Glass Houses

Book review by Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media
Glass Houses Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Light, fluffy vampire series big on fun, small on plot.

Rachel Caine Fantasy 2006
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 14 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book is heavy on the vampire lore, with some related vampire violence. There's also some mean girl-type violence, with one girl nearly being killed. Much of the violence happens without real consequences.

Community Reviews

Tiny198198
Tiny198198 Adult
May 7, 2020
age 15+

Best book series ive read

This is a really good series to read if your bored because these will definitely liven the place up... A lot of swearing and a bit of sex references but other than that they are really good
Cecilia Marie
Cecilia Marie Adult
January 16, 2019
age 14+

Find something better to read

Who ever reviewed this book for commonsense must be oblivious to foul language. There is a lot of casual swearing “bada—“ “sh—load” “d—k” “p—-y” etc. While the review was correct about the lack of sex, be warned there is sexual humor and references.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Claire Danvers finds herself stuck in a small Texas college town attending classes until her parents decide she's mature enough (at 16) to move on to one of the bigger universities she is dying to attend. Funny enough, dying is on Claire's mind a lot these days as she discovers the small town of Morganville is full of vampires and plain old mean girls who are set on making her life miserable, at least as miserable as they can before they end it. She finds friendship and safety with her new roommates, but her presence puts them in danger, too. What power does she have over the horrors that run the town?

Is It Any Good?

Author Rachel Caine does a great job of creating a sympathetic hero out of quiet and meek Claire, and we fall in love with her roommates almost as fast as she does. The backdrop of the novel -- vampires that run a town and the rules they have set forth -- would be worrisome enough, but add mean girls who like destruction and have a taste for blood on their own, and readers will spend half their time wondering why Claire doesn't get out of this town the first chance she gets.

As the rules of the town are laid out and more mysteries are revealed, kids will find themselves wanting Claire to stay at least long enough to figure out all the secrets. This is a great book for reluctant readers and teens who can't get enough of the fantasy vampire/witch/wizard genres. It's no Twilight, but it's not half bad.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about vampires. Why are vampire stories so popular right now? What do you find appealing? Which stories most interest you: traditional stories, or ones that focus on teens and young adults?

  • How are relationships and friendships key to the story?

  • Michael is hiding a big secret; what is he afraid of? How does that affect his relationship with Eve and Shane?

Book Details

  • Author: Rachel Caine
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Publication date: October 3, 2006
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
  • Number of pages: 256
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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