Sea Glass

By Maria V. Snyder

A Game of Magic.

Student magician Opal Cowan’s newfound ability to steal others’ powers makes her too powerful. Trapped under house arrest, Opal dares to defy her imprisonment, searching for 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 doesn’t know the real Ulrick’s whereabouts and can’t forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn’t want to let her get too close.

And now everyone is after Opal’s special powers for their own deadly gain…

A CHRONICLES OF IXIA NOVEL

'A compelling new fantasy series’ – Rhianna Pratchett, SFX on Poison Study

The Chronicles of Ixia

Poison Study

Magic Study

Fire Study

Storm Glass

Sea Glass

Spy Glass

Shadow Study

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Sep 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781472010629

Maria V. Snyder

When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn't in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over twenty novels and numerous short stories later, Maria's learned a thing or three about writing. She's been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member. Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named...Kitty (apparently naming cats isn't in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note that she mentions her cat before her family. When she's not writing she's either playing volleyball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though, is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study martial arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist. Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at MariaVSnyder.com. You can also follow Maria on Facebook and Goodreads.

Reviews for Sea Glass

[shanaqui_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I first got my Kindle, the Glass books -- or maybe just the first one? -- were on offer, so I got them then, remembering the Study series as fun, easy to read, but vaguely trashy. I just looked over my reviews for the Study books, and I think I remember more clearly what my problems were. And, to some extent, I think they're less in evidence in this book. I don't think I had a particularly deep connection to Opal, the narrator of this book, either, but it didn't jar me either, so that's alright. There are romantic scenes, but again, they didn't bother me as much -- less clichéd? I'm not sure. There's something very hinky going on between Devlen and Opal: he has sex with her under very, very false pretences, so that part bothered me a lot -- or rather, it bothered me, in the sense that it rang false, that she didn't seem more bothered by it. I did like Kade, and actually rooted for the main pairing of this book, so that works.

One of the things I disliked, the sense that all the supporting characters disliked the main character for being special, remains. The thing with Pazia seemed almost a repeat of Roze and Yelena, although admittedly my memories are blurry. And the other thing, my dislike of how Yelena became more and more special, more and more different, seems to be playing out here too. It'd be nice if Opal remained a One Trick Wonder, in a way, and came to terms with it, rather than realising she has massive superpowers.

All in all, I enjoyed it, though. I know the list of complaints makes that hard to believe! But it's easy to read, and the plot is reasonably compelling, and there's enough up in the air at the end of this book that I want to pick up Sea Glass and get stuck in immediately. I have a lot of criticisms of these books, but less than I did of the Study book, and they do have that same compelling quality that makes me want to read on.

[bunwat_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

On the basis of plot and world building, this is probably a four star. On the basis of the prose, its a one star. So I'm splitting the difference and giving it two. I really enjoyed some of her earlier novels but I think this might be the last one of hers I read for awhile.

[jdifelice-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5/5 starsMaria V Snyder's writing is so addictive. I always finish her books so quickly and this was no exception. In Sea Glass we return to Opal Cowan - a glass magician, and the aftermath of Storm Glass. Of course, nothing can go right for Opal, and she can't catch a break, but things slowly start to work out and make sense. I enjoyed seeing these characters again, especially Janco and the little we get to see of Yelena. Leif is also always enjoyable to read about. I'm not sure how I feel about Opal. She did have a lot of character growth in this novel and I can definitely see how she came about her actions, but she annoyed me a little bit. I'm hoping in the next book, we get to see her grow more into herself and her new situation. I enjoyed the plot of this novel, although I felt that there was a little too much back and forth of being captured, and escaping. The overarching plot of this is definitely interesting, and I'm curious to see where this goes, because it seems that things have been wrapped up quite well - except for the Bloodrose's. Overall, this was fun and easy to read. Hopefully I will get to the next book soon!

[becky_mckenna-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm still wavering on my rating, but for now I'll settle for 2 1/2 stars. I loved the Poison Study series and really enjoyed Opal in Fire Study, but this book was filled with too many irrelevant scenes. They complicated the plot and muddied the entire story. Midway through, I'd lost track of how many times she'd been kidnapped or thrown in jail. I also lost track of how many potential villains were out there, who was working with who, and why. It was a discombobulated mess and the possibility of a ghost writer entered my mind. Even Janco felt out of character to me.

If I hadn't been reading this for a challenge, it would've hit the DNF pile. Opal drove me bonkers. Her insecurity and emotional choices led to one problem after another. She was a doormat when she needed to be assertive and hostile when she needed to communicate respectfully. There was an over abundance of childish "bickering" and I still don't understand why she felt attracted to three guys when she claims to "love" Kade. The other two men weren't even good boyfriend/husband material.

I did like her magical gift, but there was nothing new in this book and the ending left me feeling grateful that it was over. I don't mean to be harsh with this review, but perhaps it's time for Ms. Snyder to find a better editor, one who can help her cull the plot bunnies. I'm still a fan, but I know she can write so much better than this. I may pick up the last book, but it'll be awhile.

[rosetyper9 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summary: Student glass magician Opal Cowen's new found 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 Ulrich, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because another man-now her prisoner-claims Ulrich's desire for blood magic has eclipsed his passion for her. In hostile territory, without proof or alies, 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.

All I kept thinking about as I read this book was Terry Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series...it kept flashing into my head. I know Opal isn't the prodigal magician come home, but their stories resonated together for me. Maybe it was all the traveling around or that, like Richard, Opal discovers who she really is and stands up for herself and whats right. I had to push myself through the beginning, Opal doesn't have the same spark that Yelena did with me but, once I got in a little ways I started to feel the pull of an expertly crafted plot line. I love the twists and turns Snyder throws into her work, you think that you are going one way and then, BAM, there is a brick wall and you are in total shock. It was amazingly done and fits perfectly with the rest of her work. I am glad Opal discovered her back bone, sad about her glass magic but, I know we will see more of her, I can't wait until the next book comes out.

[glitzandshadows · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

All right, first off, i'm going to start by saying that Mara V. Snyder is one of my favourite authors of all time. (This'll be a long post, be warned)
So, because i started this blog AFTER i read the Study Series (the series before this books) i'm going to explain them just a tad, and also tell you that to truly enjoy this book, you should have some before knowledge of Yelena, Valek, & Janco, so you really should definitely read The Study Series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study) before this one.
Sea Glass is the second book in this series. So, obviously, you have to read Storm Glass first. (All this reading, goodness) Well, it's a good thing her books are freakin amazing!!!
Parts i love about her books (i'm talking about them all right now) is that the dialogue is slightly modern for a fantasy book, and that's something i appreciate because then the dialogue is easily relatable. I love that.
The setting is another point that just amazes me. Usually, the setting is the last thing i think about or remember, but she paints such a beautiful picture of Ixia, the military district with it's mountains and forests, and then Sitia, the magicians country with its jungles and sands. (I myself am partial to Ixia, but that's because i loved the study series so very very much) that the setting stays with you and you can easily call up images of each place.
Then, finally, my favourite part of a book. The characters. Every single one of her characters are amazing. This book, Sea Glass is about Opal Cowen, but because Opal had a key role in the last of the study books (Fire Study) the main character from said books makes various appearances. Kind of the way Tamora Pierce did the Alanna quartet and then have Alanna reappear for The Protector of the Small quartet. Because i'm such a huge fan of the Study series (i honestly wish that she'd write more books from Yelena's point of view, i love her so much) i get wa-a-a-ay excited anytime Yelena makes her small appearences (and you don't even know how ecstatic i was when Valek showed up in Storm Glass. You. Don't. Even. Know) lol, but she creates such realistic loveable characters that they stick with you and you remember them for long after you've finished the book. I mean, i could list off all the characters from her books that i am absolutely in love with.

All right! With that said, i should talk a tad about this book.
Sometimes, if a lot of time has passed since i read the first book in a series, i have a hard time recalling what happened. But not this one, everything is clearly rewritten but not in a way that makes it so that she's repeating herself over and over. It flows easily with the process of the main character (in this case, Opal Cowen)
In this one, Opal faces the Council of Sitia for her latest power, the ability to siphon a magicians magic and completely drain them. forever. Along with the fact her kidnapper, Devlen has switched bodies with her friend Ulrick and no one believes her except for the Stormdancer, Kade (heh.. i love Kade... not as much as Valek though) Opal becomes bitter and untrusting as more and more people betray or disbelieve her.
This was so excellent, truly it was. I don't want to talk a whole lot about what happened because it was the second in a series......
So, know that it got 5/5 stars from me, simply because once again Maria Snyder has created another wonderful story in the spectacular worlds she's made. I can not WAIT for the next/last book. Hopefully Valek will make another appearance ;) ;) ;)??

[pinniped23 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this a long time ago, but really enjoyed the story and the characters.

[wickedshizuku · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It took me a few times trying to get into this plot before I was hooked again. Opal seemed much more angry by the politics working against her, and I'm surprised by how well she handles this in her negotiations for her glass messengers. What didn't shock me was that Devlon is still chasing after her, and Opal is still over the moon for Kade.
The adventure is somewhat muted compared to the first book, and didn't have long action scenes. The writing style was much the same, but seemed that Snyder was under some type of personal strain while writing this one. Maybe that she was stuck for a while, and it took her some time to figure out where to take her characters. Good job on finishing it out. Can't wait for the next one.
Cheers Pretties!

[26kathryn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book, although I did think it took a long time for anything exciting to happen. Opal seemed to spend a lot of time traveling or sitting around thinking and waiting to do something.It was good to see Opal standing up for herself more than in the previous book (Storm Glass), but it’s obvious that she’s still quite unsure of herself and who she should trust.I love that we get to see more of Janco in this book. He’s definitely one of my favourite characters. Unlike Kade, I really didn’t like him as much in this book, he just seemed so bland.I found the Ulrick/Devlen thing a bit confusing, especially towards the end when they were both being referred to by name and I didn’t know which one was which. But, that’s what happens when people switch bodies.The whole sea glass sub-plot thing was really weird. It was looking like it was going to be a major event and then it just fizzled out into nothing and I was like “what the hell was that all about?!” I assume it was the start of something that’s going to feature more in the next book, but it was so strange.The ending of the book has some major twists, and I’m really looking forward to the next installment. Can’t wait to see what happens to Opal next.

[isamoor_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Apr12:Characters: She's still whiney. Not enough interesting support characters sticking around.Plot: Not really there much in this one.Style: A wishy-washy romance without the characteristic action and intelligence of her other books.

[jacobsbeloved · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was a little disappointed by this book, since I enjoyed the previous one so much. I had expected Opal Cowan to spend more time and effort in exploring what she can do with her glass abilities, but it seemed to be more of the same denial of her immense magical potential. Put glass in Opal's hands and the world is hers to command, whether for good or bad, but she is so focused on the weight of responsibility that this power gives her that she really does not do much with it at all - until the tail end of the book.A large part of the book is devoted to Opal attempting to stop the spread of blood magic knowledge, as well as monitoring Ulrick and Devlen's actions. In the meantime she graduates, gets together with the Stormdancer Kade, and pursues setting up her own private glass-making business, though with not much success in the latter. All of her pursuits take large chunks of time because someone is constantly trying to control her for her different abilities, which can make for tedious reading. I enjoyed her romance with Kade simply because there seemed very little effort on either of his or her part to connect with the other - like they were made for each other. In contrast, Devlen's almost constant attention to Opal is perplexing because Opal regularly second-guesses his intentions. It is nearly impossible to figure out his real motivation because his previous actions show him to be a very good liar and manipulator. I will be interested to see where his subplot goes in the final book.The way that Opal finally deals with the power that she has over glass took me by surprise, but I like it. The outcome creates an entirely new set of circumstances for her, but one that she has a precedent for. Plus, no longer is she at the mercy of magic, though how much she realizes that will hopefully be shown in the final book, Spy Glass.

[hscherry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it!!!! After being disappointed with the final book in the Study trilogy, I was a bit nervous about this, but Snyder did it again. Better than Fire Study by far, but not quite up there with Poison Study. Looking forward to the second one - fingers crossed I won't be disappointed!

[bryndahlquis · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Man. I don't know what it is, but this series is not Maria V. Snyder's best work. Again, there's some weird past vs. present tenses in here. They're always in places where I can see what she MEANS, but she's not doing it right. Sometimes it's like Opal is in the present, telling us what happened in the past. But really, she's just the generic first person past tense storyteller, so the occasional present tense moment is just bizarre and jars me out of the story.But then there's the story itself. A lot of it seems... unnecessarily complicated. Instead of the big conspiracy being solved a little by little, one big explanation is thrown out at the end of the book. I do like Opal's growth over the story. THAT was well done. But her interactions with other characters make little to no sense. "I decided to befriend Eve." Good for you, Opal. How did you do this? I thought you were the character that had no friends. How did you know how to make friends? How great for you that just acting friendly earned you not just one, but two crazily loyal friends for life.I don't even want to get into the super bizarre love SQUARE. Kade. Ulrick. Devlen. OMG. I've never liked Ulrick. I kind of like Kade, although he doesn't have much of a personality. He's kind of just there with his "long lean arms." Devlen is the most interesting, but also the most bizarre.Also, what about that time Opal overheard all the people talking about how she and Kade shouldn't be together? And she literally just shrugged it off and it was never mentioned again. Why the heck put that scene in there if it literally has nothing to add to Opal's character or the story? AND those super weird clam/pearl hunting people guys. That was just lame.Okay I guess I'm done. All that ranting aside, I still enjoyed it in a very weird way. Once I start reading it's hard to put it down even when it's being stupid.I don't know what happened, because Poison Study is still one of the best books I've ever read. But NOTHING she's written since then has come close to the awesome.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Opal's life is best described as complicated. Her love life is complicated because her boyfriend swapped bodies with someone else and there's blood magic involved. She also has Kade, who is a storm dancer and is trying hard to balance his work with her life. And the council of magicians aren't sure what to do with someone who could just rob them of their pwer without really thinking and that's the easy part of her life. She's trying to stay alive mostly and not mess things up too much for everyone, this could make her life too interesting.It's not a bad story, there were moments when things lagged and the sheer numbers of characters almost overwhelmed me but once I got back into it I really enjoyed the story and was pulled in by it. I think I may have to re-read the sequence to make sure I caught everything.

[allureofbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the first book of this series, Opal got herself into a heap o'trouble. Even though she makes a lot of mistakes, she learns as she goes, and as I said in my review of Storm Glass, I love watching her character develop. In this book, she ends up very confused as far as her personal relationships go. The love square she is trapped in doesn't just puzzle her - it puzzled me for quite awhile as well. I didn't pick a team until the conclusion of the trilogy. Also in this book, Opal is exploring her new-found powers, and that has her pulled into several different directions as well because so many different people want things from her. There is a magical issue (body switching) that she is trying to prove - but no one will believe her, not even Yelena! I was surprised about that, because of all people, Yelena should understand how it feels when you know something is true but everyone else thinks you're crazy. Anyway, this was a great middle book of the trilogy, and leads up into one fantastic conclusion! Review of Spy Glass to come.

[stephxsu · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

19-year-old Opal Cowan feels like a freak. She might be a powerful glass magician, but her skills are limited to just her glass. That and her connection to the events surrounding Liaison Yelena Zaltana four years earlier make her an outsider at the Magician’s Keep. Then Opal is called to investigate a case of Stormdancers’ glass orbs that have shattered, killing the Stormdancer working the magic. Opal suspects there’s a conspiracy underfoot, and between that and the newfound discovery of her magical abilities, she’s got more than enough to worry about.Maria Snyder of the Study trilogy fame knows how to write a rollicking, quest-based fantasy, and STORM GLASS is no exception. Despite a few characterization and narration issues, it remains overall an involved read.Opal is quite a different character than the beloved Yelena. She is shyer, much more reserved about her importance and power. Up till now, Opal’s life had been defined by her being or feeling inferior to those around her, and one of the most touching themes throughout this book is Opal’s struggle to be her own biggest fan, a theme that will resonate with lots of readers.Snyder writes with great attention to suspense and pacing, often ending chapters on a cliffhanger so that you have to keep on reading to know what happens. This is all well and good, and makes her books fast reads, but occasionally I wondered if I wasn’t too swept up in the fast pacing, and couldn’t slow down and concentrate on the characters or their predicaments if I wanted to.A couple elements in the story felt forced to me. Opal and Ulrick’s romance began very quickly (and out of troublingly overprotective gestures too), and I wasn’t allowed the time to warm up to Ulrick before they got together. Opal’s traumatic history seemed not to have affected her as much as Opal said it did—and then it rose up to become a significant part of this book in a way that felt, for me, a little like pulling at strings.Overall, however, I was satisfied with STORM GLASS, and wouldn’t hesitate to read more of Maria’s works. I’d also highly recommend her books to reluctant fantasy readers. The headstrong protagonist, straightforward narration, and fast pacing will appeal to just about anyone!

[soliloquies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first in a trilogy featuring characters from the Ixian/Sitian worlds. Opal Cowan briefly appears in the 'Study' trilogy and is given her own series here as she explores her potential as a glass magician. Unlike Yelena, Opal is less confident and feels as though she has no importance. Her unique powers are needed when the Stormdancer's orbs begin to break. Leaving the Citadel allows her to grow as a person. Whilst Opal can be annoying this is an enjoyable book and I'm looking forward to what Opal does next.

[arorax · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fast-paced book with lots of minor tension build-ups and releases that keep you hooked. Opal Cowan is an outsider within the magicians guild and only her familiarity with some of the masters and her exceptional skill with glass magic keeps her there until a problem arises only she can help with.The only thing that bugged me while reading was that sometimes the author glances over two or three weeks, barely using two sentences to overcome that time until the action can start again. Some of that time could have been used by the main character to investigate her own magic, and it makes her seem not only passive, but also unwilling to find out more.Furthermore I would recommend to read the first trilogy (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study) because the many references confused me sometimes and told me most of the previous trilogy between sentences in just the first book. That might have been my mistake by not recognizing this trilogy as a sort-of sequel to another, but I feel reading the previous trilogy won't be so exciting anymore now.But despite these two minor let-downs I've enjoyed the book, finished it in one day and am interesting in the second book, so I would finish with saying it is a good book and a nice and light read for a fantasy reader.

[vivalaerin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Best one of the series. Although I'm ready for Opal to toughen up. And I really want to know what she's going to do with her family and the men in her life. Opal is always winding up in some kind of trouble (which keeps the actions going), but she's smart and sweet while at the same time she's a fighter. She's getting tougher, and it shows in this book.

[bookaddictdiary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sea Glass was actually my first introduction to Maria V. Snyder, whom I've heard so much about due to her popular Study series. I had the opportunity to pick this up, and as much as I don't like picking up a series in the middle, I thought I'd try it anyway -and it's amazing just how easy it was to get into despite the fact that I hadn't read the first book!In Sea Glass, glass magician apprentice Opal is called back to the Citadel, the glass magician academy, after her latest adventure. The magician Council is very weary of Opal's new ability to strip magicians of their magic, and want to place her firmly under their thumb to do their bidding. Opal journeys back to the magician's country, Sitia, because she knows that listing to the Council is her best option. However, Opal is confronted with the reality that her friend Ulrich was tricked into swapping bodies with an evil magician. After dealing with the Council and reuniting with her beloved Stormdancer boyfriend Kade, Opal sets out to rescue Ulrich.Synder's Sea Glass is a highly entertaining, fun and imaginative fantasy novel led by a great heroine that connects with readers. Snyder's world is vivid, detailed and absolutely a joy to read. I enjoyed this novel throughly, it dripped with enchantment and beauty, providing a magical experience to readers. Something about this magic even translated beyond the book's intended audience -I'm older than the intended market, but I loved this book. Something about it took me back to my childhood, got me back in touch with my imagination and reminded me of the magic of well-done fantasy -truly a magical read.

[larissabookgirl_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Opal has a skill with glass, it is a unique magical ability that only she possesses, and unfortunately it also happens to be the only magical ability she possesses. The past four years at the Magician's Keep have not been easy for Opal, with little other skill and no friends it has been a hard and lonely time.Now in her fifth year, Opal has been asked to undertake a mission for the Master Magicians, a mission only she can fulfil as it relates to glass, her magical speciality. But one seemingly straightforward mission soon turns into so much more as events begin to unfold and deceptions are played out. Opal is in more danger then she realises, but with so much going on can she discover the truth in time to save herself and those she loves?Storm Glass is not your typical magical girl story; there is a realness to this story that is immediately evident through the history and culture of the land as well as the personal back-stories of the characters. This is not a simple story of one quest leading to a simple outcome, but will instead set of a chain reaction of events so complex and strategic that it will leave you hooked, wondering to the very end. A brilliant new series that is every bit as complex as it is engaging.

[seescootread · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this novel. Sea Glass is the second book in a trilogy about Opal Cowan, the glass magician we first met in Maria V. Snyder's Study trilogy (Poison, Magic, Fire). I loved the Study trilogy and was excited to read more about the world Maria created. Opal's own story is full of action, plot and intrigue. Sea Glass is a continuation of the storyline from Storm Glass and we follow Opal as she attempts to hunt down Ulrick (trapped in Devlan's body) to switch their souls back to their proper places. The book is generally well paced. The story would drag a little when going into the political portions, but in general it had enough action and/or romance to the reader interested. The love triangle presented in the book is a little complex, especially when you remember that one of the potential interests used to torture Opal. The plotline is filled with twists, and you never know who you can really trust. The story was well written and I am looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.

[plunkinberry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this fast paced, intriguing story. Opal gets herself into more trouble than seemingly possible. The story is somewhat confusing due to the number of lies, deceipts, and secrets but I liked it. I liked it so much, I'm going to go buy Spy Glass.

[generalkala · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hmm. This book is exactly the same as the first one, Storm Glass, only without the advantage of being unique.To me, sequels are meant to be a new story, not a dragging out of the old one. Storm Glass was concluded nicely with most loose ends tied up and completed. This novel insists on dragging out that one loose end into a full-length story, when perhaps it would have been better to add it as a few extra pages to the previous.The same faults persist as in the previous book - the same band of villians attack Opal on dark nights three of four times throughout the story, each time miraculously escaping from whichever guard happened to save them that time. This adds a very, very predictable edge to the book.Similarly, Opal is still ridiculously annoying and whiny. She complains constantly about her position in life without actually trying to do anything about it. She is silly and naive, and at one point feels embarrased for screaming after she is pushed off a cliff. And yet, she seems to have no feelings or emotions, even when an event occurs that will alter her life forever! She calmly accepts being captured each and every time, and I suppose we're meant to just assume that she likes her partner without ever being told. Lack of emotion in books is a pet hate of mine, I admit, but this book is severely guilty of it.Having said that, Sea Glass is a very readable novel and I did enjoy it. The concept of Opal's glass magic is still unique, although I would have liked to have been told a little more about it.I will buy the next one, although I hope to God Opal will actually have some feelings.

[terriko_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second in Snyder's Glass series, this picks up right where the last left off (in fact, it took me a little bit to remember where they were and why!) I loved watching Opal grow through this novel. I'm really eager to see how the story continues from where it leaves off -- I'm not sure what I expected, but that ending wasn't it!

[krau0098 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book in the Glass trilogy by Maria v. Snyder. This book follows Opal, the glass maker involved in some of the Poison Study stories. It was an okay book; but the characters lack a lot of the charisma seen in the Poison Study series. I actually listened to this on audio book and the audio book was very well done.Something is wrong with the Stormdancers' orbs. Storm season has almost arrived and two Stormdancers have been killed by shattering orbs. Opal and her mentor are sent to the Stormdancer clan to see if they can help fix the glass the orbs are created out of. There Opal meets Kade the only surviving Stormdancer in the clan. Upon completion of that mission Opal is sent on a mission with her hated classmate, Pazia, to look into some black market diamonds and also tasked with building a glass shop in the keep. The incidents with the orbs and the diamonds seem intertwined, but how? Can Opal figure out what is going in without getting into too much trouble?The plot and storyline were very well done. Snyder does well creating intricate plots and has a nice writing style that is descriptive, serene, and easy to read. The world of Citia is well thought out and this series flows seamlessly with the first series. The adventures get a bit overdone; you feel like Opal never has time to take a break she is constantly thrown from one panic to the next. This relentless pace might have had some impact on the biggest thing I didn't like about the book which was the characters.Unfortunately Snyder missed the mark with the characters in this book. Opal is a hard character to like. She spends much of the book in uncertainty, constantly feeling sorry for herself, and needing constant assurance of how talented she is. For some reason the surrounding characters constantly tell Opal how clever and smart she is despite the fact that Opal is dense and always confused about what is going on. There were a number of times during the book where it took Opal many pages to realize that something straightforward was going to happen. My husband and I listened to this together; and many times we would end up rolling our eyes as it took Opal forever to think her way through something that we figured out instantly. Then Ulrik or Kade would be "Oh Opal you are so smart!" It was ridiculous. The story would have been much better without Opal. The only thing I did enjoy about Opal's character were the increasingly interesting powers she developed as the book went on.The other characters were not much better. Ulrick, was boorish and selfish. I couldn't understand why Opal liked him, outside of the fact he was cute and could blow glass. The whole deal with Ulrick shadowing Opal was a bit overdone; I understood Ulrick was shadowing Opal, I didn't need as many reminders as Snyder gave. The villains were also fairly one dimensional; minimal time as given to their backgrounds or personalities. The only character I actually found interesting was Kade and he was out of the picture most of the time.In summary the plot development and writing style were very similar to the Poison Study series. The characters in this book have none of the fire and spirit to them that Yelena and Valek did though. I think the book would have been vastly improved with either different or more in depth characterization. Will I read the second book in the series? I am not sure right now. Opal's character drove me nuts; she was just so dense. But, I do really like Kade, so following the rest of the story for his sake might be worth it. We will see.

[nolak_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although you couldn't read this book without reading the first one in the series, I like this one much better. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is neatly wrapped at the end. The human aspects of mistakes, mistrust, and change are all deeply involved and satisfying. The bad guys can even become good. Opal goes back to the Council for their decision on her and uncovers a plot within the group. She hones her fighting skills and graduates from school. She deepens her relationship with Kade, but gets everyone in deep trouble as usual, including herself. Satisfying reading with wonderful ups and downs.

[kaoden39 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love these books. There is all the action and excitement, but, I have a problem with Opal.***Spoiler Alert!!!***She has no confidence in her own abilities and allows everyone to walk all over her. But, when she decides to gain control and take over her life the fireworks start. I love Opal with a backbone, you go girl!! Now lets discuss Opal's other little problem. Who is it that Opal really wants? Does Opal want to be involved with Kade the safe secure choice or De...more I love these books. There is all the action and excitement, but, I have a problem with Opal.***Spoiler Alert!!!***She has no confidence in her own abilities and allows everyone to walk all over her. But, when she decides to gain control and take over her life the fireworks start. I love Opal with a backbone, you go girl!! Now lets discuss Opal's other little problem. Who is it that Opal really wants? Does Opal want to be involved with Kade the safe secure choice or Devlin, a man she has good reason to hate. But as we all know there is this thin line between love and hate. And Kade as sweet and dependable he is there is something I do not lie or trust about him. Odd for me, I normally root for the nice guy, there is something there I just don't know what it is.*Spoiler over*All in all I enjoyed it and the only regret I have is that it will be 2011 before the next book comes out and my questions and thoughts get addressed.

[crazybatcow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well. It's better than Storm Glass because Opal actually acts like a grownup for the larger part of this book. And the last 1/3 of the book was quite suspenseful - kept me reading to find out how it would work out.The first part of the book, however... not so interesting. I actually looked at one point to see what page I was on because *nothing* had happened yet and I wondered when the story was going to begin. This was page 104 (of a 379 page book). Yes, 104 pages of Opal riding around the countryside, doing nothing.Part of me thinks this might be in order to provide the backstory to those who haven't read the first book in the series, and/or who haven't read the Poison Study series. However, since I had read all of these, I found it redundant and uninteresting. The romance (such as it is, there really isn't much of it in this book) was mature (not teenaged). And when Opal suddenly "matures" late in the story I actually liked her, finally - although I suspect the author's point was to make her less likeable when this occurred?Anyway, if you liked Storm Glass, this one is as good, perhaps better. The story is wrapped up satisfactorily in the end but I don't think this novel would be as good if you hadn't read the first in the series.

[cats57_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sea Glass - by Maria V SnyderSea Glass is the second offering in this trilogy about Glass Magician, Opal Cowan, who was introduced to us in Storm Glass. The third Glass novel should be on the shelves autumn of 2010. Opal Cowan is a Glass Magician is able to infuse her glass baubles with enough magic so that if you have any magic you can us these baubles as magical…errrrr…cell phones, I guess you could call them. At the end of Storm Glass we learn that Opal has found a new and horrific talent; she is able to siphon magic away from another magician and claim it for her own. Opal is deemed by the Council of magicians, (the same exact plot devise as in Ms Snyder’s first trilogy!!!) to be a danger to herself and others. Thus she must be kept a prisoner for her own good. Throw in some evil Blood Magic users who have found the ability to switch souls in people and there you have it!This Fantasy novel is filled with wonderful tidbits of glass making trivia, some mystery and a very, busy and somewhat confusing plot. If you haven’t read at least the first in this trilogy you will most likely put this down after the first few chapters. For that matter I read the first book and still had a bit of trouble following along. You may even want to read Ms Snyder’s first trilogy just to be on the safe side and to know who is who and get a better grasp on this writer’s type of storytelling. What this book does seem filled with (as does the first book in the trilogy) are excessive scenes of Opal up on her horse, running to try and do a job, being tortured, being betrayed, being held hostage, running for her life, fighting and losing, assassination attempts, back on her horse running hither and yon, having her blood stolen, some more torture and betrayal and very little else. This is a very bleak book in my opinion. There is a romance thrown in for good measure too. Opal can’t trust anyone and as I said is betrayed by just about everyone she knows and that level of tension throughout the book made for a very uncomfortable read for me. Opal comes off as the proverbial TSTL heroine. (To Stupid to Live) Although stupid is perhaps to strong of a word, perhaps naive might be better but it‘s still not what I‘m looking for.. This book reads more like an old time bodice ripper where the heroine constantly puts herself into danger and into the evil villains clutches, than a fantasy novel with a strong female lead.