Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby (United Kingdom)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Source: Bought from Play
















"College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they come out fighting when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"Glass Houses" is the first book in the series "The Morganville Vampires", written by Rachel Caine. The book was first published in 2006. Caine made her debut as an author in 1991, and has written many books under several pseudonyms. When "Glass Houses" first came out, she had a contract to write three books. Now, in July of 2010, eight books have been published and number nine is due out in October. The series have been published in thirteen countries and sold over 600.000 copies worldwide. Charles Armitage /Noel Gray Productions owns the film - and television rights to the series.

Story:
Claire Danvers is an exceptionally bright student, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 from High School. Her dream was to attend college at MIT, Yale or Caltech, but her parents didn't agree with that wish. They didn't want their daughter to live so far away from them, so Claire ends up in Morganville. Is soon becomes apparent that Morganville is not your average Texas town. Not only must Claire Danvers try to avoid the wrath of some of her fellow students, she must also try to stay alive in a town run by vampires.

Main Character:
16 year old Claire Danvers is a bright and smart girl, and I liked her instantly. She is described as the girl next door, someone every teenage girl can relate to. She has the same thoughts and problems most teenagers experience from time to time. Rachel Caine has done a great job creating her.

The Book:
"Glass Houses" was one of the first vampire books I read after I finished reading Twilight, and I was hooked right away. The books is extremely well written, it is actually so far one of the best written book I have read in the YA - genre. And I thought it was way better than Twilight. (Hope I don't provoke anyone by saying that). The book is full of suspense and mysteries. Nothing is revealed to early and the author has a lot of surprises up her sleeve. There is also a little bit of romance here. Caine has created some memorable charachters besides Claire. I can't wait to get to know Eve, Michael and Shane better. Michaels destiny is original and oh, so heartbreaking. I felt for him when the truth about his life was revealed to us.

"Glass Houses" is a very good and original read, and I highly recommend it. Teenager can relate to many of the topics in the book, but adults like myself will also enjoy it. Caine delivers a whole new take on the vampire story, that differs from a lot of the stories I have read. I am looking forward to reading more about the vampires in Morganville, and get to know the story behind this town better.

Warning: Do not read "Glass Houses" unless you have "The Dead Girls Dance", the second book in the series, within your reach. Otherwise you will be running to the bookstore to get a copy.



You can read more about the series and the author at her webpage here.

Here are some other reviews:
Love Vampires
The Book Cellar
Book Love: Teen
My Overstuffed Bookshelf