Crystal Blade

June 15, 2017
Riaznin is finally free from imperial rule. Valko, the dethroned emperor, is in prison awaiting trial. Sonya is no longer sovereign Auraseer--no longer the empire's property. Anton, Valko's brother and leader of the uprising, is now one of the governors on the nascent Duma, the council set up to oversee Riaznin's new democracy. Peace is still far away, however, as the peasants and the former nobility continue to resent one another while the forces of a neighboring country are charging their way through the countryside toward the vulnerable new government. Sonya not only possesses the Auraseer's ability to sense the emotions of others, she also has the unheard-of ability to manipulate others' emotions. Only Anton and her old Romska friend, Tosya, know she used this ability to influence Valko to abdicate just as his regime was on the verge of winning the One Day War. Unfortunately, enemies past and present also know her secret and threaten to use it against her. The whiny girl Sonya was has been replaced by a strong but flawed woman who owns her convictions. Sonya's first-person narration is filled with descriptions of the emotions of those around her. The effect can be disorienting, but perhaps that's the point. A few minor characters have darker than white skin, and other than the Romani-cognate Romska, the people of Russia-analog Riaznin appear to be white. With this second installment, the Burning Glass trilogy hits its stride. (map) (Fantasy. 12-18)

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July 1, 2017

Gr 9 Up-This follow-up to Burning Glass begins a few weeks after the first book ends, with Sonya and Anton working to build a new government for Riaznin and celebrating their newfound love. Only beginning to develop the strength of her powers, Sonya is fighting to avoid succumbing to the darkness and to push toward the best path for Riaznin. Anton has been elected governor and is working hard for stability, but he is also concerned with hiding the depth of Sonya's powers from others. When Sonya betrays him, what will happen to her, Riaznin, and all she holds dear? The novel is well paced, Rianzin is intriguing, and characters continue to develop, leaving something for readers to discover. Teens will find the same mystery and intrigue as in the last outing, with even more passion and betrayal in this volume. This entry ends in a jaw-dropping cliff-hanger, which will keep fans anticipating the final chapter of the trilogy. VERDICT Avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump, this is an ideal purchase for libraries where the previous installment is popular.-Stephanie Charlefour, formerly at Wixom Public Library, MI

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