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Spy Glass (Glass #3)

by Maria V. Snyder (Goodreads Author)

4.01 · rating details · 3,084 ratings · 456 reviews

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 m...more

Paperback, 424 pages

Published September 1st 2010 by Mira (first published August 31st 2010)

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Aug 15, 2010

Andrea rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Anyone who can form their own opinion

Shelves: to-be-published

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Review of ‘Spy Glass’ Opal Cowan #3

By Maria V. Snyder. (Thanks Net Galley for the ARC.)
To be Published September 17th 2010 by Mira Books

The overall story was fine. It was a huge bonus to see Yelena, Janko, Ari, Iris and Valek again. But where was Zitora? She was a huge part of the last two books, but was absent from this one, and she seemed to have her own story to fulfil at the end of ‘Sea Glass’. Perhaps a new series? That would be well worth the wait.

...more

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Dec 07, 2011

Sydney rated it

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Mar 28, 2011

Anne Osterlund rated it

Opal has lost her magic.

Possibly forever.

Though there is a chance she might gain it back if she can retrieve the vials of blood that were stolen from her—stolen and hidden by three men locked in a high security prison.

Unfortunately that prison is so secure even the Councilors of Ixia can’t obtain legal entrance.

Which just means Opal will have to find another way. But will that way require selling her soul to addiction? Or to the man who once tortur...more

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Sep 03, 2010

Tiffany rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, 2010-books-i-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. My first complaint about the book is the size. I received the book for a birthday present. When sliding it into my book shelf with other Maria Snyder books it is 1/2 inch to an inch taller than the other books. The symmetry throws me off and bothers me.

I have really enjoyed this series until this book. First it majorily dragged on and on. There were a couple of parts that would get exciting and then it would drag some more. The last 140 pages were high paced and exciting.
...moreMy first complaint about the book is the size. I received the book for a birthday present. When sliding it into my book shelf with other Maria Snyder books it is 1/2 inch to an inch taller than the other books. The symmetry throws me off and bothers me.

I have really enjoyed this series until this book. First it majorily dragged on and on. There were a couple of parts that would get exciting and then it would drag some more. The last 140 pages were high paced and exciting.

I loved that Janco, Valek, Ari were in the story. I loved the two little kids and how Opal was with them.

The whole Kade thing made me sad. I can understand the problems but I didn't like the way things played out with Opal being unfaithful. If they would have come to a mutual decision before hand than I wouldn't have been bothered. But Kade loved Opal and wanted to be with her and she hurt him.

Now my little soap box and I know many other's may have a problem with this as well. I believe in forgiveness and redemption. I believe people can change and become good or bad. I believe we should forgive but we don't have to trust that person again.

Is it physically possible to actually feel that way about someone who did all that he was responsible or somewhat responsible for? Maybe if you clinically need medication you can but I doubt someone could go through all she went through with Devlin and be able to love him and want to be married to him. I know there is the whole Stockholm syndrome but technically can people really fall in love with someone who;

1) Participated in abducting you so your sister Tula would be murdered
2) Tortured you
3) Kidnapped you
4) Stole someone else's body so he could lead you where he wanted you to go
5) Sleep with you while in this other person's body
6) Drug you
7) Torture a whole lot more
8) Manipulates and controls you
9) I am sure there is more

When did the whole romance actually happen? Because they had only a couple of friendly interactions in book 2 then she only spoke to him a few times in the 3rd book before they are in love and all that. She kissed him only after speaking to him a couple of times. Despite all the reasons listed above Devlen did grow on me. If he would have been a constant in this story some how or at least more a romance, trust and compainionship between the two of them for the last 2 books and a strong relationship building in this book than it may not have bothered me so much. But because of his previous crimes and only a few encounters with each other it doesn't makes sense to me.(less)

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Nov 28, 2010

Samantha rated it

Shelves: 2010, not-for-me

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ****SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS STORIES*****

No, no, no. This one didn't work for me on sooo many different levels, which is disappointing. It's only because I am a fan of this author's other stories that I have trudged on, hoping for a shift.

First there's the totality of the character that is Devlen. He has tortured (both mentally and physically) Opal in the past and now it's been put off to something he did because of blood magic. Let's just insert a convenient '...more****SPOILERS FOR THE PREVIOUS STORIES*****

No, no, no. This one didn't work for me on sooo many different levels, which is disappointing. It's only because I am a fan of this author's other stories that I have trudged on, hoping for a shift.

First there's the totality of the character that is Devlen. He has tortured (both mentally and physically) Opal in the past and now it's been put off to something he did because of blood magic. Let's just insert a convenient 'soul-reader' to instantly say that a certain character is no longer 'bad' and hello, easy-street! I don't care what kind of magical stupor you're under that would cause bad behavior, memories of torture alone would never allow me to interact with that person. Never ever, ever, seriously Ever. I've seen the various reviews/comments here on Goodreads on whether Opal was raped by Devlen and it's fine if you don't think so call it what you want. Of course in reality we're never going to have people conveniently switching souls and then pretending to be your significant other. For me the fact is, Opal thought she was with Ulrick, and that she consented to sex is secondary to the fact that he wasn't Ulrick. It doesn't matter if she enjoyed being with Delven-in-a-Ulrick-suit, she didn't know it was really the man who inhabited her worst nightmares and caused a lot of her feelings of inadequacy. Don't be too surprised here, but even creeps can act nice to their victims to get the results they want. I know, crazy right? If I were Opal I would have felt totally violated, my trust in my own judgement would have been in shambles…sound like Opal at all? Maybe I should have stopped reading after Opal comments on Yelena's 'readings' on Devlen, because obviously it's enough to leave me disgusted.

Yet I continued on because I thought there would be a story in here somewhere. A story that showed Opal coming into her own person. Yet throughout most of this story that is still painfully absent as we are forced to accompany her through a sham of a plot to obtain her missing blood. And even though that's the focus of the plot, it meanders here and there with no direction other than to insert convenient events to recollect upon later in the story. It felt like I was reading something completely different by last third of the book and not in a good way.

Then there's the generally unenjoyable dialogue and childish, petty characters across the board. These are Snyder's characters and I've liked them in the past (especially in Yelena's series), but this time even though they had the same names and were supposed to be the same people, some didn't sound like themselves. They seemed out of character to me, especially Valek in this one, but then again I'm only one reader and I'm sure some will be fine with it.

So anyway in the interest of finding a balance between brevity (fail) and getting this stuff off my chest, I'm ending it here. I wouldn't read anymore books about Opal if you paid me and I hope that if Snyder continues to write in this world it will not result in the overwhelming disappointment I have had in this series. (less)

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Sep 07, 2010

Penny rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: grrrl-power, guilty-pleasures, wizardry

Quick review: Opal Cowan, glassmaker, "one trick wonder" and victim extraordinaire, spends the majority of the first two Glass books helping others, rehashing traumatic experiences, sparring or traveling from one place to another.

At practically every single village she visits, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere, she's beaten, or falsely imprisoned, or tortured, or kidnapped. The girl just can't catch a break--people want to steal her magic, or, you know, just want he...more

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Nov 07, 2011

Anita rated it

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Shelves: young-adult-paranormal, fantasy-the-regular-kind-not-urba

This is the conclusion of the Glass trilogy, a sin-off series from the Study trilogy. Many of your favorite Study characters have significant roles in this book, especially Valek.

This book was a lot like the other 2 in the Glass series - it takes a long time to unfold, and seems scattered until you get to the very end and the pieces come together. I was a little heartbroken for Opal's love life (the main character). She ends up completely happy, but she learns that love is more than...more

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Aug 04, 2011

Amanda rated it

· review of another edition

Maria V. Snyder returns to the Yelena's world in the Study series with the final chapter in the adventures of young Opal, who suddenly finds herself without her magical powers after the events in Sea Glass. Though she hopes to reverse the process, the situation becomes a little more complicated when she finds that some of her blood has been stolen, possibly even for use in horrible blood magics. Without powers, Opal joins a spy program, and sets out on a final adventure while trying to sort out ...moreMaria V. Snyder returns to the Yelena's world in the Study series with the final chapter in the adventures of young Opal, who suddenly finds herself without her magical powers after the events in Sea Glass. Though she hopes to reverse the process, the situation becomes a little more complicated when she finds that some of her blood has been stolen, possibly even for use in horrible blood magics. Without powers, Opal joins a spy program, and sets out on a final adventure while trying to sort out a highly cliche love triangle.

Synder's dialog is probably one of my favorite aspects of the novel. Though the characters sound like modern, "real world" teens, it just works. The exchanges between characters feel comfortable and natural, and just draw me into their story. The plot is also chalked full of adventure, and plenty of twists and turns.

Okay, now for the not-so-great part. Spy Glass, unfortunately, wasn't perfect. Okay, few novels are, and I have a very high standard, but there are some glaring things that bothered me about this book. First, it seemed to drag on for far too long at certain points, and I just wanted to get to the next exciting piece of action without getting bogged down in what seemed like extraneous details, dialog and scenes, especially closer to the end. I also didn't like seeing our heroine Opal as a victim, yet again (for what, the thousandth time?) for such a large portion of the novel. I don't know about other readers, but I was all geared up to see her totally come into her own here and be the strong heroine I know she is. Sadly, all the victimization kept that from being fully realized, and I seemed to hold Opal back from becoming, what I think could be an awesome character. There is also the issue of the plot seemingly resolving just a little too easily at the end.

Admittedly, I found Spy Glass to be the weakest book in the Glass series. Without powers or any glass-blowing lore of interest, Opal's glow dulls to nothing but a shadow. Her adventures just don't quite have the spark that ignited the other books, especially Storm Glass. Though Spy Glass was still a fun book, it isn't Snyder's best. Fans of Snyder's Glass and Study series will find it a decent ending to the Glass series, but lacking a little punch. (less)

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Aug 02, 2011

Kate rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010

Opal is mopey. She has lost her powers and now feels like an outsider in the world that she has come to love. Her love life is in shambles. Kade is distant... and her relationship with a certain reformed "friend" is not a simple as it may seem. On top of everything, Opal discovers that her blood maybe still be out there somewhere... just waiting on her to find. But finding it may come at a high cost. Will she become addicted to the blood magic like so many before her have? Or will her ...more

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Jul 03, 2011

Amber Taylor rated it

· review of another edition

Well dang. This book was just not set up well, in my opinion. I feel like the whole training to be a spy storyline should have been the whole storyline, should it have been written better and for better reasons. I was pretty angry that Miss Snyder set us up to choose between Ulrick and Kade in the first book only to have Opal Choose, and then change her mind last second and end up with Devlen. I get the whole reformed thing and she can feel what he went through but I just don't believe it. It do...more

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May 07, 2011

Seline rated it

· review of another edition

After the last book "Sea Glass", I kind of thought there wouldn't be happening much more with Opal. I thought it would just be about how she excepts being without magic, of course there would also be a mystery to solve. Which would naturally bring more problems. But I kind of thought that was that. What was I wrong! After reading almost all Maria V Snyder's books I shouldn't have been so surprised that so much happened. But I still was!

The romantic stuff I kind of saw comi...more

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Apr 10, 2011

Kathy Martin rated it

This third adventure has Opal trying to find what her new role in life will be now that she no longer has her glass magic. She goes on a search for some of the blood that was removed from her in the previous book and along the way she encounters a variety of villains and makes a number of new friends. Her romance with Kade gets pushed aside as she reconnects with Devlin. She is also recruited by Valek and trained by him to help her meet her goals. I enjoyed Opal's journey and was happy with the ...more

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Apr 09, 2011

Becky rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

Spy Glass is an epic and addictive finale to the Opal Cowan series. From the first page I was hooked and I was reading it in every spare second I could find.

At the end of Sea Glass Opal makes a huge sacrifice for the greater good. So at the beginning of Spy Glass (which takes up where Sea Glass finishes) we see Opal trying to come to terms with her actions and the loss that she has endured. She also discovers an unexpected consequence of her sacrifice which is yet another thin...moreSpy Glass is an epic and addictive finale to the Opal Cowan series. From the first page I was hooked and I was reading it in every spare second I could find.

At the end of Sea Glass Opal makes a huge sacrifice for the greater good. So at the beginning of Spy Glass (which takes up where Sea Glass finishes) we see Opal trying to come to terms with her actions and the loss that she has endured. She also discovers an unexpected consequence of her sacrifice which is yet another thing she needs to decide whether or not to tell the council.

Opal is determined to be a master of her own destiny in this novel. She makes some distinctively tough choices and some of them would not find their way into a Young Adult novel in the UK. It is obvious to me after reading this why it is marketed as an adult novel here.

There are some interesting themes explored through the novel: freedom, power, corruption, love. There is also a huge emphasis on redemption and the difference between a character driven by an inner evil and one who is driven by a debilitating addiction. It is the first time I’ve seen this in a fantasy novel and it really intrigued me as a way to characterise the evil actions that one character does.

The plot of the whole series is meticulously crafted. I honestly cannot get my head around how a writer can foresee at the beginning of a series how all the subplots can tie into the main plot. It is incredible and Snyder really keeps the reader on her toes.

If you’ve had told me what would happen in the ending before I started reading the book, I wouldn’t have believed you. I wouldn’t have wanted it to happen the way it did. But then as I got more and more into Spy Glass everything I wanted at the beginning had changed and so that I did want the ending the was revealed to me.

Spy Glass is a surprising twist in the tale of Opal Cowan. I would actually love to read more from this character or at least from her world. I am going to have to go and read the Study series now because I am rather addicted to Snyder’s plotting. It is thriller meets fantasy. Gripping, mysterious and highly satisfying!
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Mar 15, 2011

Nairabell rated it

· review of another edition

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

Opal Cowan sacrificed her powers in the showdown at Hubal to save those she loves. Now immune to magic, Opal is an outsider looking in at the life she reliquished. But when Opal begins to work with glass again she discovers a new skill - her creations now flash in the presence of magic. Opal learns that some of her stolen blood may still be out there, and she sets off to discover whether she can find it and regain her powers or if they are lost forever.

This is the third book in the ...moreOpal Cowan sacrificed her powers in the showdown at Hubal to save those she loves. Now immune to magic, Opal is an outsider looking in at the life she reliquished. But when Opal begins to work with glass again she discovers a new skill - her creations now flash in the presence of magic. Opal learns that some of her stolen blood may still be out there, and she sets off to discover whether she can find it and regain her powers or if they are lost forever.

This is the third book in the Glass trilogy (after Storm Glass and Sea Glass), and I started reading it straight after I finished the last volume which ended on a massive cliffhanger. I couldn't wait to get stuck in, but I never expected such a twisty turny rollercoaster of a plot.

Opal begins the book moping about the loss of her powers, but when Valek comes to visit her she realises that her powers might not be as lost as she thought. This sets her off on a madcap journey across Sitia, and the plot has loads of small storylines that run parallel to the main. Maria V. Snyder is an incredible writer and Opal's journey is really well written. The plot goes in so many different directions that it could have ended up seeming like Opal randomly wandered off on tangents, but it flows really well.

The romance based storyline took a few turns I didn't see coming, but I think Opal ended up with the best person for her in the end. However, there isn't much focus here as the book follows Opal closely so if you're looking for a detailed romance this isn't the book for you.

I loved how Valek took a large role in the book, and welcomed the return of Ari and Janco. However, the stand out character for me was Opal's mother - especially her reaction to Opal when she arrives home just days before Mara and Leif's wedding. It's both brilliant and hilarious.

All in all this was an awesome read, and I thoroughly recommend the entire trilogy to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels.

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

Overall: 49/50(less)

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Jan 28, 2011

Clarissa rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have really enjoyed reading Snyder's books. I find them to be a nice mind-numbing distraction. I can read it and not think about it too much. However, I didn't enjoy this one as much. What is with Opal? She sleeps with Devlin before she has a chance to break up with Kade? I liked Kade. Devlin tortured her. I know Valek told her that Devlin was good people, but when did Valek's opinion mean anything to Opal. I'm pretty sure she said in the book a few times, "I hate Valek." Then all of...more

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Dec 10, 2010

Joshua Kronengold rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: own

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I liked the "Study" books.

And I liked the first "Glass" book.
I even liked the second "Glass" book.

But the third? Well...there I have some problems. And they feed into problems I have with the whole Glass series, though the problems I have with the book itself are worse.

You can sum up the problems (to an extent), just by looking at the blurb:

...Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic...Spyin...more

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Dec 09, 2010

Terri rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spy Glass is the third in Maria V. Snyder’s “Glass” series. The Glass series comes after her “Study” series, which is where you should start first if you like this review. *wink wink*

In the world of the Glass books, Opal Cowan is a powerful magician. Or at least, she was. In Spy Glass, she’s lost her powers. Opal is a glass artist, and in the first glass book “Storm Glass,” she discovers that she can blow threads of magic into her glass creations. Magicians can use her glass ani...moreSpy Glass is the third in Maria V. Snyder’s “Glass” series. The Glass series comes after her “Study” series, which is where you should start first if you like this review. *wink wink*

In the world of the Glass books, Opal Cowan is a powerful magician. Or at least, she was. In Spy Glass, she’s lost her powers. Opal is a glass artist, and in the first glass book “Storm Glass,” she discovers that she can blow threads of magic into her glass creations. Magicians can use her glass animals like telephones: a magician picks one up and summons another magician with one of Opal’s animals, and they can speak over long distances. After the events of “Sea Glass” (the second book), Opal has lost her powers. With the help of the various friends she’s collected in the last few books, including numerous reappearances by the characters we grew to know and love in the Study books, Opal is tracking a criminal who stole her blood and may hold the secret to getting her powers back.

So that’s the basis of the book. I will tell you that I loved the Study books about 1000% more than the Glass books, so if the concepts and the magic interest you, you should probably check out reviews of “Poison Study” and dive into this world from the beginning. The setting Snyder has created is pretty excellent: it’s in its own little made up world, with its own made up geography and magic is rampant.

Now, if you’re already familiar with the books, here’s the thing: I’ve never liked Opal as a character. She flits from guy to guy in the series and since I never liked any of the guys she was with, I am seriously questioning her judgment. She doesn’t seem to know what she wants, and she can’t seem to control herself from making poor decisions and not thinking for a split second before she plunges into danger. In a better heroine, these traits are endearing. In Opal, they irritated me.

All in all, 3 stars because I loved the world of the book and I still love the glass magic concept and all the magical elements in the series. I just don’t prefer the heroine of this particular series as much as I preferred Yelena in the Study books.

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Dec 01, 2010

Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it

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Shelves: 2010-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-moms-reviews, signed-books-arcs

Spy Glass is a great ending for the Glass series. Maria V Snyder included all of my favorite characters from the series, including Valek. His character played a huge part in Opal's character growth. While I wasn't very impressed with her character at the very beginning of the book, I really liked her by the end.

With out giving too many spoilers away, at the end of Sea Glass Opal sacrificed her magic in order to save lives. With the start of Spy Glass, she's mourns the loss of her magi...more

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Oct 28, 2010

Chibineko rated it

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If you're familiar with Snyder's Study series, you'll be aware that some readers have remarked on how perfect her female characters are portrayed. I'm glad to say that in Spy Glass Snyder seems to have toned down these aspects for the third & final book in the Glass trilogy. (Although fans will be interested to know that there will be another book set in this universe & from the title of Ice Study, it appears that it will be another Yelena novel.)

Opal has lost her magic. Out of a sen...moreIf you're familiar with Snyder's Study series, you'll be aware that some readers have remarked on how perfect her female characters are portrayed. I'm glad to say that in Spy Glass Snyder seems to have toned down these aspects for the third & final book in the Glass trilogy. (Although fans will be interested to know that there will be another book set in this universe & from the title of Ice Study, it appears that it will be another Yelena novel.)

Opal has lost her magic. Out of a sense of preservation for herself & all around her, she voluntarily siphoned her own magic into the form of diamonds in order to keep it out of dangerous hands. The experience has left her a wealthy woman (she got to keep the diamonds) but also a shell of her former self. Then Opal discovers that when her previous captors had been taking more blood from her than was needed for their rituals, which means that there is still some of her blood out there. Which means that she can use it to get her powers back. In order to discover the whereabouts of her blood Opal travels to where Devlen & the others are held prisoner. She assumes that with some effort she'll be able to reach them. However, Opal never expected that it would be so impossible for her to get into the prison... or that she'd find herself so drawn to Devlen. With other people searching for her blood with sinister intentions, Opal may find that the old gypsy saying is true: "Be careful what you wish for- you just might get it."

If the Study series was focused more about magic & action, the Glass series is focused more about romantic entanglements & tenacity.While Opal did spend a good chunk of Sea Glass feeling sorry for herself, Spy Glass finds her attempting to find a cure for her magic-less condition. There's also a strong focus on the love triangle between Devlen, Opal, & Kade in this book, which would have been a little more interesting if Kade had been more prevalent in the book.

Overall, the number one thing about Snyder is that she always seems to have a way of making her books into addicting reads. Even though Spy Glass might not be my favorite of her books (Poison Study will always take that spot), I couldn't help but keep turning back to the book in order to find out what happened next. Other readers will find themselves equally as hypnotised by this book, unable to turn away until they reach that final page. A warning though- keep an open mind during this book. I'd thought that I'd had everything figured out in the middle of the book, only to discover that my assumptions were wrong about almost everything. Let's just say that some people might get a little surprised about the villain's identity & who Opal's knight in shining armor will be.

The final verdict? Long time fans of the series will like this book while those who weren't Opal fans might find themselves yearning for more of Yelena. Rest assurred though, there's enough to like in this read & I'm curious to discover what will happen next in Snyder's world. As always, Snyder writes an addicting read.

(ARC provided by Netgalley) (less)

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Oct 12, 2010

Nancy rated it

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In part three of her "Glass" series, Maria V Snyder takes us along with Opal in search of her stolen blood. She feels that, with this blood, she may be able to regain her magic and the ability to "charge" her glass menagerie animals to take messages between Council members again.

Open Cowan is not affected by magic. At all. Just like Varek, her friend's fiancee, heart-mate and leader of the most elusive spy circle in her world. She is living at home, with her pa...more

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Sep 29, 2010

Barbara rated it

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Shelves: sf-f

Okay--confession time: I read the first hundred pages and the last hundred pages and skimmed the big middle. I do not feel that I missed anything really, really important.
The big mystery or conundrum for this third 'Glass' book was always going to be who Opal ended up with romantically. I am happy to say that I guessed correctly. I won't say who it is, but I will say that the author did a fairly good job of paving the way--so this does not come out of the clear blue sky! And the reason...more

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Sep 28, 2010

Teri rated it

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Shelves: fall-into-reading

Spy Glass finished up the Glass trilogy by Maria Snyder.
Opal has now lost all her magic and comes up with a whole host of more problems that await her in far reaches of her kingdom. Not only is her blood missing that was drained in the last book, but she is wandering and kind of lost a lot in the book trying to find a new place/meaning for herself.
From adopting some kids, to getting kidnapped and almost married to a mass polygamist, Opal has some hard times happening in the book. Ka...more

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Sep 19, 2010

Sharon rated it

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Hello :) I have nicked my mum's reviewing box so here goes...

Book 6
This world is spilt into two series arcs of three books, the first is the 'Study Trilogy' which follows Yelena & that is where we first get introduced to Opal. This is the third & final book of the second Trilogy 'Opal Cowan' Were we are at last put out of our misery to see if Opal will succeed in magic, politics & love.

The world is divided into North & South, the North has strict protocols regard...moreHello :) I have nicked my mum's reviewing box so here goes...

Book 6
This world is spilt into two series arcs of three books, the first is the 'Study Trilogy' which follows Yelena & that is where we first get introduced to Opal. This is the third & final book of the second Trilogy 'Opal Cowan' Were we are at last put out of our misery to see if Opal will succeed in magic, politics & love.

The world is divided into North & South, the North has strict protocols regarding Magic & the South does not, so relations are strained & politics come into play M.S manages to give you multi-faceted characters, political intrigue, love & loss & personal growth, & triumph over adversity, we all need a little of that every now again don't we?

Drama and excitement are weaved throughout this novel and I would highly recommened it. Maria makes Opal's life as challenging as possible by introducing blood magic - a dark magic that makes a magician stonger but also makes them crave power and inject more blood into their systems. Opal's journey will test her strengh, power and ability to get out of sticky situations. She starts off with an immunity of magic which I thought would be rather difficult to make a story line out of but Maria really surprised me. Characters from the Yelena and previous Opal books were all tied off nicely and the journey you are taken on is really epic.

I also found that it was a very grounded magical novel. The author wrote so you could relate to the character's feeling and situations. My interpretation is that the magical land isn't very different to victorian times, no electricity etc, you can picture the world easily in your head. Personally I adore Maria's style of writing, very informative, researched and clever. All angles are covered and the description of situations, characters and places are truley genius. Oh and also Maria's twists and turns on Opal's life make you not want to put down the book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys actions, love, clever writing and a great, different, story line.

By Katy 15 (less)

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Jan 06, 2012

Shweta's Book Journal rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fantasy

My blog readers know I just love Maria V Snyder's books. When I was about to read Spy Glass I was actually scared. The main reason being , I wanted to ABSOLUTELY love it. Nothing short of it would do. Let me tell you , I ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY loved it.

I decided to wait a while before I posted this review even though I had finished reading the book long while back. I wanted my feelings towards the book to be unbiased. If I had written a review immediately after finishing the book I woul...more

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May 15, 2011

Amanda rated it

· review of another edition

Since I've reviewed the first two books, I won't rehash my issues with craft or Snyder's style. All I wanted from this book was to see how she handles the two love interests and which one gets the girl in the end. I didn't care about the story, I wasn't actually invested in the characters (other than wanting one character to get the girl over the other) and the writing has never wow-ed me.

In the end, I was satisfied just because it ended as I knew it would (and had suspected it woul...more

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Oct 11, 2010

Heather Tisdale rated it

http://vacui-projects.blogspot.com/2010/...

In the final installment of the Glass series, Opal Cowan must find out who she is inside. She's always had the ability to charge glass with magic, but after Opal had to siphon her own magic to win a fight she's lost her abilities. Now, many people are unhappy with her. Her glass messengers had allowed magicians to communicate with one another, but now all communications are coming to a stand still as the remaining glass runs out of magic. Als...morehttp://vacui-projects.blogspot.com/2010/...

In the final installment of the Glass series, Opal Cowan must find out who she is inside. She's always had the ability to charge glass with magic, but after Opal had to siphon her own magic to win a fight she's lost her abilities. Now, many people are unhappy with her. Her glass messengers had allowed magicians to communicate with one another, but now all communications are coming to a stand still as the remaining glass runs out of magic. Also, Opal has discovered that she's developed an immunity to magic like Valek. She can feel magic, but she can no longer wield it. This will make the magicians who are livid with her even more weary of her. Opal feels lost and doesn't know who she is any longer. After discovering that her kidnappers, from Sea Glass, may have had extra vials of her blood hidden, Opal decides she must attempt to find them in order to regain her powers. And, hopefully to return to feeling normal.

Throughout the book many of my favorite characters return to interact with Opal. She gets spy lessons from Valek, attends her sisters' wedding to Leif, and meets some new people during the course of her search. After the events that led to her loss of magic, Opal has to struggle with who to trust in her life. Devlen is back and it looks like he's on her side, but Opal just can't tell for sure after his actions and because of his addiction to blood magic. To make it harder on her, she still has feelings for him. She has to figure out what to do with him and Kade.

Snyder is one of my favorite authors. I had no idea that this was intended to be the last in the series before reading. The end felt somewhat final so I felt the need to search for answers. Snyder did mention the possibility of another spin-off. This one is a spin-off of her Study series if anyone is curious to read anything by Snyder. Although, the Study series is more of an adult fantasy, while this one is YA. You can start with Storm Glass and you'll get a brief back story, but if you're an adult I would just start with the original series. You'll feel closer to the characters.

Anyway, I knew where this book was going to lead from events left unresolved in Sea Glass. However, I didn't know how anything was going to play out. I have given Snyder multiple 5 stars before, but I only gave her 4 stars this time. I felt like events concerning the Cloud Mist Clan and certain family members weren't resolved completely. Some mention of them in the end would have probably pushed me to 4 1/2 or 5 stars. With that one exception, I loved the story. Even though Opal is down and depressed, she's still willing to fight for others and do the right thing. I liked how events played out in the story and how Opal grows throughout. Although, I was shocked with the last few pages. I didn't think Opal would move (?) so quickly. (I can't think of an appropriate word that wouldn't give away the ending. And no, move is not a euphemism for sex. )(less)

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Sep 06, 2010

Liviu rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2010_release_read, genre-fantasy, read_2010

The concluding (I guess based on the ending)of the Glass series is as much fun as the previous two, while the author's writing has reached a very well developed point with the book being as good as anything Ms. Snyder has written so far in terms of style; as content, i would not say that Spy Glass is that different from what came before - of all her 6 novels in the milieu (Study and Glass) only the first is really original and innovative, with the rest continuing the story and expanding the univ...more

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Jan 12, 2012

Nidhi Thomas rated it

· review of another edition

I am going to say I liked, because that is the truth, I do like it. I am not going to write a huge review just a breif review on my opnion on the story and the characters.
Plot- I didn't understand it much at the starting and then later on it was fast paced then slow then fast again it varied from both, which made it ok.
The story in the third book of the Glass series, I have to say was a nice way to end it, but it was tied quite, which have to say I LOVED! Even though it does make me hu...moreI am going to say I liked, because that is the truth, I do like it. I am not going to write a huge review just a breif review on my opnion on the story and the characters.
Plot- I didn't understand it much at the starting and then later on it was fast paced then slow then fast again it varied from both, which made it ok.
The story in the third book of the Glass series, I have to say was a nice way to end it, but it was tied quite, which have to say I LOVED! Even though it does make me hunger for more on Opal's story, to know what other mishief she will get into (Note: will) it would be very nice to see that, but from reading other series which go on and on and on and on with problems makes me infurating! So I was glad she left a loose end.
The problem I found with the story was that it didn't have much surprise I expected ( (view spoiler) )
Characters:
Opal- Through out this series she has been devoloping a lot and you see how she devolopes. I admire her willingness for everything and how she gets into trouble haha. There were times when she infurated me... Sea glass, in that book she lost who she was and was this neutral person, who strikes out at everyone! just didn't trust herself or others. But in this book she is completely different, more mauture and thinks about the actions she takes. She trusts more people and mostly herself! FINALLY! haha.
I wouldn't call her my favorite leading female character but not all characters are perfect or has to fit to my description of a amazing female lead character.
Develan- First I am going to say TOLD YOU SO! I knew it allll along! From Storm Glass I knew, too obvious ( (view spoiler) )
Develan is a changed man! an amazing man! he he is my SUPERMAN! oh I do love Develan, he is quite amazing. I don't want to say more, scared I may give away somethings. I can say from every new character in this series I liked Develan he seemed more 3D to me.
Kade and others- Kade is...seened....less? uh yes? Umm he is still the same and very sweet, the last scene with him and Opal in the stable was cute... but I have to agree with Opal there was no fire...in this book! They we going further apart from each other, in this book! The other two books they seemed inseparble! But can't blame they only meet :/
Zitora was nowhere to be seen in this book...she just vanished into the thin air! I would have loved a bit of Zitora action! She was an awesome character!!
Valek was a lot in this book, well more than a spin of series normally have really, because I wanted it to foucs only on Opal's life, I mean Opal's life is Valek's too, but..nevermind..anyway either way it was good to see him!
Eve and Nic are such bland characters...I am sorry...they seem like such good characters, I wish I knew about their history like Ari and Janco :) which reminds me Opal's connection to them builds up! Nidhi likes that. Oh and Janco and Ari! Janco is known to be Opal's more closer friend and so on!
I could go on and on about the characters which is time consuming so I will round it up by saying. EVER HAS CHANGED IN THIS BOOK, WHICH GIVES ME NEW VIEWS ON OLD CHARACTERS YOU MAY HAVE SEEN IN THE STUDY SERIES. THERE ARE NEW CHARACTERS, BOTH GOOD AND BAD (LIVED THE TWO GOOD ONES ;) ). That's the round up. The round for this review is I gave it a four and I would recommend well if your reading this review then mostly proberbly you have read this book soo woohooo!

(less)

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Mar 22, 2011

Cindy rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I enjoyed this one WAY more than I had expected to based on my very lukewarm feelings about "Sea Glass." While still a little too prone to self-pity, Opal seemed to have it together a little more in this book, and the plot was well-paced and interesting. As always, Snyder's grammar and style left a lot to be desired, but it didn't keep it from being an enjoyable read. I actually expected to hate it, since I didn't love book #2 and I had a strong suspicion that I knew who Opal would end...more

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Nov 29, 2010

Leilani rated it

Shelves: 2010, paranormal

So, here's the deal. I'm a little disturbed by the way this series finished. I get the whole "he's reformed" bit, but Devlin had a lot to reform and seems a little too good to be true. Maybe if that reform was a bigger part of the story, or if he hadn't been such an uber d-bag in the first book, it wouldn't have seemed so creepy. I can't quite decide if Devlin is supposed to be Opal's Valek - you know, the shady guy that's awesome in spite of his questionable occupation. Honestly,...more

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About Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder earned an MA in Popular Fiction Writing from Seton Hill University. Her freelance articles appear in magazines and newspapers, and she enjoys teaching fiction writing classes at the local college.

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“No need to act, i let my fear show "He killed himself," i whispered.
Eve raised an eyebrow. "Fourteen times?"
"He had bad aim.” — 25 people liked it

“I offer my heart, entrust my soul and give my life to you.” — 25 people liked it

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