Opal Cowan Trilogy: Spy Glass / Storm Glass / Sea Glass

Glass #1-3

by Maria V. Snyder

Maria V. Snyder has been writing since 1995 and has published numerous articles in magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.
TITLES IN THIS SET
Spy Glass
Storm Glass
Sea Glass

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Magic, Romantic, Fiction

Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

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 four novels and two short story collections 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: She mentions her cat before her family.

When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, 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 marital 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 http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.

Reviews

[Lucie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3.5 stars


Individual reviews:
1. Storm Glass ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Sea Glass ⭐⭐⭐
3. Spy Glass ⭐⭐⭐.5


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[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon finishing the Study series I had to grab the Glass series, determined to know what else was in store for Ixia.

Whilst I did enjoy the Glass series, I did not enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed the Study series. For me, the Glass series was more of your stereotypical young adult read. By that, I mean the romantic aspect appeared to overwhelm the fantasy aspects at certain point throughout.

Nevertheless, it is a wonderful continuance to the Ixia series. I certainly recommend continuing on, as there is so much more to come!

[Lizard And Wombat Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizard: 4⋆.
Wombat: 4⋆.
Overall: 4⋆.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so Opal Cowan's books weren't as good as the Study series, but I still enjoyed the novels. On first reading, I didn't like the trilogy as much, because I wanted Opal to end up with a particular character and was kind of disappointed when she didn't - although on re-reading, I liked it a lot better.

The main problem I had was that Opal came across as almost using people. There were three main guys she was interested in and at least one other who she flirted with purely to get information when she was supposed to be with someone else. I don't really like love triangles anyway, but this was kind of a love triangle squared. (I can't think of a better way to describe it. Sorry!)

I think it would have worked a lot better if there hadn't been a new love interest in each book, because Opal comes across as someone who's basically using people and I couldn't like her as much as I did Yelena.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: The Chronicles of Ixia

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series because it was non stop adventure. The constant self doubt of main character got old. I wasn’t sold on her love interests. I hated Ulrick, she should have dropped him or never gave him the chance to begin with. Kade got my heart pumping and then Maria decided Opal should drop him despite the electricity. I was never sold that Opal could fall in love and eventually marry Devlin. I’m sorry there is no forgiveness for kidnapping and torture. He did it more than once to her. I did like their friendship but she never should have ended up with him! That was a crap ending I did not like or expect.

[Sam Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I find Yelena's story more compelling to read than Opal's, I still find this a nice follow up to the Study Series. It's enjoyable to interact with so many familiar characters once again, this time from a new perspective, as well as to see in depth how Opal has grown since Yelena first met her.

[Sofia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really had issues with the third book regarding the romance and Opal's choices. I more or less DNF'ed the third book, as I just jumped forward to the last two chapters.

I will continue on with the Soul study trilogy as I like Yelena as a character much more.

[Raisey Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

FMC annoying

I love the othe books by Maria v Snyder the posion series is brilliant but this one was hard the FMC her attitude and thought patterns annoyed me I struggle with book one skimmed two n three as it was hard

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent companion to the Study series

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good spin-off to the original Poison Study series. I thoroughly enjoyed diving myself into this glass of magicians, but I will admit that it wasn't as memorable as Yelena's story.

[Suki · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was inclined to dismiss the Glass series as just another YA fantasy collection. But it's more than that. Simple and yet evocative, beautifully written, with engaging characters, difficult situations, and a great sense of humour, this is a series to which I'm sure I will return in years to come.

Initially I thought Opal would be one of those flighty, breathless, overly romantic heroines. But she turned out to be strong - physically as well as mentally - and conflicted, more than just a shallow figurehead. She gets herself into trouble, but somehow finds her way out, either the good way, with the help of her friends, or else in a way that costs her more than the reader expects. There were times I couldn't believe the unfairness of what was happening to her. But it all led up to a gripping tale that I couldn't put down.

Don't get me wrong - I wasn't completely convinced by all her decisions and there were times - especially at the end - when I completely disagreed with what she was doing. Still, that was the point, I think - that she didn't always do the expected. That she didn't conform. And that she had to learn to rebel.

All in all, a worthwhile read.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a continuation of the 'study' Sitia chronicles. I will admit they are not quite as good.

But i don't think that necessarily makes them bad books. For me the Study books with Yelena were just so captivating that in comparison the characters in the glass collection were just not as interesting. There are certain character that make cameo appearances in these books especially Janco who is undeniably one of my favourite characters of all time. This book had so many twists and turns that you really could not put it down.

It was also nice to carry on Opals journey.. i like the fact that in the study series she was a quiet scared child and by the end she has made some terrible decisions that only make her a stronger person. I'm waiting for the next group of adventures. Hopefully including a cute little girl or perhaps a dashing street urchin turned businessman.


If you like this book Maria.V.Snyder also created another mythical world where a healer called Avery is the protagonist. They are the healer series and it is well worth a read.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to follow Opal on her journey. At times it was difficult to keep from putting my self in her shoes too much since her hardships even if at first glance completely alien are deeply human at core and so very relatable.

Opal has some real development in her life when she learns about what her very special kind of magic actually does.

I liked her first story best since her journey seemed to get darker at the end (which I didn't mind I just liked the naive Opal best)

Meeting "the gang" from the study series again was just amazing, especially Leif since he is just hilarious and great^^

over all I liked it very much

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great spin-off of the Study series. I really did enjoy these books.
The humour was what kept me hooked more than anything, I think. There wasn't much, but there was just enough.
Opal was an interesting character, but, lets be honest, I read it for the others. I was hanging on Valek's every word or mention, just wanted to hear more about Yelena, and I just fell more and more in love with Janco and Ari. They were fantastic.
They were what made this book, not the main protaganist herself. But that's ok. It was still a great series, and a hooking read.

[Jeanne Walz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these books after reading the Study Series and I was expecting the strong, been through hell and back heroine. This trilogy followed a not so confident herione, Opal, who eventually turns out becoming her full potential. I just had to wait until the last book to get to that point. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the Glass Series but it took the last book to appreciate where she came from.

[Lasciel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply awesome. I couldn't put this book down. The story was gripping, with plenty of mystery and drama. The characters were all interesting and unique. Thoroughly enjoyable, I think that's all I can say.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maria V Snyder proves once again why she is my favourite author with this beautifully written series.

[Jesika Vocisano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole series kept me on the edge of my seat and i loved it

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

i feel in love with this series... i've read it five or six times now and i still want to re read it :)

[Shayley Hackenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING. read the series in one week because i just couldn't put down the book.

[Maria Wina]

the best... :))) can't wait read more... :)))

[LOL_BOOKS]

ARE MARIA SNYDER'S BOOKS ANY GOOD?

HAVE YOU READ HER GLASS BOOKS?

I HAVE! THEY'RE TERRIBLE.

[HTP Books]

Categories
Contemporary Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy & Paranormal, Epic Fantasy
Miniseries
The Glass Series