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Burning Glass
(Burning Glass #1)
by
Sonya was born with the rare gift to feel what those around her feel—both physically and emotionally—a gift she’s kept hidden from the empire for seventeen long years. After a reckless mistake wipes out all the other girls with similar abilities, Sonya is hauled off to the palace and forced to serve the emperor as his sovereign Auraseer.
Tasked with sensing the intentions o ...more
Tasked with sensing the intentions o ...more
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Hardcover, 512 pages
Published
March 1st 2016
by Katherine Tegen Books
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Start your review of Burning Glass (Burning Glass, #1)

A love triangle between two brothers, and a fingernail-on-chalkboard type of heroine. Reader, this book is so bad it hurts.
What can I say? There is nothing about this book that's anything than a shallow romance "fantasy," fantasy is in quotes because this book hardly qualifies as such. Throw in a new world, put some random ass unexplained magical shit in it and call it a fantasy. No, it doesn't work that way. My standards are higher than that.
The love triangle is the plot. There is very little e ...more
What can I say? There is nothing about this book that's anything than a shallow romance "fantasy," fantasy is in quotes because this book hardly qualifies as such. Throw in a new world, put some random ass unexplained magical shit in it and call it a fantasy. No, it doesn't work that way. My standards are higher than that.
The love triangle is the plot. There is very little e ...more

Excruciatingly boring tale of a love triangle, where an annoying heroine is forced to choose between two brothers.
Let it be known - somewhere in the last third-ish I started skim-reading, just because I wanted to know where the author would take this recycled story. So, while I know how it ends, feel free to consider this a DNF at 60% review.
Firstly, there is no plot. In my opinion, some vague mentions of slavery, a Black Death disease, and the possibility of freedom constitutes neither plot nor ...more
Let it be known - somewhere in the last third-ish I started skim-reading, just because I wanted to know where the author would take this recycled story. So, while I know how it ends, feel free to consider this a DNF at 60% review.
Firstly, there is no plot. In my opinion, some vague mentions of slavery, a Black Death disease, and the possibility of freedom constitutes neither plot nor ...more


*deep breathe*
Finally!
It's felt like an eternity since I've read a book that I've had to 5 star it for the sheer awesomeness it made me feel.
This beauty made me feel everything.
➮I was anxious
➮I was elated
➮I was devastated
➮I laughed
➮I gasped
➮I felt betrayed
➮I felt the angst
➮I felt the hurt
➮I felt the relief
➮My toes curled
➮My stomach knotted
But most importantly...
I reveled in every second of it
The thing is, this story may not wow you, it may not sweep you off your feet. It will possibly not ...more

Where do i start!
Honestly, this story was just what i needed. Mythology and Magic ( subtle ), court issues and PRINCES!
Really loved the ending of this, can't wait for book two! ...more
Honestly, this story was just what i needed. Mythology and Magic ( subtle ), court issues and PRINCES!
Really loved the ending of this, can't wait for book two! ...more

REREAD: 6/25/22 4/5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let me just go ahead and shout this out....I LOVED THIS BOOK! I couldn't put it down! However, I am not happy but still excited that it's going to be a trilogy.
So this book follows Sonya who, after a tragic accident is chosen to be the Soverign auraseer for the Emperor. Sonya has 8 months of training under her belt and feels the burden of such a task as feeling other people's emotions/auras in order to sense danger toward the Emperor.
Sonya ...more
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let me just go ahead and shout this out....I LOVED THIS BOOK! I couldn't put it down! However, I am not happy but still excited that it's going to be a trilogy.
So this book follows Sonya who, after a tragic accident is chosen to be the Soverign auraseer for the Emperor. Sonya has 8 months of training under her belt and feels the burden of such a task as feeling other people's emotions/auras in order to sense danger toward the Emperor.
Sonya ...more

Quick Review: Ever since I first heard about this book I had a feeling I'd love it. And so I did! Such an amazing concept well developed, Burning Glass held my attention from cover to cover. This book wastes no time and throws in plot twists left and right. A character-driven plot, beautiful writing, a rebellion, political intrigue, and a tangled romance (although it is love triangle, the main character clearly favors one guy) make this book a definite hit. March 1st, 2016. Be ready for this one
...more

3.5 stars.
Actually, just 3 stars. The more I thought about it, the more the romance bothered me, EVEN THOUGH it's a now resolved conflict that made me hate the romance (meaning, I hated the romance while I was reading the book because it seemed very triangle-y... until the very end, in which the triangle aspect completely disappears).
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie
Book One of the Burning Glass series
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: ...more
Actually, just 3 stars. The more I thought about it, the more the romance bothered me, EVEN THOUGH it's a now resolved conflict that made me hate the romance (meaning, I hated the romance while I was reading the book because it seemed very triangle-y... until the very end, in which the triangle aspect completely disappears).
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie
Book One of the Burning Glass series
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: ...more

IT HAPPENED! I finished :)
I won an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET THIS. This was one of those books where I saw it, and I just had to have it. I thought the March 2016 release date was total torture. I started this book the very day I got it.
I've been in...a bit of a slump the past few months. RL got in the way and I quickly went from averaging 25 books a month...to MAYBE 5. I've actually been working on this book for a while, but it had nothing to do with the book. I just c ...more
I won an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET THIS. This was one of those books where I saw it, and I just had to have it. I thought the March 2016 release date was total torture. I started this book the very day I got it.
I've been in...a bit of a slump the past few months. RL got in the way and I quickly went from averaging 25 books a month...to MAYBE 5. I've actually been working on this book for a while, but it had nothing to do with the book. I just c ...more

This is a breathtakingly spectacular debut fantasy from my friend Kathryn Purdie. I can't wait for everyone to get to read this phenomenal story. I will do a more detailed review closer to pub date, but for now, trust me when I say you want to add this to your TBR pile immediately!
...more

Aug 29, 2015
Sarah Elizabeth
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
fantasy,
love-triangle,
netgalley-edelweiss,
r2r-read,
read-2016,
as,
paranormal,
young-adult
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss.)
This book took a long time to get interesting.
Sonya was an okay character, but I didn’t love her. She seemed to have no backbone at all, and had absolutely no idea what were her feelings compared to what she was feeling from other people! Talk about allo ...more
“Do you never take responsibility for your own emotions?” he asked.
“They far too often belong to someone else.”
This book took a long time to get interesting.
Sonya was an okay character, but I didn’t love her. She seemed to have no backbone at all, and had absolutely no idea what were her feelings compared to what she was feeling from other people! Talk about allo ...more

Want more reviews, discussions and fun-filled posts? Check out my book blog, Out of Time.
After hearing such positive reviews of this novel from reviewers I trust, I feel as though I wasn't reading the same novel. - Nova @ Out of Time
This review is a rant. It is angry and possibly long winded. If that is not your thing, I advise that you don't read on.
About a year ago, I wrote a review for The Sin Eater's Daughter in which I highlighted things like a useless main character and nonexistent plot t ...more
After hearing such positive reviews of this novel from reviewers I trust, I feel as though I wasn't reading the same novel. - Nova @ Out of Time
This review is a rant. It is angry and possibly long winded. If that is not your thing, I advise that you don't read on.
About a year ago, I wrote a review for The Sin Eater's Daughter in which I highlighted things like a useless main character and nonexistent plot t ...more

This was one of my most anticipated reads from Harper Teen for 2016. Between the gorgeous cover, the kick butt synopsis and the hopes that this would be something unique and fun, I was so excited to start it and hoped like crazy it would live up to all those pretty promises that both cover and synopsis claimed.
I am thrilled to report that this was a nonstop, can't put down, page turner for me. Ms. Purdie's debut novel held and captured my attention like only a well written fantasy novel can.
It ...more
I am thrilled to report that this was a nonstop, can't put down, page turner for me. Ms. Purdie's debut novel held and captured my attention like only a well written fantasy novel can.
It ...more

Sale alert! BURNING GLASS is available for only $1.99 across all e-book formats until August 14, 2017 (the day before book two, CRYSTAL BLADE, releases).
Also, check out my pre-order incentive for CRYSTAL BLADE on www.kathrynpurdie.com
Pre-order by August 15, 2017 and claim a fully-colored map of the BURNING GLASS world, a signed bookplate, a free download of the song I recorded, and a bookmark.
.........................................................................
I'm thrilled to announce my new ...more
Also, check out my pre-order incentive for CRYSTAL BLADE on www.kathrynpurdie.com
Pre-order by August 15, 2017 and claim a fully-colored map of the BURNING GLASS world, a signed bookplate, a free download of the song I recorded, and a bookmark.
.........................................................................
I'm thrilled to announce my new ...more

This and other reviews are on my blog My Friends Are Fiction
My Thoughts:
I really loved that Purdie created a character with a power she was unable to control. The use of empathy and how feeling other’s emotions would make someone feel was mesmerizing as well as executed to perfection. Sonya can’t distinguish at times what she’s feeling versus what others around her are feeling…imagine not knowing if the passionate view you felt was really yours? It is an incredibly interesting idea and I though ...more
My Thoughts:
I really loved that Purdie created a character with a power she was unable to control. The use of empathy and how feeling other’s emotions would make someone feel was mesmerizing as well as executed to perfection. Sonya can’t distinguish at times what she’s feeling versus what others around her are feeling…imagine not knowing if the passionate view you felt was really yours? It is an incredibly interesting idea and I though ...more

DNF @ 41%...
2.5* because the first 30-35% was decent-ish!!
My only motivation at this point was to finish this so I could write a rare review ranting on it, but why not do that early? I would rather be reading a load of other books on my TBR - and I have, this has just been sitting on my shelf unread - so we might as well part our ways now. I keep telling myself I'll pick this up again some time in the summer - I am lying to myself. I will get rid of this at the first opportunity.
Take a look at t ...more
2.5* because the first 30-35% was decent-ish!!
My only motivation at this point was to finish this so I could write a rare review ranting on it, but why not do that early? I would rather be reading a load of other books on my TBR - and I have, this has just been sitting on my shelf unread - so we might as well part our ways now. I keep telling myself I'll pick this up again some time in the summer - I am lying to myself. I will get rid of this at the first opportunity.
Take a look at t ...more

Sonya is an Auraseer, which means she can sense peoples emotions and intents. After a devastating loss, she is conscripted into the service of a tyrant king. There she must navigate the complex emotions of complicated nobels and servants alike as she tries to control her wild gift that often leaves her overwhelmed.
This book started off really strong, the relationships between Sonya and Pia were always charming and fun, and the complex dance between Sonya and the King was well choreographed. Howe ...more

I have a superpower.
Not a very good one, and it’s one I don’t really tell people for fear they simply won’t believe me.
I’m an emotional chameleon.
I literally feel the emotions of people around me. Like an empath.
It was not that long ago that I confessed this useless and uncontrollable superpower to my husband when we were sitting in the car and I said to him, “Are you feeling down? I’m suddenly feeling down for no reason.”
Which, yes, sometimes does legitimately happen to me, but I am slowly begi ...more
Not a very good one, and it’s one I don’t really tell people for fear they simply won’t believe me.
I’m an emotional chameleon.
I literally feel the emotions of people around me. Like an empath.
It was not that long ago that I confessed this useless and uncontrollable superpower to my husband when we were sitting in the car and I said to him, “Are you feeling down? I’m suddenly feeling down for no reason.”
Which, yes, sometimes does legitimately happen to me, but I am slowly begi ...more

TW: self harm, suicide, mental illness, trauma, grief, manipulation (emotional, physical, and mental), abusive relationships, hinted rape.
Before I get into the actual review, I want to say that the rep for self-harm in this book can be - in my opinion - harmful. The author had good intentions, and I believe she wanted to craft a powerful story of overcoming these struggles. However, so much time is spent in this head space and very little is spent overcoming it. The first mention of self harm ...more
Before I get into the actual review, I want to say that the rep for self-harm in this book can be - in my opinion - harmful. The author had good intentions, and I believe she wanted to craft a powerful story of overcoming these struggles. However, so much time is spent in this head space and very little is spent overcoming it. The first mention of self harm ...more

5 BEAUTIFUL, BURNING STARS...
BURNING GLASS was such a powerful read that I LOVED to pieces!! It quickly stole my breath away with it's different tone and forceful characteristics. It was such an unfamiliar kinda a read for me, that I enjoyed it for that aspect alone. But then you add in all the other great traits, and you have yourself an UNPUTDOWNABLE book that you won't want to miss a single breathtaking moment of!
Their were many reason of why I loved this book but I'll save all that for my ...more

Wow! Just wow! This book was freaking fantastic! Burning Glass had me enraptured on page one! Kathryn Purdie has a hit on her hands and this will definitely make my top 10 of 2016 list!
I adored the MC Sonya she was an awesome heroine! She wasn't perfect heck she was far from it and that's what endeared me to her! And I fell in love with Anton from the moment I met him (well almost it may have taken a couple of pages lol). OMG the story! It was amazing! I loved that it was high fantasy but it had ...more
I adored the MC Sonya she was an awesome heroine! She wasn't perfect heck she was far from it and that's what endeared me to her! And I fell in love with Anton from the moment I met him (well almost it may have taken a couple of pages lol). OMG the story! It was amazing! I loved that it was high fantasy but it had ...more

I have an ARC but I'm kinda scared of reading this. I smell love-triangle...
...more

I first heard about this book back in August, and was immediately intrigued by the premise. Sonya is born with a gift where she can feel and interpret the emotions of those around her, and that makes her extremely valuable to the empire. Girls like her are rounded up as soon as they start showing their abilities, and trained to one day become the Sovereign Auraseer for the emperor. Sonya is different though, for 17 years, she's been kept hidden from the government, to keep her safe from the clut
...more

3 Stars. Just wasn't really for me.
I feel this was a let down. Maybe that is my fault- I bit too much into the description of the book and all the raving reviews. I mean- come on... the back of the book sounds freaking AMAZING.
"For fans of the Grisha trilogy"...nope. I don't think this was even a little bit similar to that.

I just had a very hard time connecting. I had to reread the first few chapters a few times just to make sense of what exactly was going on. I think that was the biggest prob ...more
I feel this was a let down. Maybe that is my fault- I bit too much into the description of the book and all the raving reviews. I mean- come on... the back of the book sounds freaking AMAZING.
"For fans of the Grisha trilogy"...nope. I don't think this was even a little bit similar to that.

I just had a very hard time connecting. I had to reread the first few chapters a few times just to make sense of what exactly was going on. I think that was the biggest prob ...more

WOW. Just finished reading and not totally sure what to say yet but WOW. I'll post a full review closer to release, but if you're a fan of YA Fantasy seriously add this one to your TBR lists.
My only regret in reading this is I need the sequel and the first book hasn't even been published yet. The struggle.
Full review:
Right from the start, Burning Glass drew me in with probably one of the most intense first chapters I’ve read in a long time.
Burning Glass is the type of book that grabs you by th ...more
My only regret in reading this is I need the sequel and the first book hasn't even been published yet. The struggle.
Full review:
Right from the start, Burning Glass drew me in with probably one of the most intense first chapters I’ve read in a long time.
Burning Glass is the type of book that grabs you by th ...more

May 20, 2015
Jess
marked it as how-come-i-mark-2016-reads
Now now, I know we say words, intentions and feelings are the true deadly weapons but really? Will the girl really do much to "protect" her emperor? I'd hire some muscle and weapon if I was in danger, no offence. A little more insurance, you know? If you were valuing life that is.
...more

People, get excited for March 1st to arrive.
When I got my hands on an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, I knew I was in for a treat if the words inside were even remotely as gorgeous at that cover. I can honestly say that BURNING GLASS blew past those expectations and continued wreaking havoc with my head and heart. This is a story filled with complicated relationships and political intrigue and cartwheeling emotions and romance—oh, the romance!
BURNING GLASS is the story of Sonya, who is an A ...more
When I got my hands on an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, I knew I was in for a treat if the words inside were even remotely as gorgeous at that cover. I can honestly say that BURNING GLASS blew past those expectations and continued wreaking havoc with my head and heart. This is a story filled with complicated relationships and political intrigue and cartwheeling emotions and romance—oh, the romance!
BURNING GLASS is the story of Sonya, who is an A ...more

Jun 14, 2016
bibliophile (Romance Addict)
added it
Couldn't finish it honestly, and if you ask me why, it's all because of the heroine! She's annoying as hell.. Has a tendency of feeling better & more righteous than others.
To put it shortly, she's too much!
DNF at 15% of the book & since it's too early for judgement, I didn't rate it. Though life is too short to complete reading a book I'm not enjoying. ...more
To put it shortly, she's too much!
DNF at 15% of the book & since it's too early for judgement, I didn't rate it. Though life is too short to complete reading a book I'm not enjoying. ...more

Jun 24, 2015
Ashley
marked it as to-read
What I really want to know is how I can get this in my hands NOW
Seriously, my eyes are twitching at the release date:
MARCH 1ST 2016
...more
Seriously, my eyes are twitching at the release date:
MARCH 1ST 2016

topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA Fantasy. Strong female character with mind-reading. Magic: sets fire to convent in first chapter. Her childhood friend is a poet & face of the uprising. She falls in love with King's brother. [s] | 4 | 227 | Dec 13, 2020 05:37PM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...: Burning Glass (Burning Glass #1) by Kathryn Purdie - Starting November 20th 2017 | 27 | 89 | Nov 01, 2017 02:55AM | |
Challenge Corner: Burning Glass - Starting August 27th | 1 | 6 | Aug 06, 2017 11:32AM | |
Blogger Lift: GIVEAWAY- SIGNED copy of YA Fantasy BURNING GLASS ends October 8th (US only) | 4 | 5 | Oct 07, 2016 04:21PM | |
New Booktubers & ...: GIVEAWAY- SIGNED copy of YA Fantasy BURNING GLASS ends October 8th | 1 | 6 | Oct 03, 2016 09:08AM | |
Readers That Love...: GIVEAWAY- SIGNED copy of YA Fantasy BURNING GLASS ends October 8th | 1 | 1 | Oct 03, 2016 09:03AM |
Kathryn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series. Her love of storytelling began as a young girl when her dad told her about someone named Boo Radley while they listened to the film score of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. She also writes songs on her guitar for each of her stories and shares th
...more
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Burning Glass
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