Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

5 stars
R- 1-2

I love Maria V. Snyder. I really do. Poison Study had me hooked and everything I've read has been wonderful.

Storm Glass is no exception. I liked Opal as a narrator more than I thought I would and it was really interesting to see Yelena (the 1st person narrator of the Study books) through someone else's eyes. (I loved her interaction with her brother!!)

It's been five years and yet Opal is still struggling with the perceptions and repurcussions of her kidnapping and her sister's death. She sees herself as a "one-trick wonder" and just doesn't feel all that useful. Nevermind that even that one trick is unique and powerful.

Kade is a frustrated Stormdancer grieving the loss of his own sister, Kaya. The wounds are fresh and he's determined to keep everyone away. He's also determined to find out who's causing all the trouble his clan is having.

Ulrick is a glass-maker... or tries to be. His work doesn't please his demanding mother, but Opal sees potential. His glass sings to her similar to her own.

Add in some bad guys, a Master Magician, a possible coup and trouble with Ixia and you've got quite a storm brewing. (Pun intended.)

Confession-- I wasn't sure I wanted to read it. I love love love the Study books but just wasn't sure I cared about Opal enough to follow her story. And I was worried that if I didn't love it, it would detract from how much I like the Study books. Boy was I wrong. I lost any apathy towards Opal in the first couple of pages and found myself unable to put it down!

I do recommend starting with the Study books, though. I don't think Storm Glass would make sense without having read them. Start with Poison Study, since it comes first and all. :D I think I may need to reread them... and maybe Storm Glass too, before Sea Glass comes out in September!!