Alright, fellow book lovers, gather ’round for a journey into the depths of Caverna, where secrets are as abundant as the intricate delicacies its craftsmen create. In Frances Hardinge’s A Face Like Glass, you will be whisked away to a world where emotions are a commodity and the art of deception reigns supreme.

In this YA novel, a young girl named Neverfell has a face that’s as honest and transparent as a crystal clear lake. In a city where expressions must be learned and emotions carefully controlled, Neverfell’s genuine feelings are like a spark in a dark cave—impossible to ignore and dangerous to behold.

But, there’s more to Caverna than meets the eye (pun intended). Beneath its glittering surface lies a labyrinth of intrigue, where alliances shift like shadows and every smile hides a secret. As Neverfell navigates this treacherous world, she uncovers truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about herself and those around her.

Let’s talk about Neverfell for a moment—she’s not your typical protagonist. With her genuine emotions on full display, she’s a breath of fresh air in a city where everyone’s wearing a mask, both figuratively and literally. Her journey of self-discovery is as captivating as it is relatable, and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.

What really gets us about A Face Like Glass is how it takes you on this rollercoaster ride through a world that’s as mesmerizing as it is dangerous. You’ll be turning pages faster than you can say “hallucinogenic cheese” as Neverfell uncovers the secrets lurking beneath Caverna’s glittering surface.

But, it’s not all about the thrill of the chase. Frances Hardinge weaves in these deeper themes about identity and authenticity that really make you stop and think. Like, what does it mean to be yourself in a world where everyone’s wearing a mask? And can you really trust someone who’s always hiding their true feelings?

This all plays into the mystery at the heart of the story: the truth about Neverfell’s past and the secrets hidden within her own mind. As she delves deeper into the labyrinth of Caverna’s secrets, she discovers shocking truths about herself and the world around her – ones that neither her nor us saw coming. 

Plus, the world-building in this book is just off the charts. Seriously, who comes up with stuff like wine that erases memories? It’s like every page is packed with these little nuggets of imagination that just make you go, “Whoa.”

Frances Hardinge’s world-building truly is something to marvel at, and reaches new heights when paired with her unique characters. From the enigmatic Grand Steward to the cunning Madame Appeline, each character adds another layer to the story, keeping you guessing about their true motives until the very end. You never know who to trust in Caverna, and that uncertainty keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.

Another aspect of the book that really stands out is its exploration of the power dynamics at play in Caverna. The aristocracy holds all the cards, quite literally, with their ability to manipulate emotions through the delicacies they produce. It’s a commentary on the ways in which those in power often control the narrative and shape the reality of those beneath them—a theme that feels particularly relevant in today’s world.

Long story short, even though this story really isn’t that long, A Face Like Glass is an intriguing spin on a fantasy/dystopian/self-discovery novel that you have to check out. 

Does A Face Like Glass get our stamp of approval?

Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? Absolutely!  A Face Like Glass hooks you from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the final chapter. The story is a whirlwind of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing at every turn.

Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? The characters  are incredibly well-developed, each with their own motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story. They feel like real people, with all the flaws and complexities that entails, and their growth throughout the story is both compelling and satisfying to witness.

Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? The well-crafted prose showcases vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice throughout the story. The dialogue in the book is equally impressive, with each character speaking in a distinct voice that reflects their personality and motivations. 

Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? A Face Like Glass is a deeply emotional book that will have readers laughing, crying, and everything in between.

Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? Frances Hardinge doesn’t just offer a new world; she gives us a whole underground city where emotions are as precious as gold and cheese has mind-altering properties. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before, trust us.

Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development?  The pacing delivers a perfect balance of action, exposition, and character development that kept us engaged from the first page to the last. It never felt rushed or dragged out. 

World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? The intricately crafted world of Caverna is so vividly imagined that it feels like you could step right into its labyrinthine streets. Heck, you aren’t just introduced to the world, you are sucked into it. 

Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? Where do we even start? There is so much to gleam for this book, you’re probably better off just reading it and seeing what stands out to you. 

Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? Every loose end is neatly tied up, and you can’t help but feel a sense of closure as you turn the final page.

Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? We absolutely enjoyed the book. It’s a captivating journey filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. From the richly imagined world of Caverna to the heartwarming moments of self-discovery, there’s something about this story that just sticks with you long after you’ve finished reading. It’s the kind of book that you find yourself thinking about weeks, months, or even years later, and that’s the mark of a truly great read. So yes, without a doubt, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!

Have you read A Face Like Glass yet? 

If you’ve read A Face Like Glass, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?