The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman Published by Delacorte Press on February 11, 2014
Genres: Horror
Pages: 352
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
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Death hasn't visited Rowan Rose since it took her mother when Rowan was only a little girl. But that changes one bleak morning, when five horses and their riders thunder into her village and through the forest, disappearing into the hills. Days later, the riders' bodies are found, and though no one can say for certain what happened in their final hours, their remains prove that whatever it was must have been brutal.
Rowan's village was once a tranquil place, but now things have changed. Something has followed the path those riders made and has come down from the hills, through the forest, and into the village. Beast or man, it has brought death to Rowan's door once again.
Only this time, its appetite is insatiable.
Last year I was really tempted to read McCormick Templeman’s debut novel, The Little Woods, but for some reason, I put it off. I’m glad I didn’t do the same thing with The Glass Casket. After reading this one, I’m definitely going back and reading The Little Woods because The Glass Casket was fabulous.
The Glass Casket is a chilling, atmospheric read that captivated me from the start. Admittedly, it does not have the quickest start but if you’re willing to get past that (and you should be) the story that’s held between these pages is worth it. The story is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, and horror. It’s easy to see from the very first pages that The Glass Casket is not your typical fantasy story. While I wouldn’t compare it to The Near Witch in the typical way, it has a similar feeling to it, if you get what I mean.
The writing is fabulous. It’s probably one of my favorite parts about the book and the reason that I definitely will be checking out more from McCormick Templeman. It’s not overly descriptive but definitely is not lacking in that department. It’s the perfect style of writing for this kind of story. It gives the book an added sense of creepiness and mystery.
The characters were amazing. Rowan is not the easiest person to like at the start and neither are Tom and Jude but they did grow on me. The interactions between all of them were wonderful and it’s easy to see the relationships between them all. No matter what the relationship was, they all had a certain chemistry to them.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Glass Casket to fans of fantasy with a hint of horror. McCormick Templeman does not hold anything back with this book.
What others are saying about The Glass Casket:
The Book Smugglers’ review: “The Glass Casket is not an easy story, nor is it one that leaves you feeling giddy and put in the mind of happily ever afters with rosebuds and rainbows.”
The YA Kitten’s review: “Is The Glass Casket a novel worth reading and thinking about? Definitely.”
Book Swoon’s review: “If you are a fan of darker, fairy tale inspired retellings, then this book is for you.”
Great review, this one definitely sounds like a book right up my alley. 🙂
I like that it has fantasy and romance and horror. I love the cover too! Thanks.
This looks great. And just look at the cover *stares longingly at the cover, wishing for more book money*
TRQ @ We’re All Mad Here
The book sounds right up my alley!
This looks really good. (Onto the TBR pile it goes!)
I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now. Thank you SO much for the giveaway :DD
Lovely cover, really has a mysterious quality to it — the story sounds right my cup of tea. Good review too, you really have made me want to pick this up. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I actually haven’t heard much about this book, but the cover and premise are both amazing, and paired with that review, it’s definitely up a couple notches on my TBR list!
Thanks for the review, I enjoy books where characters you don’t immediately like grow on you. That cover is cool too, just mysterious enough with those great hits of red. I’d love to win a copy.
I was a little unsure about this one but your review has got me really excited to read it! I really liked The Near Witch so it would be nice to read a book with a similar vibe.
this looks really good! thanks for the giveaway
kmichellec87(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great Review this book looks and sounds awesome thanks for the great giveaway!
This sounds lovely! I enjoyed this authors first book and have been really curious this ever since I first heard about it. Glad you enjoyed it!
I really like that you said it’s “a chilling, atmospheric read” and you recommend it for fans of fantasy and it has little bit of horror.
Good review! I’ve never heard of this book, but your review has piqued my interest for sure!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Great review!
The Glass Casket sounds like a book that I would love to read!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I have never heard of this book, but it sounds very good. I must say I am highly intrigued. Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
As if the title wasn’t intriguing enough, your review of this book sounds amazing. Creepiness and fantasy and a little bit of horror… Who could say no?
There isn’t much in terms of fantasy with horror elements and it’s awesome when that kind of story is written but such a talented writer.
You should definitely read her first book – if you loved the style and the general atmosphere of this one, you’ll enjoy the other one too. Her stories are so unique 🙂
Lovely review 🙂