Storm Glass (Harbinger)

Jeff Wheeler’s Storm Glass is a novel that has some interesting world building that feels like its filled with vast potential. But at almost every turn I simply didn’t like the story as it was presented, often finding myself bouncing out as I read or becoming incredibly frustrated with having to suspend disbelief beyond what I’m normally comfortable with. My reviews are normally spoiler free, but I will have to discuss some minor spoilers to give this book a fair treatment. Consider that your spoiler warning.

As I mentioned, the world building in Storm Glass has some very cool elements. Wheeler crafts a world that feels quite steampunk at moments (air ships, floating castles/manors) but without steam as the main source of energy. Instead, magic is what makes air ships float and the like. That magic system is never fully explained, but I imagine subsequent novels will do more to suss out the details. All this is wrapped in a culture that is reminiscent of regency England. There is certainly a good deal of potential here and I felt like the novel was at its best when it was showing us this world. There are two main characters, Cettie and Sera, and both are interesting though I personally connected and cared more about Cettie. The main characters and the world building are what I perceive as the strengths of this book.

As for the weaknesses, they mostly revolve around finding it difficult to suspend disbelief concerning a particular situation that makes up a significant portion of the plot of the book. Mild spoilers begin here. Cettie is found by a truly noble and giving individual, Lord Fitzroy, and brought to his manor. There she encounters a housekeeper, Mrs. Pullman, who is basically evil. We’re eventually given a brief explanation of why she’s a horrible person, but this doesn’t come until near the end of the novel. In the meantime, we’re supposed to believe that Lord and Lady Fitzroy—who appear to be exceptional people of character at every turn—don’t notice THEIR OWN HOUSEKEEPER is evil, using magic to keep servants from speaking, getting rid of servants, and emotionally abusing this young girl who they have brought to their house with the intention of adopting? At one point, Mrs. Pullman forces Cettie to sleep, without a bed, in the attic. And Lord Fitzroy is OK with this? I’d be like, “The girl needs a bed Mrs. Pullman! What are you even thinking?” But we get no questions of that nature until the final ten percent of the novel. It just strains credulity. Combine this with the fact that I strongly dislike stories where a major plot element is adults verbally, emotionally, and/or physically abusing children, and you can begin to see why this one just didn’t connect for me. There are also several plot holes that jarred me out of the story. For instance, the endgame begins with Mrs. Pullman making a decision that I just can’t conceive of her thinking was actually a good decision that would work out well for her.

I have a feeling that this novel will really work and connect with some folks. For me, the issues around suspending disbelief and plot holes, combined with a plot that is rather slow moving at times means that it just didn’t work for me. The positive bits of the novel aren’t truly stand out, and the parts that didn’t work for me had me actively disliking the novel.

2.25/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing