Thursday, June 30, 2011

Sea glass by Maria V Snyder

Published: September 2009
Publisher: Mira
Pages: 379
Copy: Library
Summary: Goodreads

Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.


In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

This is the second installment in Ms Snyders trilogy and it was just as much fun as the first 'Storm Glass'.  I remember reading when these came out that some people were disappointed, and felt they weren't as good as the first trilogy, but I don't agree.  I love them.

Opal is still trying to come to terms with the limits of her magic and accept the fact that she is dangerous to most other magicians.  She could run and hide, but she decides to face the council and accept whatever limitations they place on her.  Well of course she tries, but do you remember the adage about the road to hell being paved with good intentions?

I enjoyed the way that the reader knows Opal is telling the truth, but no-one else believes her.  You can understand why no-one does, but at the same time, you're rooting for Opal and hoping that things work out for her.  The whole soul-switching aspect is a little creepy, but there is a very cool explanation for how it works towards the end of the book - ingenious really.  Devlen/Ulrick is back, and just as silver-tongued as before, and Kade puts in an appearance, but Opal is much less trusting this time around.  The twists and turns of  the story kept me guessing and the ending took me pretty much by surprise, so I'm really interested to see what happens in Spy Glass.  Which is sitting on my shelf just waiting for me.

If you are a traditional fantasy fan, I cannot recommend this series enough. Lots of magic, mystery and mayhem, epic journeys on horeseback and no modern conveniences - great stuff!

PS don't forget our 2 giveaways - blogversary and Canada Day Blog Hop.

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