A review by cnapple
A Shadow on the Glass by Ian Irvine

2.0

I recently re-read this as I remembered enjoying the series in my childhood, but unfortunately that impression didn't hold up. Two stars for an original setting and plot, but aside from that there's not much else going on. The characters, while decently developed are unlikeable and inept, particularly the two leads, and the relationships are shallow and there's little justification as to why any of them care about each other at all. The story is set in the present, but relies heavily on the events of a past crisis which is shrouded in mystery. What we do learn about past events is laid out in a series of info dumps as remembered by whichever character's point of view would be most convenient. Which is another problem with the writing; while not objectively problematic, the 3rd person omniscient voice, in this case proves distracting as the narrative jumps from one character's thoughts to another with little distinction. It also cheapens the characters and relationships as the reader is simply told flat out what everyone is feeling about each other at any given moment.

One final, curious point; the author does deserve some credit for presenting a diverse cast of characters and cultures. About half the main cast is female, and they all hold their own in terms of power with the male characters. There doesn't seem to be a gender based cultural stratification which is refreshing in an older fantasy novel. There are also prominent characters from fantasy analogues of non-western cultures, another pleasant surprise.

All in all, an entertaining, if frustrating bit of light reading. I wouldn't mind being stuck on an airplane with it, but probably not one to move to the top of your to-read list.