Sea Glass

Opal's been betrayed and tricked into thinking someone she loves is really him, when in actuality, he's used magic to switch souls. She's on a mission to change their souls, when she's ordered home by the Council. She defies the Council to track them down. Meanwhile, the Council's anxious to see Opal considering her new found power. With her defiance, they're not sure they can trust her or her new powers. When she finally returns to the keep, she's kept under constant surveillance and is ordered back to classes. The magicians she's trusted no longer want to hear her story. Instead, she's left almost alone. Now she's not sure she trusts the Council - as no one believes her and she's forced into virtually no privacy. It's a battle of wills and Opal's realizing she has some power as she's the only glass magician who make the magical glass messengers. Will she use that power to bargain with the Council now that graduation's near?

Sea Glass is the sequel to Storm Glass. Opal's adventures will continue in a third book due out next year (I'm hoping it comes sooner as Storm Glass came out in May and this one just came out, it seems strange to have to wait so longer for the final chapter). Maria Snyder's books always make me want to do nothing but read. It's dangerous to open them if I don't have much time to read. They're THAT addicting. The stories are amazing - the magic, the characters, the romance, and the danger are all fabulously written. Plus the covers are enticing. If you haven't read her works, start with Poison Study.

Storm Glass

Opal studies at the Keep with the other magicians. She doesn't feel she's living up to expectations. She continues with her glass making skills at a shop outside of the Keep, creating animals that help the magicians communicate from a distance. While making glass figurines, which helps her relax, she's urgently called back to the Keep. There's a problem with the Stormdancer's Orbs. They're shattering, killing the Stormdancers and making it impossible to fill the orbs with energy. Opal must travel there to discover the why the glass is shattering. While there are other glass experts, it's possible that the glassmaker used magic to enhance the orbs. Opal must leave immediately to help solve the situation. During the journey, Opal and her magician companion are attacked; it's clear that someone doesn't want the Stormdancer's Orbs working or maybe someone just wants to steal the secret recipe for themselves. Opal must be careful not to reveal too much information to anyone, unless she wants her life to be in severe danger. Can she solve the Stormdancer's problem and help them fill the orbs before it's too late or will she be stopped?

Opal's adventure is set in the same world as Yelena from Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study. Characters overlap in the series, extending knowledge from the previous series. It's good to read the previous books prior to this series, but it isn't necessary. I really enjoyed reading about the workings of glass blowing. It's something I've always wanted to try. Opal's tale is just as addicting with danger, romance, betrayal, jealous, and magic. It's hard to put this book down, it's so addicting. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment of the tale - which comes out Sept 1st of this year. Check out the cover: