Book Review: The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood

 

Eleanor aka Ella was once treated like the daughter of the woman of the house. But things changed drastically when Mrs. Pembroke died and Mr.Pembroke became her guardian. Ella was sent below stairs. All of her privileges removed, she worked hard as a housemaid. Her hands become red, dry, and cracked from the hard work. 

Ella's one pleasure is when she sneaks into the library late at night and reads. Books transport her away from reality. And it is here she meets the shadow woman. The shadow woman comes across as some type of fairy godmother at first, but as things progress there are elements of Faustian type stories. For every wish Eleanor makes, there is a terrible price. And if she makes all the offered wishes, she will pay the ultimate price of her soul.

This story is definitely gothic in nature. The atmosphere is dark, grimy Victorian London. Even Granborough house is dark and crumbling. There is a perceived innocent and paranormal elements. And there is much mystery. 

The book is well plotted generally. It is a little slow in parts, but makes up for that later. 

I kind of liked Eleanor at first. As the book goes on, it gets a little harder to like her even if it is easy to understand why she would make some of the choices she does. Some of the other characters are hateable - Mr. Pembroke, for example. Some more likable, think Charles Pembroke.

Overall, the book is well written. I wasn't crazy about the ending, but it fits. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's definitely an interesting take on a Cinderella story. It's worth the read. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect the content of my review.