Horn Book (Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

Sonya (Burning Glass) and Anton must combat politics and rebellion as they establish a new democracy. But the biggest threat might be Sonya's empath powers, as the temptation to solve their problems by magical manipulation grows. Sonya can be a frustratingly inconsistent character in this middle book, but the fast-paced action and intrigue will hook readers for the trilogy's final volume.

Kirkus Reviews

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 The whiny girl Sonya was has been replaced by a strong but flawed woman who owns her convictions.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)

School Library Journal (Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

Gr 9 Up-his 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

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Fast-paced and suspenseful, Purdie’s Crystal Blade is everything readers could want in a follow-up to her debut, Burning Glass (HarperCollins, 2016). Book 2 begins after Sonya successfully compels Valko to abdicate Riaznin’s throne, and Sonya, Anton, and the other revolutionaries are celebrating their new freedom. The new government of Riaznin and its people find themselves in very unstable times when external attacks and internal conflicts threaten the freedom and relationships they fought so hard to gain and protect. In order to save her home and those she loves, Sonya begins to draw on the darker aspects of her power and attempts to compel others to submit to her misguided will, resulting in unintended conflict and heartache. Realistically crafted, Purdie’s tale of revolution and a strongly divided economic class society will resonate in today’s turbulent times. While readers may miss out on the relationship depth, backstory, and interpersonal motivations if they do not read the first installment, Crystal Blade can be a dynamic and intricate stand-alone. Purdie successfully depicts the Auraseer power and masterfully illustrates the benefits and repercussions of this gift. The satisfying cliffhanger ending, reminiscent of Maureen Johnson’s The Shades of London series, will leave readers impatiently waiting on the third book. Readers who enjoy revolutionary epics like George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, or magical fantasy like Mindy McGinnis’s Given to the Sea (Penguin Random House, 2017/VOYA April 2017), will flock to Crystal Blade.—JoAnna Schofield.