The Glasswrights' Apprentice

When Rani Trader finds herself wanted for the murder of the Prince, she flees from her condemned guild house and takes to the city streets, disguising herself along the way, and desperately seeking the truth behind the vile crime that everyone believes she is responsible for. But lies and treachery abound and Rani unknowingly becomes a pawn in an evil plot that centers on The Brotherhood, a secret organization that has been growing for years and encompasses her guild, her family, and even as high up as the royal household.I really loved this book! I stayed up all night to read it from the first page to the last. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, and there wasn't a single dull moment where you can say to yourself, "Okay, here's a good spot to take a break and come back later." I found myself completely wrapped up in Rani's plight, and followed right along in her footsteps, trying to puzzle out what was really going on and who to trust. Ms. Klasky did a wonderful job of describing the very interesting caste system she`s created, and the important role of the Gods in these people's lives. This book has it all; mystery and intrigue, lies and deception, love and loss, friendship and betrayal, action and suspense, and ultimate truth and atonement. The world was real and believable, the characters were intriguing, and the plot was expertly woven together, with nice little twists and turns along the way. It was also a roller-coaster of emotions that even coaxed forth some tears. If a book can make me cry, it's definitely a keeper! And even though things are wrapped up nicely at the end, I still can't wait to dive into the next book in the series (The Glasswrights' Progress) to see what happens next for this plucky little heroine!

The Story: Ms Klasky's story revolves around a young lady who just turned 13 and is an apprentice in a Glasswright's guild. The society she lives in is loosely based on a caste system. While carrying out her apprentice duties, she accidentally becomes embroiled in an assasination. Unfortunately she knows many of the main players. But the King is unaware of her innocence and has every guard and citizen looking for her. Somehow she must not only prove her own innocence, but that of her family and the glasswright's guild she once belonged to. While doing so, she will also expose the true assassins. The Book: Ms Klasky deftly illustrates the effects of a caste system of government on it's citizens. Much of the main character's confusion in her young life is brought about because she is forced to cross caste lines in her efforts to stay alive and safe. A good part of the book's plot involves the conflict between a caste form of society as opposed to an open society. The Character(s): I thought Ms Klasky developed her characters well. None of them had any suddenly special characteristics or abilities. Ms Klasky's main character, Rani (one of her many names), is well developed as the 13-year old child she is. Throughout the novel Rani is manipulated to commit acts she sometimes wisely questions but seldom avoids. Her quest for group/social acceptance leads her into many misadventures, but it all comes out well in the end. As the reader, you could see what Rani could not. Many was the time I wished I could call out to her to reassure or warn. If you really get into the characters of a book, be warned. These will completely engulf you, especially Rani.

I really loved this book. I was impressed with how well done it was, since it is a first novel. The author has created a rich and unique world inhabited by interesting, fully developed characters. I completely lost myself in reading about Rani's difficulties and adventures. I was amazed at some of her actions, but she is a complex and very real character. She was, after all, a young person with strong beliefs and convictions who was manipulated by very bad people. I read mostly fantasies, and it is refreshing to read one which really does not try to mimic any of the standard or traditional plot lines. I can't wait for future books.

Although fantasy mysteries are not my usual genre of reading fare, once I started this book I couldn't stop. The vocabulary is rich, the writing engaging and sophisticated, the cultural mileiu vividly depicted, and the story line irresistible. My family thought that I was planning to vacation with THEM, but once I started this book they were on their own. It's a winner!

Once I picked up this book, I didn't put it down. Rani's tale is one of a young teenager in a world of castes, where to move between them is expensive and unusual. Her world is suddenly turned upside down when the crown prince is publicly murdered, and Rani is implicated. She loses her family, her name, her caste and her ability to think for herself. She is so discombobulated by what has happened to her that she is easily influenced by those to whom she believes she owes something. I don't think she is amoral, as another reviewer wrote. I think she is trying to cope with so many major changes in her life that she clings to whatever hope presents itself, and thereby becomes a puppet to those with more power.Throughout the book, I was continually reminded of J.V. Jones' The Barbed Coil, not because of a similarity in plot or characters, but because of the patterns, and the writing, which drew me in as completely as did the Barbed Coil. The climax of The Glasswright's Apprentice is unexpected, but fitting. I found the end of the book, however, flat, open-ended and disappointing. It lends itself to a sequel. I hope there is one!