Justine's Thoughts: Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Sea Glass (Glass #2)
By Maria V. Snyder

Source: Library
Pages: 379

A quote:

Lying to yourself is easy, too. I know. It’s much harder to stay and deal with consequences.

Any thoughts (Vague Spoilers Ahead):

So far, all of Maria V. Snyder’s books I’ve given full or almost full five stars. This one is no different. She continues to keep me engaged in the story, especially in the world of Ixia.

Sea Glass starts off immediately after Storm Glass ends, which gave me a problem as I read that a while ago. The first part of the novel was slow for me, but that didn’t last long. Then political and trust issues arise. Who to believe? The Council or Opal? It seems like Opal lacked a lot of self-confidence, but as the story progresses, her character clearly develops and inch by inch, she slowly achieves that point of a strong woman. Knowing that she has to do something by herself has helped her learn a few lessons with the aid of her friends.

Some minor characters from the Study series are more focused on, such as Janco and Leif. I find them so much alike -- their witty words and humour can never bore me! Opal’s relationship with Kade is good, but I wished there was more. And speaking of romance, I sense there’s about to be a big love triangle in the next instalment...but there’s a twist. Now that is going to be interesting!

Justine's Thoughts: Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

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

Source: Library
Pages: 488
Rating: 5/5
Book Description:

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.

A quote:

You can’t let the past ruin your future.

Any thoughts:

As a first book in the series, it is certainly one heck of a super packed adventure. I missed the days when I would zip through Snyder’s books and still a smile would be on my face. The Glass series is similar and as amazing.

Opal starts off on a mission, which is just the beginning of her journey. Her previous experiences (in the Study series) are a weight on her shoulder, causing her to distance herself away from others. She also struggles with grief, and find comfort in a certain Stormdancer who I really love. There is another sort-of love interest in the picture, and he annoyed me with his overprotective behaviour. Throughout Opal’s adventures, she encounters old friends and new companions.

The plot is enticing, almost as good as the Study series. Just like Yelena, Opal is a trouble magnet. It’s what makes her journey a suspenseful yet exciting one. The only thing that I had trouble with was the beginning, which took a little while to get into. As soon as the mission started, the pages were flipping and I was back on my game.

Overall, Storm Glass is a fantastic first novel. There is a real aspect of grief and Opal’s growth as she searches for her true self. And the glass analogies are so poetic! Those quotes definitely deserve to be recognized and quoted.

Justine's Thoughts: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Fire Study (Poison Study #3)
By Maria V. Snyder

Source: Library
Pages: 448
Rating: 5/5
A quote:

Then you certainly are real. A real pain in the ass, but that’s who I fell in love with.

Any thoughts (Vague details ahead):

I was so sad to see this series end. Fire Study is such a fantastic conclusion that it brought tears to my eyes. Although for the most part, it didn’t feel like the end. But I must say that the ending was very satisfying.

The whole series sucked me in...and the result? I felt like I was living within the story, following Yelena and her exciting life. It is incredible, especially whenever Valek comes into the story. I would feel whatever Yelena would feel and before I know it, a wide grin has been plastered on my face. The series had built a strong bond with me that I respond just like Yelena when a crisis comes upon her.

In Fire Study, you can see perfectly how much Yelena has matured and developed. Now she’s a leader who leads her comrades -- the exact opposite from her helpless position under Reyad’s power. As always, however, she attracts herself to trouble (I think it’s a natural thing). Her troubles turn into long travels and adventures, where action and suspense are most present.

I still believe that Poison Study was the best out of the trilogy. Its plot was one of a kind, while I feel that Magic Study and Fire Study share more similarities (lots and lots of action!). Maybe it’s because Yelena hasn’t discovered her hidden ability yet in Poison Study. Or maybe it’s because the chemistry between Yelena and Valek was just starting to reveal itself. But all the three combined make a spectacular series. I could keep reading this series and never get sick of it. It’s that good. So if you haven’t started Poison Study yet, well, you must!

Justine's Thoughts: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Magic Study (Study #2)
By Maria V. Snyder

Source: Library
Pages: 419

A quote:

Bad dreams are ghosts of our fears and worries, haunting us while we sleep.

Rating:

5/5

Any thoughts (No major spoilers):

I can never get enough of the world Yelena lives in. As always, Yelena finds herself in some difficult situations. She is one of the people that attract trouble, encountering many struggles all the time. Yet she always manages to survive with the help of her friends. It’s awesome seeing how caring and entertaining they are.

And Valek...how I missed him throughout the novel. There wasn’t enough of him, but I was still all glad that he was there, calling Yelena “love” whenever he can, which I find funny and sweet at the same time. Sly and clever and brilliant on the outside, you can tell Yelena is his weakness. And if there is one person I hate with a passion in this book, it is Cahil. *shudder*

I had high expectations of this novel after reading Poison Study and I’m so happy that it did not disappoint me. There are new characters and enemies introduced, and there are still dark subjects such as nightmares, rape, and murder. But the overall plot is gripping and adventurous. I would read it all over again if I could. Right now, though, I’d prefer to go with reading the next book, Fire Study.

Justine's Thoughts: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study (Study #1)
By Maria V. Snyder

Source: Library
Pages: 361
Book Description:

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.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust -- and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

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....

A quote:

“...you’ve slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.”

“That sounds more like a poison than a person.”

Any thoughts:

I have never encountered such an extraordinary book like Poison Study. I can honestly, truly say that. It is so wonderful and I adore it to pieces.

The first minute I started, I realized that it isn’t the usual type of books that I read. For one, it takes place in a society with punishments, a “Code of Behaviour”, military districts and murder. Its detailed setting illustrated the tone and atmosphere as well as illuminated Snyder’s magnificent writing. That was the second thing. Snyder’s writing is efficient and has a sense of maturity and grandeur. I became easily used to her choice of words only after the first chapter. It is needless to say that I was instantly hooked.

Our heroine, Yelena, is now one of my favourites, ranking in my top three. She is a character I never disliked. Instead, I admired her ability to stand strong, make decisions in tough situations and gather strength in times of desperation. In short, she is a heroine that can kick villain butts.

The plot overall was full of exciting events. I could not -- for even one minute -- stop reading! I stayed up late until my eyes closed shut and the next morning, I picked it up without doing much else. With a mix of action, secrecy, loyalty, magic, friendship and acrobatics, Poison Study is without a doubt a splendid fantasy book. Not to mention that there is romance (although it doesn’t come till later on), which then officially and ultimately claimed my love for this book.