Storm Glass (Glass #1)

Storm Glass (Glass #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Rating: 4 stars

After finishing the Study series (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study) by Maria V. Snyder, I was excited to turn my attention to the next series she wrote: the Glass series. The Glass series is sort of like a spin-off series from the Study series, but you don’t have to read the Study series to be able to read Storm Glass, as it stars a complete different character as the central character.

Opal Cowan, a glass maker and magician, was the main character of Storm Glass. At first, I didn’t know if I was going to like this series as much because of the difference between the central characters. Opal is much more cautious, unsure of herself and overall a slightly weaker character than Yelena. But I guess this is also a point Maria has made: to differ her characters.  It felt a little strange at first, reading in Opal's perspective, because she was a very different Heroine from Yelena. But as I got used to it, I found that familiar world again. Opal has her brand of courage and determination. Physically, she wasn’t very strong or had too much magical power, and there were some traumatizing experiences which happened very early on in her life. These all contributed to the construction of her personality. However, she was able to overcome a lot of her fears and fought hundreds of battle with her own mind. I really admired her for that. She also tried very hard to do the right things and bundled herself in guilt if she didn’t achieve what she thought she could. I can relate to that, but to a different level of course. I get annoyed if the outcome of my actions isn’t something quite there with my expectations. Though I like my main characters strong and kickass (which isn’t really Opal), I think she needs a bit more time to develop/mature fully, which I will be looking forward to see in Sea Glass and Spy Glass. I admit thought that I didn’t like Storm Glass as much as I did Poison Study. Sometimes Opal exposed her weaknesses too much and that caused me to like her not so much.

There were many new characters introduced in this book as well as some familiar old friends dropping back in from the previous books Maria has written. A new character I really liked was Kade. Though he wasn’t as perfect as Valek, he was intriguing and unique. He was a sort of Mr. Silent, Dark and Handsome, yet he had a vulnerable side which peaked though at times. But I wished he could have trusted his heart a little more and not be so closed in on himself. I liked that he and the rest of the characters were very realistic and easy to relate to under Maria V. Snyder’s hand. I could imagine all the characters very well and felt like I know their personalities through reading the story.

Leif and Janco were two reappearing characters I loved. Leif was exceptionally funny in this book, with his sardonic jokes and hilarious exchanges with Yelena. He became a character with strength and an ability to love and forgive. Janco, oh Janco. There’s nothing more I can say about him. He was a lovable character from day 1. His sense of humour and his undying loyalty just blows the readers away. I would like to see more of him and Leif in the next books.

The plot was innovative and fast moving. I never once felt bored while reading it. I didn’t want to put the book down until I finished it. I liked the olden day style and the magic involved in the plot. I'm a sucker for adventure and fantasy. I learnt a lot of new things from reading this book. Glass making was very interesting to read about. Although I can’t say that I’m a glass expert (like Opal) now that I’ve finished reading this book, I definitely obtained some useful knowledge about glass making. I actually really want to try my hands next to the hot kilns shaping and blowing glass! Haha~ The amount of research Maria put into this book was amazing, I always liked books with real information as a base to the author’s creative ideas. Maria’s writing was, as usual, rather faultless. It was fluently and descriptive.

Overall, this is a book I really enjoyed, and I would recommend it to adventure and fantasy lovers. I’m excited to read the next book Sea Glass which is right next to me on my bookshelf!

Don't forget to check out my author interview to Maria V. Snyder in the next post! :)

Synopsis

Untrained. Untested. Unleashed.

With her unique magical abilities, Opal has always felt unsure of her place at Sitia’s magic academy. But when the Stormdancer clan needs help, Opal’s knowledge makes her the perfect choice—until the mission goes awry. Pulling her powers in unfamiliar directions, Opal finds herself tapping into a new kind of magic as stunningly potent as it is frightening. Now Opal must deal with plotters out to destroy the Stormdancer clan, as well as a traitor in their midst. With danger and deception rising around her, will Opal’s untested abilities destroy her—or save them all?