#77 Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder
There are pretty big spoilers in this review for previous books in the Glass Series. There are no real spoilers for Spy Glass. 
It's worth noting that a lot of reviews on websites like amazon and goodreads either unintentionally, or intentionally spoil the end of this book so tread with caution if you have not finished this book.
To save someone she cared about, Opal Cowan heroically sacrificed her own magic. Now she is living with the consequences, spending her days helping her mother plan her sister's upcoming wedding. But Opal knows that her struggle isn't over yet. Her blood, a dangerous weapon in the hands of blood mages, has been stolen and it's hiding place is uncertain. She begins a journey to discover it's location. Despite the fact that she lacks magic, she is not completely powerless. Opal has recently become immune to magic, a skill very useful for a spy.
Spy Glass is the third and final book in Maria V Snyder's Glass Series. Ultimately, I found that I had similar experiences with both series. The first two books were highly enjoyable, and the third, while still good, couldn't quite measure up. The reason why I struggled with Spy Glass has a lot to do with the romantic subplot. I, like many, am not really happy with the person that she ended up with, preferring to see her either with another individual or by herself. At the same time, my issues with the romance went further than the ending. Pretty much every significant thought and decision of Opal's regarding romance made me want to grit my teeth in frustration. I was upset to see a so likeable character become so unlikable in these instances.
Beyond the issues I had with the romance, Spy Glass was a pretty enjoyable book, despite the fact that the series is becoming a bit formulaic. The swiftly moving plot is divided into three storylines. All three work really well, and are filled with plenty of suspense and excitement. I found Opal's inner turmoil over the loss of her magic to be fascinating to follow. I also really enjoyed the return of several likable characters from past books, especially Valek, who plays a rather large role in the first storyline. Ultimately, even though I wasn't happy with how romantic storyline ended, I do feel as if this is a satisfying ending for Opal's story. I listened to this book as an audiobook, and thought that the narrator did a pretty solid job, even if there wasn't that much variety with her male voices.
Spy Glass may not be as strong as previous volumes in the series, but I recommend picking it up if you have enjoyed both Storm Glass and Sea Glass.
Rating: four stars
Length: the print version is 424 pages long
Source: audible
Other books I've read by this author: Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, Storm Glass, Sea Glass. Also the short story “Sword Point” from The Eternal Kiss, and “Mongrel” from Running with the Pack
Next up I will be reviewing Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
Xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads
It's worth noting that a lot of reviews on websites like amazon and goodreads either unintentionally, or intentionally spoil the end of this book so tread with caution if you have not finished this book.
To save someone she cared about, Opal Cowan heroically sacrificed her own magic. Now she is living with the consequences, spending her days helping her mother plan her sister's upcoming wedding. But Opal knows that her struggle isn't over yet. Her blood, a dangerous weapon in the hands of blood mages, has been stolen and it's hiding place is uncertain. She begins a journey to discover it's location. Despite the fact that she lacks magic, she is not completely powerless. Opal has recently become immune to magic, a skill very useful for a spy.
Spy Glass is the third and final book in Maria V Snyder's Glass Series. Ultimately, I found that I had similar experiences with both series. The first two books were highly enjoyable, and the third, while still good, couldn't quite measure up. The reason why I struggled with Spy Glass has a lot to do with the romantic subplot. I, like many, am not really happy with the person that she ended up with, preferring to see her either with another individual or by herself. At the same time, my issues with the romance went further than the ending. Pretty much every significant thought and decision of Opal's regarding romance made me want to grit my teeth in frustration. I was upset to see a so likeable character become so unlikable in these instances.
Beyond the issues I had with the romance, Spy Glass was a pretty enjoyable book, despite the fact that the series is becoming a bit formulaic. The swiftly moving plot is divided into three storylines. All three work really well, and are filled with plenty of suspense and excitement. I found Opal's inner turmoil over the loss of her magic to be fascinating to follow. I also really enjoyed the return of several likable characters from past books, especially Valek, who plays a rather large role in the first storyline. Ultimately, even though I wasn't happy with how romantic storyline ended, I do feel as if this is a satisfying ending for Opal's story. I listened to this book as an audiobook, and thought that the narrator did a pretty solid job, even if there wasn't that much variety with her male voices.
Spy Glass may not be as strong as previous volumes in the series, but I recommend picking it up if you have enjoyed both Storm Glass and Sea Glass.
Rating: four stars
Length: the print version is 424 pages long
Source: audible
Other books I've read by this author: Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, Storm Glass, Sea Glass. Also the short story “Sword Point” from The Eternal Kiss, and “Mongrel” from Running with the Pack
Next up I will be reviewing Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
Xposted to temporaryworlds, bookish, and goodreads