Praise for New York Times bestselling author
MARIA V. SNYDER
âThis is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after theyâve read it.â
âPublishers Weekly, starred review, on Poison Study
âThis rare sequel to live up to the promise of its predecessor, Magic Study is a wonderful combination of romance and fantasy.â âAudible.com Editorâs Pick: Best of 2006, Romance
âSnyder delivers another excellent adventure, deftly balancing international and local hostilities against Yelenaâs personal struggles.â
âPublishers Weekly on Fire Study
âWith new magic and new people introduced in Storm Glass, Ms Snyder has a fertile new landscape to mine for us. I cannot wait.â âFallen Angel Reviews, a Recommended Read
âA compelling new fantasy series.â
âSFX magazine on Sea Glass
âInside Out surprised and touched me on so many levels. Itâs a wonderful, thoughtful book full of vivid characters and a placeâInsideâthat is by turn alien and heart-breakingly familiar. Maria V. Snyder is one of my favourite authors, and sheâs done it again!â âNew York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine
Also by New York Times bestselling author
Maria V. Snyder
The Chronicles of Ixia
POISON STUDY
MAGIC STUDY FIRE STUDY STORM GLASS SEA GLASS SPY GLASS
The Insider series
INSIDE OUT
OUTSIDE IN
Avry of Kazan series
TOUCH OF POWER
SCENT OF MAGIC
www.miraink.co.uk
For Bob Mecoy, agent extraordinaire.
Without your encouragement and frequent feedback on this one, it would never have been finished.
A huge thank-you to my husband, Rodney, and children, Luke and Jenna. Their encouragement and support never wavers.
During the writing of my books, Iâm thankful to have a wonderful network of supporters. My critique partner, Kimberley J. Howe, is always willing to read and comment on my first drafts. My friend Judi Fleming has encouraged me in many ways. Our contest to see who could write the most words in a day was what I needed to finish the story. Thanks for the incentive and the wine!
After visits to Harlequinâs Toronto, New York City and London offices, I was amazed to learn how many people are involved in getting my manuscript transformed into a published book. I like to thank them all for their hard work and effort on my books!
My excellent editor, Mary-Theresa Hussey, thankfully continues to give me invaluable advice and inspiration. Thanks to Elizabeth Mazer, a vital member of our team.
The art department has done a fantastic job with this bright cover. Many thanks to all the talented artists, designers and photographers for your creative efforts.
A special thank you to my friend Kathy Flowers. She arranged for me to take a tour of a maximum security prison and then played tour guide for the day. It was an enlightening experience and a bit scary as we mingled with the inmates. And a shout out to the Black Sergeant, visitor number one-three-six-five thanks you for your time.
And a huge thanks to my massive army of Book Commandos! Your efforts have helped in spreading the word about my books. Special mention to those who have gone above and beyond the call to duty: Louise Bateman, Justin Boyer, Elizabeth Earhart, Michelle Gottier, Jane Gov, Jimmy Grogan, Jen Grzebien, Kelley Hartsell, Kate Ladd, Heather Lloyd, Denise Löchtermann, James Pellow, Kelly Plaia, Erica Rowe, Greg Schauer, Laura Schibinger, Jessica Scott, Larry Smith, Ashlen Stevenson, Julie Walsh and Sarah Weir. Valek may try to recruit you to his team.
CROUCHING IN THE DARKNESS OF THE CLOSET, I STILLED as footsteps approached. My instincts screamed to run. I stared at the thin ribbon of light under the door, shadows of shoes paused. I silently urged them to walk away. All I wanted was one day of peace. One day. The knob turned. No luck. With a whoosh of fresh air, my hiding spot was exposed.
âFor sandâs sake, Opal, what are you doing in there?â my mother asked.
I suppressed a sigh. The truthâhiding from herâwouldnât help. âLooking for my boots?â
Her scowl deepened as she pushed back a lock of graying hair. âTheyâre on your feet.â
I straightened. âOhâ¦yesâ¦well.â
âCome. There are a thousand things we need to do, and youâre wasting time.â She shooed me through my room and downstairs to the kitchen. âSit and read me the guest list while I cook lunch.â
My gaze swept the long wooden table filled with paper, swatches of fabric, lace, sequins, sewing patterns and half-completed decorationsâenough clutter to force us to eat in our formal dining room. I cursed my sister Mara under my breath. Before returning to work at the Magicianâs Keepâs glass shop, Mara had asked our mother to plan her and Leifâs wedding, trusting her with everything. Smart girl. She remained a safe five-day journey away from Motherâs all-consuming new passion.
When I failed to sit at the table, she stabbed a spoon at the chair. âGuest list, Opal.â
âYouâve been over it a hundred times.â