Burning Glass
Ratings4
Average rating3
15
Ratings4
Average rating3
Red Queen meets Shadow and Bone in a debut fantasy about a girl forced to use her gift for sensing—and absorbing—other people’s feelings to protect the empire from assassins. Steeped in intrigue and betrayal, Burning Glass captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s quest for redemption. In Riaznin, it’s considered an honor for Auraseers like Sonya—girls with a rare form of synesthesia—to serve as the emperor’s personal protector, constantly scanning for feelings of malice and bloodlust in the court. But Sonya would rather be free. After the queen’s murder and a tragic accident, Sonya is hauled off to the palace to guard a charming yet volatile new ruler. But Sonya’s power is reckless and hard to control. She’s often carried away by the intense passion of others. And when a growing rebellion forces Sonya to side with either the emperor who trusts her or his mysterious brother, the crown prince, Sonya realizes she may be the key to saving the empire—or its greatest threat.
Series
3 primary booksBurning Glass is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2016 with contributions by Kathryn Purdie.
Reviews with the most likes.
WOW. Just finished reading and not totally sure what to say yet but WOW. I'll post a full review closer to release, but if you're a fan of YA Fantasy seriously add this one to your TBR lists.
My only regret in reading this is I need the sequel and the first book hasn't even been published yet. The struggle.
Full review:
Right from the start, Burning Glass drew me in with probably one of the most intense first chapters I've read in a long time.
Burning Glass is the type of book that grabs you by the throat from the first page and doesn't let go until the end. With fascinating court politics, very complicated characters (and no pure evil antagonist), intense conflict and so many fascinating layers of world building, I really loved reading this. The world vaguely reminded me of a Shadow and Bone Russia-type setting, but the magic was completely unique and soooooo interesting to read about. I loved some characters, hated others, was suspicious of many more and all in all really enjoyed reading this.
I will say there was one background mythology and a throwaway line about it that was kind of ableist, that I didn't love, and the love triangle didn't work for me in that one character was...not a viable option to me at all for spoilery reasons. But neither of those points ruined the book for me, personally, and I still found it a very enjoyable read.
Overall, Burning Glass is a wonderfully written, very exciting and emotional YA Fantasy, and I can't wait to read the next book.
Diversity note: Sadly, I don't remember there being much of any.
