Jade Mere’s debut work with Dreamspinner Press, The Architect and the Castle of Glass, takes readers on an adventure to a strange castle in a distant land, where the main character, Tahki, is faced with the greatest architectural challenge of his life, that may or may not lead him to love. A high fantasy novel with touches of steampunk that mix with fascinating class systems, The Architect and the Castle of Glass is a coming-of-age tale that follows a troubled path. And while it may not be a complete stunner, it’s a comfortable novel that has some great themes and a solid ending.
Tahki runs away from his father’s home to attend a festival in the neighboring country and pursue his dream career as an architect. There’s only one problem: travel between the two countries is strictly limited, Tahki doesn’t have real papers, and he might just be killed at the border. Tahki forges on, because he can’t imagine doing anything else, and when he presents his work at the festival, he somehow manages to nab a dream job. But the dream job might just be a nightmare instead, and he has no way of getting out of it. Faced with death, or completing his job, Tahki must deal with a dangerous prince and his distracting friend if he has any hope of making it out in one piece.
The intersection of steampunk and fantasy is very well done. Tahki’s desire to be an architect, and his acceptance of a mysterious job, rely on technology moving forward and evolving. But the background fantasy elements—a monster that haunts Tahki’s steps through the castle, a mysterious locked door deep in the basement, even his twin’s spirituality—point towards much older forces at work. Mere plays with deep descriptions of architecture while pointing out that the world this novel is built upon is evolving, but has not let go of its roots. Readers get a bare glance at the magic in this universe, a figurative and literal doorway that is opened only a crack.
The book itself is a relatively quick read, only 230 pages, but is definitely something I’ll have fun returning to in the future (and the ending is open enough that there could be a sequel in the works). Tahki’s tale is complicated, but Mere’s style is engaging and easy to follow. It’s not advertised as such, but it reads like a young adult novel that deals with tough topics like privilege and political power. Add in a sweet young romance and a touch-and-go sibling relationship, you’ve got an adventure that pulls you in with the chops to back it up. The various settings of the novel are richly described and varied, as the story is based in two different countries. The distinctions between the two are well done, and they make you want to get deeper in to explore the cultures and the contexts that influence every tiny detail, from clothing to greetings to friendship.
The characterization throughout the work is very well done. Tahki starts off from a place of privilege, and much of this novel is his realizing just how his privilege has benefitted him and how his worldview is affected by it. This is a great theme to explore, and as Tahki grows it becomes easier to like him. His chance at romance is both sweet and sour, his relationship with Rye often rocky and troubled because of Tahki’s perspective on the world, but there’s always hope somewhere, and Tahki and Rye manage to work things out while they’re struggling for their lives. Sexuality does not seem to be a huge factor in this world, almost unremarkable—Tahki is comfortable with himself and his preferences, and its implied that his father and brother are okay with it too. It’s a subtle nod to a better world, and is appreciated, but romance definitely takes a back seat to the rest of the story.
His privileged origins mean that Tahki is not always a sympathetic character, and his spoiled attitudes create tension where they clash with the sensibilities of others (especially when his twin brother is portrayed as his pure opposite). But as Tahki journeys on and he matures from a spoiled boy to a strong young man, it’s easy to follow the adventure and wonder at the feats that he is able to pull off. Tahki’s view of the world is naive, but Mere’s novel is a tale of growth and adventure, and readers are pulled alongside Tahki for the ride of a lifetime. Tahki’s brother is an interesting addition as Tahki’s twin, very different from his sibling, yet a necessary foil that shows how immature Tahki is at the start of his journey.
The novel is an interesting journey into strange lands and conundrums, delving into old magic and new technologies alongside the young protagonist. With worldbuilding fit to fall into and vivid language and scenes, The Architect and the Castle of Glass is a great introduction to a fascinating new world.
The Architect and the Castle of Glass
Jade Mere
Originally published March 27, 2018
