Essential Information

• Title: Drops of Glass: A Tale of Magic in the Great War (The Shards of Lafayette Book 1)
• Author: Kenneth A. Baldwin
• Genre: Historical Fantasy
• Publication Date: June 2, 2023
• Length: 392 pages
• Format: eBook
• Publisher: Eburnean Books

First Impressions

I found Drops of Glass by Kenneth A. Baldwin during my time at the 2025 LTUE Writer’s Conference. Kenneth was a panelist on one of the discussions, and I really enjoyed how he talked about writing. When he offered a free copy of his first book to promote the second in the series, I was more than happy to take it up. Also, being a fellow Kenneth, I felt obligated to read and review his book.

My expectations going in were of a WWI historical fiction with fantasy. One of the appeals was the over depicting a WWI airplane and pilot on the cover. My great-grandpa Ken was a dive bomber in WWII, so I’m always drawn to these types of stories. Drops of Glass goes with a more minimalistic cover that attracts the eye at its almost peaceful appearance. The color scheme of hues of blue and green is well balanced and gives the feel of being up in the air.

While I received a free copy of Drops of Glass, it was not for review, though I’m sure Baldwin hoped it would bring some more reviews his way.

Synopsis

Marcus is one of the best pilots in the force, but with an empty scorecard. Supposedly cursed, according to himself and a growing consensus from others, Marcus hasn’t been able to shoot down a single enemy plane in his time as a pilot. He’s got a good support system, but his sense of honor begs for his first kill to be akin more to a gentleman’s duel. It doesn’t help that his mechanic, one of the few female mechanics in WWI, uses supposed “witchcraft” to repair the planes. Jane prefers the term that some of the leadership use: enhanced repair techniques.

Now the cursed pilot and the mechanic witch are pulled for a secret mission that may help decide the fate of the war, and just maybe get Marcus a mark on his scorecard. As long as they can survive the new magic permeating the skies.

Critical Analysis

Narrative Craft

Kenneth A. Baldwin’s writing style is expressive and eloquent, with prose that flows effortlessly, like a plane lifting off and landing with grace. Drops of Glass immerses the reader in a vividly imagined past, its clarity and depth drawing you into the world Baldwin has crafted with remarkable skill.

One of the most striking qualities of Baldwin’s work is his respectful treatment of war’s violence. Rather than romanticizing combat, he grounds the narrative in realism and reflection, portraying the consequences and emotional toll with honesty and sensitivity. It’s a contemplative lens that elevates the story beyond simple dramatization.

Structurally, Drops of Glass offers a beautifully layered experience. The narrative seems to follow a chiastic form, with mirror moments woven not only into the midpoint, but throughout the book. This technique adds depth to the second half of the story, rewarding readers who pay attention to earlier scenes. As the novel reaches its conclusion, those mirrored moments click into place, providing a quiet satisfaction as lessons learned in the first half bloom in the second, tying the entire journey together.

The world-building is equally impressive: richly detailed but never overwhelming. Baldwin takes advantage of the historical backdrop, trusting readers to fill in some gaps with prior knowledge of WWI and aviation while also offering just enough exposition to orient those less familiar. When fantasy elements enter the narrative—particularly through Jane’s philosophy of “enhanced repairs”, they’re introduced with a light, graceful touch. Though the magical system isn’t deeply explored, it’s conveyed with enough clarity to feel both believable and evocative. These subtle magical notes prepare the ground for more powerful moments later, gently ushering readers into Baldwin’s unique blend of realism and wonder.

Thematic Depth

Drops of Glass delves into themes of honor in war and the necessity of facing the unknown, weaving them together through its richly drawn characters and shifting allegiances. The theme of honor is revealed as a dual-sided coin, embodied by Marcus and Lufbery. Marcus begins the story as an idealist, clinging to a romanticized notion of warfare. In the opening chapter, he forfeits a tactical advantage for the sake of a fair fight, confessing that he couldn’t live with himself if he shot down an enemy pilot dishonorably.

This conflict—between honor and pragmatism—is a thread that follows Marcus and Lufbery throughout the story, yet readers glimpse Marcus’s internal struggle early on:

“Every soldier enters the war without a kill, and each man looked forward to the day, macabre and twisted as it may sound. Some, the foolish ones, looked forward to it like a birthday or a ballgame. Others looked forward to it with dread like a trip to the dentist, but we all looked forward to it in some way.”
Drops of Glass

Here, Baldwin suggests that honor is not a fixed ideal but a subjective lens through which each soldier confronts violence, often long after their service ends.

Lufbery, a legend of a bygone era whom Marcus reveres, stands as the embodiment of change. After two long years of war, he no longer clings to the code Marcus idolizes. Instead, Lufbery ventures into the unknown—seeking new methods to bring the conflict to a close and forcing Marcus to reevaluate what “honor” truly means.

Jane, meanwhile, represents a different relationship with the unknown. Raised within it, she embraces uncertainty with grace, contrasting sharply with Marcus’s hesitation. Yet despite her ethereal nature, Jane serves as Marcus’s anchor, grounding him while challenging his beliefs. Through her, the story explores how confronting the unfamiliar can be not only transformative, but deeply human.

Impact and Significance

I loved Drops of Glass and have already picked up the second book, Strands of Fire. I’m an emotional person, and definitely got choked up at the end. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that complete after a journey through a book. It didn’t just give me a great escape from the world, but also helped me resolve some of my own internal conflicts from my past in the service.

The attention to detail in technical and fictional aspects sets Drops of Glass apart from other books that remain superficial in many aspects. I think that Baldwin addresses war, the costs, and the realistic approaches, giving the readers a chance to experience a WWI tale in a new way. The magic also works to enhance the lessons learned by the characters and isn’t just a shiny object in the story. I can’t wait to see how he continues this in Strands of Fire.

Reader’s Guide

Who Would Enjoy This Book

Target Audience: Drops of Glass will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy historical fantasy that treats its subject matter with respect and depth. Fans of WWI aviation stories, literary fantasy that prioritizes character development over action, and readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of honor and morality in wartime will find much to love. The book’s contemplative pace and emotional resonance make it ideal for readers seeking meaningful escapism rather than fast-paced adventure.

Required background knowledge: While some familiarity with WWI history and early aviation enhances the reading experience, Baldwin provides sufficient context for newcomers to the period. The author trusts readers to fill in historical gaps while offering enough exposition to orient those less familiar with the Great War era.

Content warnings: War violence (treated respectfully rather than gratuitously), death, and the psychological toll of combat. The narrative approaches these themes with sensitivity and realism rather than romanticization.

Rating Breakdown

Score each aspect out of 5:

• Writing Quality: ★★★★★
• Plot/Development: ★★★★★
• Character/Argument Strength: ★★★★★
• Pacing: ★★★★★
• Innovation: ★★★★★
• Overall: ★★★★★

Final Verdict

Drops of Glass is a beautifully crafted work that showcases Baldwin’s skill as both storyteller and craftsman. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity, Baldwin doesn’t just tell a war story, he creates an experience that resonates deeply with readers. His respectful treatment of violence, combined with eloquent prose that flows like a graceful flight, elevates this beyond typical historical fantasy into something truly meaningful.

The character development feels genuine and earned, particularly Marcus’s transformation from idealistic pilot to someone wrestling with war’s moral complexities. Jane serves as both grounding force and catalyst, while the technical aviation details add credibility without overwhelming the human elements. Baldwin’s chiastic structure rewards careful readers, creating those satisfying moments when earlier scenes click into place.

While the magical system remains lightly explored, this feels intentional given the book’s focus on character over mechanics. Some readers expecting high-action fantasy might find the contemplative pacing deliberate, but this thoughtful approach is precisely what makes the story powerful.

I found myself emotionally invested in ways I hadn’t experienced in quite some time. The book didn’t just provide escape, it offered genuine resolution and healing, particularly for those who’ve grappled with questions of honor and service. Baldwin has created something special here: a war story that honors its subject while providing hope. For readers seeking meaningful fantasy that treats difficult themes with intelligence and heart, Drops of Glass is absolutely an essential read.

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