Shadows of Glass

Kassy Tayler

Book 2 of Ashes Trilogy

Language: English

Published: Jul 23, 2013

Pages: 342
ABC: 1

Description:

Wren's world has changed. The thing that she fought for, escaping the dome has come to fruition, but it's not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James, she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill and Harry, along with Pace's mother survive the explosions? Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offering help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she's back inside will she be able to escape again? Kassy Tayler's *Shadows of Glass *is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a dystopian world where nothing is as it seems. ** ### From School Library Journal Gr 7 Up—In the wake of an underground explosion that freed former cadet Pace, shiner Wren, and some of the villagers from the dome in Ashes of Twilight (St. Martin's Griffin, 2012), the group must work together to survive. The world outside the dome, while beautiful, is not the safe haven for which they have hoped. Many of the group who survived the explosion and subsequent flood are children, making the group more vulnerable. Wren takes the survival of the group personally and believes that her curiosity is the reason for the death and destruction. She worries about rovers, others who escaped the dome and are determined to survive at all costs. The survivors soon discover temporary salvation that arrives by airship from America. Their new friends Zan, Levi, and others share food, medicine, weapons, and training. Wren finds herself questioning her feelings for Pace and recognizing her growing attraction to Levi and the fascinating life he represents. When word arrives that their friends still inside the dome need help, they decide to embark on a rescue mission. The steampunk elements of this novel are more prominent than the first. Unfortunately, Wren's voice comes across as weaker and more self-involved in this installment. Uneven pacing further slows the action. Overall, however, the cliff-hanger ending will keep fans of the first book following Wren's adventures.—Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ ### From Booklist In this sequel to Ashes of Twilight (2012), Wren, love interest Pace, and fellow dome escapees marvel at their first taste of freedom. Reality soon sets in, and the group finds themselves battling rogue warriors, while Wren is consumed with guilt for those who died and with feelings of responsibility for those who remain in the dome. This dystopia takes on more steampunk vibes as Wren meets a treasure-hunting family traveling via dirigible, who join in the escapees’ continued fight and create a love triangle involving Wren and Pace. As Wren tries to find her life’s path, further secrets are revealed. Fans of the first book will appreciate Wren’s struggles on both sides of the dome and anxiously await the final installment—and fate of Wren’s world. Grades 8-11. --Angela Leeper