What do you think?
Rate this book
The Glass Palace
A curse. An arranged marriage. A chance to live happily ever after.
For as long as Astrid can remember she's been betrothed to a stranger. When tragedy strikes her husband-to-be emerges from the shadows ready to claim her hand in marriage. Unable to resist this mysterious stranger she is drawn into a realm of captivating magic and haunting secrets.
Tyhr has lived behind a silver tiger mask for years, cursed to a dark fate and suspended in time. Astrid could be the one to break the spell but first, he must earn her trust and break through the hard shell encircling her heart.
In this extraordinary new life, Astrid will forge friendships and confront ancient creatures. Through perilous trials and breathtaking adventures, she will have to decide what promises are worth keeping and which must be broken.
Immerse yourself in this spellbinding retelling of the classic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon—where romance and adventure collide in an unforgettable tale of love and magic.
For as long as Astrid can remember she's been betrothed to a stranger. When tragedy strikes her husband-to-be emerges from the shadows ready to claim her hand in marriage. Unable to resist this mysterious stranger she is drawn into a realm of captivating magic and haunting secrets.
Tyhr has lived behind a silver tiger mask for years, cursed to a dark fate and suspended in time. Astrid could be the one to break the spell but first, he must earn her trust and break through the hard shell encircling her heart.
In this extraordinary new life, Astrid will forge friendships and confront ancient creatures. Through perilous trials and breathtaking adventures, she will have to decide what promises are worth keeping and which must be broken.
Immerse yourself in this spellbinding retelling of the classic fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon—where romance and adventure collide in an unforgettable tale of love and magic.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
About the author
Kathryn Trattner
13 books188 followersKathryn Trattner is an award-winning author who has loved fairy tales, folk stories, and mythology all her life. Her hands-down favorites have always been East of the Sun, West of the Moon and the myth of Persephone and Hades. When not writing or reading, she's traveling as much as possible and taking thousands of photos that probably won't get edited later. She lives in Oklahoma with her wonderful husband, two very busy children, one of the friendliest dogs ever, and three cats who think they’re in charge.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
December 6, 2023
Book Review
Author: Kathryn Trattner
Book: The Glass Palace
Genre: Fantasy
Overview
The story begins in Sweden, with Astrid’s life falling apart due to the passing of her father, her last living family member. With nowhere else to go and the receiving of her first and only letter from Tyhr, her husband-by-proxy, Astrid travels to Siberia to be with him. Tyhr is there to meet Astrid, but he is mysteriously wearing a silver Tiger mask. To reach her new home they must traverse the Black Forest, a glacier, and jungle, all full of magical creatures.
For weeks Tyhr does not show up to spend time with Astrid; instead, Astrid befriends a somewhat snarky talking bird. Although Astrid and Tyhr do not spend much time together Astrid is determined to finalise their marriage. In her attempt to do so Astrid makes a disastrous mistake, resulting in a life changing journey.
Review
The story had a good concept with the mysterious and cursed husband, and opportunities for Astrid to grow as a character via the life changes and odyssey that she must endure.
The visualisation and descriptions were lovely and really set out the scenes and experiences of Astrid. It was quite refreshing to have such imagery.
Although the visualisation and descriptions were very well done, they reached a point of being excessive and made it difficult to keep reading until the next scene/bit of information that would keep the story moving. I ended up skimming a few pages just to keep the momentum going, it felt like the author was more focused on describing scenes than building characters and relationships.
I found it difficult to care about the characters due to a lack of attention to character and relationship development. I did not feel like I got to know Tyhr at all. He didn’t really ‘gain her trust’ as the book blurb describes, as they were hardly together. Since Astrid spent most of the book with her bird friend and only a couple nights with Tyhr, I somewhat expected they would get together in the end due to the absence of connection between Astrid and Tyhr. Due to this I did not understand Astrid’s inspiration to try so hard and go through so much turmoil to be with Tyhr, other than he was the only person left she had some vague connection to.
I would have liked more backstory to the lore and magical features of the world; the lack of this made it difficult to fully appreciate that aspect of the story.
Despite the love-story description, the book is more of a coming-of-age as it is focused on Astrid’s growth.
I am giving the book 2.5/5 stars as the writing was lovely, there is potential there, but I needed more depth to the characters/relationships/world.
If you enjoy uncomplicated books based on fairy-tales with coming-of-age, very light romance, and mythological creatures you may enjoy this book.
Details which niggled me:
The geography. It says Astrid moved to Sweden when she was 5, but then when she’s leaving home Astrid says she has nothing left in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is later mentioned when they discuss the location of her father’s shipping business, but it is then again stated that she lived in Sweden. Amsterdam is not in Sweden. Although Astrid’s parents are from England she doesn’t have an English accent and doesn’t want to move to England because she has no real connection there; however, when she later views the Swedish street scene she doesn’t connect with the accents of the people she’s been living around most of her life. This didn’t seem to l
Later she travels from Siberia (mid/eastern Russia) to Italy, only moving south via train, which isn’t really possible as you would need to go very far west before going directly south. The magical forest in Siberia is called ‘The Black Forest’; however, there is a real Black Forest in Germany, which makes this a bit confusing when the story is based in 1890s Europe/Russia (not a fantasy map). So, there are now two Black Forests with myths of magical creatures? I just feel like the author could have done a bit more research on the locations and names, or just had the Black Forest be the one located in Germany (they get lots of snow, too) with the ‘portal’ emerging as they travel, which would simplify the whole thing and easily connect to the train ride through the Alps.
OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION
For as long as Astrid can remember she's been betrothed to a stranger. When tragedy strikes her husband-to-be emerges from the shadows ready to claim her hand in marriage. Unable to resist this mysterious stranger she is drawn into a realm of captivating magic and haunting secrets.
Tyhr has lived behind a silver tiger mask for years, cursed to a dark fate and suspended in time. Astrid could be the one to break the spell but first, he must earn her trust and break through the hard shell encircling her heart.
In this extraordinary new life, Astrid will forge friendships and confront ancient creatures. Through perilous trials and breathtaking adventures, she will have to decide what promises are worth keeping and which must be broken.
Author: Kathryn Trattner
Book: The Glass Palace
Genre: Fantasy
Overview
The story begins in Sweden, with Astrid’s life falling apart due to the passing of her father, her last living family member. With nowhere else to go and the receiving of her first and only letter from Tyhr, her husband-by-proxy, Astrid travels to Siberia to be with him. Tyhr is there to meet Astrid, but he is mysteriously wearing a silver Tiger mask. To reach her new home they must traverse the Black Forest, a glacier, and jungle, all full of magical creatures.
For weeks Tyhr does not show up to spend time with Astrid; instead, Astrid befriends a somewhat snarky talking bird. Although Astrid and Tyhr do not spend much time together Astrid is determined to finalise their marriage. In her attempt to do so Astrid makes a disastrous mistake, resulting in a life changing journey.
Review
The story had a good concept with the mysterious and cursed husband, and opportunities for Astrid to grow as a character via the life changes and odyssey that she must endure.
The visualisation and descriptions were lovely and really set out the scenes and experiences of Astrid. It was quite refreshing to have such imagery.
Although the visualisation and descriptions were very well done, they reached a point of being excessive and made it difficult to keep reading until the next scene/bit of information that would keep the story moving. I ended up skimming a few pages just to keep the momentum going, it felt like the author was more focused on describing scenes than building characters and relationships.
I found it difficult to care about the characters due to a lack of attention to character and relationship development. I did not feel like I got to know Tyhr at all. He didn’t really ‘gain her trust’ as the book blurb describes, as they were hardly together. Since Astrid spent most of the book with her bird friend and only a couple nights with Tyhr, I somewhat expected they would get together in the end due to the absence of connection between Astrid and Tyhr. Due to this I did not understand Astrid’s inspiration to try so hard and go through so much turmoil to be with Tyhr, other than he was the only person left she had some vague connection to.
I would have liked more backstory to the lore and magical features of the world; the lack of this made it difficult to fully appreciate that aspect of the story.
Despite the love-story description, the book is more of a coming-of-age as it is focused on Astrid’s growth.
I am giving the book 2.5/5 stars as the writing was lovely, there is potential there, but I needed more depth to the characters/relationships/world.
If you enjoy uncomplicated books based on fairy-tales with coming-of-age, very light romance, and mythological creatures you may enjoy this book.
Details which niggled me:
The geography. It says Astrid moved to Sweden when she was 5, but then when she’s leaving home Astrid says she has nothing left in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is later mentioned when they discuss the location of her father’s shipping business, but it is then again stated that she lived in Sweden. Amsterdam is not in Sweden. Although Astrid’s parents are from England she doesn’t have an English accent and doesn’t want to move to England because she has no real connection there; however, when she later views the Swedish street scene she doesn’t connect with the accents of the people she’s been living around most of her life. This didn’t seem to l
Later she travels from Siberia (mid/eastern Russia) to Italy, only moving south via train, which isn’t really possible as you would need to go very far west before going directly south. The magical forest in Siberia is called ‘The Black Forest’; however, there is a real Black Forest in Germany, which makes this a bit confusing when the story is based in 1890s Europe/Russia (not a fantasy map). So, there are now two Black Forests with myths of magical creatures? I just feel like the author could have done a bit more research on the locations and names, or just had the Black Forest be the one located in Germany (they get lots of snow, too) with the ‘portal’ emerging as they travel, which would simplify the whole thing and easily connect to the train ride through the Alps.
OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION
For as long as Astrid can remember she's been betrothed to a stranger. When tragedy strikes her husband-to-be emerges from the shadows ready to claim her hand in marriage. Unable to resist this mysterious stranger she is drawn into a realm of captivating magic and haunting secrets.
Tyhr has lived behind a silver tiger mask for years, cursed to a dark fate and suspended in time. Astrid could be the one to break the spell but first, he must earn her trust and break through the hard shell encircling her heart.
In this extraordinary new life, Astrid will forge friendships and confront ancient creatures. Through perilous trials and breathtaking adventures, she will have to decide what promises are worth keeping and which must be broken.
September 15, 2023
This was a magical retelling with so much unlike twisting. I loved the scenery, the dialogue and especially how feelings and emotions were described. It felt like a dream, like something that happened and I was a part of it.
April 1, 2024
A curse, an arranged marriage, a chance of living ever after.... a beauty and a beast retelling. I love all of the above but Kathryn Trattner didn't give me the chance to let me believe and fall in love with the book.
The beginning was great with the background of the characters explained well but after that it went downhill. Nothing happened until the second part of the book but I still wasn't able to feel the excitement when the adventures started.
3 stars, stronger writing and tighter plot would make this a better book.
The beginning was great with the background of the characters explained well but after that it went downhill. Nothing happened until the second part of the book but I still wasn't able to feel the excitement when the adventures started.
3 stars, stronger writing and tighter plot would make this a better book.
May 14, 2024
there apparently was a nice bird? that's all I got because I cannot remember for the life of me what happened in this book except that it was sort of anticlimactic.
August 19, 2023
The Glass Palace takes a sweet little detour on an old favorite fairy tale of mine: East of the Sun West of the Moon.
Astrid lives in Sweden with her dying father and will soon be the last of her family--until her husband, a man that she's been married to since birth, calls to take her away that is. Astrid receives a letter after her father's death with short instructions on where to go to meet her husband, and she soon finds herself on a train to Siberia to be with him. What she finds is a conundrum: her husband is wearing a mask (never revealing his face to her), is of few words, and takes her through the Black Forest and a magical glacier to a place that shouldn't exist: the Summer Valley.
She sees her husband at dinner, if at all, and never during the day, and she only has a talking bird for company most of the time. Yet connection managed to bloom despite the oddness of their pairing & Astrid is determined to make a proper match of the two of them--until she does something she isn't supposed to and puts the three of them on a perilous journey.
The Glass Palace was such a treat to read. While there wasn't as much interaction between Astrid and her husband as I would have liked (nor was it spicy enough), I really enjoyed the personal and physical journeys Astrid went on to fix her wrongs and save her husband. The new elements to the fairy tale were really fresh and piqued my curiosity; they're probably my favorite part about the novel.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fairy tales or East of the Moon in particular!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Astrid lives in Sweden with her dying father and will soon be the last of her family--until her husband, a man that she's been married to since birth, calls to take her away that is. Astrid receives a letter after her father's death with short instructions on where to go to meet her husband, and she soon finds herself on a train to Siberia to be with him. What she finds is a conundrum: her husband is wearing a mask (never revealing his face to her), is of few words, and takes her through the Black Forest and a magical glacier to a place that shouldn't exist: the Summer Valley.
She sees her husband at dinner, if at all, and never during the day, and she only has a talking bird for company most of the time. Yet connection managed to bloom despite the oddness of their pairing & Astrid is determined to make a proper match of the two of them--until she does something she isn't supposed to and puts the three of them on a perilous journey.
The Glass Palace was such a treat to read. While there wasn't as much interaction between Astrid and her husband as I would have liked (nor was it spicy enough), I really enjoyed the personal and physical journeys Astrid went on to fix her wrongs and save her husband. The new elements to the fairy tale were really fresh and piqued my curiosity; they're probably my favorite part about the novel.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fairy tales or East of the Moon in particular!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
Gave BATB vibes but wanted more from it. I wish Astrid questioned things more before just going along with everything. Got Narnia vibes midway through!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
March 27, 2024
I really loved the imagery in this. The writing is really beautiful and pretty captivating.
It's very much a book about the journey vs the actual plot. I thought the characters along that journey were super interesting. I feel like there was so much potential in this book that I wish we would've gotten more from it. I would've liked for us and Astrid to get to know Tyhr more. Their relationship building felt very minimal, which made the plot less likely. However I did love Astrid and Chinooks relationship.
The plot could've been better developed but I truly did enjoy the settings/characters in this story!
It's very much a book about the journey vs the actual plot. I thought the characters along that journey were super interesting. I feel like there was so much potential in this book that I wish we would've gotten more from it. I would've liked for us and Astrid to get to know Tyhr more. Their relationship building felt very minimal, which made the plot less likely. However I did love Astrid and Chinooks relationship.
The plot could've been better developed but I truly did enjoy the settings/characters in this story!
October 26, 2023
This is a beautiful book and a retelling of a classic fairy tale. I confess that it’s not one I was familiar with and initially got beauty and the beast vibes.
Kathryn does a wonderful job of describing the world in which our characters live. Astrid has been promised to a man she doesn’t know and the book follows her navigating meeting him.
I really enjoyed the ARC and can’t wait to read more of her work ♥️
Kathryn does a wonderful job of describing the world in which our characters live. Astrid has been promised to a man she doesn’t know and the book follows her navigating meeting him.
I really enjoyed the ARC and can’t wait to read more of her work ♥️
September 17, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, so here goes.
Having just read a book about Eros and Psyche, I knew the general trope to expect as will others that know of the pairing, or are familiar with the East of Sun, West of the Moon fairytale but like many authors beforehand, the details will be different and Trattner did an amazing job in telling her version.
It was poetic and atmospheric that within the first few pages I was enjoying the world building and the characteristics of her MC, Astrid. Astrid who has lost everything – but a promise made by her father that betrothed her to a stranger for as long as she can remember, in which said betrothed has come to claim. So with little to no options, she goes where he takes her and that's just the beginning.
Trattner does a great job not just in her descriptions but her dialogue between the characters. I could sense the emotions from the dialogue without Trattner having to add in adjectives at every turn. There were some great, free flowing moments between Astrid and her strange husband to be, that had warm undertones that spoke more about him and his feelings towards her before the story picks up speed and we are left with Astrid for the rest of the story.
Thank you to Book Sirens for letting me enjoy this read and I can't wait to read what else Trattner has written!
Having just read a book about Eros and Psyche, I knew the general trope to expect as will others that know of the pairing, or are familiar with the East of Sun, West of the Moon fairytale but like many authors beforehand, the details will be different and Trattner did an amazing job in telling her version.
It was poetic and atmospheric that within the first few pages I was enjoying the world building and the characteristics of her MC, Astrid. Astrid who has lost everything – but a promise made by her father that betrothed her to a stranger for as long as she can remember, in which said betrothed has come to claim. So with little to no options, she goes where he takes her and that's just the beginning.
Trattner does a great job not just in her descriptions but her dialogue between the characters. I could sense the emotions from the dialogue without Trattner having to add in adjectives at every turn. There were some great, free flowing moments between Astrid and her strange husband to be, that had warm undertones that spoke more about him and his feelings towards her before the story picks up speed and we are left with Astrid for the rest of the story.
Thank you to Book Sirens for letting me enjoy this read and I can't wait to read what else Trattner has written!
April 7, 2024
An arranged marriage by proxy, Astrid has never seen her husband nor does she really know much about him. Now she is having to travel to Siberia to join him, what she finds though is unlike anything she could imagine. Tyhr hinds behind a mask, every time she tries to get answers it only drives them further apart where it quickly turns to not seeing him. Astrid finds a companion in a bird, Chinook, though who offers opinions whether she likes it or not. When she make a mistake she finds herself and Chinook traveling to solve a problem including saving her husband.
I thought this story had a beautiful descriptive quality to it. You could easily imagine this fantastical world that the author created. I really enjoyed this one, Tyhr gained my attention right off the bat while Astrid it took me a bit to warm up to. Will definitely be checking out more by this author.
I thought this story had a beautiful descriptive quality to it. You could easily imagine this fantastical world that the author created. I really enjoyed this one, Tyhr gained my attention right off the bat while Astrid it took me a bit to warm up to. Will definitely be checking out more by this author.
May 3, 2024
A really fun adventure read
This is a great palate cleanser for fantasy lovers! It reads like a mix between romantasy and fairytale with a dash of odyssey!
Excited to read more from this author
This is a great palate cleanser for fantasy lovers! It reads like a mix between romantasy and fairytale with a dash of odyssey!
Excited to read more from this author
August 24, 2023
This was my first read from this author, and my first read from BookSirens!
I'm not familiar with the fairy tale that this is based on but I enjoyed this retelling.
Astrid was an interesting protagonist who we followed on her journey. At times, I felt this book had a more magical realism feel rather than a usual fantasy. Whilst there is an element of romance, the plot is more centred on Astrid and her experiences, although the romance was a driver.
The pace for this book was quite slow and steady and the author writes well, developing the world as we meet the different elements. This really reminded me of a fable type story in the way that it was written, rather than just a straight fantasy novel.
The plot has themes of loneliness, loss, love and friendship and Astrid learns life lessons throughout her journey. This is what's important and what Astrid learnt on the way, over the love story.
An enjoyable read, a little different to what I was expecting but worthwhile to delve into this world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm not familiar with the fairy tale that this is based on but I enjoyed this retelling.
Astrid was an interesting protagonist who we followed on her journey. At times, I felt this book had a more magical realism feel rather than a usual fantasy. Whilst there is an element of romance, the plot is more centred on Astrid and her experiences, although the romance was a driver.
The pace for this book was quite slow and steady and the author writes well, developing the world as we meet the different elements. This really reminded me of a fable type story in the way that it was written, rather than just a straight fantasy novel.
The plot has themes of loneliness, loss, love and friendship and Astrid learns life lessons throughout her journey. This is what's important and what Astrid learnt on the way, over the love story.
An enjoyable read, a little different to what I was expecting but worthwhile to delve into this world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2023
This book had a lot of potential to be a gripping, page turning book! This book read almost like a new female powered Beauty & the Beast with a backpack full of fantasy potential, embracing the modern day love of indoor plants and unique pets.
As I continued reading I kept wondered if mentions of the past and little snippets of knowledge from external characters would build upon the very limited information that we were given. Which is why it is only rated 3/5 stars.
There's magic, a brooding and emotionally unavailable husband and help from a sassy bird. All around a nice read that would be great for a vacation book or during your commute to work.
🌶️ Spice level - 0 No spice. A safe for work read.
🗺️ World building - 4/5 stars.
Characters 3/5 stars - There was a lot of hints and suggestions about the characters, main and side, but I was left wanting to know more about who they where.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As I continued reading I kept wondered if mentions of the past and little snippets of knowledge from external characters would build upon the very limited information that we were given. Which is why it is only rated 3/5 stars.
There's magic, a brooding and emotionally unavailable husband and help from a sassy bird. All around a nice read that would be great for a vacation book or during your commute to work.
🌶️ Spice level - 0 No spice. A safe for work read.
🗺️ World building - 4/5 stars.
Characters 3/5 stars - There was a lot of hints and suggestions about the characters, main and side, but I was left wanting to know more about who they where.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 25, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would like to say that I fell in love with the cover photo of this book at first sight. It is so gorgeous and stunning and the title of the book is also quite intriguing. This is the second book I am reading by this author and I must say that I am in love with her writing skills.
This was a captivating reimagining with so many unexpected twists. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions, the witty dialogues and especially how the characters' feelings and emotions were portrayed. It felt like a fantasy, like something that I experienced and was part of.
This book is highly recommended. Grab your copy today and don't miss this masterpiece.
I would like to say that I fell in love with the cover photo of this book at first sight. It is so gorgeous and stunning and the title of the book is also quite intriguing. This is the second book I am reading by this author and I must say that I am in love with her writing skills.
This was a captivating reimagining with so many unexpected twists. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions, the witty dialogues and especially how the characters' feelings and emotions were portrayed. It felt like a fantasy, like something that I experienced and was part of.
This book is highly recommended. Grab your copy today and don't miss this masterpiece.
February 27, 2024
The pacing was off, I couldn’t care less about the characters, and the writing was repetitive. Quite some typos and butchered sentences in this novel too. As far as retellings go, this didn’t add anything to East of the Sun, West of the Moon. The tiger, setting and other twists had so much potential, but the idea was poorly executed. I want to say something nice about this book, but I can’t think of anything. My two stars might be too generous.
August 27, 2023
I have a special place in my heart for fairy tale retellings. There is a certain magic to adapting and making something so well known even more magical. That being said, I've not had much experience with East of the Sun, West of the Moon apart from a small Norweigen film called The Polar Bear King and the novel Ice by Sarah Beth Durst.
Both of the above have their charms, but The Glass Palace sparks a new light into the tale. A tiger, not a polar bear, living in a valley that is the opposite side of paradise.
The main character, Astrid, is wonderful. We can clearly see how she thinks and feels, having lost all her family and setting out on a strange journey to be with her mysterious husband that she has been promised to since before she was born. Only to find that the world is nothing like she expected.
Instead of being some damsel that just let's things happen to her, she actively chooses to keep going no matter the odds. No matter that she might die in the process. But then again, if she has nothing really left to loose but her life, her husband, and a talking bird... Surely she has everything to gain.
4.5* and really hoping the grammar errors dotted around got caught before the physical print run as that is my only complaint in an otherwise beautifully written story. I'll definitely be picking up some of her other books!
I received this free copy from BookSirens in return for an honest review.
Both of the above have their charms, but The Glass Palace sparks a new light into the tale. A tiger, not a polar bear, living in a valley that is the opposite side of paradise.
The main character, Astrid, is wonderful. We can clearly see how she thinks and feels, having lost all her family and setting out on a strange journey to be with her mysterious husband that she has been promised to since before she was born. Only to find that the world is nothing like she expected.
Instead of being some damsel that just let's things happen to her, she actively chooses to keep going no matter the odds. No matter that she might die in the process. But then again, if she has nothing really left to loose but her life, her husband, and a talking bird... Surely she has everything to gain.
4.5* and really hoping the grammar errors dotted around got caught before the physical print run as that is my only complaint in an otherwise beautifully written story. I'll definitely be picking up some of her other books!
I received this free copy from BookSirens in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2023
I'm not sure if it's always been that way, or if I'm just noticing it more throughout the last couple of years, but I feel like a lot of stories are retellings of old fairy tales with a slightly new twist.
But then Kathryn Trattner also adds to it by sending our heroine on a daring rescue adventure to save her cursed prince, with the help of a rather snarky bird companion.
Thanks to Kathryn Trattner for providing me with an eARC of the book and giving me the opportunity to share my honest opinion about the book.
There is more than one kind of magic here.The Glass Palace definitely takes quite a few notes from Beauty and the Beast, and weaves it together with the Greek mythos of how Psyce discovered Cupid as her "saviour".
But then Kathryn Trattner also adds to it by sending our heroine on a daring rescue adventure to save her cursed prince, with the help of a rather snarky bird companion.
“You're a bird.”
And you are a woman feeling sorry for herself and refusing to get out of bed.
Thanks to Kathryn Trattner for providing me with an eARC of the book and giving me the opportunity to share my honest opinion about the book.
August 9, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When I first started this book, I thought I knew what I was in for. I recognized familiar themes from Beauty and the Beast and similar fairy tales, and so imagine my surprise when discovering the “beast” of the story’s secret and curse arrived in the first half of the book. I didn’t realize that what was coming was an epic adventure. True to the spirit of fairytales, this book held me spellbound.
I loved every single step of the heroine, Astrid’s, journey. From a frozen forest, to a lush jungle, to the depths of the sea, to a vast desert, the settings are vivid and arresting. The author has a real way with words, and it’s so easy to fall into the world she has created.
Unfortunately, that was part of the reason this book gets a 4/5 from me instead of a perfect score. I loved getting lost in the magic, but I was routinely pulled out of the magic with small but very noticeable errors in the text. A better editor could have made this story a near perfect one. Instead, I kept getting distracted regularly by little mistakes like “but she would it” instead of “but she would save it” , missing punctuation and misplaced punctuation, and “Thyme” instead of “Tyhr”. Even so, I will absolutely be revisiting and enjoying this book, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing more from the author in the future.
When I first started this book, I thought I knew what I was in for. I recognized familiar themes from Beauty and the Beast and similar fairy tales, and so imagine my surprise when discovering the “beast” of the story’s secret and curse arrived in the first half of the book. I didn’t realize that what was coming was an epic adventure. True to the spirit of fairytales, this book held me spellbound.
I loved every single step of the heroine, Astrid’s, journey. From a frozen forest, to a lush jungle, to the depths of the sea, to a vast desert, the settings are vivid and arresting. The author has a real way with words, and it’s so easy to fall into the world she has created.
Unfortunately, that was part of the reason this book gets a 4/5 from me instead of a perfect score. I loved getting lost in the magic, but I was routinely pulled out of the magic with small but very noticeable errors in the text. A better editor could have made this story a near perfect one. Instead, I kept getting distracted regularly by little mistakes like “but she would it” instead of “but she would save it” , missing punctuation and misplaced punctuation, and “Thyme” instead of “Tyhr”. Even so, I will absolutely be revisiting and enjoying this book, and I’ll be looking forward to seeing more from the author in the future.
September 8, 2023
The first word that comes to mind when I think of this book is “magical”, followed shortly by “beautiful”; the writing, the story, the visual imagery, all of it. I love a fairy tale retelling, though this one I was unfamiliar with (East of the Sun, West of the Moon); however it seems akin to Beauty and the Beast, in the beginning at least. I enjoyed the friendship between Astrid, and the bird, Chinook who was always full of wit and incredibly blunt.
It is set in the late 1800s but also kind of lost to time, in the magical patches of the world. Astrid is bound to Tyhr in an arranged marriage. He doesn’t come to collect her until a tragedy strikes her family, which is the catalyst of a magical adventure for the two. Astrid is to break Tyhr’s curse, and in doing so, leading her on an adventure and many near death experiences on her journey to save him. The encounters along the way have lessons in them, a physical token taken from each, and though she makes some dumb decisions she also learns from them. For someone so closed off initially, she learned to open up and love. I thought this was a really beautiful read and I quite enjoyed it. Thank you to Book Sirens and Kathryn Trattner for the early copy and chance to review this.
It is set in the late 1800s but also kind of lost to time, in the magical patches of the world. Astrid is bound to Tyhr in an arranged marriage. He doesn’t come to collect her until a tragedy strikes her family, which is the catalyst of a magical adventure for the two. Astrid is to break Tyhr’s curse, and in doing so, leading her on an adventure and many near death experiences on her journey to save him. The encounters along the way have lessons in them, a physical token taken from each, and though she makes some dumb decisions she also learns from them. For someone so closed off initially, she learned to open up and love. I thought this was a really beautiful read and I quite enjoyed it. Thank you to Book Sirens and Kathryn Trattner for the early copy and chance to review this.
January 24, 2024
Alright this book has a very endearing quality for me: it was all about the fairytales I read/watched/listened as a child and they utterly got e feeling nostalgic and giddy. I do believe that the author wrote a wonderful retelling and I am not keen on them usually as they tend - according to me - not to add anything, but in this case it was brilliant and with so many interesting themes.
What I didn't like was the pacing of the story and love story, itself. To me they both seemed quite rushed, although I can see the reason behind it. Still, it did put a dampen to my enjoyment of the story.
What I didn't like was the pacing of the story and love story, itself. To me they both seemed quite rushed, although I can see the reason behind it. Still, it did put a dampen to my enjoyment of the story.
January 9, 2024
I have enjoyed all of Kathryn Trattner’s books and this was no exception. This was a fantastical story of Astrid, someone betrothed all her life but never meeting him. Her whole family is gone and she receives a letter to go and meet him. We follow Astrid as she meets her betrothed, loses him, then journeys across the world to get him back.
This is a very detail rich story on a short timeline. I feel like the book could have been longer, or cut some scenes out, just by how much has been packed in.
This is a very detail rich story on a short timeline. I feel like the book could have been longer, or cut some scenes out, just by how much has been packed in.
January 14, 2024
Clearly I’ve been on an East of the Sun, West of the Moon binge reading quest because this is like the 3rd one I’ve read in the past 2 weeks.
Every retelling brings something different to readers and The Glass Palace feels so unique. It feels like 1/3 Beauty and the Beast and then East of the Sun west of the moon + acotar elements. Astrid’s journey as a character and through the story was really interesting and there was something new at every turn.
Every retelling brings something different to readers and The Glass Palace feels so unique. It feels like 1/3 Beauty and the Beast and then East of the Sun west of the moon + acotar elements. Astrid’s journey as a character and through the story was really interesting and there was something new at every turn.
January 22, 2024
Such a good book couldn’t put it down the end was a little quick I feel like it was rushed and we didn’t get much but in general it kept me interested the whole time. If you magic, fantasy, romance you will like this book. Kind of a beauty and the beast vibe with some twists. Def a recommended read .
February 7, 2024
This was a cute Beauty and the Beast retelling that felt like reading a fable. I enjoyed it and would recommend.
I would also love to live in this fantasy world, or at least her jungle house with nothing to do but read books all day.
I would also love to live in this fantasy world, or at least her jungle house with nothing to do but read books all day.
May 24, 2024
2.5 🌟
Started put promising, then got a little too childish for my taste. The 2.5 🌟 is for the beautiful writing. It was very descriptive and I enjoyed the scenery/scenes described.
Started put promising, then got a little too childish for my taste. The 2.5 🌟 is for the beautiful writing. It was very descriptive and I enjoyed the scenery/scenes described.
September 9, 2023
I received an arc of this wonderful. This book gives massive east of the sun, west of the moon vibes. Which is like a Norwegian version of beauty and the beast (a little bit). I loved the FMC Astrid. She’s not your typical FMC that waits around. She’s a very strong girl. She has been through so much and yet doesn’t let that stop her. I loved loved loved the fact he fell first and there’s no third act breakup! Overall I give this book 4/5 🌟
November 21, 2023
A clever retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Definitely felt like a fairy tale in that there seemed to be a lot going on that you don’t quite understand and is never explained. The writing was nice but I found the characters one-dimensional. You hardly know the protagonists at all; Tyhr is a cypher and I found it hard to understand Astrid’s motivations. The most fully realized character was the bird, Chinook; I half expected a twist that would turn him into the love interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
What an adventure that was - loved it! Chinook was my favorite.
October 25, 2023
This was a take on "East of the Sun West of the Moon". It wasn't a fairytale I was familiar with, but it was very reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast.
Overall, the story was fine. Pretty basic fairytale with some interesting magic rolled in. I did find the characters fell a bit flat. Astrid had no real personality, aside from being confused about the man that her dad betrothed her to. Tyhr is only on the page a handful of times and you learn almost nothing about him during the course of the story.
I was disappointed with how little the MCs actually interacted. And when they did interact there was little to no growth of their relationship.
It was a fun read, but not my favorite of the year.
*I received an eARC of this from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
Overall, the story was fine. Pretty basic fairytale with some interesting magic rolled in. I did find the characters fell a bit flat. Astrid had no real personality, aside from being confused about the man that her dad betrothed her to. Tyhr is only on the page a handful of times and you learn almost nothing about him during the course of the story.
I was disappointed with how little the MCs actually interacted. And when they did interact there was little to no growth of their relationship.
It was a fun read, but not my favorite of the year.
*I received an eARC of this from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
September 11, 2023
This story might feel a bit familiar at first glance. One might even say it's a 'tale as old as time'. But there are some interesting quirks and twists to this story that make it very enjoyable. For a quick, spoiler-free summary:
Astrid is married by proxy to a strange man she's never met when she's still a child. When her entire family die one by one in various misadventures and illnesses, she has no choice but to journey across the world to Siberia and meet her would-be husband. Very quickly, she finds out that this man - Tyhr - comes from a world unlike her own where things are not always as they seem and sometimes take on a decidedly fairy tale quality.
He meets her at the train station wearing a silver mask in the shape of a snarling tiger's head, which he either can't or won't remove, not even when she asks him to. The only piece of his face she can see are his eyes. Then, he takes her in a sleigh drawn by an enchanted horse made from smoke or cloud through a forest populated by giant beasts and other threatening creatures to a glacier that opens to reveal a door into a jungle.
Once there, Tyhr leaves her alone with a snarky bird named Chinook that communicates with her telepathically as her only companion. Even though magical things keeping happening around her, Astrid finds it hard to believe that she could really be in the middle of one of those tales she used to read about when she was young. And as she doesn't see Tyhr for several days, she grows more and more lonely and despondent. When he finally does reappear, he explains he wanted to give her privacy to accustom herself to her new life. But the two soon have it out and come to an understanding that he'll be there for dinner every night, and they'll spend the night hours together. It doesn't take long for Astrid to realize that Tyhr is under a very real curse, and she must find the right way to break it, or she will risk consequences that may just be worse than death.
As far as the story goes, I found the writing enjoyable. There were several times when I was very absorbed, and wanted to find out what would happen next. It can be very difficult to find a writing style, stick to it, and make it interesting for others to read, so I applaud the author on this. She definitely does have talent. I did notice there were some grammatical and spelling mistakes, as well as a few confusing sentences, but I'm sure those can easily be put right in future drafts.
However, there were some plot holes and a few loose ends left hanging that I wanted to be explained or tied up by the end and I felt like they never were. I also felt like once the book hit the midway point and the heroine had to go on a quest, the author seemed like she wanted to include a lot of things in this 'quest' and had a few too many characters and events that she tried to smush in there that either felt unnecessary or truncated. I think she has the beginning of several more stories or spin off adventures that would have been good on their own, but added together are too short or sometimes confusing as to why they were included.
Overall, however, as a lover of all things "Beauty and the Beast" I did like this book and would be pleased to pick up any other works by this author and give them a chance. I just think that roping in her imagination a tiny bit might be a good idea in future. Thank you so much to BookSirens and Kathryn Trattner for the advanced reader's copy. I received the copy for free and I am leaving a review for it voluntarily.
Astrid is married by proxy to a strange man she's never met when she's still a child. When her entire family die one by one in various misadventures and illnesses, she has no choice but to journey across the world to Siberia and meet her would-be husband. Very quickly, she finds out that this man - Tyhr - comes from a world unlike her own where things are not always as they seem and sometimes take on a decidedly fairy tale quality.
He meets her at the train station wearing a silver mask in the shape of a snarling tiger's head, which he either can't or won't remove, not even when she asks him to. The only piece of his face she can see are his eyes. Then, he takes her in a sleigh drawn by an enchanted horse made from smoke or cloud through a forest populated by giant beasts and other threatening creatures to a glacier that opens to reveal a door into a jungle.
Once there, Tyhr leaves her alone with a snarky bird named Chinook that communicates with her telepathically as her only companion. Even though magical things keeping happening around her, Astrid finds it hard to believe that she could really be in the middle of one of those tales she used to read about when she was young. And as she doesn't see Tyhr for several days, she grows more and more lonely and despondent. When he finally does reappear, he explains he wanted to give her privacy to accustom herself to her new life. But the two soon have it out and come to an understanding that he'll be there for dinner every night, and they'll spend the night hours together. It doesn't take long for Astrid to realize that Tyhr is under a very real curse, and she must find the right way to break it, or she will risk consequences that may just be worse than death.
As far as the story goes, I found the writing enjoyable. There were several times when I was very absorbed, and wanted to find out what would happen next. It can be very difficult to find a writing style, stick to it, and make it interesting for others to read, so I applaud the author on this. She definitely does have talent. I did notice there were some grammatical and spelling mistakes, as well as a few confusing sentences, but I'm sure those can easily be put right in future drafts.
However, there were some plot holes and a few loose ends left hanging that I wanted to be explained or tied up by the end and I felt like they never were. I also felt like once the book hit the midway point and the heroine had to go on a quest, the author seemed like she wanted to include a lot of things in this 'quest' and had a few too many characters and events that she tried to smush in there that either felt unnecessary or truncated. I think she has the beginning of several more stories or spin off adventures that would have been good on their own, but added together are too short or sometimes confusing as to why they were included.
Overall, however, as a lover of all things "Beauty and the Beast" I did like this book and would be pleased to pick up any other works by this author and give them a chance. I just think that roping in her imagination a tiny bit might be a good idea in future. Thank you so much to BookSirens and Kathryn Trattner for the advanced reader's copy. I received the copy for free and I am leaving a review for it voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews