Glass Houses - The Morganville Vampires 🩸

By Rachel Caine.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

“Run first,' Shane said. 'Mourn later. It was the perfect motto for Morganville.”

I have owned Glass Houses for over a decade, carrying it with me through multiple moves. With its limited edition sprayed edges, I could never quite bring myself to part with it, knowing I needed to sit down and finally read it. Now that I have, I can say it was an engaging and enjoyable read, albeit not without its flaws.

Set in Morganville, Texas, Glass Houses follows Claire Danvers, a sixteen-year-old genius who has just started college. Her academic brilliance, however, does not shield her from the brutal bullying she endures in her dormitory.

The antagonists are particularly menacing, going so far as to push Claire down a flight of stairs as a warning. Fearing for her safety, she seeks alternative accommodation and discovers the Glass House, an imposing yet oddly inviting residence.

There, she meets her new housemates: the gothic and spirited Eve, the laid-back yet protective Shane, and the enigmatic Michael. As time passes, Claire realises that Morganville harbours dark secrets, and she and her new friends must rely on one another to survive.

I found this book more enjoyable than expected. It is a fast-paced and entertaining read that I would recommend as a YA read and for those seeking a light yet thrilling vampire story.

However, some aspects of the narrative were unconvincing. Claire is repeatedly described as highly intelligent, yet her actions often contradict this, making some of her decisions frustrating. Additionally, I also felt that the romantic connection between Claire and Shane could have been explored in greater depth, although this may develop further as the series continues

Despite some shortcomings, Glass Houses offers an engaging plot and a well-developed cast of characters. While not without its flaws, it remains an enjoyable read, and I am inclined to continue the series to see how the story unfolds.

Buy the book here.

Buy the Kindle book here.

Support a local and independent bookshop and buy the book here.