The Glasswrights' Progress: The Glasswright's Progress, Book Two

I read the first in this series several years ago and loved it. I dropped back into the setting with ease. The characters are real and multidimensional. The caste systems are a very real comment on our modern castes. I am fascinated by the workings of the glasswright`s guild and the descriptions of Rani's challenges in cutting glass. I am still reading the series and would recommend it to any lover of historical fiction or fantasy.

Rani Trader's life has changed very much since 2 years ago when she was falsely accused of being involved in the crown prince's murder. Now, at 15, she is working very hard to rebuild the shattered glasswrights guild as she lives a privileged life in the court. But everything changes when she and the former touched girl Mair are kidnapped by the ... prince Bashi, and taken away to a northern country. Here lives an old woman who's life is changed forever when she saves a young boy named Crestman who is in fact the leader of the "Little Army," an army of children loyal to the tyrant Sir Hazar. Meanwhile back in Morina, the young king Hal finds himself in a fierce political battle with the Fellowship of Jair, the same fellowship that have protected him and helped in achieved a throne. His loyalty to his country and loyalty to his brothers are put to the test. He soon realizes that he won't be able to remain loyal to both of them for ever, and soon he will half to make an important choice.While I enjoyed Rani's first story, The Glasswrights Apprentice, I was blown away by it's sequel. In the Glasswrights Progress Rani and her friend's story is more thrilling than ever. While reading it I found myself shocked at the maturity some of the characters now posses. Rani's life has changed a lot since the last book and she shows it. I was also surprised to see a very little romance sneak in towards the end. If you're a fan of dark suspenseful fantasy novels I recommend this to you. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series, the Glasswrights Journeyman.

Really a very, very good book. If you were daunted by the first one, this one has a simpler plot and a lot of character. I couldn't put it down and didn't get confused, like I did with the first one. All of the old characters return in full force, most notably Hal as King of Morenia--and, of course, Rani, with as much intrigue and tricks up her sleeves as ever. Amazing, amazing book.

I enjoyed the first book in this series very much and the second does not disappoint. Newly made an honorary noble for her part in foiling a traitorous plot, all Rani Trader wants to do is rebuild the destroyed Glasswright's Guild. But again she finds herself in the middle of great events when she is kidnapped by a traitorous prince and taken to be used as a hostage in an enemy kingdom. The devious king of this land is seizing all the children in his nation and turning them into an amoral army of obedient soldiers. At least that is the official story of what it happening to the children. Rani uncovers the fact that he is actually selling them as slaves and has amassed a huge army of mercenaries using the money gained from the slavetrade. And he is poised to invade her own country! She escapes and tries to warn her king with the aid of a conflicted young captain in the children's army. Meanwhile her young king values her far more than she knows and invades the enemy in vengeance for what he believes is her death. This is another book with wonderful characters. I can't wait to see the further exploits of Rani and her King.

I thought that this new book by Mindy L. Klasky was wonderful. The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of romance between Hal and Rani. At the end of the "Apprentice" I felt sure that their was something developing between the two of them. Somehow they just seem so right for eachother. In this book, Rani is still struggling to find her place in this world, I think. She still has some growing up to do, as many of her actions in this book are immature!!! I was slightly annoyed when, during the course of the novel, Hal pines for Rani and vows with his whole being to avenge her "death". He risks his life and his army for her memory (as he believes her dead). But at the end of the book after the battle when Hal is overcome with grief at the loss of his men etc.. Rani doesn't even go to console him "because he is my king ... and nothing more". Hal practically considers Rani to be his sister and I think he may be starting to fall in love with her, but she is oblivious to it all. Overall, this book was great but I still think that Ms. Klasky should make Hal and Rani fall in love and I also think that Rani needs to be a little more mature. Great Book!!! Happy reading to everyone!