Thursday, March 15, 2012

the "Glass" series by Maria V. Snyder

I found the fantasy/science fiction section at my library & haven't looked back. I discovered one of my new favorite authors: Maria V. Snyder.

Her "Study" series, (Poison Study, Magic Study, & Fire Study) are well known and praised highly. They're sitting in my room waiting to be read. 

I started with what I call her "Glass" series.


 I found the titles intriguing & once I read the first one, I couldn't put it down & couldn't get to library fast enough to get the other two. 

Book 1: Storm Glass

As the book opens, we're introduced to a girl named Opal Cowen. We understand that she is training to be magician, but her magical abilities only extend to one "magic trick." She is a glass maker with a unique power over glass.
The Stormdancer clan is in need of help. Their glass orbs that they use to channel the storm's energy are shattering, killing stormdancers. Opal is sent to create new orbs.
During the opening chapters, we get a hint of something in Opal's past that is quite unpleasant. Throughout the story, we find more details & soon we begin to piece together the story (but I won't spoil it for you). 
Opal discovers that there is deep magic at work & she has more powers than she originally thought. The book ends without really ending the story, making the reader eager for the next book. 

The first book moves quickly through the story. I like the fast paced writing that somehow gives details on appearances, places etc. without deterring from the plot line. I get bored with pages of description and no action & I never got bored while reading Storm Glass
The characters are well developed and there isn't too much repetition when it comes to Opal's memories. 

Book 2: Sea Glass

 In the second book of the series, Opal is very confused. She's developing a relationship with Ulrick, a young man who is from her hometown, while also having feelings for Kade, a stormdancer she met in book 1. She's dealing with new powers, new dangers, & mistrust from almost everyone in her life. 
Her entire life is turned upside down & she doesn't know who to trust. The Council has become frightened of her and doesn't trust her. Her mentor ignores her & doesn't believe her & even her family seems to be against her. 
I can't tell you much more without giving away the wonderful twists & turns in the plot that Maria does...you'll just have to read it. 

This book has more repetition than the first. Maria reminds the reader of what happened in the first book over and over again. It's a little frustrating, especially for those who have read the first one in the series. 
The writing is still fast-paced & I didn't get bored with this one either. Characters continue to be developed; there are a few new ones that are introduced, & the reader gets a good sense of their character even in the short time they're involved in the story. 

Book 3: Spy Glass

Opal has lost her powers. She is also immune to magic, so she feels locked out of the magicians world. Her life is slightly more stable, but she is still in almost constant danger. (Kind of story of her life at this point).
She discovers that someone stole some of her blood & that if she can find it, she may be able to get her magic back. She goes on a mission to find her blood & on her way, she picks up a new love, new enemies, new friends, & a new identity. 
She finally comes to realization that not everything is always her fault. Her family forgives her, the Council is alright with her, & her mentor quits ignoring her. In other words, it's a fairly happy ending.
The ending is a particularly interesting twist, so I won't tell you how it ends.

Again, there is the repetition that can be a little annoying for those that have read the whole series. Again, the writing is spectacular & it's hard to put down.
The ending actually frustrated me a little bit--but I guess we can't have everything we want. 
Throughout the series (especially the second and third books), Opal's love life is very dysfunctional. I guess Maria is trying to explain that Opal is a young woman who doesn't know her own heart, but I got a little frustrated with it. Maybe you won't. 
I still really love the series & will probably try to add them to my collection permanently sometime soon.
For now, I'm going to read Ms. Snyder's "Study" series & see how it compares. 

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