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Burning Glass #2
Crystal Blade
Betrayal cuts deep.
Peace is unsustainable.
Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?
The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya’s expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she’s learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn’t immune to dark temptations.
Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya’s past has returned. And that someone won’t be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she’s made.
Peace is unsustainable.
Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?
The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya’s expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she’s learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn’t immune to dark temptations.
Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya’s past has returned. And that someone won’t be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she’s made.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
117 people are currently reading
5734 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Purdie
9 books1,913 followersKathryn is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the BURNING GLASS series, the BONE CRIER'S MOON duology, and the THE FOREST GRIMM duology. Her love of storytelling began as a young girl when her dad told her about someone named Boo Radley while they listened to the film score of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Kathryn is a trained classical actress who studied at the Oxford School of Drama. She also writes songs on her guitar for each of her stories and shares them on her website. Kathryn lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.
Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie
Instagram: @kathrynpurdie
TikTok: @kathrynpurdie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
January 6, 2017
OMG NO,
I NEED BOOK THREE
PLEASE
PLEASE
PLEASE
SERIOUSLY, I AM OBSESSED. I CANT BELIEBE IT ENDED LIKE THAT, CLIFF HANGER QUEEN!
IM TRASH FOR THIS SERIES, I NEED TO SLEEP FOR A MONTH TO GET OVER THIS ENDING!
I NEED BOOK THREE
PLEASE
PLEASE
PLEASE
SERIOUSLY, I AM OBSESSED. I CANT BELIEBE IT ENDED LIKE THAT, CLIFF HANGER QUEEN!
IM TRASH FOR THIS SERIES, I NEED TO SLEEP FOR A MONTH TO GET OVER THIS ENDING!
December 13, 2017
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
*MY SECOND WORST BOOK OF 2017.*
A lot of my older followers may remember my review of Burning Glass, a book that I lovingly labeled the third worst book that I read last year. However, in spite of everything I said about it, I was still looking forward to its sequel. After all, I praised the setting of the first book numerous times, so even if the second book was bad or even underwhelming, I would still be able to get sucked into some beautiful Ukrainian culture and landscapes. And they even changed the blurb to make it make more sense! What could possibly be wrong with this book?
If you can believe it, I think this book might be even worse than Burning Glass. I'm serious, I think I found a serious candidate for my Worst Books of 2017 list. However, it's not for the reasons you're probably thinking it is.
First of all, I read Burning Glass back in the summer, last summer. So the length of time I waited inbetween books probably had something to do with my entertainment factor: I couldn't remember what anybody looked like!! Did Sonya have blonde hair? I don't care, I pictured her as having such anyway. And none of the reviews I read were helpful in the slightest. It seems nobody wanted to give this book a try after Burning Glass, so I pretty much went into this book entirely on my own.
Speaking of Sonya, let's talk about her first. In the first book, I praised how interesting she was, how she always seemed to be teetering on the edge of insanity and sanity. Everyone said that she's really dark and uncontrollable in this book, so naturally I was looking forward to seeing how she developed.
.....She didn't. I actually think she remained stagnant. She wasn't even debating with herself to keep herself sane. She didn't have any breakdowns like in the first book. While I would've been fine with this if the book explained she had regained more control of her powers and thus was more mentally stable, the book, of course, does not do that. So one of the most interesting characters, in my opinion, has been turned into a blank and emotionless.....being.
This problem extended to many of the characters, however. I could tell the author was trying her hardest to make everyone seem super twisted and sick in the head, even people like Anton, but it really wasn't working. Maybe it was just me, but the emotional center of this book seemed very dead. Important, dramatic scenes were just rushed through, like the death of a central character and the revelation of the royal family.
The other thing I praised in my first review was the setting. I liked the unique setting of Imperial Ukraine and went into this book thinking I was going to get more of that. Surprise! I did not. The worldbuilding felt very clumsy in this book, like a war between China Turkey Shengeli is mentioned several times, especially near the end, but I don't remember it being set up in the first book? Yet here it's treated like a big deal? I don't care enough since the author didn't care enough to actually introduce us to Shengeli. Why are they are war with Riazin? What do they have to gain from this?
However, I did like the brief time spent with the Romska caravan. I liked seeing their traditions and I liked the reveal of who Sonya's parents were and how she came to be part of the Romska. I also really liked Dasha's character and I hope she plays a part in the last book.
And now I will end this review by complaining about the cover yet again. Seriously, this and Burning Glass have some of the ugliest covers I have ever seen. It took me half a year to realize Burning Glass' cover was a broken sapphire necklace. This is modeled after Sonya's Romska blades, which are crystal daggers that are good for throwing....crystal blades....get it??
Overall....this was just a forgettable, emotionless mess that I regret reading. Perhaps it's just me, but the entertainment of the first book has been sucked out and replaced with a whole lot of nothing. Even filler books have more relevance than this does.
And I sure hope I put in as much effort into this review as this author put into writing this book.
*MY SECOND WORST BOOK OF 2017.*
A lot of my older followers may remember my review of Burning Glass, a book that I lovingly labeled the third worst book that I read last year. However, in spite of everything I said about it, I was still looking forward to its sequel. After all, I praised the setting of the first book numerous times, so even if the second book was bad or even underwhelming, I would still be able to get sucked into some beautiful Ukrainian culture and landscapes. And they even changed the blurb to make it make more sense! What could possibly be wrong with this book?
If you can believe it, I think this book might be even worse than Burning Glass. I'm serious, I think I found a serious candidate for my Worst Books of 2017 list. However, it's not for the reasons you're probably thinking it is.
First of all, I read Burning Glass back in the summer, last summer. So the length of time I waited inbetween books probably had something to do with my entertainment factor: I couldn't remember what anybody looked like!! Did Sonya have blonde hair? I don't care, I pictured her as having such anyway. And none of the reviews I read were helpful in the slightest. It seems nobody wanted to give this book a try after Burning Glass, so I pretty much went into this book entirely on my own.
Speaking of Sonya, let's talk about her first. In the first book, I praised how interesting she was, how she always seemed to be teetering on the edge of insanity and sanity. Everyone said that she's really dark and uncontrollable in this book, so naturally I was looking forward to seeing how she developed.
.....She didn't. I actually think she remained stagnant. She wasn't even debating with herself to keep herself sane. She didn't have any breakdowns like in the first book. While I would've been fine with this if the book explained she had regained more control of her powers and thus was more mentally stable, the book, of course, does not do that. So one of the most interesting characters, in my opinion, has been turned into a blank and emotionless.....being.
This problem extended to many of the characters, however. I could tell the author was trying her hardest to make everyone seem super twisted and sick in the head, even people like Anton, but it really wasn't working. Maybe it was just me, but the emotional center of this book seemed very dead. Important, dramatic scenes were just rushed through, like the death of a central character and the revelation of the royal family.
The other thing I praised in my first review was the setting. I liked the unique setting of Imperial Ukraine and went into this book thinking I was going to get more of that. Surprise! I did not. The worldbuilding felt very clumsy in this book, like a war between
However, I did like the brief time spent with the Romska caravan. I liked seeing their traditions and I liked the reveal of who Sonya's parents were and how she came to be part of the Romska. I also really liked Dasha's character and I hope she plays a part in the last book.
And now I will end this review by complaining about the cover yet again. Seriously, this and Burning Glass have some of the ugliest covers I have ever seen. It took me half a year to realize Burning Glass' cover was a broken sapphire necklace. This is modeled after Sonya's Romska blades, which are crystal daggers that are good for throwing....crystal blades....get it??
Overall....this was just a forgettable, emotionless mess that I regret reading. Perhaps it's just me, but the entertainment of the first book has been sucked out and replaced with a whole lot of nothing. Even filler books have more relevance than this does.
And I sure hope I put in as much effort into this review as this author put into writing this book.
May 10, 2017
Damn that was good! The wait for book 3 is going to suck!!!! This was a killer book 2 no middle book syndrome here!
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August 2, 2017Check out my pre-order incentive for CRYSTAL BLADE on www.kathrynpurdie.com
Pre-order by August 15, 2017 and claim a fully-colored map of the BURNING GLASS world, a signed bookplate, a free download of the song I recorded, and a bookmark.
Pre-order by August 15, 2017 and claim a fully-colored map of the BURNING GLASS world, a signed bookplate, a free download of the song I recorded, and a bookmark.
September 17, 2019
The first book.... hard to get into.
The second book... hard to continue.
I began this book in May.... and I'm finally finished in September. It isn't a long book by any means. There was nothing to keep me in the book long enough at first. Now I mostly read it so it stopped being on my bedside table haunting me.
The story line is good and I like the general idea but the writing is... just, well, there. Nothing special to me. Written well yes, but not enough hook in it.
Sonya is annoying. I don't really like her. Valko is the most interesting character. Anton and Sonya are pretty basic.
The middle of the book isn't interesting. The beginning and end are. I liked the end the most as some important things are revealed. That's about it.
3/5 stars.
Liked it. Would possibly recommend to the right person.
The second book... hard to continue.
I began this book in May.... and I'm finally finished in September. It isn't a long book by any means. There was nothing to keep me in the book long enough at first. Now I mostly read it so it stopped being on my bedside table haunting me.
The story line is good and I like the general idea but the writing is... just, well, there. Nothing special to me. Written well yes, but not enough hook in it.
Sonya is annoying. I don't really like her. Valko is the most interesting character. Anton and Sonya are pretty basic.
The middle of the book isn't interesting. The beginning and end are. I liked the end the most as some important things are revealed. That's about it.
3/5 stars.
Liked it. Would possibly recommend to the right person.
July 25, 2022
“‘I wish I could bare your suffering.’ His baritone voice attempting to whisper. ‘You’re always forced to hold everyone else’s.’”
OH MY GOD!!!!!!! I AM INTERNALLY FREAKING OUT AND I NEED TO PROCESS EVERYTHING THAT JUST HAPPENED!!
This book had so much action from page 1, it was insane.
So you might argue that Sonya’s character has drastically changed in the second book, but I’d like to point out that she’s learning — or at least trying to learn— to control her powers which have enhanced since the beginning of the first book, Burning Glass. In this book, Sonya is really struggling to just be herself because other people’s auras swallow up hers’. She can’t control it and that causes her to make some very bad and dangerous decisions, but you know, when you can’t even just be yourself and make your own decisions, you can’t really blame yourself.
She’s getting angry cuz she played such a massive role in the revolution, but all the governors keep putting her to the side. So, at one point she’s like “I’m sick of people telling me what to do. I’m going to make my own decisions, and you guys are just going to have to go with it.” Now that is massive character change. But there’re reasons for it, so it’s fine. Sonya’s grown so much, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She was so scared of becoming a villain and a monster, which made me happy, not because I wanted her to become a monster, obviously, but because she was actually concerned and aware of the consequences if she didn’t do something.
UHH ANTON! Wow okay, I love him so much. But I wish he would’ve involved Sonya a bit more in the politics and stuff. He’s so protective of her and so scared he’s going to lose her because all he wishes for is to have people that care and love him.
The amount of plot twists in this book was ohmygod, so you know, still dying even after I finished reading it. I need book three, this series is making me go crazy and I don’t want it to end! It just keeps getting better and better. Wow, Burning Glass burned me up so bad that I didn’t know what to read after an entire month because nothing would compare; Crystal Blade has me just spiraling me into madness. God knows what the third book will be like! I NEED IT NOW.
OH MY GOD!!!!!!! I AM INTERNALLY FREAKING OUT AND I NEED TO PROCESS EVERYTHING THAT JUST HAPPENED!!
This book had so much action from page 1, it was insane.
So you might argue that Sonya’s character has drastically changed in the second book, but I’d like to point out that she’s learning — or at least trying to learn— to control her powers which have enhanced since the beginning of the first book, Burning Glass. In this book, Sonya is really struggling to just be herself because other people’s auras swallow up hers’. She can’t control it and that causes her to make some very bad and dangerous decisions, but you know, when you can’t even just be yourself and make your own decisions, you can’t really blame yourself.
She’s getting angry cuz she played such a massive role in the revolution, but all the governors keep putting her to the side. So, at one point she’s like “I’m sick of people telling me what to do. I’m going to make my own decisions, and you guys are just going to have to go with it.” Now that is massive character change. But there’re reasons for it, so it’s fine. Sonya’s grown so much, and I was rooting for her the entire time. She was so scared of becoming a villain and a monster, which made me happy, not because I wanted her to become a monster, obviously, but because she was actually concerned and aware of the consequences if she didn’t do something.
UHH ANTON! Wow okay, I love him so much. But I wish he would’ve involved Sonya a bit more in the politics and stuff. He’s so protective of her and so scared he’s going to lose her because all he wishes for is to have people that care and love him.
The amount of plot twists in this book was ohmygod, so you know, still dying even after I finished reading it. I need book three, this series is making me go crazy and I don’t want it to end! It just keeps getting better and better. Wow, Burning Glass burned me up so bad that I didn’t know what to read after an entire month because nothing would compare; Crystal Blade has me just spiraling me into madness. God knows what the third book will be like! I NEED IT NOW.
June 18, 2017
I'm a huge fan of BURNING GLASS. I adored the plot, the romance, and the incredible dynamic between Sonya, Anton, and Valko. But for me, CRYSTAL BLADE was even better. Kathryn Purdie has taken all the brilliant elements from the first book and really elevated them in this second installment in the series.
The plot throughout the story is riveting. Every single chapter includes at least one jaw-dropping moment that left me hopelessly addicted to the story. I could not put it down. The tension and stakes only increase as the story progresses, and I was in knots by the time it reached its epic conclusion.
I adore the three main characters of this series. Despite her knack for landing herself in sticky situations, Sonya exhibits such tremendous mental strength and has such love for her people and country. Anton is oh-so-swoony, yet the relationship between him and Sonya is still so complicated and fraught with romantic tension. And I absolutely adore the dynamic that Kathryn has created between Sonya and Valko. It is unique, intense, and absolutely intriguing. I cannot wait to find out what happens between the three of them in the final book in this stunning series.
There are also some surprise characters from BURNING GLASS who made an appearance in CRYSTAL BLADE and proved to be so much more than what I originally thought them to be in book one.
The ending of this book is extraordinary. The entire plot built up perfectly to this mind-blowing conclusion that left me on the edge of my seat and so anxious to read the next book.
The plot throughout the story is riveting. Every single chapter includes at least one jaw-dropping moment that left me hopelessly addicted to the story. I could not put it down. The tension and stakes only increase as the story progresses, and I was in knots by the time it reached its epic conclusion.
I adore the three main characters of this series. Despite her knack for landing herself in sticky situations, Sonya exhibits such tremendous mental strength and has such love for her people and country. Anton is oh-so-swoony, yet the relationship between him and Sonya is still so complicated and fraught with romantic tension. And I absolutely adore the dynamic that Kathryn has created between Sonya and Valko. It is unique, intense, and absolutely intriguing. I cannot wait to find out what happens between the three of them in the final book in this stunning series.
There are also some surprise characters from BURNING GLASS who made an appearance in CRYSTAL BLADE and proved to be so much more than what I originally thought them to be in book one.
The ending of this book is extraordinary. The entire plot built up perfectly to this mind-blowing conclusion that left me on the edge of my seat and so anxious to read the next book.
December 12, 2016
Review coming...
September 21, 2024
3.75/5 ⭐️
This book begins during a festival (Kivratide), however, don't be fooled by the initial good mood. It soon turns dangerous.
As I'm perplexed as to what the beginning had to do with the rest of the story, apart from the figure stalking Sonya (which is revealed later in the book).
Sonya has to take part in a trial judging Valko, the former emperor, and give her statement, which will either save his life or convict him to death.
More than halfway through, the book stops analysing the FMC's behaviour and relationship and takes a turn for the dark. There is death. There are tears and break-ups.
When they were told that they couldn't travel along, that twist was predictable.
Also, a pet peeve of mine was when I read:
"Another evening fell," which could've been substituted with
"After evening fell," which would have felt more storytelling-like.
I loved how they always managed to run into complications. (Honestly).
This book begins during a festival (Kivratide), however, don't be fooled by the initial good mood. It soon turns dangerous.
As I'm perplexed as to what the beginning had to do with the rest of the story, apart from the figure stalking Sonya (which is revealed later in the book).
Sonya has to take part in a trial judging Valko, the former emperor, and give her statement, which will either save his life or convict him to death.
More than halfway through, the book stops analysing the FMC's behaviour and relationship and takes a turn for the dark. There is death. There are tears and break-ups.
When they were told that they couldn't travel along, that twist was predictable.
Also, a pet peeve of mine was when I read:
"Another evening fell," which could've been substituted with
"After evening fell," which would have felt more storytelling-like.
I loved how they always managed to run into complications. (Honestly).
July 24, 2021
i struggled with this one slightly more than the first one but overall still really enjoyed it!
February 20, 2018
Well... damn.
Cliffhanger.
Cliffhanger.
March 23, 2018
Sadly not as good as the first. This one didn't pull me in like Burning Glass. I am hoping I enjoy book 3 more when it releases.
October 10, 2017
I already knew there was was going to be a cliff-hanger at the end (sorry, if you didn't know, now you do), but I wasn't expecting that ending! I mean, WHAT?! That did not just happen. Please don't let it be true. (It happened) I really need the next book to come out, like, NOW. From what I can remember, I'm pretty sure there are way more plot twists in this book than the first book, which is good! I quite enjoyed reading this and I can't wait for 2018!!
May 5, 2018
Sonya screwed up one too many times, man. I'm done.
I'm a firm supporter of letting your protag mess up. Let them be human, flawed, let them commit terrible acts, let them struggle and hate and be angry, let them screw up so bad it seems unfixable.
But you gotta do it in a way that provokes the reader's empathy and not their hatred. Sonya was unbearable-- I guess because she kept doing really stupid, awful things, but never truly facing the consequences. I get that it's hard to write a broken, guilt-wracked and devastated narrator but... that's what Sonya should have been. She was way too calm & mellow after the crap she pulled. If Anton meant as much to her as she said he did, then her betrayal of him should have WReCKED her. (what she did to him... man it was awful like HECK it was awful for me that crosses a line) Yet... she was just sad for a bit and then she was pretty much back to normal.
I still enjoy Purdie's writing style, but the characters and plot were a bit grating. Okay, they were last time too but I cut a little more slack since it was the first one. Unfortunately there wasn't much improvement in the sequel. I can't decide whether I should bother with the third one.
I'm a firm supporter of letting your protag mess up. Let them be human, flawed, let them commit terrible acts, let them struggle and hate and be angry, let them screw up so bad it seems unfixable.
But you gotta do it in a way that provokes the reader's empathy and not their hatred. Sonya was unbearable-- I guess because she kept doing really stupid, awful things, but never truly facing the consequences. I get that it's hard to write a broken, guilt-wracked and devastated narrator but... that's what Sonya should have been. She was way too calm & mellow after the crap she pulled. If Anton meant as much to her as she said he did, then her betrayal of him should have WReCKED her. (what she did to him... man it was awful like HECK it was awful for me that crosses a line) Yet... she was just sad for a bit and then she was pretty much back to normal.
I still enjoy Purdie's writing style, but the characters and plot were a bit grating. Okay, they were last time too but I cut a little more slack since it was the first one. Unfortunately there wasn't much improvement in the sequel. I can't decide whether I should bother with the third one.
February 15, 2019
...Meh. This one was even harder to get through than the first book, mostly because I was insanely bored the entire time. This book definitely suffers from "Second Book Syndrome," serving only to pad out the length of a series and make it into a trilogy. I think this could have easily been a duology instead (which would have also given me less to read for ROYAL), as most of this book is Sonya fighting with Anton and doing more horrible things "on accident." Thankfully, I only have one book left to finish, so I'll try to keep this review brief so I can get to it.
Crystal Blade follows directly after the events of Burning Glass, with Sonya, Anton, and the newly formed Duma celebrating a festival known as Kivratide. All is not perfectly well in their newly formed government, however; unrest has been growing in Riaznin, and tensions are high among both the peasantry and the nobility. The new democracy is fragile, and both sides are demanding very different things. In the middle of it all, Sonya grapples with her role in this new society, as well as what to do with former emperor Valko, who still has a hold on her. On top of it all, Sonya has also discovered she possesses the power to alter emotions as well as feel them, making her an exceptionally strong Auraseer. When someone from her past comes back to haunt Sonya, she must find a way to keep the peace without shattering from her own unique gifts.
Without a doubt, my favorite character in this book (next to Tosya, who is still one of the only characters with a personality) is Nadia. She is the heroine this series deserved, rather than the spineless, murderous, manipulative dingbat we got in Sonya. Nadia, one of the Auraseers believed to have been killed in the convent fire Sonya started, appears with her abilities stripped and an understandable vendetta against the girl who ruined her life. The reader can instantly sympathize with this woman, for although she is described as being a "bully" to Sonya, she also has strong motivations for being the way she is. She has twice the personality of Sonya, and seems ten times stronger-willed despite not having the same caliber of power as the main character. I would've gladly read a series all about her, as she was far more likeable and interesting than Sonya. I also really loved her little romance with Tosya, even if it did feel very rushed due to the focus on Sonya and her problems.
As in the first book, I continue to get frustrated with both Sonya and Anton, though Sonya seems far more despicable to me than him. Sonya, like Valko, is manipulative and self-righteous, with the added disadvantage of being extremely naive and easy to sway. She uses her abilities carelessly, and never seems interested in trying to better control them. After accidentally killing a noblewoman, she vows to stop using her powers, then begins using them again two chapters later, almost killing another person (though this one is hunting her down). I was also extremely grossed out by the way she manipulated Anton, and didn't blame him at all for feeling betrayed. Right after killing the noblewoman, Anton finds Sonya wallowing in self-pity. When he tries to comfort her, she turns her power on him and tries to convince him that he needs to take over as the new emperor. What follows is a very uncomfortable scene in which Sonya manipulates Anton into kissing her, realizing only when he's about to undress her that she took things too far. She then spends the rest of the book moping about how he'll "never love her again," and I honestly wouldn't blame him after having his trust breached so thoroughly. Knowing this series, however, the two are going to end up together and live happily ever after in the end.
Despite being constantly irritated with the characters, I did enjoy some of the twists later in the book. Though it was obvious from the start that the noblewoman would turn out to be Nadia's mother (it's hinted at from the moment Sonya runs into Nadia again), I liked that it gave Nadia one more reason to hate Sonya the way I did as a reader. It also made her journey that much more heart-breaking, as she has lost both her powers and her only surviving relative. I also really enjoyed the twist with Dasha, Valko, and Anton, as I honestly never saw that one coming either. It might have seemed a little out of left field, but it re-captured my attention after a book full of watching Sonya do stupid things, and I appreciated the focus being on another character for once.
I also loved that the book acknowledged the similarities between Valko and Sonya. Though Sonya was never (intentionally) physically abusive, both characters are highly emotionally abusive, manipulating emotions in order to get what they want. Both also share a deep self-loathing, which I would sympathize with if they didn't both go on to do horrible things anyways. Purdie took the potential to give them both character growth and regressed them into even more terrible people, making me feel like they deserve each other. This doesn't excuse all of the horrifying physical abuse Valko dished out in the first book, but it makes me see that Sonya herself isn't entirely absolved of all wrong-doing. Seriously, Anton needs to run far away from these two.
I'm sure this series has some devoted fans, and I'm truly glad that they've been able to derive enjoyment from this series. My opinions are purely my own, and I mean no offense to anyone who might see things differently than I do. While I feel terrible criticizing anyone's work, I'm just having a lot of trouble staying invested in this series. I'm sure Purdie has poured her heart and soul into these books, and I admire her ability to actually finish a series and get it published (something I have yet to do as an amateur writer myself). I'm hoping the third book will be better, as the second book in any trilogy is usually the weakest. Considering what I've experienced so far, however, I'm not too hopeful that I'm going to come out of this series with an overly positive opinion.
Crystal Blade follows directly after the events of Burning Glass, with Sonya, Anton, and the newly formed Duma celebrating a festival known as Kivratide. All is not perfectly well in their newly formed government, however; unrest has been growing in Riaznin, and tensions are high among both the peasantry and the nobility. The new democracy is fragile, and both sides are demanding very different things. In the middle of it all, Sonya grapples with her role in this new society, as well as what to do with former emperor Valko, who still has a hold on her. On top of it all, Sonya has also discovered she possesses the power to alter emotions as well as feel them, making her an exceptionally strong Auraseer. When someone from her past comes back to haunt Sonya, she must find a way to keep the peace without shattering from her own unique gifts.
Without a doubt, my favorite character in this book (next to Tosya, who is still one of the only characters with a personality) is Nadia. She is the heroine this series deserved, rather than the spineless, murderous, manipulative dingbat we got in Sonya. Nadia, one of the Auraseers believed to have been killed in the convent fire Sonya started, appears with her abilities stripped and an understandable vendetta against the girl who ruined her life. The reader can instantly sympathize with this woman, for although she is described as being a "bully" to Sonya, she also has strong motivations for being the way she is. She has twice the personality of Sonya, and seems ten times stronger-willed despite not having the same caliber of power as the main character. I would've gladly read a series all about her, as she was far more likeable and interesting than Sonya. I also really loved her little romance with Tosya, even if it did feel very rushed due to the focus on Sonya and her problems.
As in the first book, I continue to get frustrated with both Sonya and Anton, though Sonya seems far more despicable to me than him. Sonya, like Valko, is manipulative and self-righteous, with the added disadvantage of being extremely naive and easy to sway. She uses her abilities carelessly, and never seems interested in trying to better control them. After accidentally killing a noblewoman, she vows to stop using her powers, then begins using them again two chapters later, almost killing another person (though this one is hunting her down). I was also extremely grossed out by the way she manipulated Anton, and didn't blame him at all for feeling betrayed. Right after killing the noblewoman, Anton finds Sonya wallowing in self-pity. When he tries to comfort her, she turns her power on him and tries to convince him that he needs to take over as the new emperor. What follows is a very uncomfortable scene in which Sonya manipulates Anton into kissing her, realizing only when he's about to undress her that she took things too far. She then spends the rest of the book moping about how he'll "never love her again," and I honestly wouldn't blame him after having his trust breached so thoroughly. Knowing this series, however, the two are going to end up together and live happily ever after in the end.
Despite being constantly irritated with the characters, I did enjoy some of the twists later in the book. Though it was obvious from the start that the noblewoman would turn out to be Nadia's mother (it's hinted at from the moment Sonya runs into Nadia again), I liked that it gave Nadia one more reason to hate Sonya the way I did as a reader. It also made her journey that much more heart-breaking, as she has lost both her powers and her only surviving relative. I also really enjoyed the twist with Dasha, Valko, and Anton, as I honestly never saw that one coming either. It might have seemed a little out of left field, but it re-captured my attention after a book full of watching Sonya do stupid things, and I appreciated the focus being on another character for once.
I also loved that the book acknowledged the similarities between Valko and Sonya. Though Sonya was never (intentionally) physically abusive, both characters are highly emotionally abusive, manipulating emotions in order to get what they want. Both also share a deep self-loathing, which I would sympathize with if they didn't both go on to do horrible things anyways. Purdie took the potential to give them both character growth and regressed them into even more terrible people, making me feel like they deserve each other. This doesn't excuse all of the horrifying physical abuse Valko dished out in the first book, but it makes me see that Sonya herself isn't entirely absolved of all wrong-doing. Seriously, Anton needs to run far away from these two.
I'm sure this series has some devoted fans, and I'm truly glad that they've been able to derive enjoyment from this series. My opinions are purely my own, and I mean no offense to anyone who might see things differently than I do. While I feel terrible criticizing anyone's work, I'm just having a lot of trouble staying invested in this series. I'm sure Purdie has poured her heart and soul into these books, and I admire her ability to actually finish a series and get it published (something I have yet to do as an amateur writer myself). I'm hoping the third book will be better, as the second book in any trilogy is usually the weakest. Considering what I've experienced so far, however, I'm not too hopeful that I'm going to come out of this series with an overly positive opinion.
September 16, 2017
Quite similar to the first in writing style but different in pace as this sequel was a lot quicker and had a load more action! It starts off a few weeks after the shocking events in Burning Glass as we see the aftermath on Riaznin and its people.
Sonya becomes a bit less likeable in this book I think (she does some shocking stuff but kind of in character with what she did in the first book) and we see less of the emperor (and he his one of my favourite characters!). Some massive relevations occur at the end and I didn't see some of them coming - it's definitely picking up in action and drama for the last book!
I just found the writing to be a bit plain and not very descriptive when drawing out certain scenes a bit more was needed. But the story is brilliant and he last page leaves a lot if questions! Can't wait to see what happens in the last of this trilogy.
Sonya becomes a bit less likeable in this book I think (she does some shocking stuff but kind of in character with what she did in the first book) and we see less of the emperor (and he his one of my favourite characters!). Some massive relevations occur at the end and I didn't see some of them coming - it's definitely picking up in action and drama for the last book!
I just found the writing to be a bit plain and not very descriptive when drawing out certain scenes a bit more was needed. But the story is brilliant and he last page leaves a lot if questions! Can't wait to see what happens in the last of this trilogy.
April 17, 2018
I found myself really drawn to the first chapters, but after that, the middle gave me quite a bit of trouble. I can’t seem to fully invest myself in or care for these characters. It’s a completely personal issue I’ve had with both novels in this trilogy so far, but I can’t quite put my finger on what’s triggering my lack of interest.
I really like the plot. Besides that, for some reason, I’ve found both books almost taxing to read, though this one I was able to get through easier than Burning Glass and for that I gave it one more star.
I really like the plot. Besides that, for some reason, I’ve found both books almost taxing to read, though this one I was able to get through easier than Burning Glass and for that I gave it one more star.
dnf
June 6, 2018Burning Glass: ★★★
Crystal Blade: Lost Interest in Series
—
I enjoyed the first book.
I loved it because the main characters powers are a more magical version of me being an Empath.
However, If I am being honest with myself, I'm probably never going to pick up the last two books in the series.
___
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Crystal Blade: Lost Interest in Series
—
I enjoyed the first book.
I loved it because the main characters powers are a more magical version of me being an Empath.
However, If I am being honest with myself, I'm probably never going to pick up the last two books in the series.
___
│Blog│Instagram│Twitter│Tumblr│
not-interested
September 13, 2017*Review for book 1 in series: Burning Glass. DNFing series.
December 2, 2017
3.5 stars...Review to come
January 12, 2020
2/5 ⭐️
Oh hell no. Tout est wrong dans ce libre. Y’a aucun développement de personnage et l’histoire d’amour est juste insignifiante et improbable. On commence le tome 3... sans trop d’espoir! 😅
Oh hell no. Tout est wrong dans ce libre. Y’a aucun développement de personnage et l’histoire d’amour est juste insignifiante et improbable. On commence le tome 3... sans trop d’espoir! 😅
September 7, 2020
God save me. I swear all these shocks are going to give a stroke someday.
August 17, 2017
This is the end of you and me.
I'm currently on board of a drowning ship it's been real bye
As I said before, this book was one of my most anticipated books for this year. It was a totally crazy roller-coaster of emotions.
When I was reading this I felt like I'm attached to Valko's galloping horse, observing this wild adventure with no control over anything. Lmao that description makes no sense okay moving on
Story
I really liked the writing and the story overall, it just feel fluid ? It felt good, I enjoyed it very much.
My favorite moments in the book were Valko's trail (so amazing ! I loved it !) and later when all three of them went their separate ways for a time. I feel like they really needed a break from each other and it also left me wondering how the story will progress.
The ending. Hmm. It was definitely a grand, emotional finale full of twists and surprises. Can't wait to read the next book.
Sonya
Sonya seemed quite tame, unsure and timid in the first book. Although there were times when her behavior or decisions annoyed me, I still like her much more in this book.
In this sequel she is much more confident, already aware of her power and abilities.
Even though he knows Valko is truly despicable, she feels connection to him and tries to understand him.
Sonya is complicated, she's definitely not entirely good. She had her dark moments.
Now there's that thing other readers will admire and appreciate her for, for me it's something boring, generic that I didn't like.
Sometimes when I read ya books, there are these heroines that are drawn to darkness and evil but they never really give in. Guess what. I want to see that. Be that villainess. Join the dark side.
She has such an amazing, rare power and wants to give it up.
Valko
Valko is not that misunderstood alluring bad boy. Don't make a mistake of romanticizing him. He is literally the worst human garbage. And somehow I love him more than anything.
He was the reason I couldn't stop reading.
He's an absolutely fascinating character. He's complex, unpredictable, cunning, manipulative piece of shit.
Romance
There's actually nothing to write about in this section. I wish there was no romance in this series.
Sonya and Anton have as much chemistry as me and a math textbook. Anton has a personality of a paper clip.
I'm currently on board of a drowning ship it's been real bye
As I said before, this book was one of my most anticipated books for this year. It was a totally crazy roller-coaster of emotions.
When I was reading this I felt like I'm attached to Valko's galloping horse, observing this wild adventure with no control over anything. Lmao that description makes no sense okay moving on
Story
I really liked the writing and the story overall, it just feel fluid ? It felt good, I enjoyed it very much.
My favorite moments in the book were Valko's trail (so amazing ! I loved it !) and later when all three of them went their separate ways for a time. I feel like they really needed a break from each other and it also left me wondering how the story will progress.
The ending. Hmm. It was definitely a grand, emotional finale full of twists and surprises. Can't wait to read the next book.
Sonya
Sonya seemed quite tame, unsure and timid in the first book. Although there were times when her behavior or decisions annoyed me, I still like her much more in this book.
In this sequel she is much more confident, already aware of her power and abilities.
Even though he knows Valko is truly despicable, she feels connection to him and tries to understand him.
Sonya is complicated, she's definitely not entirely good. She had her dark moments.
Now there's that thing other readers will admire and appreciate her for, for me it's something boring, generic that I didn't like.
Sometimes when I read ya books, there are these heroines that are drawn to darkness and evil but they never really give in. Guess what. I want to see that. Be that villainess. Join the dark side.
She has such an amazing, rare power and wants to give it up.
Valko
Valko is not that misunderstood alluring bad boy. Don't make a mistake of romanticizing him. He is literally the worst human garbage. And somehow I love him more than anything.
He was the reason I couldn't stop reading.
He's an absolutely fascinating character. He's complex, unpredictable, cunning, manipulative piece of shit.
Romance
There's actually nothing to write about in this section. I wish there was no romance in this series.
Sonya and Anton have as much chemistry as me and a math textbook. Anton has a personality of a paper clip.
September 28, 2017
I enjoyed Burning Glass a lot, but I loved Crystal Blade even more! Kathryn Purdie's writing, while fantastic in the first book, has gotten even better. I adore her writing style so much.
I really liked Sonya's growth as a character in this book. As she learned to use her Auraseer powers, I didn't always like her choices, some even shocked me into anger, but seeing her learn from her experiences and try to become better made her so likable.
All of the twists and surprises were so well placed and made the book that much more fun to read. And while I had guessed at the surprise reveal at the end, the way it played out was so well done!
One of my favorite things about this series is that it's showing what happens after the revolution. So many books lead up to the revolution, and then as soon as it happens it ends and we are left wondering what happens next? A government is not just overthrown in one day, leaving everything fine and dandy. I love that Kathryn Purdie has chosen to let us see how things are being handled after the revolution - the tension between the upper and lower classes, the different people vying for leadership, the turmoil across not just their own country, but others who are hoping to take advantage of the precarious situation. It is so fascinating.
And now, I wait for the third and final book to be released...
I really liked Sonya's growth as a character in this book. As she learned to use her Auraseer powers, I didn't always like her choices, some even shocked me into anger, but seeing her learn from her experiences and try to become better made her so likable.
All of the twists and surprises were so well placed and made the book that much more fun to read. And while I had guessed at the surprise reveal at the end, the way it played out was so well done!
One of my favorite things about this series is that it's showing what happens after the revolution. So many books lead up to the revolution, and then as soon as it happens it ends and we are left wondering what happens next? A government is not just overthrown in one day, leaving everything fine and dandy. I love that Kathryn Purdie has chosen to let us see how things are being handled after the revolution - the tension between the upper and lower classes, the different people vying for leadership, the turmoil across not just their own country, but others who are hoping to take advantage of the precarious situation. It is so fascinating.
And now, I wait for the third and final book to be released...
June 23, 2017
Dynamic second in series. VOYA reviewed.
May 10, 2022
This book quickly delved into all the concerned I had at the end of the first book—how the Riaznin people would handle their sudden freedom from the Empire, how Sonya’s new ability would affect her, etc.
Honestly, even though I didn’t want to put this book down, it was painful to read because of all the things that went wrong. Sonya struggled with temptations relating to her power and suffered some terrible consequences for her choices, as she should have, even though her intentions were good. Still, it made me sad. I hope there’s a way for her to repair the deep rifts that resulted from her darkness.
I also pity Anton for the position he is in—struggling to make the new democracy work while trying not to take control of it. And then facing the changes in Sonya, as well.
After the events of this book, I’m not sure how it will all be resolved and wrapped up nicely in one final book. I hope, however, that it is. I’ve come to care about Sonya and Anton, as well as some other characters. I hope it ends well.
How it ends:
Note: Some sensuality. Maybe some mild language—I can’t remember.
Honestly, even though I didn’t want to put this book down, it was painful to read because of all the things that went wrong. Sonya struggled with temptations relating to her power and suffered some terrible consequences for her choices, as she should have, even though her intentions were good. Still, it made me sad. I hope there’s a way for her to repair the deep rifts that resulted from her darkness.
I also pity Anton for the position he is in—struggling to make the new democracy work while trying not to take control of it. And then facing the changes in Sonya, as well.
After the events of this book, I’m not sure how it will all be resolved and wrapped up nicely in one final book. I hope, however, that it is. I’ve come to care about Sonya and Anton, as well as some other characters. I hope it ends well.
How it ends:
Note: Some sensuality. Maybe some mild language—I can’t remember.
June 13, 2017
I am notorious for dis-liking the middle of a trilogy, but I really loved this.
There was fab growth with the MC, but I can see how she's going to have to change and stretch herself even further in the next book.
The ending left me reeling in the best possible way.
I'm not a huge fantasy reader, but I LOVE this series SO much.
There was fab growth with the MC, but I can see how she's going to have to change and stretch herself even further in the next book.
The ending left me reeling in the best possible way.
I'm not a huge fantasy reader, but I LOVE this series SO much.
February 13, 2019
I need this so badly
December 12, 2016
Purdie is so clever and her stories so gripping. Love!
August 1, 2021
2.5/5 stars
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