A touching read with a strongly realised setting and a likeable, imperfect heroine. Some series knowledge helps, but isn't absolutely necessary.

Mariana's father is one of the most revered glassblowers in Murano, he has magic as well as skill. When her little sister, Eliza, dies, he makes a living glass doll in her likeness, but it seems to have more than a little of Eliza in it.
This book is full of lovely imagery of Venice and Murano, and the magical things the magicians can make. This is book 4 but you don't need to have read the others in the series as it is more like a standalone book. I will definitely be going back and reading the others though as I enjoyed this one.

Another magical read! Although this is the forth book in the series, the story reads perfectly fine as a standalone and will enchant readers from eight years and upward.

Once again the reader is taken into the beautiful streets of Venice where skilled craftsmen use magic to create the most delicate fancies imaginable. But when Marina’s little sister, Eliza, dies - their glass maker father loses himself in his grief, and creates a living doll of glass - a miniature version of Eliza.

Yet as news of the glass girl spreads, people fight for the right to “buy” her - but she is not for sale. Now Mariana will do anything to ensure her glass sister stays safe, even if it means leaving home and finding work on the mainland…

There is a lot of emotion packed into this story. Mariana’s relationship with both the real Eliza, and the glass Eliza, is truly touching. Their bond as sisters helps them get through many tasks and ordeals - although I must admit, I found the idea of a glass child a little creepy.

With that in mind, this has been my least favourite book of the series so far. Also while the emotional journey was there, I felt this book lacked the action and suspense of the other books. I also guessed very early on who the villain was, and the ending left me feeling just a little bit… empty.

Like the previous books though I throughly enjoyed the magical elements. I adored watching Mariana grow into her powers and unravel the secrets of her abilities. The old man with his magical potions was also an asset to the story - I really liked his shop of wonders - as well as the glimpses given into the bustling life of old Venice.

This book also doesn't shy away from the grimmer side of the past, subtly acknowledging that death was a common-day occurrence at the time, due to the sickness and poverty that plagued the city.

All in all though, this was a nice book to while away an afternoon with. I will definitely be continuing this series - not to mention the covers for these books are gorgeous!


3 stars!

I still haven't read the first two books in the series, but the beautiful thing is, it doesn't seem to matter. It's the kind of series where you can engage in each of the books and the magic world within in them without having to worry about loads of backstory you may have missed. Some of the same characters reappear, but only in minor rolls. It's both a series and a standalone in the best way.

Eliza (the glass version, not the real version who we don't get to spend as much time with) is the most wonderful, beautiful character. She's an excitable little thing who you want to protect from all the harm in the world especially as being glass makes her so much more fragile. I truly fell in love with her as a character and felt the same towards her as Mariana does, ready to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Mariana also is a really interesting character. She has magic but is unable to train properly as glass making magic is for men. Throughout the book she does a lot to protect her sister, but she also has her own desire to learn magic and see where her talents lie.

This really is a beautiful series and so great for younger readers. I want to get everyone to start reading these books.