Gemma is the only member of the anointed Ashbourne family that doesn\u2019t 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\u2019s father brings Talan D\u2019Astier 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot is going on in this book. In some instances, I would say the writing is over-achieving. Talan\u2019s insistence on finding The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown borders on obsessive. While there is an attempt to give Gemma layers, it\u2019s difficult to see them. She wants to be worthy of her father\u2019s 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\u2019t evolve. He\u2019s mysterious and brooding, but he\u2019s also flat. Even once his motivation is revealed he still doesn\u2019t grow any further. I really liked Claire LeGrand\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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