can find the girl she considers her sister.
If you thought the world building was good in The City's Son you are going to be amazed with the London-Under-Glass that Tom Pollock has created. It is a world created from reflections so you might think that it will be a mirror image to our own version of London but you'd be very wrong about that. I really don't want to spoil the surprise by giving too much away so I'll just tell you that it was completely fascinating and incredibly well written. I really would like to be able to get a peek inside this author's head because I'm pretty sure it would be a very interesting (if slightly terrifying!) place to explore.
Pen's character has been through so much but she has come out the other side stronger than ever, she is desperate to find out what happened to Parva and she is willing to risk everything in her search for answers. We are introduced to some fab new characters, I loved the relationship that develops between Pen and Estel in particular, but we also get to keep an eye on the ones we've already met. Beth is continuing to grow into her new role and the changes we see in her are fascinating. In the first book we saw Pen searching for Beth but in this one there is a reversal of roles and it is up to Beth to come to Pen's rescue.
The Glass Republic is a brilliant second novel, it's just as dark as the first book but still has the humour needed to balance out the heart breaking events. I think I actually enjoyed this story even more than the first one which is incredibly unusual when it comes to second books in a trilogy. I absolutely can't wait to start reading Our Lady of the Streets to see how both Pen and Beth's journeys end and I'm incredibly curious to discover what new surprises Tom Pollock will throw our way - I'm sure he still has a few tricks up his sleeve!
I absolutely loved The City's Son when I read it last year, Tom Pollock has created one of the most unique and fascinating worlds that I've read about in a long time and his imagination is astounding so I was excited to see where he would take us next in The Glass Republic. Where the first book was mainly focused on Beth this sequel definitely gives her best friend Pen a chance to shine. Pen was my favourite character in the first book so I was really looking forward to seeing more of her in this one, especially after everything she went through at the hands of the Wire Mistress in the last book.
Pen is now back at school but the huge amount of physical scarring left by the Wire Mistress has made her something of an outcast. Everyone wants to know what happened to her but there just isn't any kind of logical explanation that she can give them and telling the truth would be likely to get her sectioned. The only thing keeping her sane is the conversations she has with her doppelgänger Parva who is living in London-Under-Glass. Pen and Parva can only keep in contact through mirrors but when Parva goes missing Pen is determined to find a way through the mirror so that she can find the girl she considers her sister.
If you thought the world building was good in The City's Son you are going to be amazed with the London-Under-Glass that Tom Pollock has created. It is a world created from reflections so you might think that it will be a mirror image to our own version of London but you'd be very wrong about that. I really don't want to spoil the surprise by giving too much away so I'll just tell you that it was completely fascinating and incredibly well written. I really would like to be able to get a peek inside this author's head because I'm pretty sure it would be a very interesting (if slightly terrifying!) place to explore.
Pen's character has been through so much but she has come out the other side stronger than ever, she is desperate to find out what happened to Parva and she is willing to risk everything in her search for answers. We are introduced to some fab new characters, I loved the relationship that develops between Pen and Estel in particular, but we also get to keep an eye on the ones we've already met. Beth is continuing to grow into her new role and the changes we see in her are fascinating. In the first book we saw Pen searching for Beth but in this one there is a reversal of roles and it is up to Beth to come to Pen's rescue.
The Glass Republic is a brilliant second novel, it's just as dark as the first book but still has the humour needed to balance out the heart breaking events. I think I actually enjoyed this story even more than the first one which is incredibly unusual when it comes to second books in a trilogy. I absolutely can't wait to start reading Our Lady of the Streets to see how both Pen and Beth's journeys end and I'm incredibly curious to discover what new surprises Tom Pollock will throw our way - I'm sure he still has a few tricks up his sleeve!
July 19, 2014
Last year I reviewed Pollock's debut
The City's Son
, the first book in his The Skyscraper Throne trilogy, and I completely adored it. I loved it so much I had a hard time reviewing it without gushing. And while I love The Glass Republic just as much and its protagonist Pen is amazing, there were some things that bothered me. These were mostly to do with the ending and some smaller details, as the plot is just amazing and I was completely drawn back into Pollock's very creative world.
One of the biggest draws of The City's Son was its magical, strangely weird, and sometimes quite scary London. Pollock created an enchanting stage for his story and he does no less this time around. London-Under-Glass is a wonderful invention, being nothing less than the land behind the looking glass. But instead of small, innocent girls falling through the looking glass into an enchanted world, behind this mirror lies a distorted reflection of our own, but a world with completely different values and a completely different society. I loved the class differences between the mirrorstocracy and the lesser-reflected. It's an interesting commentary of the fluidity of what is considered beautiful and the absurd lengths people will go to, to become what is considered beautiful. The way the half-faces are fitted with and id, an inverse depictor, which makes their face complete by reflecting the other half, creating totally symmetrical faces was inventive and at the same time incredibly creepy, especially once we see what the id really is. By the way, id? That is a great pun. Well-played, Mr Pollock, well-played.
Pen is a wonderfully compelling protagonist. Recovering from her ordeal in The City's Son has been hard and she's having to learn to deal with what has happened in the previous book. We witness her employing different methods of dealing with her altered appearance. From clowning about at school coming up with ever more off-the-wall explanations of what happened to her face, to endless texting with Beth, to burgeoning case of anorexia. What I did appreciate was that Pollock makes Pen's anorexic behaviour about control, instead of making it about being thin, which is a mistake that is often made. However, Pen's problems with it just kind of fade away; her anorexia isn't really acknowledged or resolved, it just seems to disappear, which bothered me, though Pollock might still address it in the next book. But Pen's biggest solace and support is her mirror-sister, Parva. A mirror-born full reflection existing in London-Under-Glass, Parva knows everything Pen's gone through and understands her better than anyone else. So it's no wonder she does whatever she can to get her back. Pen's journey into London-Under-Glass and her discovery of the life Parva leads and the decisions she makes due to that understanding are fascinating and heart-breaking and show a growth in Pen's character that is fantastic.
While there are several great supporting characters in the book – both new, Edward, Parva, Senator Case, and the Faceless, and old, Beth, Gutterglass, Johnny Naphtha, and the Pavement Priest to name a few – the most important supporting character and new-comer was Espel. A half-faced steeplejill, whom Pen rescues from falling to her death during a slate-storm, I loved her pluckiness, her guts, and her loyalty. I also loved that she is the book's love interest, without any fuss or fanfare. Pen does wonder how she'll tell her parents she's in love with a girl, as their Muslim faith means they won't actually be very thrilled about it, but it happens anyway and it happens naturally and I thought it was awesome. I'm still rooting for Pen and Espel to actually be together and be happy.
My one problem with The Glass Republic was the fact that there are many unresolved issues at the end of this book. This is the only way in which this book suffers from middle book syndrome; you could read this book without having read The City's Son, which was relatively self-contained as well, and only miss some of the references, but the story clearly isn't over at the end of this book. Too many questions remain unanswered and the return of a major player to the stage leaves the book on a cliff-hanger that makes me wish for the next book yesterday as I want to know what happens.
Still, I guess if my biggest complaint is that I want more and I want it now, that means that The Glass Republic is a fantastic book. It's the kind of book that makes me wish I had more teens in my life so I could make them read it and make them fall in love with the genre that is so dear to my heart. The Glass Republic is one of the best examples of urban fantasy for young adults, but it is the sort of urban fantasy that adults can – and will – love just as much. Like its predecessor, The Glass Republic is a strong contender for my best-of-the-year list come December.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
One of the biggest draws of The City's Son was its magical, strangely weird, and sometimes quite scary London. Pollock created an enchanting stage for his story and he does no less this time around. London-Under-Glass is a wonderful invention, being nothing less than the land behind the looking glass. But instead of small, innocent girls falling through the looking glass into an enchanted world, behind this mirror lies a distorted reflection of our own, but a world with completely different values and a completely different society. I loved the class differences between the mirrorstocracy and the lesser-reflected. It's an interesting commentary of the fluidity of what is considered beautiful and the absurd lengths people will go to, to become what is considered beautiful. The way the half-faces are fitted with and id, an inverse depictor, which makes their face complete by reflecting the other half, creating totally symmetrical faces was inventive and at the same time incredibly creepy, especially once we see what the id really is. By the way, id? That is a great pun. Well-played, Mr Pollock, well-played.
Pen is a wonderfully compelling protagonist. Recovering from her ordeal in The City's Son has been hard and she's having to learn to deal with what has happened in the previous book. We witness her employing different methods of dealing with her altered appearance. From clowning about at school coming up with ever more off-the-wall explanations of what happened to her face, to endless texting with Beth, to burgeoning case of anorexia. What I did appreciate was that Pollock makes Pen's anorexic behaviour about control, instead of making it about being thin, which is a mistake that is often made. However, Pen's problems with it just kind of fade away; her anorexia isn't really acknowledged or resolved, it just seems to disappear, which bothered me, though Pollock might still address it in the next book. But Pen's biggest solace and support is her mirror-sister, Parva. A mirror-born full reflection existing in London-Under-Glass, Parva knows everything Pen's gone through and understands her better than anyone else. So it's no wonder she does whatever she can to get her back. Pen's journey into London-Under-Glass and her discovery of the life Parva leads and the decisions she makes due to that understanding are fascinating and heart-breaking and show a growth in Pen's character that is fantastic.
While there are several great supporting characters in the book – both new, Edward, Parva, Senator Case, and the Faceless, and old, Beth, Gutterglass, Johnny Naphtha, and the Pavement Priest to name a few – the most important supporting character and new-comer was Espel. A half-faced steeplejill, whom Pen rescues from falling to her death during a slate-storm, I loved her pluckiness, her guts, and her loyalty. I also loved that she is the book's love interest, without any fuss or fanfare. Pen does wonder how she'll tell her parents she's in love with a girl, as their Muslim faith means they won't actually be very thrilled about it, but it happens anyway and it happens naturally and I thought it was awesome. I'm still rooting for Pen and Espel to actually be together and be happy.
My one problem with The Glass Republic was the fact that there are many unresolved issues at the end of this book. This is the only way in which this book suffers from middle book syndrome; you could read this book without having read The City's Son, which was relatively self-contained as well, and only miss some of the references, but the story clearly isn't over at the end of this book. Too many questions remain unanswered and the return of a major player to the stage leaves the book on a cliff-hanger that makes me wish for the next book yesterday as I want to know what happens.
Still, I guess if my biggest complaint is that I want more and I want it now, that means that The Glass Republic is a fantastic book. It's the kind of book that makes me wish I had more teens in my life so I could make them read it and make them fall in love with the genre that is so dear to my heart. The Glass Republic is one of the best examples of urban fantasy for young adults, but it is the sort of urban fantasy that adults can – and will – love just as much. Like its predecessor, The Glass Republic is a strong contender for my best-of-the-year list come December.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
August 3, 2013
I loved The City's Son and was doubtful that the author could pull off a sequel of equal measure, but boy was i wrong. I adored it, such a thought-provoking fantasy. As beautiful as it is entertaining.
February 11, 2014
Thank you to Jo Fletcher Books for the review copy.
Pen’s life is all about secrets: the secret of the city’s spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly – and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror.
So a little while back I read the first of the SkyScraper Throne novels “The City’s Son” – review can be found here http://lizlovesbooks.com/lizlovesbook... and I entered the world discovered by Beth and Pen, getting utterly lost there for a wonderful few hours. So imagine my utter joy at being able to make a return visit.
Oh second books. They ALWAYS worry me especially if I have adored the first part with the whole of my reading soul, so yes ok a bit pensive going in – How on earth could it match the sheer addictive dancing joy of Book One? Well, I guess by doing exactly what Mr Pollock does here – take the strands of the tale told, give it a new perspective, a little twist, let the characters do their thing and open up the beauty of the world so far only partially discovered.
In this instalment we find Pen, dealing with the aftermath of previous events, trying to return to a normal existence but having to keep secrets…and when her mirror twin Parva goes missing, Pen must return to the magical underbelly of London and find a way to track her down. The cost however may be high…
When I use the dancing analogy in my description of these books that is the exact feeling the reading of them gives me – a fascinating, magical, magnificent jig of a story, taking you into a world beyond imagination that you can truly live in and let it become real around you. Following along on Pen’s journey, meeting up with both new and fondly remembered characters, it is a perfect adrenalin rush of experiences tempered by some downright emotional moments that cut to the heart.
For me this is right at the top of the tree when it comes to Urban Fantasy – a series I wish would run and run, one that definitely has a lot more to offer and all I can say now is – WHERE IS BOOK 3 – it had better come soon. We don’t want a total Liz meltdown…
Happy Reading Folks!
Pen’s life is all about secrets: the secret of the city’s spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly – and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror.
So a little while back I read the first of the SkyScraper Throne novels “The City’s Son” – review can be found here http://lizlovesbooks.com/lizlovesbook... and I entered the world discovered by Beth and Pen, getting utterly lost there for a wonderful few hours. So imagine my utter joy at being able to make a return visit.
Oh second books. They ALWAYS worry me especially if I have adored the first part with the whole of my reading soul, so yes ok a bit pensive going in – How on earth could it match the sheer addictive dancing joy of Book One? Well, I guess by doing exactly what Mr Pollock does here – take the strands of the tale told, give it a new perspective, a little twist, let the characters do their thing and open up the beauty of the world so far only partially discovered.
In this instalment we find Pen, dealing with the aftermath of previous events, trying to return to a normal existence but having to keep secrets…and when her mirror twin Parva goes missing, Pen must return to the magical underbelly of London and find a way to track her down. The cost however may be high…
When I use the dancing analogy in my description of these books that is the exact feeling the reading of them gives me – a fascinating, magical, magnificent jig of a story, taking you into a world beyond imagination that you can truly live in and let it become real around you. Following along on Pen’s journey, meeting up with both new and fondly remembered characters, it is a perfect adrenalin rush of experiences tempered by some downright emotional moments that cut to the heart.
For me this is right at the top of the tree when it comes to Urban Fantasy – a series I wish would run and run, one that definitely has a lot more to offer and all I can say now is – WHERE IS BOOK 3 – it had better come soon. We don’t want a total Liz meltdown…
Happy Reading Folks!
February 11, 2017
I am struggling with these ones.
The setting is incredibly creative and the imaginative creations are really intriguing. However (as my struggle statement indicated to you), I am finding it really difficult regarding the story progression. The story ebbs and waves so for long stretches my interest dwindles to be suddenly piqued and then dwindles again...
I also am really not too keen on the characters. They just aren't connecting with me and I feel that there's just a little too many abstract concepts to wrap your head around in one book.
I don't like giving up on books so I am persevering with the third book but my enthusiasm is low in the tank so I guess time will tell.
The setting is incredibly creative and the imaginative creations are really intriguing. However (as my struggle statement indicated to you), I am finding it really difficult regarding the story progression. The story ebbs and waves so for long stretches my interest dwindles to be suddenly piqued and then dwindles again...
I also am really not too keen on the characters. They just aren't connecting with me and I feel that there's just a little too many abstract concepts to wrap your head around in one book.
I don't like giving up on books so I am persevering with the third book but my enthusiasm is low in the tank so I guess time will tell.
February 14, 2016
Fantazie pana Pollocka mě nepřestává udivovat ♥
November 15, 2013
Originally posted at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/2013...
A few weeks back I read Tom Pollock's debut, The City's Son, and I was left quite speechless. It was something totally new, the world that Tom Pollock envisioned definite had a lot of alluring features and really managed to set itself apart in the competitive world of alluring features. In this first book in the series we were introduced to several characters and even though Fil isn't featuring in the second book, Beth and Pen more make up for this. The ending of the book left a great many opportunities for both of them to make it a winner, Beth finally became what Fil wanted, a daughter of the streets and Pen was struggling with all that she has gone though. With such a great debut, I bet there was a lot of pressure on Tom Pollock's shoulders but let me just say this up front. You don't want to skip this book.
Like I mentioned above, the focus of the story is on both Beth and Pen, with a little more emphasis on Pen. The story does pick up with a different pacing than what I had seen in The City's Son, re-establishing some boundaries and giving a clear picture and way into the The Glass Republic, I was secretly hoping to have this lightning fast type of action dragging me into the story but with this type of entry it does come to show what ever Tom Pollock writes will grab you and drag you in. But let me just get back to the characters. Pen is a real treat to read about. She is going through some rough times in the book, it feels she is on a journey of discovery (and this isn't fun stuff at all). The amount of time and effort that Tom put into her character, making her complex and intriguing at all times, really makes Pen shine. Pen is portrayed as a fragile teenager not knowing exactly how to deal with several emotions, clinging to different people to have a safehaven. But this is soon to change, gradually. Pen's storyline completely transformed the story that I had imagined of The Skyscraper's Throne so far, if you think you have seen all that is possible with alternate urban fantasy inspired London's... think again, you will be in for a surprise... the idea that Tom Pollock introduces in The Glass Republic is just brilliant (but I will get to is in a moment).
Next to Pen there is Beth, who now is a daughter of the streets, taking over Fil's job. We really got to know Beth in the first book, but in The Glass Republic she does seem to take a more conserved role int he background, or at least so it seems to be. I still enjoyed her parts of the story, but couldn't directly place it all in the bigger context of the story, just until the later parts of the story where you see most of it all collide with each other. Beth's story takes place in the "normal" London that we were introduced to in The City's Son, there are again some top notch fighting scenes with Beth, her spear and some baddies, but taken on the whole there are some quite interesting things taking shape in her storyline that will make sure that the third book in the series will be unforgettable!
Besides Beth and Pen there are a plethora of other characters, new and old, that make a visit in the storyline. The old characters include: Gutterglass, Johnny Naphtha (the voice of the chemical synod) and the Pavement Priests. Since these revisiting characters all were clearly introduced in the first book, there was a direct build and usage of these characters, not wasting unnecessary time elaborating but keeping the action and pacing pretty tight. As for the new characters, they are introduced gradually into the story, not giving an information dump as to who they are what they do but letting them being picked up by the reader in the natural flow of the story. As for the new faces of the book, or partly, there are The Faceless, Parva, and Espel that really stand out. These three characters are all introduced in Pen's storyline. One character that really started to stand out in the story was Espel, who has this complicated relation with Pen. it is by Espel that everything turns out the be much more complicated for Pen, doubting herself and not knowing what to do and how to tackle several subjects. In the end it all turns out to be pretty ok but something just are complicated. As for the Faceless, when I first read about them I was like, what.... ok... cool!! I think now it's time to broach the COOLEST part of the book. London-Under-Glass.
So London-Under-Glass. This is not your normal London. London-Under-Glass is the mirror image of London! yes that's right, another "dimension" of the urban fantasy London of the Skyscrapers Throne. This whole idea is bold brave and daring but it totally works and all that Tom Pollocks involves in building this world is just sheer brilliance. London-Under-Glass is a completely different world that holds onto different values than the normal London. There is a great distinction between classes in the London-Under-Glass with the mirrorstocracy. The main differences in this world is the perception of what is beautiful and how you are being judged by the fact when you are perfectly symmetrical or when you have flaws, what most people seem to find attractive in the normal version is competently mirrored in London-Under-Glass. It's so rich and inventive and makes it so hard to give a clear description of just how detail this is all explained, there are still so many things going round and round in my head about this concept of The Glass Republic. This alternate, alternate version is really something you have to experience for yourself, I know you will be sitting there reading, with your mouth agape, it's amazing; I wish I never had to part with this world.
The ending of The Glass Republic leaves a lot of threads open to be picked up in the conclusion of The Skyscraper Throne, especially the last few sentences of the book produced one grande opening and promising final volume. The City's Son gave a great feel to this urban fantasy London and The Glass Republic built greatly upon these foundations. Tom Pollock shows how he stepped up his game and just how to take a story further. There are no revisits of earlier proposed actions, instead it's all new stuff and experiences that are being thrown at you (in a good way!!), the action never stops and the pacing is downright spot on. With all that Tom Pollock has shown so far with these two books, marks him as an author to be aware off... once you picked up one of his books, prepare to be hooked. You won't be able to put them down. Recommended for every urban fantasy fan. The Skyscraper's Throne is a one-of-a-kind series, it's brilliant!
A few weeks back I read Tom Pollock's debut, The City's Son, and I was left quite speechless. It was something totally new, the world that Tom Pollock envisioned definite had a lot of alluring features and really managed to set itself apart in the competitive world of alluring features. In this first book in the series we were introduced to several characters and even though Fil isn't featuring in the second book, Beth and Pen more make up for this. The ending of the book left a great many opportunities for both of them to make it a winner, Beth finally became what Fil wanted, a daughter of the streets and Pen was struggling with all that she has gone though. With such a great debut, I bet there was a lot of pressure on Tom Pollock's shoulders but let me just say this up front. You don't want to skip this book.
Like I mentioned above, the focus of the story is on both Beth and Pen, with a little more emphasis on Pen. The story does pick up with a different pacing than what I had seen in The City's Son, re-establishing some boundaries and giving a clear picture and way into the The Glass Republic, I was secretly hoping to have this lightning fast type of action dragging me into the story but with this type of entry it does come to show what ever Tom Pollock writes will grab you and drag you in. But let me just get back to the characters. Pen is a real treat to read about. She is going through some rough times in the book, it feels she is on a journey of discovery (and this isn't fun stuff at all). The amount of time and effort that Tom put into her character, making her complex and intriguing at all times, really makes Pen shine. Pen is portrayed as a fragile teenager not knowing exactly how to deal with several emotions, clinging to different people to have a safehaven. But this is soon to change, gradually. Pen's storyline completely transformed the story that I had imagined of The Skyscraper's Throne so far, if you think you have seen all that is possible with alternate urban fantasy inspired London's... think again, you will be in for a surprise... the idea that Tom Pollock introduces in The Glass Republic is just brilliant (but I will get to is in a moment).
Next to Pen there is Beth, who now is a daughter of the streets, taking over Fil's job. We really got to know Beth in the first book, but in The Glass Republic she does seem to take a more conserved role int he background, or at least so it seems to be. I still enjoyed her parts of the story, but couldn't directly place it all in the bigger context of the story, just until the later parts of the story where you see most of it all collide with each other. Beth's story takes place in the "normal" London that we were introduced to in The City's Son, there are again some top notch fighting scenes with Beth, her spear and some baddies, but taken on the whole there are some quite interesting things taking shape in her storyline that will make sure that the third book in the series will be unforgettable!
Besides Beth and Pen there are a plethora of other characters, new and old, that make a visit in the storyline. The old characters include: Gutterglass, Johnny Naphtha (the voice of the chemical synod) and the Pavement Priests. Since these revisiting characters all were clearly introduced in the first book, there was a direct build and usage of these characters, not wasting unnecessary time elaborating but keeping the action and pacing pretty tight. As for the new characters, they are introduced gradually into the story, not giving an information dump as to who they are what they do but letting them being picked up by the reader in the natural flow of the story. As for the new faces of the book, or partly, there are The Faceless, Parva, and Espel that really stand out. These three characters are all introduced in Pen's storyline. One character that really started to stand out in the story was Espel, who has this complicated relation with Pen. it is by Espel that everything turns out the be much more complicated for Pen, doubting herself and not knowing what to do and how to tackle several subjects. In the end it all turns out to be pretty ok but something just are complicated. As for the Faceless, when I first read about them I was like, what.... ok... cool!! I think now it's time to broach the COOLEST part of the book. London-Under-Glass.
So London-Under-Glass. This is not your normal London. London-Under-Glass is the mirror image of London! yes that's right, another "dimension" of the urban fantasy London of the Skyscrapers Throne. This whole idea is bold brave and daring but it totally works and all that Tom Pollocks involves in building this world is just sheer brilliance. London-Under-Glass is a completely different world that holds onto different values than the normal London. There is a great distinction between classes in the London-Under-Glass with the mirrorstocracy. The main differences in this world is the perception of what is beautiful and how you are being judged by the fact when you are perfectly symmetrical or when you have flaws, what most people seem to find attractive in the normal version is competently mirrored in London-Under-Glass. It's so rich and inventive and makes it so hard to give a clear description of just how detail this is all explained, there are still so many things going round and round in my head about this concept of The Glass Republic. This alternate, alternate version is really something you have to experience for yourself, I know you will be sitting there reading, with your mouth agape, it's amazing; I wish I never had to part with this world.
The ending of The Glass Republic leaves a lot of threads open to be picked up in the conclusion of The Skyscraper Throne, especially the last few sentences of the book produced one grande opening and promising final volume. The City's Son gave a great feel to this urban fantasy London and The Glass Republic built greatly upon these foundations. Tom Pollock shows how he stepped up his game and just how to take a story further. There are no revisits of earlier proposed actions, instead it's all new stuff and experiences that are being thrown at you (in a good way!!), the action never stops and the pacing is downright spot on. With all that Tom Pollock has shown so far with these two books, marks him as an author to be aware off... once you picked up one of his books, prepare to be hooked. You won't be able to put them down. Recommended for every urban fantasy fan. The Skyscraper's Throne is a one-of-a-kind series, it's brilliant!
June 8, 2019
Если первая книга мне действительно пришлась по душе, то вторая - очень понравилась. Читала взахлеб. Мир все такой же причудливый, необычный и сюрреалистический, но теперь мы видим его за Стеклом. Поллок снова придумывает что-то необычное и вычурное, местами даже жутковатое. Единственное, что расстроило (и всегда будет меня расстраивать) - это внезапная лгбт-линия, которая здесь была уже не второстепенной.
January 31, 2023
Loved reading this book, loved being in this world again, and this was such a great adventure!
September 2, 2013
The Review: http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/09/....
“Wow. If you thought that Tom Pollock could not get any better, think again - The Glass Republic cements The Skyscraper Throne Trilogy’s place as one of the greatest urban fantasy works that I’ve had the pleasure to read, and we haven’t even had the third book yet. If you enjoyed books by Neil Gaiman or Kate Griffin then you’ll love this series.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
The City’s Son was a book that made it onto my ‘Best 25 novels of 2012′ list, which meant that I would be checking out the sequel The Glass Republic, as soon as I could. If I made a list of most anticipated 2013 novels, you can bet that The Glass Republic would be within the Top 10 if not the Top 5, because the first book by Tom Pollock was just that good. And when I got The Glass Republic through the post as a review copy, I knew I had to jump right in as soon as possible even though I was in the middle of a book already. And when I started reading, I couldn’t stop – Pollock’s second novel excells just as much as the first one, and doesn’t suffer from the ‘middle book syndrome’ that often plagues trilogies. Most of the second act is spent setting up the first, not much happens – there’s a lot of worldbuilding – you know what I mean. You’ve seen it before a million times. But I’m pleased to say that The Glass Republic doesn’t fall into that trap, and delivers a very awesome read that stands as one of the most unique novels that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, with a very awesome concept to boot.
"Pen’s life is all about secrets: the secret of the city’s spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly – and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror. Pen’s reflected twin is the only girl who really understands her.
Then Parva is abducted and Pen makes a terrible bargain for the means to track her down. In London-Under-Glass, looks are currency, and Pen’s scars make her a rare and valuable commodity. But some in the reflected city will do anything to keep Pen from the secret of what happened to the sister who shared her face."
Whilst much of the narrative was focused on Beth’s perspective, The Glass Republic takes up the vast majority of its page-count telling the story through the point of view of Pen Khan, Beth’s best friend – who suffered life-changing incidents at the end of The City’s Son and the aftermath is really expanded on here as the character is really fleshed out. Unlike most novels that choose to have a different character’s viewpoint for the second novel in the trilogy, The Glass Republic isn’t just the same events told by a different character’s perspective, instead – it moves the story forward, further fleshing out the unique urban-fantasy setting created by Tom Pollock and delivering one of the greatest second acts in a book that I’ve seen, the whole concept of London-Under Glass being refreshingly unique.
Whilst Beth’s character may not receive as much attention here as she did in The City’s Son, which was a shame because I was really liking her character and looking forward to seeing where she developed, Pollock manages to make it so that it doesn’t really matter, making Pen a likeable, rootable and interesting protagonist who is capable of standing on her own without having to rely on Beth all the time. The book itself really rams it home that this series is not your typical urban fantasy featuring private detectives, vampires and werewolves. No - The Glass Republic, is different, comparable in quality to the likes of Neil Gaiman and to a slightly lesser extent Kate Griffin, Tom Pollock really makes himself a ‘must read’ author with this book, and the third instalment (and unfortunately, final) in this trilogy can’t come soon enough, especially as this book ends on a cliffhanger, as is common for most second acts in trilogies, making book three a release-day read for me.
The book moves along at a pretty swift, but not-lightning fast pace (to see what I mean by lightning fast, read a book by Dan Brown or James Patterson), but that’s a good thing. There weren’t any times when I felt bogged down by the narrative, and the prose was smooth and captivating. I love the direction that Pollock is taking The Skyscraper Throne Trilogy and I really can’t wait to see what he can do with the third act. This book is certainly a strong contender for book of the year for me, and if you haven’t read The City’s Son yet I strongly recommend that you go back and read it. In my view at least, both books here are pretty much essential reading for fans of urban fantasy. Seriously, these books are that good.
VERDICT: 5/5
THE SKYSCRAPER THRONE TRILOGY: The City’s Son, The Glass Republic,
“Wow. If you thought that Tom Pollock could not get any better, think again - The Glass Republic cements The Skyscraper Throne Trilogy’s place as one of the greatest urban fantasy works that I’ve had the pleasure to read, and we haven’t even had the third book yet. If you enjoyed books by Neil Gaiman or Kate Griffin then you’ll love this series.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
The City’s Son was a book that made it onto my ‘Best 25 novels of 2012′ list, which meant that I would be checking out the sequel The Glass Republic, as soon as I could. If I made a list of most anticipated 2013 novels, you can bet that The Glass Republic would be within the Top 10 if not the Top 5, because the first book by Tom Pollock was just that good. And when I got The Glass Republic through the post as a review copy, I knew I had to jump right in as soon as possible even though I was in the middle of a book already. And when I started reading, I couldn’t stop – Pollock’s second novel excells just as much as the first one, and doesn’t suffer from the ‘middle book syndrome’ that often plagues trilogies. Most of the second act is spent setting up the first, not much happens – there’s a lot of worldbuilding – you know what I mean. You’ve seen it before a million times. But I’m pleased to say that The Glass Republic doesn’t fall into that trap, and delivers a very awesome read that stands as one of the most unique novels that I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, with a very awesome concept to boot.
"Pen’s life is all about secrets: the secret of the city’s spirits, deities and monsters her best friend Beth discovered, living just beyond the notice of modern Londoners; the secret of how she got the intricate scars that disfigure her so cruelly – and the most closely guarded secret of all: Parva, her mirror-sister, forged from her reflections in a school bathroom mirror. Pen’s reflected twin is the only girl who really understands her.
Then Parva is abducted and Pen makes a terrible bargain for the means to track her down. In London-Under-Glass, looks are currency, and Pen’s scars make her a rare and valuable commodity. But some in the reflected city will do anything to keep Pen from the secret of what happened to the sister who shared her face."
Whilst much of the narrative was focused on Beth’s perspective, The Glass Republic takes up the vast majority of its page-count telling the story through the point of view of Pen Khan, Beth’s best friend – who suffered life-changing incidents at the end of The City’s Son and the aftermath is really expanded on here as the character is really fleshed out. Unlike most novels that choose to have a different character’s viewpoint for the second novel in the trilogy, The Glass Republic isn’t just the same events told by a different character’s perspective, instead – it moves the story forward, further fleshing out the unique urban-fantasy setting created by Tom Pollock and delivering one of the greatest second acts in a book that I’ve seen, the whole concept of London-Under Glass being refreshingly unique.
Whilst Beth’s character may not receive as much attention here as she did in The City’s Son, which was a shame because I was really liking her character and looking forward to seeing where she developed, Pollock manages to make it so that it doesn’t really matter, making Pen a likeable, rootable and interesting protagonist who is capable of standing on her own without having to rely on Beth all the time. The book itself really rams it home that this series is not your typical urban fantasy featuring private detectives, vampires and werewolves. No - The Glass Republic, is different, comparable in quality to the likes of Neil Gaiman and to a slightly lesser extent Kate Griffin, Tom Pollock really makes himself a ‘must read’ author with this book, and the third instalment (and unfortunately, final) in this trilogy can’t come soon enough, especially as this book ends on a cliffhanger, as is common for most second acts in trilogies, making book three a release-day read for me.
The book moves along at a pretty swift, but not-lightning fast pace (to see what I mean by lightning fast, read a book by Dan Brown or James Patterson), but that’s a good thing. There weren’t any times when I felt bogged down by the narrative, and the prose was smooth and captivating. I love the direction that Pollock is taking The Skyscraper Throne Trilogy and I really can’t wait to see what he can do with the third act. This book is certainly a strong contender for book of the year for me, and if you haven’t read The City’s Son yet I strongly recommend that you go back and read it. In my view at least, both books here are pretty much essential reading for fans of urban fantasy. Seriously, these books are that good.
VERDICT: 5/5
THE SKYSCRAPER THRONE TRILOGY: The City’s Son, The Glass Republic,
September 24, 2013
I liked the “City’s Son”, liked, not loved. It was an imaginative, original book, but for the first part it lacked the connection I so value with the characters. I liked it enough though to read the second book “The Glass Republic”, which I received from Jo Fletcher Books (seriously, thank you!). I’d read raving reviews about “The Glass Republic” before starting it, so I began my second journey into Pollock’s London with high expectation. And boy, it didn’t disappoint. Not at all. Such a great book, so much depth, such fantastic themes, such an amazing story.
This time the story revolves around Pen, Beth’s best friend. Those of you that have read “The City’s Son” know Pen has gone through a lot during those days she accidentally got involved in Beth’s new world. In this book, Pen is scarred, and not just physically. But she has found ways to cope, one of them being her mirror sister living behind the mirrors in London-Under-Glass. This Pen, called Parva to avoid confusion, seems a lot more confident than the Pen living in the real world. This seems to give Pen some courage and having Parva there gives Pen someone to talk to who knows exactly what she is going through.
There are many things I liked about this book, but most of all I valued the moral background. Pen has to deal with so much, not in the least the trauma of the events in the “City’s Son” and their aftermath, but she is so strong. She’s an inspiration.
There was this one scene that completely choked me up in the beginning of the book and that’s a rare thing. I don’t easily get teary-eyed when reading, unless it’s a really great scene, written so powerfully only a heartless person would keep it dry. Tom Pollock made me tear up and that alone made me love this book. But then the rest of the book happened and my love for it only grew. There is a powerful message hidden between the pages here, about seeing the beauty in yourself. Pen discovers this whole other side to the world, one exactly opposite to the one she has been living in so far and it teaches her so much. And as a reader, you learn with her.
London-Under-Glass is an extremely fascinating new world Pollock created. I loved it! It’s a distorted kind of reflection of the London Pen has known her whole life. Though London-Under-Glass is different in so many ways, it also has some resemblance to “the Old City”. One of them being the focus on beauty and how people would go to extreme lengths to achieve the ultimate image of beauty. Another one being the fact that people would be willing to sacrifice others to be in control.
Apart from these things, London-Under-Glass has a whole lot of surprises, from the people inhabiting it, to the weather. I won’t give away too much, because it’s much more fun to discover it all yourself, like I did.
Another great feature of this book is the romance. It’s so natural and genuine. I couldn’t really imagine a perfect match for Pen in the first book, but Pollock nailed it with this new character he introduced from London-Under-Glass. The character in itself is a great addition to the story and in combination with Pen, we get a superb team! I loved reading about the two of them.
As cherry on the cake the book ends in an explosion of twists and action leaving you on the edge of your seat. I flipped the last page and went “What? The end?... What? I want to know what’ll happen next!!” So yeah, that alone shows how much I enjoyed “The Glass Republic”. I can’t wait to read “Our Lady of the Streets”. This is Young Adult Urban Fantasy at its best.
This time the story revolves around Pen, Beth’s best friend. Those of you that have read “The City’s Son” know Pen has gone through a lot during those days she accidentally got involved in Beth’s new world. In this book, Pen is scarred, and not just physically. But she has found ways to cope, one of them being her mirror sister living behind the mirrors in London-Under-Glass. This Pen, called Parva to avoid confusion, seems a lot more confident than the Pen living in the real world. This seems to give Pen some courage and having Parva there gives Pen someone to talk to who knows exactly what she is going through.
There are many things I liked about this book, but most of all I valued the moral background. Pen has to deal with so much, not in the least the trauma of the events in the “City’s Son” and their aftermath, but she is so strong. She’s an inspiration.
There was this one scene that completely choked me up in the beginning of the book and that’s a rare thing. I don’t easily get teary-eyed when reading, unless it’s a really great scene, written so powerfully only a heartless person would keep it dry. Tom Pollock made me tear up and that alone made me love this book. But then the rest of the book happened and my love for it only grew. There is a powerful message hidden between the pages here, about seeing the beauty in yourself. Pen discovers this whole other side to the world, one exactly opposite to the one she has been living in so far and it teaches her so much. And as a reader, you learn with her.
London-Under-Glass is an extremely fascinating new world Pollock created. I loved it! It’s a distorted kind of reflection of the London Pen has known her whole life. Though London-Under-Glass is different in so many ways, it also has some resemblance to “the Old City”. One of them being the focus on beauty and how people would go to extreme lengths to achieve the ultimate image of beauty. Another one being the fact that people would be willing to sacrifice others to be in control.
Apart from these things, London-Under-Glass has a whole lot of surprises, from the people inhabiting it, to the weather. I won’t give away too much, because it’s much more fun to discover it all yourself, like I did.
Another great feature of this book is the romance. It’s so natural and genuine. I couldn’t really imagine a perfect match for Pen in the first book, but Pollock nailed it with this new character he introduced from London-Under-Glass. The character in itself is a great addition to the story and in combination with Pen, we get a superb team! I loved reading about the two of them.
As cherry on the cake the book ends in an explosion of twists and action leaving you on the edge of your seat. I flipped the last page and went “What? The end?... What? I want to know what’ll happen next!!” So yeah, that alone shows how much I enjoyed “The Glass Republic”. I can’t wait to read “Our Lady of the Streets”. This is Young Adult Urban Fantasy at its best.
July 31, 2013
I hate Tom Pollock. There, I’ve finally said it. I’m sorry if this upsets you, but it’s true. He’s just so bloody good at the whole urban fantasy thing. Damn him and his bucket-loads of talent. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed The City’s Son. It was undeniably entertaining stuff, but it turns out that The Glass Republic is even better. Building successfully on the promise shown by its predecessor, it’s just great from beginning to end.
Parva ‘Pen’ Khan is the focus in The Glass Republic. She suffered physically during the finale of The City’s Son and when events pick up months later, she is still mentally traumatized. Angry at the world and anxious from the lack of control in her life, she yearns for an escape. Pen meets a mirror image of herself, a confidant who she knows she can trust. When her doppelganger disappears suddenly and without warning the opportunity to change her own path is too good to resist.
One of the novels many highlights is the relationship between Pen and Espel, a steeple-jill she meets in alternate London. It is handled nicely, and if the novel has a heart then this is undoubtedly it. The interactions between these two perfectly capture that sense of uncertain awkwardness that comes with being a teenager. Imagine two young people trying to properly understand one another when they don’t fully understand themselves yet.
London-Under-Glass, the city where image is everything, is wonderfully realised. Pollock seamlessly incorporates the ever-evolving landscape of the city we all know into his mirror version. The Shard plays a key role for example. It’s a delight to discover all the little details that are just subtly different from what you would expect.
Last year I said in my review of Pollock’s debut novel that I’d love to see Studio Ghibli create something based on his work. After finishing The Glass Republic that desire has only increased. Like book one, this novel excels when it comes to world-building. I think that’s the thing I most enjoy about Pollock’s writing, his ability to bringing these imagined worlds to life is second to none. Here is a writer who is obviously comfortable letting his daydreams run riot, skewing the ordinary into something extraordinary. The good news is that he allows us readers to tag along for the ride.
Interspersed throughout the main narrative there are chapters featuring Beth Bradley, the main protagonist from The City’s Son. She is going through some changes of her own and needs desperately to find Pen. I’ll be honest, I initially wasn’t sure just how necessary these chapters were. It’s true that they do offer the welcome return of the Chemical Synod and their spokesman Johnny Naptha, but I just wasn’t sure. It turns out that my fears were entirely misplaced. Towards the novel’s end everything suddenly became clear. Beth’s inclusion is absolutely necessary. Her journey is the catalyst that acts as the bridge linking books one and two, and I suspect three, altogether.
As I’d expect from the middle book in a trilogy The Glass Republic ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Our Lady of The Streets, the final book, now promises to be something very special indeed. I’m looking forward to finding out where Pollock’s gothic urban fantasy will eventually lead.
Parva ‘Pen’ Khan is the focus in The Glass Republic. She suffered physically during the finale of The City’s Son and when events pick up months later, she is still mentally traumatized. Angry at the world and anxious from the lack of control in her life, she yearns for an escape. Pen meets a mirror image of herself, a confidant who she knows she can trust. When her doppelganger disappears suddenly and without warning the opportunity to change her own path is too good to resist.
One of the novels many highlights is the relationship between Pen and Espel, a steeple-jill she meets in alternate London. It is handled nicely, and if the novel has a heart then this is undoubtedly it. The interactions between these two perfectly capture that sense of uncertain awkwardness that comes with being a teenager. Imagine two young people trying to properly understand one another when they don’t fully understand themselves yet.
London-Under-Glass, the city where image is everything, is wonderfully realised. Pollock seamlessly incorporates the ever-evolving landscape of the city we all know into his mirror version. The Shard plays a key role for example. It’s a delight to discover all the little details that are just subtly different from what you would expect.
Last year I said in my review of Pollock’s debut novel that I’d love to see Studio Ghibli create something based on his work. After finishing The Glass Republic that desire has only increased. Like book one, this novel excels when it comes to world-building. I think that’s the thing I most enjoy about Pollock’s writing, his ability to bringing these imagined worlds to life is second to none. Here is a writer who is obviously comfortable letting his daydreams run riot, skewing the ordinary into something extraordinary. The good news is that he allows us readers to tag along for the ride.
Interspersed throughout the main narrative there are chapters featuring Beth Bradley, the main protagonist from The City’s Son. She is going through some changes of her own and needs desperately to find Pen. I’ll be honest, I initially wasn’t sure just how necessary these chapters were. It’s true that they do offer the welcome return of the Chemical Synod and their spokesman Johnny Naptha, but I just wasn’t sure. It turns out that my fears were entirely misplaced. Towards the novel’s end everything suddenly became clear. Beth’s inclusion is absolutely necessary. Her journey is the catalyst that acts as the bridge linking books one and two, and I suspect three, altogether.
As I’d expect from the middle book in a trilogy The Glass Republic ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Our Lady of The Streets, the final book, now promises to be something very special indeed. I’m looking forward to finding out where Pollock’s gothic urban fantasy will eventually lead.
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October 14, 2016
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I previously read the first book of this series, The City’s Son, back in April and I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of a YA version of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere. So, when I was approached to review the sequel, I was extremely excited! I wanted to know how the story continued for Beth without Fil, and how Pen was able to piece her life back together. Let me tell you, The Glass Republic by Tom Pollock completely BLOWS the first book out of the water. It was such an exciting read that really added so much depth to a character that wasn’t really looked into that much in the first book of the trilogy. We get to look at a new facet of this amazing world Pollock has created and the story itself is wonderful!
When we ended The City’s Son, Fil had been reborn as a pavement priest with no memory of his past life, or of Beth, who had seemingly taken his place as the child of Mater Viae. Beth’s best friend Pen, meanwhile, was recovering from her horrific barbed wire and brainwashing attack, as well as her sexual assault. In The Glass Republic by Tom Pollock, the story switches its focus away from the recently fought war, and away from Beth (mostly), to focus on Pen. This was such a brave act by Pollock as having to go write about Pen’s PTSD is something extremely difficult, yet he managed to do so quite well. Her reaction to what she endured seemed real, and her desire to cling to her mirror-sister Parva, while at the same time keeping her best friend Beth at arm’s length, all make perfect sense for someone who endured what she did. So, when Pen decides to travel to London-Under-Glass on her own to investigate her mirror-sister’s disappearance, it comes as no surprise. She needs to prove to herself she can do it on her own. And mostly, she does. What I especially loved was that my hunch on her sexual preferences from the first novel were seemingly confirmed here in the second (yay!)
The pacing, which was an issue in the first novel, was flawless in this novel. It read quickly, and every single chapter and passage held purpose. Pollock continued to build upon the world he created in the first novel, but does it through the story this time, which worked extremely well. Beth’s tiny side story is great and leaves me excited for the final story of the trilogy, Our Lady of the Streets. The ending this time was well deserved and yet, still had me frustrated because I WANTED IT TO CONTINUE! I didn’t want to stop reading, which is a great thing to say of a book.
If you’ve read The City’s Son and enjoyed it, then you definitely need to pick up The Glass Republic by Tom Pollock. It takes what was introduced in the first novel and just builds so beautifully upon it without breaking pace or story. Cannot wait for the last book of the trilogy!
// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. //
February 27, 2018
SO GOOD. One of those rare sequels that's significantly better than the first book.
Gone entirely are the things that I did not like about the first book (e.g., the tedious 1st person ramblings of Filius and his vaguely budding romance with Beth; the hamfisted yet muddled messaging regarding urban decay VS urban renewal; the lack of follow-through on important plot points). Beth's best friend, Pen Khan, was one of the stand-out characters in The City's Son, and this 2nd installment is very much her story.
This book takes place largely in "London Under Glass," the domain of the mirrorfolk introduced previously. It's a kind of alternate world within the already-alternate world of the series, which of course posits a hidden fantasy London existing as part of the "real" London. Beth still gets a few chapters on "our" side of the glass -- which is cool, because we get to see how her story continues absent Filius -- but most of the POV comes from Pen, who is still recovering from her ordeal with the... Barbed Wire, let's say. She's a complicated character (and -- as a modern teenager in London who just so happens to be from a Muslim family -- not a type seen very often in Fantasy genre or any of its subgenres) and one can understand her difficulty and alienation, and her desire for the seemingly wonderful mirrorworld. Which, she finds, has both wonders and horrors of its own.
Pollock is obviously full of ideas, and this time around he uses just as many of them as before but also manages to keep them on a tighter leash, much to the benefit of the story.
I loved this book so much. I didn't want it to end!
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
(2016 Jo Fletcher edition)
Gone entirely are the things that I did not like about the first book (e.g., the tedious 1st person ramblings of Filius and his vaguely budding romance with Beth; the hamfisted yet muddled messaging regarding urban decay VS urban renewal; the lack of follow-through on important plot points). Beth's best friend, Pen Khan, was one of the stand-out characters in The City's Son, and this 2nd installment is very much her story.
This book takes place largely in "London Under Glass," the domain of the mirrorfolk introduced previously. It's a kind of alternate world within the already-alternate world of the series, which of course posits a hidden fantasy London existing as part of the "real" London. Beth still gets a few chapters on "our" side of the glass -- which is cool, because we get to see how her story continues absent Filius -- but most of the POV comes from Pen, who is still recovering from her ordeal with the... Barbed Wire, let's say. She's a complicated character (and -- as a modern teenager in London who just so happens to be from a Muslim family -- not a type seen very often in Fantasy genre or any of its subgenres) and one can understand her difficulty and alienation, and her desire for the seemingly wonderful mirrorworld. Which, she finds, has both wonders and horrors of its own.
Pollock is obviously full of ideas, and this time around he uses just as many of them as before but also manages to keep them on a tighter leash, much to the benefit of the story.
I loved this book so much. I didn't want it to end!
** I received a Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
(2016 Jo Fletcher edition)
March 23, 2014
The continuation of Pollock's "The City's Son," this book is freaking dynamite. It takes the world he built in the series' first novel and expands it, throwing one of the characters from the first novel into a new world just as strange as the one he created in the first book. Not a dull moment, full of intrigue and inventiveness and suspense and more. Go read the first book, then read this one, so I'm not all alone in waiting on tenterhooks for book 3 to come out.
September 18, 2016
I really enjoyed this, and felt it went a bit more in depth with the issues of the world the story inhabits. Nothing like a look at the corporate push of beauty ideals within a dystopic universe to inspire the kiddos, eh?
I'm sure I would have devoured this as a teenager as well.
I'm sure I would have devoured this as a teenager as well.
February 11, 2017
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Admittedly, I didn't read the first book, which meant as I read this book I realized it was essential that I did. I read on and found myself utterly lost, confused and if someone asked me what the book was about I'd have grimaced and scratched my head as I did my best to sum it up.
That was my fault, partially. It's not written in a way to give you a glimpse of what happened in the prior book.
I still don't grasp the entire story, but what I did come to learn is that this book is about Pen, a disfigured teenage girl who knows the truth of the world - that there is another world behind the mirrors. The Mirrorstocracy. Something happens to her mirror-sister [her reflection,] and Pen is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, even make a dangerous deal.
The world aspect to the book is really amazing. Detailed, its own entity and the oddities and laws of the world versus the harsh and cruel reality of the world we live in. I have to applaud Pollock for his world building and the developments because he breathed a life into the world behind the mirror.
As far as the characters went I found myself wanting more from them. I became confused and often between Pen and Parva - they're mirror-sisters but I kept having to remind myself who was who and who was from where. It also didn't help that all of their personalities were interchangeable and maybe that was what stopped me from truly connecting with the characters, or maybe it was because I missed the first book, whatever it was there was a disconnect for me.
The overall idea was so unique and weird, a little creepy but delightful! I just wish I could have gotten into this story more than I did. I believe fans of Gaiman, Pratchett, and Carroll - or basically all things creeptastically adventurous would enjoy this.
Admittedly, I didn't read the first book, which meant as I read this book I realized it was essential that I did. I read on and found myself utterly lost, confused and if someone asked me what the book was about I'd have grimaced and scratched my head as I did my best to sum it up.
That was my fault, partially. It's not written in a way to give you a glimpse of what happened in the prior book.
I still don't grasp the entire story, but what I did come to learn is that this book is about Pen, a disfigured teenage girl who knows the truth of the world - that there is another world behind the mirrors. The Mirrorstocracy. Something happens to her mirror-sister [her reflection,] and Pen is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, even make a dangerous deal.
The world aspect to the book is really amazing. Detailed, its own entity and the oddities and laws of the world versus the harsh and cruel reality of the world we live in. I have to applaud Pollock for his world building and the developments because he breathed a life into the world behind the mirror.
As far as the characters went I found myself wanting more from them. I became confused and often between Pen and Parva - they're mirror-sisters but I kept having to remind myself who was who and who was from where. It also didn't help that all of their personalities were interchangeable and maybe that was what stopped me from truly connecting with the characters, or maybe it was because I missed the first book, whatever it was there was a disconnect for me.
The overall idea was so unique and weird, a little creepy but delightful! I just wish I could have gotten into this story more than I did. I believe fans of Gaiman, Pratchett, and Carroll - or basically all things creeptastically adventurous would enjoy this.
August 14, 2017
I read books from all over the spectrum. Very seldom do I have to give up on a book. It's only happened but a few times in many years. This one sadly had to go there. It was a YA book, but had no heart. There was language in it and abuse. I gave it through chapter 5.
It is audio. The reader, sorry to say, trying to voice young girls sounds like a grandma that can't keep her dentures in.
To be fair, this is a book 2 and I didn't read book 1. I don't know if that mattered.
The story just was boring and I didn't care about the characters. I seemed like it may have started getting interesting, but getting there sooooo slowly I couldn't take it any more. There are just too many books out there to try. This was one of 3 random I got that I've never tried or heard of. I moved on and was much more pleased.
It is audio. The reader, sorry to say, trying to voice young girls sounds like a grandma that can't keep her dentures in.
To be fair, this is a book 2 and I didn't read book 1. I don't know if that mattered.
The story just was boring and I didn't care about the characters. I seemed like it may have started getting interesting, but getting there sooooo slowly I couldn't take it any more. There are just too many books out there to try. This was one of 3 random I got that I've never tried or heard of. I moved on and was much more pleased.
January 7, 2018
Fast past urban fantasy following up on City's sun. This book is divided into two point of view Pen and Beth. I loved getting to know more Pen while still keeping in touch with Beth.
The dual storyline and I love discovering more of this living London and the concept of the mirror world. The author has created two strong and unique worlds and I loved diving into it.
The only weakness I could find with the book is the second book syndrome where the plot main focus is to introduce the final book of a trilogy.
The dual storyline and I love discovering more of this living London and the concept of the mirror world. The author has created two strong and unique worlds and I loved diving into it.
The only weakness I could find with the book is the second book syndrome where the plot main focus is to introduce the final book of a trilogy.
April 5, 2018
The twists in areas made it a good book. I wasn't too excited about this book because it was about Parva and Pen. Which in the first book "the city's son " she betrays Beth in secrects and it plain as day Beth loves her. And then this book she falls in love with another character and more secrets leading her to crawl back to Beth. So this book was good but it aggravated me due to the main character.
"A diversion? What do you want me to Do? Break dance? "-Espel
"Can you?"-Pen
"Not even close."- Pen
"A diversion? What do you want me to Do? Break dance? "-Espel
"Can you?"-Pen
"Not even close."- Pen
January 23, 2020
Rating:7.5/10
Finally finished the second book to The Skyscraper Throne series! It’s a good series/book but I had trouble keeping interest in it, still gonna finish the series when I finally get the 3rd book! The main characters are 2 girls, so in the first book it was one of the girl’s adventures and this one was the other one’s so I’m assuming the 3rd book will be them together. I’d still recommend the series though!
Finally finished the second book to The Skyscraper Throne series! It’s a good series/book but I had trouble keeping interest in it, still gonna finish the series when I finally get the 3rd book! The main characters are 2 girls, so in the first book it was one of the girl’s adventures and this one was the other one’s so I’m assuming the 3rd book will be them together. I’d still recommend the series though!
July 12, 2022
The next phase of Pen’s life is woven beautifully in this second instalment of this series. Her growing as a character, coming to realisations kept me reading with no interruptions. The world is built with subtle reflections of our own world making people stop and really think about what is going on. The fantasy behind this book is so imaginative and yet modern, you cannot help but want more from this author.
December 27, 2017
Love, love, love. Great world. Great characters. Great friendships.
December 26, 2018
This book surpasses the previous one and I didn’t think that was possible! Gripping, exciting fantasy - now for the third!
December 21, 2020
Liked these almost Mievilles environments and feelings. But I loved first book more...
April 24, 2021
Just not for me. I slogged through until the end, but will not read book 3
dnf
July 17, 2022Got halfway through and i just can’t do it anymore.
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