Cover Reveal & Giveaway: A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

As you know, I'm not in the habit of doing too many promotional posts. When I began blogging, I would join cover reveals and accept the requests of every other who contacted me, simply because I didn't know any better. Now, though, I endeavor to only participate in blog tours I actually think are worthwhile and in promotional posts that I can honestly admit to wanting to promote; today's is one of those.

Frances Hardinge is an author I read the moment her debut came out, quite a long time ago. I don't remember much of Fly By Night except the actual feelings that its cover evokes within me - excitement, awe, and surprise. After having gone through a phase in my life where I staunchly refused to read Middle Grade because I was so much more "mature" than that, I recently went back to Frances Hardinge and picked up what is probably her most famous novel, A Face Like Glass.

I use the word 'famous' very lightly for, despite her obvious talent, Frances Hardinge is not very well-known. Which is a shame. If there is any author the world deserves to know about, it is her. Not only can she write rich and imaginative fantasy worlds that any reader can get lost in, but her stories transcend time and age. As a young teenager, first reading her work, I was struck by her imagination and writing technique, but now, much older, I am struck by her sheer genius. Hardinge is a masterful weaver of plot twists, her characters are three-dimensional and full of depth, and, best of all, her story lines contain hidden depths that younger readers may not be able to see. Thus, although older readers are, technically, reading a middle grade novel, they are able to gain an unexpected amount of knowledge from it as Hardinge cleverly incorporates darker themes and politics into a seemingly fun-filled fantasy realm.

And, today, I am extremely pleased and delighted to reveal the UK Cover of A Face Like Glass. If you're read my review of A Face Like Glass (You can read it HERE), you've undoubtedly seen the gorgeous American cover of it. As is expected, though, the UK Cover is gorgeous in its own right. I am so excited to be sharing it with you all today, along with an opportunity to win a copy of this book! :)

In Caverna, lies are an art - and everyone's an artist... In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare - wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer, even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned, and only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show (or fake) joy, despair or fear - at a price. Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed...

Frances Hardinge grew up in a huge old house that inspired her to write stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University before a persistent friend encouraged her to send a few chapters of her book, Fly By Night, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer and the book went on to be published to huge critical acclaim, winning the Branford Boase First Novel award. A Face Like Glass is Frances’ fifth novel which has elicited widespread praise. Talking about where the idea for the book came from Frances had the following to say, “The core concept of A Face Like Glass has been nestling in my mind for a long time - a girl whose thoughts show in her face, and who thus becomes the ultimate luxury item in a decadent realm of perfect liars.” 

International Giveaway! 
One winner will win a paperback copy of the new UK edition of A Face Like Glass.

To Enter: 
Fill out Rafflecopter below
Must be 13 years or older
Giveaway ends March 7th, 2013
Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While you wait to win the giveaway, do check out an exclusive excerpt of the first chapter that can be found HERE. Also, to find out more about the novel, just read my review of it HERE. :)