It's high tide for fans of Elizabethtown fantasy writer Maria V. Snyder. The second book in her series about the magical young glass blower Opal Cowan washed ashore Sept. 1.

"My publisher decided to release 'Sea Glass' a mere 4 months after 'Storm Glass!' " the first book in her second series, Snyder jotted in a note clipped to her new 379-page paperback from MIRA Books.

Though the book's a bit late for beach reading, those following the fortunes of the graduating magician will be pleased by the short wait.

In the first book, Opal, defending herself from harm, discovered a unique ability to sap the power of other magicians. This has electrified both the power structure and the power-hungry, and it looks as if Opal faces life as either prisoner or pawn in Book 2.

She tries to reveal some hard truths about evil magic, which magical authorities refuse to believe. Even those closest to her doubt her. The social order of Sitia could collapse if Opal can't make others believe reality.

The book sees Opal change from trusting and submissive to assertive, believing in her own ability and responsibility. This recurring coming-of-age theme may be one reason Snyder's books are often shelved in the young-adult section of bookstores.

"I envisioned myself as a piece of thick sea glass. Worn by water and sand, I was no longer shiny and new. Innocence and naiveté rubbed off by life, I had broken off from the rest and tumbled in the waves by myself."

Well, not entirely by herself. The 20-year-old is cherished by a certain handsome Stormdancer, loved by a former tormentor, and tormented by a former lover.

If she's a little reckless in her urgency, that makes for more action incorporating her newly acquired skills with switchblade and lock picks. She's no spineless jellyfish, that's for sure.

In the end, Opal is transformed in a surprisingly radical way that sets her apart in magical society.

"High tides, low tides, storms, sand and mistakes all contributed to the polishing process. Though difficult to endure at the time, the demanding elements helped smooth the surface, transforming one into a better person, not worse. A person who learned from the harsh environment, who knew the storm would end, and she felt confident she would still be in one piece," Snyder writes.

The book's last page notes, "Another adventure lies ahead for Opal. Check back in fall 2011." Snyder says on her Web site, http://mariavsnyder.com, that year should be 2010.

And who knows? Maybe high tides will again bring a gift from the sea earlier than expected.