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Sunday, November 29, 2015

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard ARC Review + Giveaway

Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard
Paperback ARC, 440 pages
Published by HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Pre-order it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.

The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?


Glass Sword is pain and suffering incarnate. If you're looking for a book to break your soul, this is the one. I really enjoyed reading more about Mare's character arc; her descent from Mareena to Mare—the symbol of the Red Rebellion—reminds me a lot of Adelina in The Rose Society. I did find Glass Sword to be more predictable than Red Queen and even found myself bored at times. Although I enjoyed reading it, Glass Sword was missing the factor that would have made me love it. I am still extremely curious about what's going to happen, but I think I need to read a lot of happy books before book three comes out.



1) Cal goes through a lot of crap during the course of Glass Sword's plot—and I mean a ton of crap. You really get to know him better throughout this book through all of his struggles and turmoil. I can't say that I always agree with his choices, but he's so well-developed that he feels like a real person. He has the most normal reactions considering everything he has to deal with in this book and I honestly just love him.


2) Shade is ever-present throughout the book, and his relationship with Mare is just so adorable! He puts up with her hasty decisions and is always around to support and protect her. You get so much more of him in this book, and it's great. I can't say much more about him without spoiling things but guys, be prepared for pain!

3) I ship Cal and Mare so hard. I mean, these two just need to get over the rebellion together (instead of separately) and just admit that they love each other. You get to see more of their struggle regarding their feelings for one another and you see them trying to piece together their relationship, despite what's going on around them. I just need more of these two.

4) Aveyard knows how to world-build in a way that makes it easy to picture everything in your head. Especially during the action scenes, I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book.

5) PTSD is so well-described and executed throughout this entire book. Considering all of the pain and suffering the characters go through, Aveyard never lets that pain disappear. The characters have nightmares, can't sleep, hallucinate, etc. Every ghost and traumatic experience haunts the characters, and in turn, it haunts the reader as well.




1) There were long chunks of time where I was bored. Since this book has a lot of training and rebellion planning, there isn't a lot of action. You get information on new red soldiers and their powers, but I didn't feel attached to any of the newcomers. Also, since this book is even more predictable than Red Queen, I wasn't surprised by anything.

2) I kind of liked Kilorn in Red Queen but in Glass Sword, he just got on my nerves. He couldn't really do much and at times, he was pretty judgmental. Although he's best friends with Mare, it doesn't seem like he really accepts her and that really bothers me.

3) I had a hard time understanding the way Mare thinks and reacts throughout the book. Even though she has a lot to deal throughout Glass Sword, her way of thinking and reacting doesn't always match up with what is happening. There were times when she was mad about one thing, but later on in the book when something similar (but even worse) happened, she wasn't mad at all. I felt like I just couldn't figure her out for a large portion of the book.


I'm safer than I have been in days, surrounded by the people I love most, and yet I've never wanted to cry more. For them, I hold back. I curl inward and bleed alone, inside, where no one else can see.
Cal's eyes flicker, out to the trees. But he's not looking at the leaves. His gaze is in the past, to something more painful. "She killed my true mother as well. And she'll kill all of us if we let her."

The words come out hard and harsh, a rusty blade to saw flesh. They taste wonderful in my mouth. "Not if I kill her first."

For all his talents, Cal is not a violent person. He can kill you in a thousand different ways, lead an army, burn down a village, but he will not enjoy it. So his next words take me by surprise.

"When the time comes," he says, staring at me, "we'll flip a coin."
"If you die, I'll kill you."

He smiles sadly. "Likewise."
"What's wrong now?" I ask, laying my head on his shoulder. So I can see the map better, I tell myself.

"Besides Maven, his mother, the fact that I hate rabbit, and the layout of this hellhole of a prison? Nothing at all, thanks for asking."




a Rafflecopter giveaway

94 comments:

  1. thanks a lot for the giveaway *.* totally loved the first book, cant wait for the second one

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  2. lovely review! Can't wait to read the second book! thanks for the giveaway too ;)

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    1. Thank you! It means so much to me when people enjoy my reviews =)

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  3. This book sounds really awesome! Can't wait to read this one :)

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    1. It's really great but just painful to read at times because it's so sad haha

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  4. Thanks so much for making it international <3 lovely review :)
    http://karinysteenbooxfrenz.blogspot.com/

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    1. I always try to do international giveaways because I know how a lot of countries won't see these books for even longer =) Good luck on the giveaway

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  5. OMG I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS ONE!!! Usually second books lack a bit so I'm not worried about that... and I trust Victoria. I think she will make it up with the third :) THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! *crosses fingers to win*

    Laura @ psilovethatbook

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    1. Yeah, usually there is that second book slump and maybe that was a little bit of the case here but it's still good!

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  6. Thanks so much for the review and arc opportunity :D
    Mixed feelings about the book though!

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed my review. Good luck on the giveaway =)

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    1. Ha! The gifs totally make this review ❤ especially the incredibles one! And oh my goodness gracious I'm so excited for more Cal *swoons drools dies* I LOVED him in the first book but felt I didn't get nearly enough of him!

      Also! Its so refreshing to hear that you were bored! Like I could totally squish hug you into a marshmallow right now. I felt that way during some moments in Red Queen as well. World building-spot on. Characters-on fleek. Lengthy over described scenes-just a tad.

      Awesome review. Really looking forward to finding out what happens next! (Not exactly looking forward to the pain though :p )

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    2. Yay! I look for a long time trying to figure out the best gifs for my reviews. You definitely get more Cal in this one, thankfully haha.

      All of my reviews are 100% honest in how I feel about the book, so if there was something I didn't like you'll see them in the review haha.

      Thank you so much for your kind words, it means so much to me that you enjoyed my review. Good luck on a giveaway =)

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  8. I really haven't read any reviews about Glass Sword because I didn't want to get excited and still have to wait until Febuary. But I read your review anyway, and I'm so happy you liked it and you're speaking very highly of it. That makes me even more excited and anxious about reading this book! ��������

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    1. I really enjoyed the book but it took me a little longer to read because it is so sad haha. I hope you like it =)

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  9. lol from all the freaking out, I'm pretty positive I know the spoiler of what happens and who goes. :P The twist at the end of Red Queen didn't catch me either, but I'm still really excited for this book because I love the world and characters. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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    1. Oh no! I hope that I didn't give anything away..

      The twist at the end of Red Queen surprised me in some ways and not in others..I don't know how to explain it without writing spoilers haha.

      Good luck on the giveaway!

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  10. I needz this book! I've yet to recover from the first book's betrayel, so having this one would be pretty great. I NEED HIM TO DIE. Or better yet, admit his errors and somehow redeem himself so I can love him freely. M❤ Glad you enjoyed Glass Sword! Such a pity to hear Kilorn's character doesn't get any better, I didn't like him even in the first book LOL.
    Thanks for the giveaway, Brittany!

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    1. I didn't like Kilorn in Red Queen either and you get more of him in this book..

      I hope you find what you're looking for about Maven in Glass Sword! I can't say anything without spoiling it for you haha.

      Good luck on the giveaway!

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    2. But there is enough Maven...right? *anxious*

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  11. Great review! I cannot wait to get my hands on this book

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  12. Loved the review Brittany! I can't wait till this book is out on shelves! I'm not going to lie but I am secretly Team Maven, even though I love Cal! Excited to see what Victoria Aveyard has in store for us. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! You are the best!! Good luck to everyone who entered! Treat the ARC well!
    Xx -Melany (@readingrapunzel)

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    1. Aw you're so sweet! I know a lot of people who are Team Maven so no worries =) I have and probably always will be Team Cal<3

      Good luck on the giveaway!

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  13. can't wait for this book, not gonna lie, I skipped past the review going, oh no, nope, nope, nope. I don't wanna know a thing before I read it. (: LOL, thanks for the give away though, I'll defiantly read the review after I've read the book regardless if I win an ARC copy or not!!

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    1. That's okay, I usually don't read reviews either if I want to read the book. I don't want anyone else's thoughts or feelings influence how I take the book in. Good luck on the giveaway!

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  14. Awesome review and giveaway! *fingers crossed* I'm so excited for this book! Especially after all your mentions of all the pain! I can't wait til February to get my hands on this book!

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    1. You're always so sweet! We're definitely going to have to talk about this one =)

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  15. I can't wait for this book!! I read the first book in about a day, skipped my ActSci class to read this book...whoops

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    1. I read Red Queen in one sitting too, it was soo good! I hope you enjoy this one just as much =)

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  16. ;aslkdjf I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOKS! I really want that dude who did the totally unexpected evil thing at the end there... to somehow GROW as a character. I'm hoping at some point in the stories he either hardens into a truly wicked guy, or he just becomes a deep, multi layered character who is good?? I DON'T KNOW! I WANT MORE OF HIM! HE PISSED ME OFF AND I LOVE A CHARACTER WHO CAN DO THAT

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    1. Hahaha! I laughed so hard while reading your comment. You can really feel your passion in it xD I hope that Glass Sword gives you everything you're looking for!

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  17. I thought Red Queen was really predictable, so it makes me a little nervous by you saying Glass Sword was even more predictable, haha. When I went into Red Queen, I was aware of a huge plot twist, though, and I think that ruined my enjoyment of the story. I spend the entire time deciphering what was going to happen. I need to do a re-read I think, because after reading this review I realize that I hardly remember any of the characters :P!

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    1. I highly suggest to reread Red Queen before diving into this one, because there were a few names and events that I had forgotten that were important in Glass Sword. This one was definitely more predictable for me but you'll have to see when you read it!

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  18. Ah I can't wait, everyones been raving about this sequel, hopefully it lives up to expectations, which from your review, I'm pretty sure it has! Thanks for posting this giveaway, I'll be sure to share your account with my friends.

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    1. That's so sweet of you! I really hope that this book is exceeds your expectations =)

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. Thank you for the giveaway and thanks for making it international! <3 I loved your review. It made me so excited to read this book now without giving away any spoilers! :)

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    1. Of course! All of my giveaways (unless they are hosted by an author or publisher) are usually international =) I'm so glad that you liked my review, I tried really hard not to spoil anything!

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  20. This giveaway is amazing! I'm so excited to read this book!

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  21. Thank you so much for the give away! I loved the review! I am seriously so excited for the book to come out.

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  22. This book sounds epic and even more intense then the first!!! I love Mare Barrow she's amazing :))

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    1. I love Mare too, even when I wanted to shake her a little bit haha

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  23. Thanks for the giveaway, I'm really excited for the book!

    Denise H | @Dandelionns

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  24. I have been looking for stuff regarding Glass Sword since I first heard about people getting ARCs and here you are with a review that not only gives me a taste of what I'm waiting for but also a chance to win my own ARC this is awesome!!!

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    1. Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed my review. Hopefully you love this book and it exceeds all of your expectations =)

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  25. OMG finally an international giveaway that is reeaaaally good. i reeallly neeeed this!!!!!!

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    1. I try to hold as many international giveaways that I can =) Good luck!

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  26. These ARCs are impossible to find, I can't believe you're giving one away! You're too kind, thank you! :)

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    1. I happen to have gotten an extra, so why not? haha Good luck!

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  27. Wow, great review!
    I loved the quotes! Ugh, can't wait to be able to read it. 2016 has so many promising books... It seriously can't come fast enough.

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    1. Thank you! It was so hard to pick quotes because I didn't want to spoil anything. 2016 is going to be a great year of books!

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  28. I LOVE THE REVIEW <3 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ATTACHING QUOTES :D I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE BOOK RELEASE! <3 thank you for the giveaway too :)

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    1. Aw thank you! You're so sweet <3 I always include quotes in my reviews so I'm glad that you enjoy it. Good luck for the giveaway =)

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  29. Love the review, makes me even more anxious to read it :3 And thank you so much for making the giveaway International <3

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  30. Thank you so much for doing this giveaway! It's so awesome and generous

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  31. It's so awesome that you're doing this giveaway! Thank you so much. I can't wait for it to be released.

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  32. Thank you for the giveaway! These covers are absolutely amazing!

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    1. The covers are stunning, I love them. It's crazy how they are so simple and yet gorgeous.

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  33. Great review! Thanks for doing this giveaway and making it international. I can't wait to read this book!

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    1. Thank you, I usually do international giveaways so keep an eye out for others!

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  34. Ahhh, great review! I'm so excited to see how Mare and Cal plan on fighting back against Maven, even though I'm still heart broken over him. I don't know who I ship Mare with! Thank you for this giveaway :)

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    1. I started as Team Cal and I'm sticking with it. I hope you love this one. Good luck on the giveaway!

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  35. At first, I felt the series was Hunger Games-y and put it down. A friend convinced me to pick it back up, and I am SOOOO glad I did. I cannot wait for book 2! I was always Team Cal!

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    1. A lot of people have said that these books have sound very similar to others and that's why people put them down but I think they are really great and I'm glad you picked it back up.

      Team Cal FTW!

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  36. Thanks so much for the giveaway! I'm really excited about this book!

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  37. Fantastic review!!! I recently picked up a copy of Red Queen and have yet to read it, but I'm so excited this series sounds amazing!

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  38. Ahh, your review has made me even more excited about Glass Sword!! & Thank you for the giveaway!!

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  39. Absolutely loved Red Queen, beyond excited to read Glass Sword, so thanks for a chance to win it! :)

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  40. The rabbit quote! The killing quote! Why are those the ones that intrigue me the most?

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    1. Because they're awesome and make you want to know what in the world is going on? haha

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  41. I WANT THIS MORE THAN ANYONE!!!! D;
    *presents you his red heart on a silver platter*

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    1. I can't tell you how many times something similar was presented to me haha

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  42. I'll admit that Red Queen was blergh for me (maybe because the reveal was a tinge predictable for me) but I still need the follow-up to see if the series redeems itself!

    Cheers,
    Joey via. thoughts and afterthoughts

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  43. Thanks so much for this giveaway, can't wait to read this one!!!

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  44. Great review! I can't wait to read THE GLASS SWORD now :D

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  45. First of all, I love how you set up your reviews! The quotes at the end are a nice touch, and the likes/dislikes make it so easy to read. :)

    Soooo not sure this is a series for me! I fear a messy romance! BUT. If there's hope for Mare and Cal in the next book maybe I'll binge read at some point? I know the first book got such great reviews!

    Lovely review, lady!

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    1. I'm so glad that you like the way I set up my reviews! I'm glad you enjoy them.

      The thing about this series is that romance is not the major driving point of the story. Yes, it's a big part of it but there is a lot of other stuff going on. I hope that if you do pick it up that you enjoy it!

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