The Shadow in the Glass

Written by JJA Harwood

Narrated by Sophie Roberts

A deliciously gothic story of wishes and curses – a new dark fairy tale set against a Victorian backdrop full of lace and smoke.

‘Deliciously dark’
Woman Magazine

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay…

A smouldering, terrifying new spin on Cinderella – perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Erin Morgenstern.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Mar 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9780008368128

JJA Harwood

JJA Harwood is an author, editor and blogger. She grew up in Norfolk, read History at the University of Warwick and eventually found her way to London, which is still something of a shock for somebody used to so many fields.When not writing, she can be found learning languages, cooking with more enthusiasm than skill, wandering off into clearly haunted houses and making friends with stray cats. THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS was her debut novel.

Reviews for The Shadow in the Glass

[James Porter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed the book. It was well written and engaging. It followed the classic dark fairy tale story line, but that's OK. I would recommend this to someone into this genre.

[aglimpseofdays · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the cleverest books I’ve ever read! It wasn’t until the very last page that the pieces suddenly fell into place in the multiple plot twists contained in this gem of a book. Wonderful!

[Jac Cordray · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I should have listened to the other reviews. The ending does not provide any closure. So disappointed.

[Joanna Disch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Eine düstere Mischung aus Aschenputtel und Goethes Faust. Manchmal etwas zu viel Romantik, aber ansonsten nicht schlecht.

[Kerrie Greene · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Excellent narration, not so excellent story. The book had potential but it took a very long and wandering path… that didn’t have a particularly satisfying end. Had it not been for the narrator I would’ve bailed on this one.
It’s dark, it’s atmospheric, but it just doesn’t quite put the pieces together properly and it tries a little too hard to reinvent some classic fairy tales.

[Sam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a vibe. A tragic glimpse into what happens when desperation meets power, and a reminder that all magic indeed comes with a price. Beautifully written, immersive and filled with foreshadowing and clues for the reader to follow.

[arkrayder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a suspenseful story and had me guessing about how it would turn out from the start. When I thought the story was going in one direction it turned right around and went in another and didn’t relent right up to the end. A good entertaining read.