Torn from the only life she’s ever known and thrown into paradise, Lanni has fulfilled the plan of the father she’s never met. No more danger. No more blood. All she has to do is live as a normal teenage girl, protected from the end of the world by the might of the Incorporation.
But the shadows that stalk her have found their way inside the glass.
Assassinations and sabotage have shattered the peace of the domes, threatening the life Lanni swore to defend. As suspicion drives powerful forces closer to the truth of Lanni’s birth, precarious lies are all that stand between her and death.
Haunted by her past and hunted by unknown traitors, Lanni must choose between trusting an enemy she’s sworn to destroy or a monster who’s scented her blood.
From the epic fantasy world of Ilbrea to the vampire and werewolf-plagued dystopia of the domes, author Megan O'Russell offers readers thirty-two books across nine series.
With a passion for building immersive worlds, uncovering each character’s unique voice, and discovering innovative ways to bring stories to audiences, Megan has created and presented workshops across the country helping fellow authors along their journey, including facing the Indie Publishing process with clear eyes and a workable plan.
Megan's newest novel, Sketchbook of a Wayward Seer, is presented in partnership with the podcast Page by Page: Writing the Book in Real Time, where you can listen to a new, full chapter of the series every week. Other titles include Ember and Stone, Girl of Glass, The Cursebound Thief, and How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days.
Even though they're inside the domes now, nothing feels safe for Lanni.
Her will to survive and to protect Mari keeps her alert to the point of her health declining, but she notices things and connects dots that others brush off. She has a few people she has learned to trust and will truly do anything to keep Mari safe.
I'm excited that another Ilbrea book is coming out next (I love that world so much), but I can't wait for more in this world!!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This second book is so gripping and full of suspense that once I picked it up that was it! Action packed and fast paced this is so well written that it grabs you and does not let go. It’s emotional and you would think that the sisters would be safe in their dome but no! There’s danger, assassinations and sabotage and you will be on the edge of your seat especially with that ending! OMG! Next book please??
Book 2 adds in more mysterious characters with interesting magical elements. Living inside the glass domes is turning out to be just as dangerous and confusing as living in the cities for Lanni. Her goal stays the same, keep Mari safe. Of course, we also add in multiple love interests. What would a YA female MC be without a love triangle??
I wasn't sure if I was going to read this, after finishing the first one. I felt like the first one jumped around a lot, and I was never really sure of the end goal. This book had a very clear, strong goal, which was the beating heart of the story: Lanni needs to do whatever she has to in order to protect her sister Mari - both now and in the future.
This book also had a more clearly defined antagonist, all the plot points draw together neatly at the end, starting with the bomb in the medical centre, then the fire, then the conclusion (which I won't go into because of spoilers).
This book also - finally - paid off in terms of giving us a love interest.
At first, I thought O'Russell was going to make Walsh the last-minute contender for Lanni's heart, but while he clearly cares for her, this seems more of a friends/ allies relationship than lovers. I didn't like that the author chose to have all the named male characters of the correct age love Lanni. And I hated the plot-point of Lanni dating Gideon just to use him. That felt wrong. I was pleased, though, that at least she told Alec what she'd done before going all the way with him. And I was pleased that he wouldn't let their relationship go further until she broke it off with Gideon. He is good people.
It was an interesting choice to keep Jaime in this book in the form of imaginary conversations Lanni has in her head - to the point of imagining herself rubbing her head against his chest as he wraps his arms around her. I imagine he will be back in book three (I'm wondering if he will have been turned into a vampire by then, so we can get our Twilight pay off) for the obligatory love triangle. For the record, I'm team Alec. We didn't get enough scenes of Lanni actually with Jaime to make me root for him. Most of their closeness has been told, not shown.
Oh, and Walsh is a werewolf, but he doesn't turn into a wolf or anything, he just has all the advantages of a vamp (super speed, hearing, healing, endurance), without the disadvantages (killed by the sunlight, needs to drink blood). About the only disadvantage to being a werewolf that I could pick up from the narrative was that you become park of a pack, and you have to obey the commands of the alpha. The closer you are to your pack, the more difficult it is to think independently.
This book was definitely more of a dystopian book than a paranormal - right down to the proposed breeding plan. Werwolves and Vampires don't play much of a role in the narrative and don't much resemble the source material.
Walsh is quite clearly the mysterious 'C' but aside from one plot point at the beginning, we don't get much of a sense of his plans in the dome.
Anyway, I'm glad I read this one, and I will be reading book three. I liked the plot and the romantic subplot, but I hope that the fake dating/ using a teenaged boy for his connections ends with this book.
A great series by Megan! The suspense is palpable throughout and a page turner for sure! Megan is an author who never disappoints and this series has been great!! You must pick up and read the first book Heart of Smoke before starting on this one but you will be hooked on it and will jump right into this one without a second thought! Lanni and Mari are adjusting to life in the domes but their security is short-lived as there is a bombing and a fire which was suppose to cover up three murders but is thwarted by Lanni’s intervention.
Prepare to tune out all outside conflicts to your reading as much as possible. In my case I read into the wee hours of the morning because I didn’t want to stop and also because I couldn’t find a good stopping place anyhow!
I am a devoted fan of Megan’s! All of her series I have read have transported me into those worlds where the events within the pages of the book seem so real! I look forward to reading all the books I can that she has written only stopped by the demands on my time that take me away from that desire!
I recommend this book and series to both young and old alike who like a thrilling read! Let’s hope the shocking truth that Lanni and Gideon uncovered will never come to pass in the real world we currently reside in! Such a revelation would be truly monstrous and revolting beyond comprehension!!
I hope you are curious enough to find out what they discovered by getting started today on the series that is truly unputdownable!! You will experience a joy in reading again and like me you will be anxiously awaiting book three in this series when it comes out!!
Thank you Megan for once again delivering a book that grabs you and won’t let you go!!
Having survived a harsh existence and death-defying trip through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, life under the domes should be easy. But in some ways it was easier out there where the dangers were clear, where there was always an escape route, where the enemies were known. Becoming the thing she hated, Lanni is finding that in some ways this gilded cage is more treacherous than the world she grew up in. With her priority, as always, to keep her little sister Mari safe, Lanni quickly starts to discover things under the dome that are far more sinister than she ever imagined possible.
Suspenseful read, full of danger, action, and even a little romance. The middle book of a trilogy can often be hit or miss - this was definitely a hit. Very different from book 1 but all the same themes and true to character. This one gets dark in a different way - a different desperation to survive, and from more than one source. Various factions making choices that lead down dark paths in the belief that the benefit is worth it. Lots of dangerous secrets. One thing that stands out to me is how deeply Lanni feels everything. She is passionate.
This is the second book in the Heart of Smoke Trilogy. These books have to be read in order. Each has a full story arc, but also build on each other and contribute to an overarching story arch - so this ends at a good spot - but with lots of questions unresolved for Eye of Stone.
Megan O'Russell did it once again - she killed it with the second book. Soul of Glass is action-packed, emotional, and beautifully written. I've read enough of O'Russell's books to know that the first in a series is always a relaxed world-builder, while the books that come after are where the real magic happens. She did not disappoint with this one, and left a fairly remember able cliff-hanger at the end.
What does this book have? * A strong female lead, and not the kind that is dependent on another man. * Romance - there is a slight triangle but not enough of one to be weird or cliché. * Vampires and werewolves - but modernized and used only as slang terms * A strong family dynamic and mental illness - The main character's main goal is to protect her sister while battling with her own trauma * An under-the-dome/hunger-games-ish type of read. The series is dystopian!
What I wish were different: * Honestly? Nothing!
The book does contain sexual scenes but nothing that is incredibly graphic, and there is some swearing and gruesome fight scenes. I would recommend 16+ on the age and a fair warning to people who cry when reading.
**I was gifted this book in exchange of an honest review!**
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
This time Lanni is in one of those glass 'heavens' and there are 3 young men around her, with Jaime still on her mind providing and comfort as she remembers what he would have said. Honestly, you just keep on wondering if this will have a happy ending and which one she'll choose, or whether the author will just get her to win at life as a single woman. It's hard not to think about it as you read the story and she gets to rely on all of them.
Mari, her younger sister is really getting used to life inside the dome, she's making friends, enjoying learning new skills and still thinks like an adult. Lanni is really struggling. She can't adapt to this new life, she avoids people unless they're Harper or Alec. All that matters is making sure Mari is safe, to the point of it being an obsession. Walsh is becoming a friend though and someone she learns to trust, but he has his own story.
There is a lot happening in this book, never a dull moment and it really sounds like there's so much more to come.
Once again it's a very easy to read story, well written with a good cadence and I really hope the next instalment will be out soon!
Soul of Glass follows Lanni and her sister Mari as they adjust to life in the Domes, but soon come to find out that the danger to their lives isn't over yet. There's an insidious plot that seeks to dictate the future of everyone in the dome, and there are those who will stop at nothing to stop it. I really liked the first book and thought it was unique, and to an extent, I felt the same about the second book, although less enthralled with this book's execution. This book has a super cool dystopian feel about it and it works well when viewed from that standpoint. O'Russell is a great writer in this regard, and overall it was an enjoyable experience. That being said, while the author incorporates elements of the supernatural into these books, the execution of this was not as good as it was in the first. I was really excited to see werewolves being introduced into this story, but it felt like the supernatural elements afterwards were minimal at best and it wasn't thought through and completely absorbed into the worldbuilding. I would have liked to see more of that present. If read as simply dystopian, then Soul of Glass would have been rated a bit higher from me, but because these things were introduced in this book and in were central in the first, it felt like a loose end.
Book 2 finds Lanni and her sister inside the dome. Mari is settling into the new lifestyle but Lanni still feels awkward and guilty because Jaime was left behind. Unknown to the Lanni and her class mates the leaders in charge of the dome have a sinister future in line for them all. Then with an explosion, a fire to cover up in a fire things are getting out of hand. Then as Lanni keeps digging to find out the truth behind it all it has far reaching consequences. Along side all of this, her teacher has decided to play matchmaker so she sends Lanni and Gideon, one of her class mates to meet with one of the elder citizens to learn more about the history of the dome. Lots of intrigue and mystery. Who is behind the murders, is Lanni and her sister safer back home? But there is trouble there too and the vampires and werewolves seem to have a lead role in the turmoil. Walsh and Alec are still there looking out for Lanni and her sister. There are some surprising twists and turns to the story which kept me enthralled. This a well written story with lots of drama and danger. I can't wait for book 3. I received an ARC of this book from the author and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
I thought this book was really great. Please don't take any notice of the suggested reading age, I am far beyond that and yet hugely enjoyed reading this book! Although I must say that I would have thoroughly enjoyed this as a teenager too, had it been around so long ago. I do love books with lots of action, and there was plenty in this book. I also love books that manage to keep my attention all the way through, that get me quite engrossed, and this book certainly did that! You do need to have read the first book in this series to get the full benefit of what happens, but I am sure that having read that one, you will want to read this. And definitely the next - I am really looking forward to finding out what happens next! Definitely a great series with some fantastic and original ideas, loosely linked to a previous series but standing on its own.
This was just what I needed from the book 2! The sisters are in the dome but are they safe? With Walsh, Gideon and Alec all looking out for the sisters, Lanni starts to feel safe and comfortable. But the explosion in the lab and the victims in the fire, the dome doesn’t appear to be the safe place they had been told about. With the elders of the dome plotting for the children’s futures Lanni is wondering if her and Mari’s future is better off in or out of the domes.
My favourite character at the moment is Walsh! He’s so mysterious and who/what he is leaves me so many questions! I love this authors take on vampires/werewolves all starting as a drug and I can’t wait for book 3!
So, this is the sequel to the Heart of Smoke book in this series by this author. I loved the first book, but I think I love this one even more. It is full of mystery and suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat. When I tell you that there were certain parts that had my heart racing, I am being honest with 100% honest with you. I thought the character building in this book was fantastic and picked up right where the first one left off. I did feel that this book started off a little slower than the first one did, but once it picked up, IT PICKED UP! And did not disappoint. It is listed as a young adult genre book, but as an adult I loved it so I wouldn’t say it is just for teens and young adults. But I do highly recommend you pick it up and read it.
A great second book in what is sure to be an excellent series! While this book was a bit slower than the first, as it didn’t have quite as much action and adventure, we actually learn so much about the incorporation and Walsh that I just wasn’t ready for this book to end! I felt like the story was just building and building, with new information coming at us and so much going on between Alec and Walsh, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where the next book will take us! I feel like something big is about to happen, and I am so ready for it! (And I desperately want to know if “~C” is who I think it is!!)
Megan O’Russell takes us back into the Domes on a suspense filled journey. Lanni just wants to protect her sister and blend in. When the illusion of paradise is shattered and she finds herself on a perilous line between life or death, she has to fight for survival instead of living like a normal teen. The dystopian genre has long been a favorite of mine but at times goes stale. I have found with Megan’s books though that I can’t get enough. Once I picked up the second book with its action filled Edge of your seat suspense I couldn’t put it down. I can certainly say I will be diving into book three!
This book continues after the first book ended and I loved every second of it!
The suspense and action had me engrossed throughout this book! I was always eager to turn the page and find out more.
There was more world building in this book which I enjoyed reading. The author is setting us up nicely and I can't help but feel like something big is going to go down in the next book, which I am totally looking forward for.
This book was everything a sequel should be! Everyone should go and pick up this series.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review!
The second book in the series is very promising. I truly enjoyed it. It was very gripping and full of suspense. The action was there but on a low key level so it wasn’t full on adrenaline pumping. None the less it made for some great tension. Things are escalating and the dangers are different for our heroine but her sister’s safety remains her top priority. I look forward to seeing how things turn out!
I liked this book even better than the first! The amazing world building continues as you follow Lanni's new life in the dome along with the twists and turns. I continue to love reading the story from Lanni's point of view - it makes it so much easier to connect to her and also adds to the intrigue of the story since everything is in her perspective. I'm so excited to see where the next book goes!
Book number two is jampacked with suspense and action.
The plot twists do not end and be prepared for the book to end with an intense cliffhanger.
This book goes on with romantic development and piecing together what is going on beyond this dome.
What I do know is who’s side I’m on — even though I was starting to question it. I have a feeling the next book will toy with my emotions as we continue to see what happens with some of our favorite (and maybe newly favorite) characters.
The second book to this series only makes the overall story better. The story moves along a lot faster than the first but not too fast to give you whiplash haha. It’s a nice easy read too with good characters and subplots 😃. Looking forward to Eye of Stone expected in August 2021 because I feel like I know who “C” is but I need confirmation! 😂
This is the second book in the series and the 2nd that I have read. I am intrigued and just can't get enough of Lanni's story! Although Lanni is the main character in the series, I find that the other characters are also well-written and interesting. I am on to the third book now.
I was given the book for my honest review. Enjoyed book 2 full of adventure, excitement. Had to finish as was gripping . Will not spoil you need to read for yourself Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
What an incredible book! I was totally absorbed in the story and literally could not put it down. The plot, the characters, the twists and drama, the only words I can use to describe how I felt reading this are mesmerized and amazed. I absolutely cannot wait until the next one comes out.
What an amazing story. There’s suspense and sabotage and action to keep you gripped to the story. How will Lanni manage to stay safe, even through the glass. I couldn’t stop reading until the last word even though I didn’t want it to end. Definitely need more.
WOW !! I'm SO glad that I don't live in Lanni's world. This is a story that makes you think about your own reality. Settle in comfortably for a good read...and a scary one.
Lanni and her little sister Mari are still in the domes. People are being murdered but who is the murderer or murderers? Why would Lanni and Mari be targets? And a war is coming. Who will be the traitor? Who will be the truth? Unfortunately we have to wait and see until the release of the next book. Cannot wait.