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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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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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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