Thornlost (Glass Thorns)
In this third book of the Glass Thorns series, the author continues to build the story of Touchstone, a troupe of theater actors. This is no ordinary troupe, as each member needs to be able to handle special forms of magic, which enables the audience to be completely enthralled by the play through all their senses. Cade, the tregetour, is both a playwright and a magicwielder, a mix of human wizard, elf, and fae. Because of his heritage, he is also able to see glimpses of possible futures of those around him, a dangerous but sometimes useful ability. Cade sees glimpses of dark schemes that are being played out in the Royal Court. In a world where almost no one can claim to have pure blood, a rival theater group is presenting plays that make nonhumans feel less than equal. The story is a fascinating look at the power that theater, and the entertainment industry in general, can have on society as a whole and explores the idea that not all plays are performed on a stage for public consumption. --Rebecca Gerber