This is the second book in the Blood Guard series, and it does not disappoint. I really enjoyed the first book, and was very excited to continue reading about the adventures of Ronan, Jack, Greta and Sammy. Also there are new characters who are just as fun to get to know.

The story is fresh and exciting, and we learn more about the Blood Guard and their enemies. The new adventure centers around a mysterious test and strange happenings at the testing facility. Without giving too much of the story away, I can safely say that there are surprises, epic battles, and strange new characters. surprises,

I am excited to see where this series goes, and plan on reading every book as it comes out, and would recommend the same to everyone.

Like Blood Guard, this is perfect for YA and older children reading groups, and great for reluctant readers.

**eARC netgalley** ( )

An ARC of the Glass Gauntlet was given to me by MB Communications, but my opinion is entirely my own.

I hit the ground running when reading THE GLASS GAUNTLET as I had not read the first book in the series. I could have taken the time to read the first one, but I more wanted to read TGG on its own to see how well it stood up as its own story. After all, even though we write a series, aren't we told to make each book able to stand on its own? Its with that thought that I dived into these pages, and I gladly wasn't let down.

The beginning of the book is a little bogged down with some telling of what occurred in the previous book. As I had not read the first book, I found this information helpful, though many other readers could quickly grow tired of the explanations. Besides that, the book starts right into action, begginning with training in the Blood Guard's base camp before moving out to the estate of Agatha Glass to compete in some sort of 'test.' At first glass, Agatha's test could be seen as a refinishing of the Hunger Games trope-- a competition with life threatening challenges that runs the majority of the plot. Thankfully, this is not the case, as the "test" is not what the story focuses on, but rather everything going on outside of the test, which was refreshing. The tension and voice kept the story moving fluidly until all the tipping points are in place. It was nice to see that the major complications that Ronan faces in this story is caused by his own actions. Rather than being dragged along as a tool of the plot, Ronan instead makes choices both in the beginning and at the end that greatly shapes the outcomes. I especially liked how his decisions made things worse rather than better, as it keeps the tension high and the main character in the action seat.

The entire book had a definite feel of Rick Riordan's books, and many mirroring ideas. But where Riordan's stories focus more on magic, the GG is more focused on tech. The main mystery focuses around the glass gauntlet, what it can do, and how they were going to make it work. The writing is smooth and rather descriptive without going on for paragraphs and paragraphs. The way Carter Roy described scenes and actions made it very easy to visualize. His writing style keeps the pace swift and with deliberate details that are easy to latch onto.

One of the downsides was the lack of serious character changes or development over the course of the novel. I figure that more characterization of the main three characters took place in the first book, and the second is now more focused on plot than building up characters. It was nice to see some of Ronan's struggles-- how he dealt with thinking of his father and his responsibility to Greta-- but outside of him there's not much there besides showcasing character skills to convey personality. The character I was most interested in was Jack Dawkins, mostly because the mystery of his history and the emotion brought out of him, having to face friends he hadn't seen for many many years.

All in all, The Glass Gauntlet made for an enjoyable and fast-paced read. It definitely feels like a book that would appeal to boys, especially those interested in things like the Percy Jackson series. I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did and was delighted with the ideas and plot elements Roy brought to the table.

3/5 stars. A good adventure story for those who dream of being a hero. ( )

In the first book of this series Ronan discovered his mom is part of The Blood Guard, an ancient organization dedicated to protect the thirty-six pure souls. That's good. BUT on the other hand his father is the head of the Bend Siniester, which goal is to destroy the pure souls to have control of the world. That's not so good. I barely guess Ronan's mixed feelings.
Ronan's father is still looking for him while he with his friends Greta and Sammy, are being trained to become part of The Blood Guard.

To save the life of Flavia, a pure whose soul has been stolen by the Bend Siniester, the Guard need the Damascene 'Scope. To help find the scope, the three friends will be required of disguise and join a competition called The Glass Gauntlet tests, that won't be what it seemed to be... not at all. Although they will succeed, Ronan's father will discover a secret about Greta the group has been carefully protecting. Now they are on their way to find Mrs. Sustermann in an attempt to save Greta.

The Glass Gauntlet, like the first book in he series was a lot of action and fun. Some twists were unexpected, but all of them made sense. I still think the idea of protect the good and the right to keep the world in balance is great, and is again very well developed in this book. In addition now that the threesome Ronan-Greta-Sammy is well established, they relationship is something enjoyable to read about. They selflessly help and support each other, they take into account what the others think and want, and they have a lot of fun in the process.

I really like when books addressed to this age range put the focus of the characters in important things like friendship, commitment, personal growth, etc, and not merely in superfluous passing interests.

Check out more children's book reviews in my Reviews in Chalk Blog! ( )

The Glass Gauntlet is a wonderful follow-up to The Blood Guard; I actually enjoyed it more. As mentioned in my earlier review of The Blood Guard this series is reminiscent of the Percy Jackson books but it is a completely different story that stands on its own. Carter Roy is not a copycat by any means. You feel a similarity but it is such that your child, or a grownup like me, will be thrilled to read. A series that provides a fresh perspective upon a great theme.

As in Rick Riordan’s work there is a training camp for the Blood Guard. Unlike the incredibly high-tech and magical training camp in Riordan’s books, the Blood Guard have a camp that is rugged, completely low-tech, and run on a shoestring budget. I find that it is just as interesting and that it better captures my imagination. Everything that the Blood Guard works with is, well… cheap. Roy does provide us with all things high-tech though. They are used by the Blood Guard’s evil nemesis, the Bend Sinister (and one incredible Bend Sinister foster-child escapee to the good side). The Bend Sinister’s extremely expensive and high-tech weapons, vehicles, and facilities make me loath them even more. The Blood Guard use creativity combined with organic materials already existing in their environment. What a great way to help a kid stuck in an electronic age to see the possibilities in which all things non-tech can be used. Those nasty Bend Sinister guys and all their expensive junk come across as manipulative users…or just plain lazy. Also, don’t forget that the Bend Sinister get beat down by the Blood Guard at every turn.

The Glass Gauntlet is filled with non-stop fun and action that would take the energy of a pre-teen or magically enhanced grownup to keep up with. Your child’s heart rate may increase but it shouldn’t be too dangerous. Don’t forget though; you have to accept danger to be a member of the Blood Guard.

For my fellow Christian parents: Please read my review of The Blood Guard for qualifiers.

I received a galley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher.

For all of my reviews visit my blog at https://blessedandbewildered.wordpress.com ( )

Just as with the first book, I was immediately captured. The characters and their relationships continue to ring true to me. The good vs. evil plot continues, with new characters and complications coming in to enrich the story. It’s a little slower going than book one, which is typical of the middle book in a series, but has enough highs and lows to keep the reader engaged.

Can’t wait for number three!

Possible objectionable material: Disobeying adults. Perilous situations. Violence, some gory but none graphic. One reviewer points out that the idea of 36 “Pure” individuals on earth, whose souls are reincarnated, and who keep the world worthy of continuing, is against their religious beliefs. This could offend some; your suspension of disbelief may vary.

Who would like this book: I think this would be a great book for reluctant readers, because the plot keeps you wanting more. Late elementary through early high school. (Let's face it, I'm 51 and I liked it.) While it’s a book that girls can definitely get into, it’s a great choice for boys who don’t like female protagonists. (Greta is such a strong character, they’ll get a lot of girl anyway.) Approximate Lexile: 880.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader ebook. ( )