Maria V. Snyder’s Spy Glass is the final book in the Glass trilogy. After sacrificing her magic to stop Ulrick and the other blood magic magicians, Opal is now moping around her parents’ house helping them prepare for the upcoming wedding. For two months, she has been stagnant, wondering what to do with her newfound magic immunity and missing the energy that once flews through her veins. It isn’t until she receives a friendly visit that she realizes something is missing. While she was held captive in Hubal, her captors stole her blood. What happened to it and can it be used to return her lost powers?
Opal has grown a lot over the past few books. She came into the series unsure of herself, thinking of herself of a one-trick magician. Then, her powers began to manifest, commanding attention and shaping the future of magic. However, she wasn’t emotionally ready to take control of her future. It wasn’t until the second book that she starts to gain confidence in herself. She becomes more independent and begins to advocate for herself and her future, but becomes so independent that she no longer trusts others. Now, in the final book, Opal has found the middle ground between open trust and isolation. She is kind and caring, but only trusts a select few with her secrets. She is willing to leave everything to save someone in need, but she now knows when to call for help and to rely on others. Opal’s latest and final challenge is to figure out who she is and what she wants. With her magical immunity, combat skill, and kind heart, she must decide what she wants to do with her gifts and what she will let define her.
Spy Glass is another great novel by Maria V. Snyder. Like many of the books in the Glass series, the pacing can vary, juxtaposing meandering monotony with fast-paced action sequences. Although this book had its fair share of slow scenes, Opal had a clear and direct goal throughout, causing the scenes to become much more bearable and more exciting. There is a steady build of tension throughout the novel, before exponentially rocketing upwards in intensity towards the end.
While the book fails to explore more of Sitia, it revisits familiar places, uncovering the darkness and corruption within some and deepening the bonds in others. The book places a lot of importance on the deepening of bonds, building on the memories made in these places and growing established friendships. Each of her friends play a role in supporting her and guiding her as she figures out her long term plans. Nick, Eve, and Janco continue to provide a foundation for her, ready to help when necessary. Yelana breezes in to offer advice, while her family is always there to support her. Opal even receives more of our old Ixian friends to provide mentorship and support roles in her life (One Ixian in particular made this book for me). All of them work to guide and shape the lost soul until she eventually can stand on her own two feet and proclaim her position with confidence.
However, there is one relationship that always seems to be in flux: the romantic relationship. Ever since Sea Glass, Opal has been finding herself more and more attracted to Devlen, the man who kidnapped and tortured her for blood magic (twice). Most people would immediately draw a line in the sand and never speak to that person again but not Opal. This is extremely uncomfortable for a lot of readers, especially since everyone had already settled on Kade as the chosen romantic interest. The entire romantic subplot in this book is distasteful and more than a little off-putting.
It would also be prudent to mention that the book goes to some very dark places. There mention of emotional and physical manipulation as well as rape. It is an extremely bad situation that the book doesn’t handle particularly poorly or particularly well either. While the book’s plot and characters make it another powerhouse, the romantic subplot and dark subjects leave a bitter aftertaste.
I give this 476 page book 4 stars.
Glass Series
After Yelena's adventure that opened diplomatic relations between Ixia and Sitria, it is time for Opal Cowan's story.