The Fearless Reader: Happy Paperback Book Birthday to Burning Glass! Also, are you excited for Crystal Blade? Because I am!

The thrilling second installment in the Burning Glass series comes out this fall and I'm so EXCITED!!! I loved this story from the first sentence to the last pages. Sonya and Anton hold such an special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see where Purdie is going to take this story line next. But before we get into the Crystal Blade, let's take a look at Burning Glass. Also today is the day you can get the paperback, so be sure to snag yourself a copy!

Her gift is the Empire's Curse.

Sonya was born with a 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. But when a tragic accident pushes her into the spotlight, 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. But Sonya's power is untamed and reckless, and she can'e always decipher where 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 the charming-yet-violent Emperor Valko and his idealistic younger brother, Prince Anton. But when threats of revolution pit the two brothers against each other, Sonya must choose which brother to trust--and which to betray.

Seeped in intrigue and treachery, debut author Kathryn Purdie's stunning new fantasy trilogy captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl's quest of redemption.

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate this map! It's so pretty!

...amazing, gorgeous! I can't get over it!

If you'd like to see my thoughts on Burning Glass, click here.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The book of the hour, Crystal Blade!

The peace is unsustainable.

Sonya and Anton may have brought about a revolution, but can they protect their homeland—and their love—with so many forces threatening to tear them apart?

The empire has fallen, Valko faces trial, and Sonya is finally free from her fate as Sovereign Auraseer. But Sonya's expanding abilities are just as unstable as the new government of Riaznin—and her relationship with Anton. Not only can she feel the emotions of others but, unlike other Auraseers, she's learned to make others feel her emotions as well. And Sonya isn't immune to dark temptations.

Now, as Sonya fights to contain her own darkness, she senses a new evil lurking in the shadows of the palace. Someone from Sonya's past has returned. And that someone won't be satisfied until Sonya pays for the mistakes she's made.

Releases on August 15th!

My thoughts so far...

YASSSS!!! This book is either going to make me, or kill me. I'm so curious to see who is returning from Sonya's past, and I can't wait to see Sonya and Anton's relationship. Also what the heck is going to happen to Valko!? I can't wait to see what Purdie has in store for her readers, and also I can't wait to return to Riaznin and see whats-a-brewin!