Oh, if only "ink" weren't in the title: the creation of a world by writing it can only draw comparison to Funke's Inkheart. And this doesn't deserve that comparison because it's not close to being the same thing. But then, there are bits of Narnia (the World Between the Worlds) and other novels inside.

The world that Clare has created here is a great mix of European steampunk and what might be called pre-industrial, with call outs to writers and events that teens may (I hope) be interested in seeking more information about. Example? Garibaldi's unification of Italy. Which was an interesting choice of focal point, IMVHO, because Italy and that history is not a common setting for us (France and Amsterdam also play fleeting roles).

How this plays out, and what happens in the "real" world that Elsa comes from (although I suspect a love triangle in the next book, which... really hoping not) I can't wait to read.

Such an interesting concept. Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

An intriguing premise with a somewhat slow start, Clare's Ink, Iron, and Glass weaves an interesting tale with the concept of writing reality. The main character, Elsa, is not human, scripted into existed through the abilities of a scriptologist. A scriptologist herself, she has the ability to write things into existence. After her mom is captured, she has to make new friends along the way and learn to write her own future. The main character was headstrong and determined, but at times seemed kind of 2 dimensional. Thankfully the book lacked the typical teen love triangle, but the action started much later into the book which made the early chapters drag.

An interesting start to a series. I may or may not seek out the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of "Ink, Iron, and Glass" by Gwendolyn Clare. After reading the first chapter I immediately put it down as one of the must haves for the high school library where I work. The world building is fantastic and the writing is lush. I am absolutely loving the title and the cover. There is an "Alice in Wonderland" quality that I am constantly searching for. This book will be a favorite for those who read YA fantasy.

This is an original and exciting read! I love the idea of scripting a world and the author does a great job at blending the scripted with the real world. The characters are engaging and the worlds building is wonderful.

I wasn't too sure what to expect once I got into the story, but I found myself quite drawn in by the description of the book. Initially I was a little confused, but the world building redeems itself, and you find yourself more acquainted with this quirky cast of characters. Once you think you're on a comfy, safe, scientific and wonderfully steampunk ride - get ready for enough twists to make your head spin, but makes the ride all the more remarkable.

For a teen/young adult book I found this first novel in the series to be pretty good. The plot and story itself is just messed up enough to make you keep reading, but not too complicated to put you off following along with all the intricacies of a fabled universe where worlds can be written into books by scriptologists, or "mad" people. Elsa is a strong character and her friends are well written and intelligent, something you don't always come across in this genre. I can't wait for the second in the series, as we follow Elsa's quest for the edit book and Leo.