"Glass Sword" is the second installment in the "Red Queen" series and unfortunately it suffered from the "second-book-in-a-series" curse. I am a die-hard fan of "Red Queen" but I couldn't help but acknowledge that this novel, although interesting, served like a filler. ❇
First of all, I thought it was very clever on Aveyard's part to make the newbloods' abilities an altered, stronger variation of the ones the Silvers have. It was intriguing for the reader to discover new abilities and also, these abilities serve as a very good advantage for the Scarlet Guard. ❇
Another thing I noticed is that the love triangle is a bit forced. Obviously Cal and Mare are drawn to each other like a moth is to a flame, but I think Mare's longing of Maven is a bit much. I can understand though, that after all they have been through and his so unexpected betrayal, it's hard for her to completely forget "old Maven". ❇
Lastly, I want to say that everyone should definitely stop criticizing Mare. I know she no saint, nor miss Perfect but they need to cut her some slack. It's one thing to offer advise and guidance and another to comment on every move with spite. Farley, Kilorn, Shade, Cameron, etc think they know so much better an never give her credit for her efforts. Especially Cameron, who is my least favorite character in the book. They need to understand that she didn't have a choice. She was suddenly presented with an ability and nevertheless, tried to do the most of it helping the Reds. And now that she is finally free from the palace and could very easily hide in Tuck to save herself, she is still out there fighting to help the cause, but everyone keeps finding faults in her, like she is never enough. Well guess what? She's just a frickin HUMAN! ❇
All in all, "Glass Sword" is a good book that is exciting and nicely sets the pace for the third novel in the series.