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, Opals 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 Opals 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 wasnt too swept up in the fast pacing, and couldnt 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 Ulricks romance began very quickly (and out of troublingly overprotective gestures too), and I wasnt allowed the time to warm up to Ulrick before they got together. Opals traumatic history seemed not to have affected her as much as Opal said it didand 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 wouldnt hesitate to read more of Marias works. Id also highly recommend her books to reluctant fantasy readers. The headstrong protagonist, straightforward narration, and fast pacing will appeal to just about anyone!
Opal is quite a different character than the beloved Yelena. She is shyer, much more reserved about her importance and power. Up till now, Opals 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 Opals 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 wasnt too swept up in the fast pacing, and couldnt 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 Ulricks romance began very quickly (and out of troublingly overprotective gestures too), and I wasnt allowed the time to warm up to Ulrick before they got together. Opals traumatic history seemed not to have affected her as much as Opal said it didand 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 wouldnt hesitate to read more of Marias works. Id also highly recommend her books to reluctant fantasy readers. The headstrong protagonist, straightforward narration, and fast pacing will appeal to just about anyone!
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