Book Review: The Glasswright's Apprentice

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Glasswright's Apprentice     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Mindy L. Klasky
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Thriller
Series: Glasswright's # 1
Roc, Jul 2000, $6.99, 336 pp.

In the Kingdom of Morenia, the caste system is sacred so when Rani Trader showed talent as a glasswright, her family beggared themselves to buy her an apprenticeship. Although Rani understands the honor bestowed on her by her family and the importance of performing her duties, she remains a young teenager who wants some fun. Rani visits the Cathedral to see the pomp and circumstances as the very popular Prince Tuvashanoran assumes the mantle of Defender of the Faith. While watching the festivities, Rani observes an archer aiming his weapon at the Prince. She shouts out a warning that is too late to save Tuvashanoran's life. Everyone misunderstands Rani's role in the tragedy, believing she is a conspirator.

Rani escape and heads back to the guild followed by soldiers. The Glasswrights' Guild is declared as outlaws. Rani manages to sneak away again even as she realizes the entire nation hunts her down as a murderous traitor. While seeking shelter in an unsafe world, Rani stumbles across the secrets of the Brotherhood, a group wanting to eradicate the caste system. Rani tries to balance staying alive with doing the right thing for her family, her king, and her country.

Mindy L. Klasky has written a fine fantasy novel that explores the culture of another world with many similarities to that of our own. The tale is a fast-paced action thriller that has wide appeal to readers who enjoy well-designed political and social backgrounds in their fictions. Rani is a wonderful heroine overcoming many obstacles just to remain alive, but clearly this novel is a winner because of the depth of the culture described by Ms. Klasky which makes for a real world setting.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner