joliendelandsheer's review
4.0
Originally at The Fictional Reader
As I mentioned in my #FridayReads, I saw the YouTube-series based on this novel about two weeks ago. I loved it so much, it was captivating and interesting and decided then and there that I had to pick this book up. As soon as possible. I’ve read my fair share of vampire books and discovered some that I loved and some that I didn’t like as much. This one ended up being more on the really-liked-it side of the spectrum.
Let’s talk about the plot first. I’m going to be honest, I probably shouldn’t have watched all of the episodes two weeks before reading it. Why, you ask? Because I already knew the -entire- storyline for this novel. My mistake. But even though I knew most of it -some parts are different, but not much- I enjoyed it so much and read it in only like 2 sittings. I was still intrigued by the story even though I already knew what would happen. It’s definitely a fast-paced novel. It even gave me the feeling that everything happened so fast -but not in a bad way- and that Claire’s life must have been turned upside down in a matter of hours.
That leads me to the second part: the characters. I could easily put a face to all of them because I’d seen the actors before and it made the experience even more enjoyable. I really enjoyed reading about the main character Claire, who is incredibly intelligent. I think it’s something that doesn’t get written about enough even though it happens. There are some people out there who go to university by the age of 15 or 16 and finish before most of us even start. I think it can be an incredibly lonely place, because there’s no one of your age and others will probably treat you like a child -because us humans could still learn a lot about showing kindness every day.
Claire was an interesting main character: she made decisions that seemed rational to me and didn’t dramatize everything too much. I also liked her new roommates: Shane, Michael and Eve. They all have their own stories and reasons for living in Morganville and even more so, for living in the Glass House. They’re all quite different as well: Michael is a young musician, Shane a young guy who has been through a terrible tragedy and Eve a goth girl whose family kicked her out -for specific reasons. They all have certain aspects and dimensions that make me want to keep reading, just so I could find out more about them. Side note: the character Monica is absolutely insane. That girl is a psychopath. An actual crazy person who would probably turn serial killer if she were real.
I will definitely continue reading the series! Who knows what they will be up to in the next novel?
As I mentioned in my #FridayReads, I saw the YouTube-series based on this novel about two weeks ago. I loved it so much, it was captivating and interesting and decided then and there that I had to pick this book up. As soon as possible. I’ve read my fair share of vampire books and discovered some that I loved and some that I didn’t like as much. This one ended up being more on the really-liked-it side of the spectrum.
Let’s talk about the plot first. I’m going to be honest, I probably shouldn’t have watched all of the episodes two weeks before reading it. Why, you ask? Because I already knew the -entire- storyline for this novel. My mistake. But even though I knew most of it -some parts are different, but not much- I enjoyed it so much and read it in only like 2 sittings. I was still intrigued by the story even though I already knew what would happen. It’s definitely a fast-paced novel. It even gave me the feeling that everything happened so fast -but not in a bad way- and that Claire’s life must have been turned upside down in a matter of hours.
That leads me to the second part: the characters. I could easily put a face to all of them because I’d seen the actors before and it made the experience even more enjoyable. I really enjoyed reading about the main character Claire, who is incredibly intelligent. I think it’s something that doesn’t get written about enough even though it happens. There are some people out there who go to university by the age of 15 or 16 and finish before most of us even start. I think it can be an incredibly lonely place, because there’s no one of your age and others will probably treat you like a child -because us humans could still learn a lot about showing kindness every day.
Claire was an interesting main character: she made decisions that seemed rational to me and didn’t dramatize everything too much. I also liked her new roommates: Shane, Michael and Eve. They all have their own stories and reasons for living in Morganville and even more so, for living in the Glass House. They’re all quite different as well: Michael is a young musician, Shane a young guy who has been through a terrible tragedy and Eve a goth girl whose family kicked her out -for specific reasons. They all have certain aspects and dimensions that make me want to keep reading, just so I could find out more about them. Side note: the character Monica is absolutely insane. That girl is a psychopath. An actual crazy person who would probably turn serial killer if she were real.
I will definitely continue reading the series! Who knows what they will be up to in the next novel?
thegeekyblogger's review
4.0
Read/Listened for Fun (Kindle/Library Book)
Originally Read in 2010/Listened in 2013
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall Rating)
(Original Review written in 2010)
What I Loved: Claire was such a unique character for a YA Novel. A teenager put into college with advanced placement. She has her 16 yr old moments but she is smart, that shines through much of the time. Shane, Micheal, and Eve round out a great cast of friends for her. The story was also fantastic--Rachel created a world that was believable (I grew up in small town nowhere TX and simply could believe this place would exist) and intriguing.
What I Liked: Morganville had all the things most towns do but how it ran was gently woven into the story. I really liked the scene where they set down and went over the rules of vampires. I thought it was really well down and something that Claire would definitely do to figure out how to get out of her mess.
Complaints: The Monikettes represent the thing I don't like about YA novels--not because they are mean and nasty (bad guys should be) but because they were HS petty and little things set them off. Which would have been fine but they were in college. That is just my thing though and they did not overwhelm the story.
Why I gave it a 4: Really I enjoyed it and will be continuing on the story to see what happens to the merry band of 4! Especially after the ending ARGH!
Who I would recommend it too: This is great for YA PNR readers and I would say PNR readers that liked the Vampire Academy.
Additional Thoughts 2013
Audio Thoughts:
Listening to the audio on the reread was the way to go. I am a pretty big fan of Cynthia Holloway so I knew I would like the audio. I was warned that somewhere along the way the narrator will change but for now I will bask in Cynthia's timing and emotion. I will also try not to get to attached to her narration.
Originally Read in 2010/Listened in 2013
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (Not part of the overall Rating)
(Original Review written in 2010)
What I Loved: Claire was such a unique character for a YA Novel. A teenager put into college with advanced placement. She has her 16 yr old moments but she is smart, that shines through much of the time. Shane, Micheal, and Eve round out a great cast of friends for her. The story was also fantastic--Rachel created a world that was believable (I grew up in small town nowhere TX and simply could believe this place would exist) and intriguing.
What I Liked: Morganville had all the things most towns do but how it ran was gently woven into the story. I really liked the scene where they set down and went over the rules of vampires. I thought it was really well down and something that Claire would definitely do to figure out how to get out of her mess.
Complaints: The Monikettes represent the thing I don't like about YA novels--not because they are mean and nasty (bad guys should be) but because they were HS petty and little things set them off. Which would have been fine but they were in college. That is just my thing though and they did not overwhelm the story.
Why I gave it a 4: Really I enjoyed it and will be continuing on the story to see what happens to the merry band of 4! Especially after the ending ARGH!
Who I would recommend it too: This is great for YA PNR readers and I would say PNR readers that liked the Vampire Academy.
Additional Thoughts 2013
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Cynthia Holloway / Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
Listening to the audio on the reread was the way to go. I am a pretty big fan of Cynthia Holloway so I knew I would like the audio. I was warned that somewhere along the way the narrator will change but for now I will bask in Cynthia's timing and emotion. I will also try not to get to attached to her narration.
mrose21's review against another edition
4.0
I'm using Scribd so I finally got the chance to read this book.
It isn't what I expected and I don't really know how to explain it but I expected more of a happy everyone loves vampires story and I'm glad it isn't like that in a way because its been done so many times. I'm sad because it is so hard to read being like this.
I like Claire she is pretty grown up but I don't get the idea that she is that intelligent, its more like she is smart yeah but not like that?
Now I'm really confused why when people leave town they can't remember anything no magic is mentioned in this book or at all in the 3 books I've gone through for this series so far so why this is, confuses me.
I can't give this book a 5 because although I liked this book I'm only really reading this series to get this horrible feeling of dread off of me. Its bugging me how much this book is getting to me but its pretty gloomy a lot of the time. Claire and Eve annoy me a lot because there's no bond like the author forces on us constantly but its made out like they're BFFL and its just fake.
It isn't what I expected and I don't really know how to explain it but I expected more of a happy everyone loves vampires story and I'm glad it isn't like that in a way because its been done so many times. I'm sad because it is so hard to read being like this.
I like Claire she is pretty grown up but I don't get the idea that she is that intelligent, its more like she is smart yeah but not like that?
Now I'm really confused why when people leave town they can't remember anything no magic is mentioned in this book or at all in the 3 books I've gone through for this series so far so why this is, confuses me.
Spoiler
I KNEW something wasn't right with Michael or with Oliver. Oliver gave me a bad feeling but I didn't know why, whereas something about Michael sleeping during the day just set my spider senses off. Although I was sure he wasn't a vampireI can't give this book a 5 because although I liked this book I'm only really reading this series to get this horrible feeling of dread off of me. Its bugging me how much this book is getting to me but its pretty gloomy a lot of the time. Claire and Eve annoy me a lot because there's no bond like the author forces on us constantly but its made out like they're BFFL and its just fake.
hoosgracie's review
3.0
A very readable book about a teen who goes to college at 16 and finds that not all is what it seems in Morganville, TX. Namely, that the town is run by vampires. Touches of romance and horror.
alisonb's review
4.0
Entertaining read. I like the mix of characters and the premise. Looking forward to reading the next book.
marissacelina's review
5.0
This would be the first book of many in Rachel Caine's, The Morganville Vampires. This was not a 5 star introduction to the series, having read up to book 15 (WOW!). But at the time, when I hadn't read the others, this was an amazing book. Claire was is such a strong character! For being a 16 year old graduate and going off to some creepy town, knowing no one, is pretty damn strong. Of course at first, she feels alone and vulnerable, and I think thats what really made me connect with her. We have all felt that at one point in our life. The way she handles it and just sucks it up and tuffs through, it really is an inspiration and I usually don't get inspired by vampire books haha! Then of course there's the romance, which is sweet and nice and of course, Shane the 19 year old, who is very reluctant to start anything with Claire because .. well... SHES ONLY 16! and so of course he tries to stay away, but when does that ever work ;) The only thing I find that wasn't " 5 Stars" was the fact that I sometimes skimmed over parts. Thats it though!
ahyggelibrary's review against another edition
2.0
It wasn't the type of Vampire of story that I was expecting, but I enjoyed Claire's interactions with Shane, Michael, and Eve.
k_baney's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
ashreads10k's review
5.0
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.
Rachel Caine is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. I’m shocked and immensely impressed that she can fit so much action and characterization and just general amazing-ness into one very small book.
Glass Houses never once dragged, or lacked in characters, or really anything bad. My only complaint is that it was too short! Haha. At least there are several more books after it. I really enjoyed this book.
Claire is such a well-rounded girl. She’s smart, occasionally sassy, and just all around cool. I would want a best friend like Claire. And Eve is great too, always with some smart-ass comment.
And let me tell you about the boys.
Yum.
Michael was every kind of sexy you could imagine, in a very “I-am-drop-dead-sexy-but-I-don’t-know-it” sort of way. He’s a dreamy blond haired guitarist with some mad skills, and he’s sweet and caring as well. And hot.
And then Shane!
WOO! I need more Shane in my life. I really do. I loved him to no freaking end. He’s my favorite character. He’s so funny and hot, and just generally…… hot. Haha.
The writing was great, the pacing of the plot was amazing, and there were so many things packed in their that you wouldn’t think could fit into only one book. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone!
machapma's review
4.0
On a wait list for the next book. This was definitely written as a serial, not a stand alone book.