Aika Rowland, struggling with undiagnosed Aspergers, has always known what it is like to be alone. But not quite like this. Locked away in her quarters of an 18th Century chateau by her domineering, abusive mother, Aika is left to her own devices of imagination and the letters from her long-distance lover, Carrie Knox, to keep her sane.
Disowned by his mother, Buddy Rowland is torn between his love for men and loyalty to his family. Kept apart from his younger sister and the rest of the unit for being a bad influence, he must leave France before his chances of love diminish.
A tale of two runaway teens from a problematic, dysfunctional family, Aika and Buddy set off to find their own idea of happiness and normality.
Excerpt:
Everything was so fragile in this mansion of glass. The slightest retribution, the littlest remark could cause everything to come shattering down like perilous confetti, the kind that instead of bringing joy, causes one to lose an eye or scathe the skin. Everybody crept around for fear of breaking the glass, speaking in whispers, if at all. Nobody dared to raise their voice or pull any punches. Not in this house of glass.
Reviews:
‘Mansions of Glass’ is the second in a duology set around a family of two children, both of whom suffer under the wrath of their vengeful mother. Deciding to take their fate into their own hands, the pair set out to find their own happy endings.
I enjoyed ‘Mansions of Glass’ for a variety of reasons. The characters were all engaging and sympathetic, and the plot, although initially slow-moving, was well thought out and interesting. The emotions and feelings that are portrayed throughout the novella are well written and do an impressive job of making you empathise with the characters, Akia in particular. The author obviously has well researched the topics within the book and I found her enthusiasm towards period costumes rather catching.
I found the book to be an entertaining read, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend. — Izzy M.