Maria Snyder - Storm Glass

Thanks to my agent, Robert Mecoy, whose help has been invaluable, and to his daughter, Dash, for her wonderful support. Many thanks to Michael Alberstat, Photography, and Allan Davey, Retouching, for this beautiful cover.

For this book I once again enrolled in a variety of glass classes at the Goggle Works. I would like to thank a quartet of teachers and artists who helped me: Helen Tegeler, Sandra Kaye, Karen Lesniak and Louise Mehaffey. I think I’m addicted to glass.

And a continuing heartfelt thanks to my army of Book Commandos! Your efforts in the field are greatly appreciated! Special mention to those who have gone well above and beyond the call of duty: Suzanne Ledford, Alethea Allarey, Patrice de Avila, Elizabeth Darrach, Jeff Young, Heather Tebbs, Megan Knight, Jamie Perry and Jen Runkle. The Commander would be proud.

For those who love maps, I have added a map of the Magician's Keep's buildings. I had drawn a rough sketch to help me when I write, and Chris, my tech-savvy brother-in-law converted it to a nicely labeled map.

Map designed by Christopher Phillips.

Who are your main influences?

Ever since I can remember, I've loved to read. My mother introduced me to the mystery genre and I quickly went from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to Agatha Cristie, Dick Francis, Ed McBain and Robert B. Parker. Dick Francis is my favorite mystery writer, and, I've been told by many that my fast paced, page turning, and cliff hanger chapter endings remind them of Dick Francis' books. I also enjoy writing stories from the first person point of view.

What made you turn to Fantasy?

When I was in high school, my sister, Karen started dating her future husband. Chris introduced me to fantasy and science fiction. He lent me Ursula K. LeGuin's The Lathe of Heaven and, while I still enjoy a good mystery, I've been hooked on fantasy and science fiction ever since.

Where do you do your writing?

In my home office. My husband enjoys woodworking and he has made me a beautiful desk, cabinets, and built-in bookcases all made from cherry wood. The wood is from his father's farm so it has special significance to both of us.

Do you have a particular routine when writing?

Yes. After the kids go to school in the morning, I procrastinate on the computer by answering email and blogging. Then about 10 a.m., I get a fresh cup of tea and write until my kids come home around 3:30 p.m.

What's the most challenging aspect of writing?

All the little details about setting and emotion and description. If I could have it my way - my stories would be all action and dialogue!

If you were to have one special magical power, what would it be?

The ability to heal. I always feel so helpless when someone I love is sick or in pain. And quality of life just isn't good when you're sick. The cliché about health versus prosperity is true for me. I'd rather my family has good health than millions of dollars.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What spare time?:) I enjoy travelling, playing volleyball and reading. And someday, when I have more time, I hope to get back to playing the cello.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do?

Depends on what "it" is—if I could go back to when I was in high school—I would have focused more on the arts. I would have designed my house a little different, and I would have used ALL that time I had before the kids were born to write, write and write. If I had to write Poison Study again, I really wouldn't change that much. Maybe add in a few more elements so I can use them in the fourth book.

She was the strongest magician in Sitia, and the leader of the Sitian Council. Her underworld guide was Ying Lung—a sky dragon. Like all the Master Magicians, Roze could use magic to move objects (including people), to heal or inflict physical harm, to light fires, for mental communication, and to read minds. Reading minds washer strongest skill and she was frequently called to interrogate criminals. Her control of fire was also the best in the land. When she was younger, she used to entertain her fellow students with fire dances—a complex ballet of individual flames set to music.

Roze was born in Robin's Nest, a small town in the Featherstone Clan lands. Her parents died when she was a child and she has no other living relatives. Statuesque, she had a powerful build, amber-colored eyes, and almost black skin. Her hair was pure white and cut into a military buzz cut. She liked to wear long cotton sleeveless dresses. Like all the Master Magicians, Roze never married and has no children.

Was the second most powerful magician in Sitia. As a member of the Sitian Council, he imparts wisdom and knowledge whether the Council members want it or not. His underworld guide is Fei Lian—a wind leopard. His strongest magical skill is mental communication. His range of communication with other magicians is much further than the other Masters. He enjoys history and is the reigning expert in Sitia's long history. He also loves to document current events in Sitia for future generations.

He was born in the Red Hills of the Bloodgood Clan lands. The youngest of three sons, Bain would rather read than play. His fondness for long, brightly colored robes has earned him the nickname of Wizard. His curly white/gray hair is frequently unkempt and messy.

Third most powerful magician in Sitia, Zitora is the youngest of the Masters. Her underworld guide is Kioh Twan—a unicorn. Her strongest magical skill is being able to control other people's minds and bodies. While she won't control a person's mind unless absolutely necessary, she will freeze them for self-defense. She abhors violence and spent much time avoiding the weapons training required for the Keep's students. Zitora is very sweet and has a difficult time earning respect from her fellow magicians and trust from her fellow Masters.

She was born in Booruby, the capital of the Cowan Clan lands. She was raised by her older sister and has no memory of her parents. Her hair is very long and honey-brown in color and matches her skin tone. She has pale yellow-colored eyes and is as cute as a kitten, which doesn't help her in being taken serious.

Last of the Masters in power, Irys brings a serious determination to the Sitian Council. Her underworld guide is Pyong—a hawk, which matches her no nonsense personality. Irys's strongest magic is healing, both mental and physical. She is the only magician able to sneak into Ixia without being caught, and has set up a whole other persona when she's in Ixia as a hawk mistress. She keeps in top physical condition and enjoys hunting with her red-tailed hawks.

Born in the tiny port town of Pearl Bay, Irys is the oldest child of two girls. Her younger sister, Lily is married with four children and lives a few blocks from their parents. Irys has black shoulder-length hair that is always pulled into a severe bun. Her almond-shaped eyes are emerald green and her skin has a beautiful bronze tone.

One of my favorite aspects of writing is doing research. In Poison Study , I studied how to taste foods for certain flavors and textures. With Magic Study, I needed to learn how to ride a horse. Having grown up in Philadelphia, I had zero knowledge about horses. My friend, Susan offered to teach this city girl how to ride her horse, Kiki.