Shattered Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Shattered Glass
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Glass Series (Also Chronicles of Ixia or Poison Study Series)
Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult
Page Count: 86 Pages (Kindle)
Published: April November 19th 2016 by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5/5

While trying to teach her adopted daughter, Reema, how to work with molten glass, Opal receives a letter from Master Magician Zitora Cowan requesting Opal's immediate help.

Zitora resigned from the Sitian Council over two years ago to search for her lost sister, and no one has heard from her since. The letter is probably a trick, but Opal refuses to pass up the opportunity to help her mentor, who may be in genuine trouble. Good thing Opal isn't that easy to fool. With her two soldier friends Nic and Eve providing backup, the three travel to a small town in the Jewelrose Clan. But can they rescue the Master Magician without being caught in the same trap?

My Review:

I can't believe that I never posted this review! Shattered Glass is an essential short story if you are reading the new Yelena/Study books. This one should be read before Dawn Study. Opal receives a message from Zitora that is most likely a trap, but she has no choice but to answer the call for help. Great short story with Opal and her friends from the Glass series. I was happy to find out where Zitora disappeared to and to spend a little time with Opal again.

I had the honour of working with Maria to create the cover for this novella and it was a dream come true for me. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to her daughter's friend Araella's medical expenses. Her world was shattered back in August when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer - she's just 18 years old! :(

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas or Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Links 4 More:

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Touch of Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Healer #1
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 390 Pages (Paperback)
Published: December 27 2011 by Mira Books
Rating: 5/5

Magician, heal thyself.

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

My Review:

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder's writing. Whenever I'm asked for book recommendations her books are on the top of my list.

I read this series a while back and didn't have the time to review it, but I had it on my list and am finally taking the time because everyone should know how great Touch of Power is.

If you liked the Poison Study series you will undoubtedly like this one also. It's not set in the same world, but the blend of magic, medieval and adventure is the same.

Avry is a healer who is forced to hide her gift or face death. She gets wrapped up in a war not of her choosing and makes friends and enemies as she is brought on a dangerous journey to heal a dying prince. She is a great heroine that I was rooting for the whole time.

There are other powers that come into play, and magical elements that are unique to the world Maria created in this series. The love story that is started in Touch of Power is woven through delicately so that it doesn't overpower the plot but sucks you right in with all of the feels.

A great adventure story and the start of an amazing series. If you haven't already added this one to your to-read pile, you definitely should!

Fav. Quotes (minus the spoilery ones):

“Kerrick gave him a tight smile.
'You mean I'm not omnipotent?'
'You're not even semi-potent.'
'Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.
'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered.”  

"I can't decide what's worse. Losing family members or not having a family member to lose."

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, or Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch.

Links 4 More:

*As a side note: I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but since I missed the publication date I purchased the whole series on amazon. 

Best. Decision. Ever!

Poison Study Blog Hop

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder is still one of my all-time favourite reads, and to honour it's 10th anniversary she is host a blog tour. Find out more here.

Early Review - Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Outside In

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Insider, book #2

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Page Count: 320 Pages

Pub. Date: 02/22/2011

Rating: 5/5

*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

~Book’s Description From NetGalley~

ME?
A LEADER?
Okay, I did prove that there’s more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we’re free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He’s the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there’s outside and then there is Outside.
And something from Outside wants In.

~My Review~

I absolutely loved Inside Out so I had high hopes for Outside in - and boy did it deliver. I love the dystopian genre and this series has definitely brought a great new flavor to the mix.

Outside In picks up shortly after the events of Inside Out (if you haven't read I.O. yet the rest of the review will contain spoilers) in the broken world of Inside, where the oppressors have been removed but the people are far from free.

One of the things I liked most about this book was its very existence. There are so many stories where the people fight to break free from oppression/dictatorship and the story ends along with the battle for freedom, but in this book, as in the real world, we know that the battle may be won but the war is far from over. I appreciated the realistic handling of how the Scrubs reacted to being "free" - they fought, they went on strike, and they were divided without a common cause.

I was very pleased with Trella's growth as a character and the development of her relationship with Riley. Much like Inside Out there are lots of new things for Trella to discover and tough choices for her to make. We get to see more from our favourite characters, as well as some colourful new ones.

Overall I enjoyed Outside In just as much as Inside Out and would definitely recommend you pick it up on February 22nd!

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

#1 Inside Out, #2 Outside In

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, or the Opal Cowen Series by Maria V. Snyder.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Inside Out - Quick Review

Title: Inside Out

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Insider, book #1

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Page Count: 320 Pages

Rating: 5/5

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck I risk is my own. Until I accidently start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I should have just said no...

~ My Review ~

I have been itching to read this book since I heard about it. Maria Snyder is one of my favourite authors and she definitely delivered with Inside Out! Trella is a very likable character and I was drawn into her world of pipes and hidden spaces until the last page.

In the future that is Trella's present, she lives as a "scrub" and has the job of cleaning the air, heating, and water pipes that run throughout the world she knows as Inside. She is a "lower" part of the labour class of people born into service for the "uppers" - those who control Inside.

Her best and only friend Cog is always hoping for an escape, something beyond Inside. Trella knows that hoping only leads to pain, so she takes on a dangerous task to prove to him, and to herself, that there is nothing out there.

The character and plot development were well paced and the ending was satisfying while still leaving room for more (book 2 will be released Feb. 22 2011).

If you haven't read this yet you are missing out on a fantastic dystopian novel.

My Rating: 5/5

 

~ Other books in this series ~

#1 Inside Out, #2 Outside In

~ You'll like this book if you liked ~

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, or the Opal Cowen Series by Maria V. Snyder.

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.

Sea Glass - A Great Sequel

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

Book’s Description:

Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick. In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

My Review:

I liked this one a lot more than Storm Glass. Maybe it was because the world/characters and the idea of the glassmaking was fully established, or because so much of the story was outside of the keep, but this time around there seemed to be a lot more adventure and excitement.

Opal starts to stand up for herself, in Sea Glass, which I found very refreshing. There was a lot of Janco in this one, and seeing as how he's one of my favourite of Maria's characters I was very pleased. The progress of the story and character development was perfect for me and I was again quite pleased with the ending.

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked:

Storm 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.

Study Series = A Fantastic Adventure!

Title: Study Series
Books: Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Adventure
Page Count: 416 - 448 Pages
Rating: 5/5

The Study Series:

I got Storm Glass and Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder (The covers grabbed my eye from the book section at Wal-Mart) but was waiting for Spy Glass to come out to start reading them. Some may think it strange but I do that all the time, I hate cliffhangers! I was so happy when NetGalley gave me the ARC for Spy Glass to review. Imagine my chagrin when I opened Storm Glass and found out it was a sequel series! Now with 60 days before the timeout on the ARC, I had to read all 6 books, not a big deal for full-time reviewers I suppose, or you crazy fast readers out there, but a huge YIKES! for me. I’m now in the middle of Sea Glass and am so happy for this little mistake because I really loved the Study Series and wouldn’t have found them if Opal hadn’t called to me from that bookshelf!

I’m going to split up the review for the 3 books and give quick sum-ups and reviews for each instead of clumping them together. So here we go…

Poison Study:

Book’s Description:

Choose: A quick death . . . or slow poison . . .About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve.She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace -- and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting.Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control.Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear . . .

My Review:

Yelena had her reasons for killing Reyed, but in the land of Ixia the penalty for killing is death, regardless. She is about to end her year-long stay in the dungeon with her hanging. That is until she is given the choice between execution and becoming the food taster for the Commander (ruler of Ixia). She takes her chances with this new dangerous job and has to live day to day wondering if the next meal would be her last.

The story was interesting enough with just the concept of Yelena’s battle for how and when she would die, but then interwoven was the aspect of the banned magicians and Yelena’s awakening to that magic. Great characters and world building made for a story that I got totally lost in (in a good way). As always I loved the twists in the story and was quite pleased with how it turned out.

A word of caution; this series has a lot of violence (especially toward women) and the graphic nature may be disturbing for younger teens or people with a sensitivity to reading about sexual and physical abuse. Obviously there is a reason for it and it’s paramount to the story but I know some people who would want to have a heads up.

My Rating: 5/5

Magic Study:

Book’s Description:

If you haven’t read Poison study yet there will be spoilers from here on out…

Yelena is a survivor.Kidnapped as a child, held prisoner as a teen, then released to act as a poison taster, she is now a student of magic.But these magic skills place her in imminent danger, and with an execution order on her head, she has no choice but to escape to Sitia, the land of her birth.But nothing in Sitia is familiar.Not the family to whom she is a stranger.Not the unsettling new facets of her powers.Not the brother who resents her return.As she struggles to understand where she belongs and how to control her powers, a rogue magician emerges -- and Yelena catches his eye.Suddenly she is embroiled in a situation not of her making.And once again it will be her magical abilities that will either save her life . . . or be her downfall.

My Review:

Now in the land of her birth, Yelena must learn to accept and learn to use her powers. With girls going missing and people making her out to be a spy, every minute counts. In this second book of the Study Series we get to see many different clans and their villages all over Sitia as Yelena tries to help track down the kidnapper.

This one kept me guessing even more than the first. It had a unique feel to it with more dominance being put on the magic aspect of Yelena’s training over the physical training in the first book. We get introduced to a whole new array of characters but of course the main characters from the first book make appearances along the way. Great read, I ate this one up!

My Rating: 5/5

Fire Study:

Book’s Description:

If you haven’t read Poison/Magic study yet there will be spoilers from here on out…

The apprenticeship is over— now the real test has begun.When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy.Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart.As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before.…Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward.Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty.Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

My Review:

Turns out there is something that Yelena is afraid to face...herself

Again, I loved this one. Maria had me hooked 'till the last word. Set mainly in Sitia Yelena tries to discover her own powers while battling a seemingly endless list of people who want her dead. She starts to wonder if the Commander was right to try and destroy magic all along. Now that she had grown to love both Sitia and Ixia, can Yelena choose between them in the war that is brewing? With lots of twists thrown in along the way I couldn't put it down.

This is the final book in the trilogy and it ends well enough that Maria could leave Yelena’s story or come back to it after the Glass Series (I just posted the review to Storm Glass, the 1st book in that series. I know I posted backwards oops!). Fantastic series! I’m so glad that I found it!

My Rating: 5/5

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Glass 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