Book Review: Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie

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Burning Glass
Burning Glass #1
Author: Kathryn Purdie
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: March 1st 2016
Review Source: Katherine Tegen Books

 

Sonya was born with the rare gift to feel what those around her feel—both physically and emotionally—a gift she’s kept hidden from the empire for seventeen long years. After a reckless mistake wipes out all the other girls with similar abilities, Sonya is hauled off to the palace and forced to serve the emperor as his sovereign Auraseer.

Tasked with sensing the intentions of would-be assassins, Sonya is under constant pressure to protect the emperor. One mistake, one small failure, will cost her own life and the lives of the few people left in the world who still trust her.

But Sonya’s power is untamed and reckless, her feelings easily usurped, and she sometimes can’t decipher when other people’s impulses end and her own begin. In a palace full of warring emotions and looming darkness, Sonya fears that the biggest danger to the empire may be herself.

As she struggles to wrangle her abilities, Sonya seeks refuge in her tenuous alliances with the volatile Emperor Valko and his idealistic younger brother, Anton, the crown prince. But when threats of revolution pit the two brothers against each other, Sonya must choose which brother to trust—and which to betray.

BURNING GLASS is debut author Kathryn Purdie’s stunning tale of dangerous magic, heart-rending romance, and the hard-won courage it takes to let go.

The moment you start a book and you want to love it but at the end of story, the mark was short to the line. And you get mad at yourself because the story is good bit it wasn't what you expected? Well, that's how I feel with Burning Glass.

I love the concept of the story. I like the whole Auraseers, people with the ability to feel one's true intention, idea. I mean, how could is that? Yet the main character who happens to be an auraseer isn't really good with her ability. At the point in which you start to questioned her ability. Sure, one is not perfect and is allow to make mistake... However, there is a thing called common sense... Anyways, not only was I questioning Sonya's ability but I never felt connected with her. I think her character wasn't developed well enough. I still feel like I never met the true Sonya, even after finishing her story.

One of my favorite things about Burning Glass and the reason why I felt cheated with the story is The Emperor, Valko. He is such a complex character. He kept me on my toes and I never knew what he would do next. I wish there were more parts with him. Instead the story was more focus on Sonya's ability... or lack of. Also, the romance but I will not go there. All you need to know is, it was a mess.

Overall, I like the story but I still feel cheated. I really wanted more of Valko. He needs a novella. However, I didn't realize this is a series, so I am hoping to get more of him ;)