Mary Robinette Kowal's "Glamour in Glass"

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Mary Robinette Kowal's first novel Shades of Milk and Honey was a loving tribute to the works of Jane Austen in a world where magic is an everyday occurrence. This magic comes in the form of glamour, which allows talented users to form practically any illusion they can imagine. The sequel to Shades, Glamour in Glass, follows the lives of main characters Jane and David Vincent, with a much deeper vein of drama and intrigue.

In the tumultuous months after Napoleon abdicates his throne, Jane and Vincent go to Belgium for their honeymoon. While there, the deposed emperor escapes his exile in Elba, throwing the continent into turmoil. With no easy way back to England, Jane and Vincent's concerns turn from enjoying their honeymoon…to escaping it.

Left with no outward salvation, Jane must persevere over her trying personal circumstances and use her glamour to rescue her husband from prison…and hopefully prevent her newly built marriage from getting stranded on the shoals of another country's war.

Here the author dreamcasts an adaptation of Glamour in Glass:

Jane Vincent: Laura Carmichael best known for her role as Lady Edith Crawley on Downton Abbey would be perfect. Granted, she's prettier than Jane is in my head, but she can do the awkward lack of self-confidence so beautifully and yet has force when she needs it.

David Vincent: Nathan Fillion -- If he were younger, had curls, and were British. He has the right build and can brood like Vincent. The brooding is really what Vincent needs, and he's a physically powerful man, but not lean. Tall, broad shoulders and a heavy brow. Plus, Vincent does have a streak of fun in him, it's just hidden to everyone except the people who he really trusts.

Anne-Marie: Audrey Tautou best known in the US for Amélie. That apparent innocence coupled with mischief would be a good match for Anne-Marie.

Madame Meynard: Laura Smet. So sassy while remaining elegant.

Mme Chastain: Juliette Binoche. You probably know her from Chocolat. She's charming and strong.

M. Chastain: Vincent Cassel. I love the way he can be charming with an undercurrent of danger.

Lieutenant Segal: I actually based him on a real person, not an actor, so it's hard to find someone who is a good fit. Gaspard Ulliel comes close though. The casual grace of his movements and that little smirk he has, which implies that he has a secret he'd like to share with you if he can just get you alone.

Learn more about the book and author at Mary Robinette Kowal's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.

--Marshal Zeringue