On her 13th birthday, Avery Godfrey is kidnapped and taken to a huge castle perched on an island in a shimmering sea. There she joins dozens of other prisoners—all 13-year-old orphans. The old woman who seems in charge, warns Avery that any escape attempts will jeopardize the life of her three-year-old brother. Reluctantly Avery joins Tuck, Kate, Kendrick and the other kids as they perform the castle’s shores while remaining hidden from the king and every other adult. Using a system of secret passageways and scouts, the children must remain hidden or forfeit their lives. But while serving, the children spy on the royals, and discover an evil plot mysteriously linked to their own fate.
The Glass Castle has nice mystery, a little romance, and an interesting character that should entertain the younger girls in particular. Although the setting seems uncertain, somewhere in 18th or 19th century Europe, with a few possible anachronisms the powerful yet subtle spiritual character development of Avery was intriguing. The action also clips along in typical Jerry B. Jenkins style, and the book ends with a cliffhanger that will require the reader to continue the series in The Ruby Moon.
Age Range: 10 and up
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Shiloh Run Press, 2016
Series: Thirteen, Book 1 of 3
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