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Book Reviews of Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1)

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1)
Glass Houses - Morganville Vampires, Bk 1
Author: Rachel Caine
PBS Market Price: $7.59 or $3.69+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780451219947
ISBN-10: 0451219945
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 418

3.9 stars, based on 418 ratings
Publisher: Signet
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

40 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

jai avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
First book in a young adult series. Claire Danvers is a freshman at Texas Prairie University in Morganville. At 16, two years younger than other students starting school, she is very smart, but unfortunately slated for hazing because she made popular girl Monica Morrell look stupid. At first the abuse seems extreme, but as she learns more about the town, that is the least of her problems. Morganville is run by vampires, and Monica has protection under them. Claire leaves the dorms to escape Monica, and moves into a house with a group of other kids who have grown up in Morganville. Written with a teen voice, this book is very face paced as Claire runs from one danger into another with only the Glass House as a place of safety. Crushes, bullies, first love, supernatural characters. Akin to L. J. Smith, maybe better. I was impressed that the author thought about Claire being underage and younger than her housemates who seem to consider this carefully before letting her live with them and also make rules about what she is allowed to do because of her younger age. What 18 year old thinks about that?

OH, the book has something of a cliffhanger! You may want to have the second book in your hands before you get to the last few pages. I guess I have to wishlist the next book now.
crysteena73 avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I was a little concerned that this being a YA book the meat of the story would be lacking and not hold my adult attention as well as an adult novel would. I was happy to be completely surprised that this book not only held my attention I didn't want to put it down until I finished ever last word.
Claire is a 16 year old super smart cookie who finds herself at a small college not too far from her home. She did not want to go there but her parents insisted. She ends up going from socially snubbed in high school to being bullied in a dangerous manner. After an incident at her dorm that had her covered in bruises she just knows she has to find something off campus. What she finds is a wonderful house and some pretty great friends. Friends she really needs when she also finds out that Morganville is filled with vampires and unless you have Protection you end up lunch or worse.
Rachel Caine has done an excellent job of writting a book for teens that entertains everyone. Her take on vampires is interesting and wooohooo what a cliff hanger she zaps at the readers at the end. You will find that you not only want to read more about Claire and her 3 friends but you will want to read about them right now. Make sure you have the second one in the wings when you start this first one.
Over all I give this book 4.5 stars.
zophine avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
First in the Morganville Vampire series and a very quick but fun read. I didn't realize that this series was geared to the youner generation until after I started reading it, but it kept me entertained all the same. I even decided to pick up the rest of the series to see where the hijinks end.
nymphadora avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is a fun little book to read when you are waiting for the next Kelley Armstrong or Kim Harrison to be shipped. It is a young adult novel, so it is definitely tame in comparison to other novels of the same genre. The concept of a vampire-run town that no one outside of the town knows about is intriguing. The mystery surrounding Morganville is told in a way that leaves you wanting more.

I love the characters and will definitely be ordering the rest of the series. I have a daughter who is a bit of an academic over-acheiver so it it was fun to picture her in Claire's shoes. I like the fact that we never forget that she is sixteen in a world of eighteen year olds and that yes, there is a difference between those two ages. While Claire is mature enough for college, there are some things that she really does just want to call her parents for help with and that is refreshing. I like that the characters' respect for their parents and other adults is still strong while not being portrayed as wimps because of it.
silverdancing avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 3
I will tell you now that I absolutely love this particular series, but much like the Twilight Saga, I would never let my teenage niece read it. Which if any teen reads this review is going to be the kiss of "I have to read this now". I just hope parents are being responsible and reading what their kids are before hand. It's an intriguing mix of teenage angst and very adult themes of hazing in schools, who the monsters really are, and a rather belligerent attitude towards adults. One of the main characters is a 16 year old early admission college student. She flat out lies to her parents repeatedly and does everything she can to stay living with her 18 year old boyfriend. I could understand a college age teen reading this series but nothing under 18. The concepts get more adult as the series progress'. I know my niece who is 12 verging on 13 reads way past her level so I pre-read and recommend to her mom. Again great series for an 18+. I'm still rather disturbed that it and Twilight are in the "teen" section of the local library.
myhotstylist avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed the story, but not the writing style.

Claire is a minor at TPU college in Morganville TX. After some serios hazing by the popular girls, Claire moves into the Glass House off campus. There she learns that vampires run the town, and the house is under protection.

When one of her roomies (Shane)makes a deal with a local vamp (to save Claires life) Claire trys to find a lost book that the vamps desperately want in order to get Shane out of his deal.

There was an awesome cliff hanger at the end and I cant wait to read the next one.
tiffanyak avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 215 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It's a great twist on YA vampire literature. The thought of having a town run by vampires is new and makes for a lot to work with. The dynamics of how it's done are fairly believable as well. As Claire tries to adjust to life in her new college town, and learn the rules, you can't help wondering what will be thrown at her next. I did want to smack her a lot of times though. I was an overachiever in school myself, but I need to say, if people were trying to actually KILL me, I wouldn't be arguing with the people trying to protect me and saying I had to go to class. Going to class wouldn't be worth getting killed over. Overall, while it will never be considered a work of classic American literature, it was really great entertainment. I'll definitely be diving into the rest of the series very quickly.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It is very important to understand this is a Young Adult book. It is the quintessential emotional structure of the main character who is a 16 year old girl; thus, this book is written geared for 16 year old girls. The innocence and naivety of budding relationships, the hyperfocus on appearance and what the popular kids think can sometimes be absolutely grating if you are over the age of 18, because it is only later on in life you realize those things are juvenile and don't matter at all.

However, if you go into this book understanding that it is a Young Adult (assuming you are not a 16 year old girl), it has a pretty solid and interesting storyline with fairly decent character development. I'm in my late twenties, and I found it an easy and enjoyable read once you get past the juvenile relationships and some terminology (there is one part that's whole descriptive term is "monster bed-head.")

Rachel Caine does a good job making the men desirable, but lacks solid aesthetics for the females. The settings are fantastic, and more than make up for the lack of detail in some of the characters.

Honestly, I'd read it again. I stumbled on this series by accident, and I think I am a better book connoisseur for it. It does not have the depth or maturity of something like Interview With The Vampire, but is still wholly worth the time and effort.
barbsis avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Upon reading the first chapter I almost threw the book down in disgust thinking this was another high school popular girls against the geeks thing. I so hate that clicky shit - way too high schooly. Granted this is a young adult novel but still I can't stand reading about high school girls fighting for supremacy. It just irks me. Having said that...

Luckily I persevered and continued reading. I'm so glad that I did. I really like Claire - 16 or not she's incredibly smart and grown up. Her roommates are wonderful to take her in and protect her from the undesirables in Morganville - vampires - even at a risk to themselves.

I think the funniest part was when her parents showed up at her new residence. The ending was a killer - leaving poor Michael hanging was criminal. I can't wait to pickup the next installment. What a wonderful start to the series.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 42 more book reviews
This is a good book for young adults and adults alike. It has an interesting premise and I enjoyed the character development too.
nantuckerin avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
Shallow confession time: I almost didn't read Glass Houses because I was put off by the cover. I'm just far enough out of the age demographic to find goth characters pretty offputting. But I'd heard so many good things about Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire books, I had to give it a try. I'm glad I didn't judge the book by it's proverbial cover, because I would have missed an introduction to one of the most intriguing paranormal YA series I've encountered in a long time.

The vampires in Morganville don't sparkle. They aren't romanticized or crush-worthy. They're superior, hard-core killers that run the town of Morganville and offer lucky residents Protection for their fealty and a monthly, required blood donation. College students like 16-year-old prodigy Claire aren't so lucky. The transient population in town has a way of disappearing, and lots of people turn their heads when they do.

This is bad news for Claire, who made a powerful enemy in the dorms. She feels her life is at risk, and begins a desperate search for a new place to live after the threat turns physical. Claire stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime when she answers a roommate ad for the Glass House, a spooky old gothic mansion on the outskirts of campus. Not only is it a safe, spacious property full of mysterious rooms and a strange energy, her new roommates (goth Eve, sarcastic jock Shane and mysterious day-sleeping musician, Michael) offer her a chance for friends and a real home. Unfortunately, life away from the house isn't so safe for a young girl without a bracelet to signify Protection, and Claire finds herself the target of vampires with a grudge. After one of her roommates saves her life, Claire makes a deal with the enemy, goes on a search for an ancient and coveted vampire relic, and discovers that there are more secrets in Morganville than she ever imagined.

I haven't read any of Caine's adult novels, like her popular Weather Warden series, but I'm eager to do so after this introduction. Her characters are likeable and well-written. The dialogue is witty and believable, and the dynamic of the four Scooby-esque roomies reminded me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- in a good way. The whole thing was well-written and humorous, without sacrificing the horror elements that are the cornerstone of the vampire novel genre. And it's kind of refreshing to read a book with scary vampires again, to be frank.

Glass Houses introduced an ambitious amount of plot for a first book in a series, and the cliff hanger ending was really annoying. But overall, I really enjoyed the book. I will seek out Dead Girls Dance, the next book in the series, as soon as I can.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 241 more book reviews
Starts woth a bang and NEVER slows up.... I am not a fan or her Weather Warden series but I really enjoyed this as a light, entertaining, and DARK read!
jlcool avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Very good serious! Have read them 2 times now. Just love them
bookcat avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Good book...can't wait to read the next one!
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
One thing I was surprised about with this book was the fact that despite this book being the first in a series it still had a huge amount of action and intricate plot. Most series beginning books are forced to focus on universe building, but Caine was able to walk the line beautifully between set building, characterization, and plot. That being said, several elements smacked of 2-D but I expect the 2nd book in the series will continue on everything perfectly.

Yes, there were many times when solutions appeared out of thin air, or were extremely lucky for the characters, but still it is meant to be a fun, enjoyable, and simple read, which it pulls off wonderfully thus the rating.

And damn, what a cliff hanger ending! That totally annoys me! I need closure. And I think that readers should feel the need to pick up the 2nd book based on the quality of the first, and not to find out the ending of the first.
havan avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
This is a well written, fast moving story of young adults and vampires. It does leave some of the backstory too long and is a bit confused in the beginning but by the end it succeeds in gaining your interest.

At just under 250 pages it's shorter than many teen vampire stories but then it's really just the first installment in a longer tale. I'm NOT particularly happy with where it leaves off and I'll most likely read the next installment but with a small sense of duress.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Morganville Vampires series and I thought this book was pretty good it kept me interested the entire time, its a quick read too.
ophelia99 avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2527 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Morganville series by Caine. Previously I have read the first four books in Caine's Weather Warden series. I liked those four books okay, but I didn't like the main characters all that much, so I ended up dropping the series. When I heard she had a young adult series, I wanted to give that one a try because I thought I might like it better. Overall I thought this book was okay, but it had some of the same problems that I had with the Weather Warden series.

Claire is super smart. So, smart that she graduated early and started going to college at the age of 16. Only her parents wouldn't let her go away to school, so she is stuck going to University in the town of Morganville. Right from the beginning things go wrong; the cool girls are picking on her and stealing her laundry. It isn't until one of the girls actually tries to beat her to death that she realizes something is seriously wrong. She ends up finding her way out of the dorms, where she feels like her life is in danger, and instead renting a room in the Glass House. There she finds that Morganville is not at all what it seems. She is in more danger than she ever suspected.

Everything about this book was okay for me. The characters were okay. I didn't really love any of them, they were pretty stereo-typed in general. Claire is an okay character, and I think as we get to know her she might become more than okay. The guy characters in the book were okay too. The idea of vampires being evil is old. The action scenes were written okay, and the plot of the book was interesting enough to keep my interest, but not so engaging that I couldn't put the book down.

The most interesting thing about this book is the way Caine set up the vampire/human relationship structure in the city of Morganville. The type of society she has set up is pretty neat. I also think that Claire has potential to become someone more interesting, and that the lead vampire Amelie could be a fascinating character if we get to read about her more. Additionally Caine doesn't pull any punches when it comes to what her characters, especially Claire, has to endure.

The only thing I really hated about this book is that it ends with someone literally stabbing a knife at someone else; seriously in the middle of an action scene. What is up with that? I hate it when authors can't wrap up a book in a decent way.

I have the next two books so I will read them and see if the series gets better. I would recommend at least getting the second book with the first because, as I said, the first book ends in the middle of an action scene. My first impression of this series is that it is okay, but nothing special.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 244 more book reviews
What a great start to a new series! Characters are a little young for me (16 and 18), but couldn't have done college story line any other way! highly recommended!
emmaleth avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
This was a fun read. Although how many times can the kids in this book give each other (and everyone around them) the finger? Maybe I would have enjoyed this more if I were 15 years younger. Still, it was enjoyable and I read it in a few hours on a plane.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
First in the series and definitely a great start. The characters are very realistic and can really relate to. If you like vampires then you're sure to like this book.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com

All Claire Danvers wanted was a normal college experience. Preferably somewhere far away, but when her parents send her to Morganville, Texas, she's still glad to be going to college, even if she is, at sixteen, the youngest college student around. Morganville is a small college town, and Claire's prepared to make the best of her fresh start. Unfortunately, things don't turn out the way anyone expected or wanted them to.

At first, Claire's existence is made miserable by a few girls in her dorm who torment her. Dorm life, for Claire, is not all it's cracked up to be--in fact, it's pretty much as miserable as she thinks it can get, so Claire decides to move out and find a place off-campus. Luck is with her; she ends up at a spooky-looking mansion with a room she can actually afford, and three roommates who actually turn out to be pretty cool, even if they have reservations about letting her move in at first. Michael, Shane, and Eve are all eighteen, and Claire's a couple of years younger.

If Claire thought being harassed in her dorm was bad, she didn't know Morganville's secrets. When she moves out of the dorm, however, she learns that there's more to Morganville than there seems to be. The town is run by vampires. Yes, actual vampires that can't go out in the daytime and drink human blood at night. If Claire's not careful, it could end up being her blood they're drinking...

GLASS HOUSES is a great book for fans of vampire novels. Claire and her roommates are quite likeable as characters, and, perhaps making the book even better, the bad guys are just as easy to hate as the inhabitants of the Glass House are to like. In Morganville, Rachel Caine has created a mysterious, intriguing, and spooky town run by the undead (I was a bit reminded of Buffy's hometown of Sunnydale). The writing is great, and there are few flaws in this awesome book.

Claire doesn't ask nearly as many questions as might be expected of someone who had just been let in on the secret that she's living in a town run by vampires; it seems like that might be a way of keeping some questions and suspense in the story, but it struck me as a bit unrealistic while reading. Even with its minor flaws, though, this is a book that will have readers hooked and ready for more in this series!
andi89 avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 98 more book reviews
I really liked this book. Kept you guessing. Loved how it ended. Made me ready to read the next book. Will continue on with this series
boxtopmom avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It kept my interest throughout. It is hard to find a good paranormal that is believable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
jaapyle avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Awesome series! I would recommend the second book be available because it is a huge cliffhanger!
LexieMama avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. 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'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

In this book you will meet Claire Danvers, a smart 16 year old, Shane, a lazy boy, Eve, the Gothic girl and the only other girl in the house, and Michael, the owner and he has a secret. Claire gets into some trouble but finds her way out of it. But in the mist of that she finds out the towns secret and Michaels while she is at it. Suspence is in every page and its making you want more.
skywriter319 avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 784 more book reviews
Reading GLASS HOUSES reminded me a lot of my first time reading the Sookie Stackhouse series: I have problems with the lackluster writing, problematic characterization, and meandering plot, but for some reason I am completely and utterly addicted, and have already lined up the next few books in the series to read. I dislike Claire for her victim and near damsel-in-distress status, and could have appreciated more development about the vampires, but its still an easy read that you will find hard to put down
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on
I really did enjoy this book. It was a short read, but not too short. It really does have you going all the way till the end. The cliffhanger ending really made me want to jump in the next book as fast as possible. The only downfall is that there are 15 books in this series.
Bryre avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Seems I am reading a lot more Young Adult fiction lately. Of all the ones I have read, this one sucked me in the most :) LOOVE Rachel Caine's books. Can't wait to read the newest one in this series.
Sailorslady avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
The book was ok. The first half seemed to really fly, but the last half seemed to drag. Then I felt the ending was rushed. I realize that it's a YA book, and I kept that in mind.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
I liked it, very quirky characters, I'm reading the 2nd now.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 407 more book reviews
This was a good urban fantasy. I liked how Claire learns to deal with trouble both living and undead. I look forward to reading next book in series, Dead Girl's Dance.
FineLQQKn avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 173 more book reviews
... with a ghost or two thrown in. I liked it. But, my 13 y/o didn't like it at all. Guess, I might figure her out eventually.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I really liked this book. It was a very interesting and fast paced book. Had a hard time putting it down.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
It took me a little to really get into this book. But then it hooked me. It leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to reading the next to see where things go for claire and her friends.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
the end was a bit annoying. i didn't like how it left you hanging.
solarawynn avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
Was Ok,have the next one on hold.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
this is great book
ayronsmom avatar reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Excellent book. I came across this series while shopping one day. I am waiting for the next books on the current series that I am reading to come out and needed something to take their place until they come available. Story line is not predictable. This is a teen book series but, even though I am not, I find teen to be more interesting. Would not suggest this book to anyone younger that mid teens as it does have some bad language.
reviewed Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I did not read this book. I got it for a friend who was reading the series.