Book Review: Glass Heart

Glass Heart (Cold Kiss #2)

By: Amy Garvey

Published By: HarperTeen

Publication Date: September 18, 2012

Page Count: 320

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & IndieBound

Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher

Audience: Young Adult - Paranormal

Read my Review of Cold Kiss!

I was ecstatic to learn that there was more of Wren's story. I loved Cold Kiss so much it was featured in the Best I've Read 2011 event. It took all my will power not to dive right into this one when it first arrived. My expectations for this one were so high that I'm worried that I placed unrealistic expectations on the story. Don't get me wrong - this one is a great read - it just didn't appeal to me as much as the previous book did.

One of the things I loved about book one was watching Wren grow as a character. She makes some pretty selfish decisions that are driven by emotion rather than logic in Cold Kiss, but as the novel unfolds she matures. I was bummed to find that she loses some of that growth throughout the course of this novel. Yes, she is a teenager, so she is entitled to mood swings and moments of selfishness, but I just didn't like how whiny she was about her magic in this one. I was also frustrated by how she treated Gabriel - she was constantly taking out her anger on him. He was only trying to protect her, but she couldn't take a moment to pause and see that. She just kept plowing forward with her own agenda. As in book one, Wren finally realizes how stubborn she is being and snaps out of it. Luckily, Gabriel is the type of guy who has a vast amount of patience. He truly loves Wren so he's able to look past her flaws.

Other than my gripes with Wren's behavior, I loved this book. The plot allows the reader to learn more about the magic and Wren's family situation. I really enjoyed watching Robin as she comes into her magic and all the havoc she causes as a result. Being a teenager is emotional - I recall my highs and lows being so intense at that age. I felt anger and love with the same degree of passion back in those days. I can't even imagine how difficult all of that would be if I also had magical powers that would unleash anytime I felt strong emotions. I felt so bad for Robin at some points since I knew she couldn't really control her emotions or her magic. I wish that Wren had been more a guide for her little sister in this respect.

Another element I really loved about this one was the relationship aspects. Not only do you get to see Wren and Gabriel's romance evolve, but Wren's friendships and family ties also play dominant roles. While Wren still can't share her magic with her best friends, it was nice to see that she wasn't keeping a secret like a zombie boyfriend from them this time around. Wren is learning to trust other people - she doesn't have to rely on herself for everything. 

There are also some interesting new developments that make this book a suitable companion novel. Not only do we learn more about Wren's brand of magic, but we also get to meet some other characters who practice the craft. Some of them are delightfully wicked and add a sinister layer to this tale. In addition to the new characters, there is also a missing teen in town, so there is a mystery to solve as well. There were moments were I wasn't sure how the personal drama, magic, and missing guy would all work together, but in the end Amy Garvey ties everything together nicely. She has once again crafted a paranormal fantasy that I loved living in for awhile. Dare I hope that there will be a third book? I still think Wren and Gabriel have more stories to tell.

One Last Gripe: I don't feel like things with Bay and Fiona are truly resolved. 

My Favorite Thing About This Book: There is just something compelling about Amy Garvey's writing style that I adore - she has a way of bringing the emotions and actions of her characters to life that sucks me in every time

First Sentence: I'm flying.

Favorite Character: Gabriel

Least Favorite Character: Fiona

Summary:

Wren can do things that other people can only dream of. Make it snow on a clear, crisp day. Fly through an abandoned tunnel. Bring a paper bird to life.

Wren knows her abilities are tinged with danger—knows how easy it is to lose control—but she can't resist the intoxicating rush. And now that she has Gabriel by her side, someone who knows what she can do—what she has done—she finally feels free to be herself.

But as Wren explores the possibilities of her simmering powers, Gabriel starts pushing her away. Telling her to be careful. Telling her to stop. The more he cautions her, the more determined Wren becomes to prove that she can handle things on her own. And by the time she realizes that Gabriel may be right, it could be too late to bring him back to her side.