Gemma is the only member of the anointed Ashbourne family that doesn’t possess magic. She covers up the personal shame with glitzy parties and fancy dresses, always playing the perfect hostess for her father and older sister, Farrin. They are too busy plotting against their mortal enemies, the Bask family, to pay her much attention. The attacks on the Middlemist are increasing and the danger is spreading. When Gemma’s father brings Talan D’Astier into their circle, she is immediately drawn in by his handsome face and sad story about the death of his family. He tells her about a demon that has been fighting against their families, preventing their happiness and encouraging the deadly rivalry with the Basks. The two band together; Talan agrees to help Gemma defeat the demon, and she vows to help him restore his family name.
A lot is going on in this book. In some instances, I would say the writing is over-achieving. Talan’s insistence on finding The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown borders on obsessive. While there is an attempt to give Gemma layers, it’s difficult to see them. She wants to be worthy of her father’s attention, she wants to be seen as more than a silly girl, and she blindly pursues a demon all the while doubting his existence. Talan doesn’t evolve. He’s mysterious and brooding, but he’s also flat. Even once his motivation is revealed he still doesn’t grow any further. I really liked Claire LeGrand’s Empirium trilogy so I really wanted to like this book. I will pick up the sequel and give the story another chance. But I must admit, I am underwhelmed so far.
A Crown of Ivy and Glass is the first book in the Middlemist Trilogy by Claire LeGrand. It is also her first adult fantasy title. I recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Wings Once Cursed & Bound by Piper J. Drake, These Bitter Blooms by Emma Hamm, and Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.