Storm Glass (Glass, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Mar 12, 2011 Nairabell rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: signed-books, 5-star, fantasy, read-in-2011

Despite her own innate glass-based magical abilities, Opal Cowen has always felt unsure and out of place at Sitia's magic academy. When the Stormdancer clan needs help, only Opal possesses the necessary skills to help them and in doing so she taps into greater powers that she ever imagined she could possess. But the Stormdancer clan's problem isn't as simple as it first appeared, and soon Opal finds herself in danger.

I read Maria V. Snyder's Study trilogy (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Stu Despite her own innate glass-based magical abilities, Opal Cowen has always felt unsure and out of place at Sitia's magic academy. When the Stormdancer clan needs help, only Opal possesses the necessary skills to help them and in doing so she taps into greater powers that she ever imagined she could possess. But the Stormdancer clan's problem isn't as simple as it first appeared, and soon Opal finds herself in danger.

I read Maria V. Snyder's Study trilogy (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study) a while back and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I heard about the Glass trilogy (this, Sea Glass and Spy Glass) I was really excited but I also wanted to wait until I had all three books before starting given how addictive I found the first trilogy.

Opal was introduced in the Study trilogy so we don't get much of an introduction at the start of the book, however I love how Opal grows and changes during the book. She begins as a shy, self-depreciating girl and gradually through learning and accepting her talents becomes a more confident woman. I also loved how several other characters from the Study trilogy were in this book - Yelena, Leif and a bunch of others all return, but there are also lots of new characters which enables the book to balance between being set in an existing world but being innovative at the same time.

The plot is slow to start but builds pace quickly, and not only are there lots of little twists and turns but the author's talent for carrying seemingly innocuous events through to become big story points is present here too. There is a focus on romance, but it is small and doesn't impact the storyline negatively. As seems to be typical at the moment, a love triangle is quickly set up between Opal, the emotionally cut-off Stormdancer Kade and glass artist Ulrick. However, there is a decidedly unique twist to this and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes next.

I loved how the way the character's work with glass was displayed, especially as Opal, Ulrick and the Stormdancer glass artists all have unique ways of working with the glass. It's obvious the author has done her research, and I found these sections fascinating to read.

All in all, I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to reading Sea Glass.

Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Cover: 9/10

Overall: 49/50 ...more

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Nov 15, 2008 Gisela rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, ya, action-adventure

I knew it was going to be good, I just didn't know it would be soooo good! It has everything I loved about Poison Study, action, adventure, fantasy, a bit of romance and great characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series! ...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Swiftsea rated it liked it

A completely flip over from the Study series, the Glass Series focuses on Opal, sister to the adored but murdered Tula. Opal's unique abilities were founded late into the Study series but there wasn't much to expect until this series was brought about.

It was interesting to learn more of the world of Stormdancers. However, it was definitely an unusual find to think Stormdancers were so isolated from the rest of society, considering their pivotal importance in controlling and maintaining the bala ...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Cheer Papworth rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya

I was super excited to find out that The Poison Study series continues! I always love it when you find a great triology and the author takes a supporting character and follows his/her story. I have already started the next book! I have to say that I like the fact that Opal is so much different than Yelena and yet she is still a really complex, interesting character. I am not sure if I am as invested in the romantic figures in Opal's life as I am for Valek and Yelena, but how fun is it that we st ...more

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Jan 18, 2009 Samantha rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2009, own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ***Spoilers***

I'm so happy that Mrs. Snyder has decided to continue writing in the same world she created for the Poison series. Especially when she does a great job of being fresh and inventive.

With this installment we get to explore the Stormdancers and their special magical abilities. I really liked the idea of magically siphoning the energy of a storm for other purposes. Kind of off topic, and I have no idea why, but with his description in my mind, Kade looked a little too Cary Elwes circa ***Spoilers***

I'm so happy that Mrs. Snyder has decided to continue writing in the same world she created for the Poison series. Especially when she does a great job of being fresh and inventive.

With this installment we get to explore the Stormdancers and their special magical abilities. I really liked the idea of magically siphoning the energy of a storm for other purposes. Kind of off topic, and I have no idea why, but with his description in my mind, Kade looked a little too Cary Elwes circa "The Princess Bride" but I guess that's okay. :)

Even though I truly did enjoy this story there were some things that bothered me.

Some of the conflict was a little tenuous, imo. For example, why would someone "accused" of stealing a vase (after she had already paid for one) have to be put in a jail cell. I know there were two witnesses, but please, it's not like she's some renegade bank robber who's going to go out there and kill someone. Until the issue was better resolved she should have been able to stay with Zitora. It seemed a silly way to set up how she would learn about her other magical abilities.

I guess the other thing that nagged at me is that Opal is definitely not Yelena. I just got a little tired of her moping and constant self-introspection that never really resulted in...well, results! Don't get me wrong, she's brave and very selfless, but I thought I needed to be playing a violin for her all the time.

However it's very interesting to follow Opal as she learns about her own powers and begins the path to finding her inner strength. Even though Yelena and Opal are two very different characters, the parallels in story about coming in to their unique magical skills are similar and it's still great this time around.

I have mixed feelings when it comes to seeing what the Council will do when they hear about her unique and possibly dangerous abilities. I hope it's not exactly how they dealt with Yelena and that they can change their tact and look at the person and the power, and not separate the two.

The verdict: Definitely recommended!
I love the way Mrs. Snyder writes, love the world she's created and I truly cherish the characters! Can't wait for the next installment, luckily I won't have to wait that long!!! :D
...more

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Apr 26, 2010 Jen (jlkish) rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I loved the Study trilogy, and if the next 2 books in the Glass trilogy are this good, I'd call it a worthy successor. I liked Opal in the Study books, but she definitely comes into her own in this book. I really like Kade, and I hope we get to see more of him in the next 2 books. (view spoiler) ...more

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