Reviewed: January 13th, 2024
Released: November 23rd, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy
The Academia, once an elite proving ground for the rulers of the world, has been frozen for centuries. Now its strange slumber has ended, and a new Chancellor, an orange-eyed dragon, has reopened its lecture halls and readied its dorms. In order to thrive once more, however, the Academia needs fresh blood—new students with a passion and talent for learning.
One such student, Robin, has the perfect recruit in mind: his friend Raven, an orphan who lives in the dangerous Warrens. Robin grew up in the Warrens, and he wouldn’t have made it if not for Raven. He knows she’ll be safe at the Academia, where her unusual gifts can be appreciated.
But when students start turning up dead, the campus threatens to collapse completely. Raven and Robin will not let that happen to their new home…if they can survive long enough to figure out who—or what—is trying to kill them.
Helen’s Thoughts: 5/5
Shards of Glass is set in the world of Elantra, a side story to the main ‘Cast in’ series. Set in the same world this book focuses on the newly recovered Academia and the new chancellor, the Dragon, Lannagaros.
It’s nice to find out more about some of the cohort, though we see Teela briefly, Kaylin is only mentioned and Severn not at all. This story focuses on Robin, and it would probably help if you read Book 16, Cast in Wisdom, prior, to get the backstory of how the Academia came to be.
Nevertheless, this book does stand on its own. Robin was plucked from the warrens and trapped in the Academia. He is now free and regards the Academia as home. He thinks it would be an ideal home, a safe home, for his friend Raven, who he left behind in the warrens. She has been his friend, his protector since he was a child, and for once, he wants to return the favour.
Only, not is all that it seems, as usual. People are dying in the Academia, in an attempt to weaken Killianas, the sentient being at the centre of the Academia. Robin’s safe home, is not so safe, but it’s a home he doesn’t want lose.
Loved the book and the characters. Robin and Raven are both wonderful characters with hidden secrets and unravelling them is suitably complicated and mysterious. Sagara writes deep and complex political intrigue, and this book is no exception. I love how she plays with words and delves into all their possible meanings.
Another wonderful addition to the world of Elantra.
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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