Spy Glass - I hope it's not the last!

Title: Spy Glass
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Adventure
Page Count: 432 Pages
Rating: 5/5

*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

The 3rd book in the Glass (or Opal Cowan) series. If you haven't read the first two books there will be spoilers in this review.

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers, or know they are lost forever.

My Review:

The world of Ixia and Sitia that Maria V Snyder has crafted just keeps getting better with every tale. I was again swept off my feet by Opal's adventure. I just couldn't put this one down. I think Spy Glass may just be my favorite of all the books.

I loved getting to explore the other side of the coin from Yelena's struggles in the Study Series. Yelena had too much power and sometimes wished to be rid of it, and now Opal has to struggle with the loss and want for power. Seeing through Opal's eye's made it easier for me to understand why the blood magic spread.

Spy Glass was full of action and had lots of surprises along the way. Many old friends were woven into the story, which solidified it for me. I love that I was kept guessing throughout the book (and series) and I was really pleased with how the ending gave some finality without closing all the doors to future stories.

I hope that Maria continues to write in this world, as I would love to read more about the Sitians and Ixians. Throwing out my hopes here; but I would love a story on Reegan.

Wonderful book and a fantastic series!

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked:

Storm Glass/Sea Glass & The Study (Yelena Zaltana) Series by Maria V. Snyder, The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy) by Kristin Cashore, or Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

Storm Glass - Opal's Story - A Quick Review

Title: Storm Glass
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Adventure
Page Count: 448 Pages
Rating: 4/5

The first in the companion series to the Study series by Maria V. Snyder. This story fallows Opal, Tula's younger sister that we met it Magic Study. 

As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowen understands trial by fire. Now it's time to test her mettle. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan's glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal's unique talents to prevent it happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap in to a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. And the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control powers she hadn't known she possessed…powers that might lead to disaster beyond anything she's ever known.

My Review:

Enjoyable story, Opal is somewhat the opposite of Yelena when it comes to magic. She doesn't wish for less power but for more. She's a one trick pony and doesn't feel worthy of training at the keep. When she's asked to help with a mission by the Master Magicians it's the start of her journey towards accepting her powers and her role in Sitia.

Maria brought in some familiar characters as well as crafting some great new ones, and you get to discover more of Sitia outside of the Citadel.

Great read, I would have given it a 5 star rating but I didn't like it as much as the Study series books so I had to knock it down a bit. Definitely lots of potential in Opal's story can't wait to start Sea Glass!

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder, The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, Graceling (The Seven Kingdoms Trilogy) by Kristin Cashore, or Eragon
by Christopher Paolini.

My Rating: 4/5