Burning Glass (Burning Glass, 1)

This book had long been on my want to review/pre-order list. I loved the description and was right up my alley of things i love to read. it didn’t disappoint!It’s not often I sit and read a book all in one sitting. It’s actually quite rare. this but this book…..! It’s all consuming, just like Sonya’s AuraSeer abilities. It sucks you in and does not let you go. you fall in love with the characters, you hate them, you cheer for them. It’s one of those rare type of books that you JUST CANNOT PUT DOWN AND DO NOT WANT TO.I loved the idea of an Auraseer! as a reader, you go on Sonya’s emotional rollercoaster right along with her all the way through the book. from the beginning, when she starts the fire at the convent, right to the ending, you ride the waves of emotion with Sonya! it kept me very engaged in the book, kept right in my seat!The brothers Anton and Valko both are alluring and dangerous; the way Sonya interacts with them throughout the book is addictive. The three of them form a perfect triumvirate of main characters, with both Anton and Valko being swoon-worthy in their own ways. (though personally, I’m Team Anton!)One of my absolute favourite things about this book was that the world was built on many different types of cultures. I could sense Russian, Chinese, French, and even Slavic tones, which was great. It’s not often you see a world so diverse, but this is no ordinary book. The diversity was a great addition to this consuming world.All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read, loves to be stunned, and loves books like RED QUEEN and THE GRISHA TRILOGY. A definite favorite on my shelves!I never post spoilers in my reviews because I want people to form their own opinions of the story. But GO READ THIS BOOK. you will love it!!

This is my top book of the year. I just finished it last night- unable to put it down, terrified that I would hate the ending- but I didn't.The book starts out with heavy, fast-paced scenes and then slows down. It begins to build from there.Complex, multi-layered characters are drawn and begin to build slowly. They are so well-written, you understand them- their pain, their motivations, their actions.I loved Sonya's character growth throughout the story. How broken she feels in the beginning, and how she finds herself and her strength at the end.I loved the characters of both of the brothers. The author makes us truly understand who they are and what has made them that way. You can feel Why Sonya is drawn to each of them.In the end, the romance is beautifully done and- right. I don't want to give too much away but- some of those moments will stay with me for a long time.I only have two criticisms- this book is nothing like Red Queen- I can see why one would draw similarities- but that book I Hated because there was no character growth- only a bland heroine who just sets herself up to be betrayed horribly- and she is. This is Not that book!The other criticism I have is that there will be a sequel, that this is a trilogy. The ending was too perfect here- I will not read a sequel!

Sonya is an Auraseer, able to read others' emotions, which means by law she belongs to the empire. Her parents' attempt to hide her with traveling Roma caravans failed, and Sonya is immured in a convent where she's supposed to learn how to control her deep empathy. But after a tragic accident leaves Sonya the oldest auraseer in the convent, she's whisked away to the capitol city to take the place of the Sovereign Auraseer (the most recent has been executed for failing to stop the dowager empress's murder).Already the stakes are high--Sonya's life is at stake if she fails to protect the narcissistic, power-hungry young emperor. But they climb even higher as Sonya struggles to disentangle her own feelings from those around her (including those of the emperor), and as she discovers the great disparity between the wealthy nobles and the impoverished peasantry--and a plot to close that gap. Sonya has to decide who she cares for and what she truly values--a decision that may cost her life.I loved the vivid, lush setting of the book (loosely modeled on imperial Russia). And though I didn't always like the choices Sonya made, she was a fascinating character struggling against very real odds and I desperately wanted her to succeed. I loved, too, the romantic intrigue (but I won't spoil it by saying too much about it). Now I just have to wait for book two.

For once, I actually wanted to read a book because of its description — that's right, I actually read the description for this book! Empaths are one of those topics that always entice me, so I knew I wanted to give Burning Glass a try, even though I knew absolutely nothing else about the book, author, hype, etc. This book was a total win!Burning Glass was intense right from the beginning, and I really liked the way that I was led through a series of strong emotions to sort of set the tone for what was to come. I knew I was going to be in for a dark, gritty novel and that the story was going to visit depths one doesn't often see in YA novels. I was hesitantly hooked... But as I kept reading, and reading, those dark claws just kept their hold on me.Here are some of my favorite things about Burning Glass:- The darkness explored in Sonya and other characters- The different types of friendships that evolve among the characters- The "magic" system, if you will (the empaths were fascinating)- The breakneck pace, tempered perfectly with some sweet, soft momentsHere are some things you may not like about Burning Glass:- There is a bit of a love triangle- Some choices made by some characters — possiblyLook, the bottom line is that I absolutely L-O-V-E-D this book, I'm dying to read its sequel, and if you like fantasy, I think you should read it too!

Really enjoyed this book and loved how long it was for a first in the series.A girl who can feel the emotions of others around her, Sonya, is sent to work for the emperor as his 'protector', having to sense any threats after the last the woman in this position failed to do so and was killed. The book explores her relationships towards the emperor and prince as she struggles to battle the many emotions of the people surrounding - something she has always had trouble with and disastrous consequences as a result.I thought the two brothers, emperor Valko and his younger brother Prince Anton, were such interesting characters to see through the view of Sonya, and it wasn't a predictable love story - there's more to Anton than what meets the eye and Valko gave a dark romance tilt to the story.The description and evolving relationships between certain characters kept me reading and I found it difficult to put down at times, especially at particular points when something happens that I really was not expecting!Would definitely recommend if you're in the fantasy/romance mood with a slightly sinister edge - I'll certainly be picking up the next one!

This book was your stereotypical girl trapped in-between loving two princes. The main character wasn’t someone I identified with and I wasn’t a massive fan of her.Normally with a trilogy I find myself desperate to get my hands on the next book, however, I feel I don’t want or need to read the next book.

Ok book

I really enjoyed this book. Although at times it felt rushed, the concept and underlying theme was gripping and totally awe inspiring. I was tearing my hair out in exasperation at some of Sonya's choices and Anton's reluctance to admit his feelings. And Pia, sweet gentle and loving Pia. How my heart aches! Very interesting characters and plot line.

Awesome book. Nice storyline. It's preferable ...