Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Set in the same universe as her previous "Study" trilogy this novel presents us with the young glassmaker who appeared in "Magic Study". Opal Cowan crafts glass animals that the magicians can use to send messages across distances. Opal has spent the last four years at the Keep learning to be a magician. The only place she's comfortable is at the glassmaker's kiln. Then she learns that the orbs of the Stormdancers are shattering and killing the Stormdancer as they do so. Opal is sent along with Master Magician Zitora to discover what the problem is with the orbs. The two women run into an ambush but are able to escape, although these same men will be a problem for them several times in the novel.Opal will need her father's help to discover the cause of the shattering glass but she wins the trust of the Stormdancers. She will discover her growing powers, romance and betrayal before the end of the book. I was glad to discover that this is book #1 - that means that more are on their way. This is an interesting and exciting world that Maria V. Snyder has created and I would very much enjoy more of it.