The Glass Maker's Daughter (The Cassaforte Chronicles)

By V. Briceland

Book Overview

Magic lies at the heart of Cassaforte, medieval city of bewitchments and intrigue. Cassaforte is home to sixteen-year-old Risa Divetri, whose fate is about to be decided by the gods. Risa has led the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738714240
• ISBN13: 9780738714240
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Flux
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 12 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 7 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

And Another Book Read's Reviews

Cassaforte is a medieval city full of magic, enchantments, and intrigue. While there is a king that rules the general city, the magic lays within the seven main families of the city, who each contribute a gift. One such family is the Divetri family, makers of the finest glass, whom Risa Divetri belongs to. Risa is a feisty spirit who is just coming of age to be chosen for one of the two schools in the city where young adults learn to develop their gifts. Risa is prepared to go to school and excel in creating enchanted glass, just like her father, but then the unthinkable happens. When the Gods come down to direct Risa as to where she must go, they leave her unchosen destined to remain at home. While she is devasted, she soon discovers that there might just have been a reason why she must stay at home. The city's magic soon starts to unravel and the threat of corruption becomes apparent, Risa is determined to stop it. Discovering more about herself then she could have ever imagined she sets off on an adventure to save the home she loves, as well as finding her own self. This was definitely a stunning novel! The cast of characters, as well as the plot was both extremely unique and left the reader wanting more. Also on a totally non-content based note, the cover is magnificent and completely eye catching! First I must start with the storyline, which absolutely made the book. It combined a historical element, albeit it was fictional, that made the setting really interesting and magic, but not in an over-the-top manner. While many of the objects, houses, etc. were enchanted in the city; none of the characters had powers, which made the fantasy angle of the book just mesh with almost a normalcy. Anyways I also loved how Risa had to take a journey to find herself and not just follow the same path that everyone else in her family had to follow in order to find their gift. Now, onto the characters. While most of the time I really enjoyed Risa's personality and drive to fulfill her mission, I sometimes found her to be rather whiny and unsatisfied with what she got. As the story progressed though she became more comfortable with herself and started to stand up for herself and her decisions and became a much stronger character. By the end of the book she had a keen sense of adventure which radiated through the pages of the book. Overall this was an excellent novel that all readers will enjoy, regardless of their taste in genre. As I mentioned before the fantasy aspect isn't all encompassing and there is plenty of action to satisfy even the most rambunctious of readers. The author is definitely full of talent and I hope for more novels from him with just as exciting a storyline.

It's Not Harry Potter

So many YA's these days seem to be trying to recreate the Harry Potter phenomenon. Not V. Briceland. I am a huge HP fan but I am a bigger fan of beautifully written, intricate novels like "The Glass Maker's Daughter." This story does not rush. It does not cut corners. You see each scene in rich, glorious detail. There is a definite connection to Renaissance Italy but only in the overtones. Briceland gives a clear look into a society based on class and wealth and magic. He imbues his story with lush settings and characters with heart. One thing that moved me about this book was Risa, the main character's, very real teen angst. When she is passed over, her reaction is pure hormonal girl. She has an utter emotional fit and reacts in a very childish way. Her responses are so very real in this book. It's hard to remember at times that she is a fictional character and not someone's drama queen child. But she grows. Oh how she learns and changes and turns into an interesting young woman. The romance that is in this book is lightly done. It is not the main thrust of this book. It enhances and doesn't detract. I found the storyline to be well thought out. Briceland's first in the Cassaforte Chronicles engrossed me. I am eagerly awaiting the next to join this one on my keeper shelf. The only thing that could make it perfect if it were available in e-format. Then I could carry it with me and read it again and again. Well done, Mr. Briceland. Well done.

Need Tea Reviews

Is that a gorgeous cover, or what? I have to say it was the cover that made me purchase this book and the great reviews it had received. From the premise I was expecting something fast-paced and full of fun magical happenings but I was rather let down once I got into the story. There's not much of it, or it's not as dramatic as the premise made it sound. The only magic is the enchantments and spells invoked during the artisan's craft and of course Risa's powers. Those don't manifest until much later anyway. But for all of this, The Glass Maker's Daughter, was a simple, light-hearted read that would please those of you in the mood for something on the more positive end. It took me a while to get into the writing because it wasn't nearly as captivating as the others I've read through. If I had to put a description to it, maybe plain would be the answer but that has its benefits because then you're not bogged down by show-y, fancy prose that goes on forever describing a simple object, sequence, or what have you. The plot of this book is pretty straightforward and linear. There's not much that deviates or surprises you, except for the slight twist at the end. Because there's not a whole lot of action the book is pretty slow but reads fast enough for you not to get bored. One aspect of the book that I found great was the gradual build up of romance between the characters, and that while Risa did have important special powers, they only appeared very late in the story and didn't overtake the central focus of the plot. In fact, it was seamlessly blended to move the story along and didn't hamper it all.

A book that I can read over and over again

Over vacation I was looking for some books to entertain myself with and relax. I was intrigued by the name and description of the book and thought I'd give this one a try. The world Briceland brings to us is unique and magical full of enchantment and life lessons. The book is even better than the description given on the cover so I'll try to give my own synopsis without giving the entire plot away. Risa, the glassmaker's daughter has always expected her life to go a certain way - to follow her brothers and sisters before her to the insulas (exclusive schools) where all the Thirty (noble families) are chosen to go without deviation to learn the enchantments of their respective crafts - in Risa's family the Divetri's case - glassmaking. However, she finds herself ignored by the gods who say she is not needed at the insulas - the first time this has ever happened in history to one of the Thirty's children. She has no time to sulk, however, when a plot is uncovered to destroy the Seven of Thirty (the noble families who have the power to name the heir to the throne the king) of which Caza Divetri is a member. Risa will discover the future that gods have in store for her, that magic exists in even the least noble of peasants, as well as prove to her father and her Caza that girls can enchant more than men's hearts. I've read it over 7 times so far and it still hasn't gotten old. I can't wait to see Briceland's future novels. ;)

A YA book that everyone can love

This is one of the finest young adult books I've read in some time. Typically, I've only indulged in big-name YA writers like Philip Pullman and J.K. Rowling, and I'm glad I gave this a chance. The book opens at a leisurely pace, building the mythology of Cassaforte, a magic-tinged city that might feel like 19th century Venice. The book does a wonderful job of making this nation feel alive; midway through the book, I already wanted to visit. Risa is a splendid heroine, likable and flawed, and the supporting cast is charming and alive. The book quickly steps up its pace when Risa's world starts crashing down around her; we switch from dreamy, candle-lit evenings among a noble family to sword-fights, gondola-chases, betrayal, romance, and magic. The book is woven subtly with strong young women and the beginnings of a social conscience. There's genuine humor and danger, and the ending is tremendously satisfying. I hear there's going to be a second book; I recommend getting in on the ground floor.