Claire Danvers family was so proud of her when she graduated from college with a perfect 4.0. This was a score good enough to get her a place at any of the top colleges but they weren't going to let their 16 year old daughter move to a strange city thousands of miles from home. As a compromise they let her take up a place at Texas Prairie University. So there was no way that Claire was going to tell them she was being bullied – they would only insist on taking her home again. But when the bullying and taunts developed into actual physical assault Claire began to realise that when the girls were threatening to kill her the threat might not be so hollow.

So, although she knew her parents would never agree, she decided to look for rooms off campus. After a couple of disappointing phone calls she found an advert for a spare room at the "Glass House". When she finally arrived at the property the other residents seemed unwilling to take her in due to her young age but after she told them of her problems in college and the threats she had received the owner of the house, Michael, agreed to let her stay. Little did she realise that her life was about to get very strange and she would soon learn the truth about the town of Morganville.

Glass Houses is the first book in the Morganville Vampires series and follows the experiences of Claire Danvers as she struggles to survive her first year at college and the unwelcome attentions of some of the less desirable townspeople. As the series title reveals, Morganville is a town inhabited by vampires. It has been so for many years and any of the residents who agree to help out the vampiric overlords gain protection from the other vampires.

Being a child prodigy is not a ticket to an easy life, as Claire Danvers well knows. Being a college freshman at sixteen might sound exciting, but so far, all it has gotten her is a lonely life where being ignored is the best she can hope for. All too often, she finds herself teased, at the minimum.

Right now, the worst is at the maximum as she has attracted the hostile attentions of the dorm's queen, Monica. Cruel pranks have escalated to the point where Claire has just cause to fear for her life. So, she decides to move out, and the best option appears to be the Glass House. As she arrives, the first two residents she meets, Eve and Shane, make her feel welcome. However, the mysterious Michael Glass, though kind, is chary about having a minor in the house.

Things are dangerous in Morganville, but when he realizes the danger Claire would face returning to the dorm, he relents. Claire is about to enter a world where vampires are real and run the town in a mafia style fashion. To cross one brings down wrath that she cannot even begin to comprehend. Unfortunately, Claire does draw one's ire, putting herself and her housemates at risk unless a deal can be wrought with the bloodsuckers.

Even if it can, the cost will be dear. Claire has one more idea, a very dangerous one. It's all or nothing when gambling with vamps. And, what is the secret Michael hides?

If you are an adult, let me put it to you plainly, if you must pay attention to the young adult label, then just consider it a sign that you are, in some way young, when you read this. It is not a "children's novel", but a solid, utterly compelling story that you will find addictive and hypnotic. I did not even realize it was technically not a book for grown-ups until I looked to check the cover description.

There is a subtle, poignant romantic undertone, suspense, mystery, and humor. I just wish it was longer. If Rachel Caine is not on your auto-buy list, put her there immediately, if not sooner.

Synopsis
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series. Welcome to Morganville, Texas.

Just don't stay out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.

When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.