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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin (UK) Limited for giving me this book to review.
Being the Soul Finder and liaison between Ixia and Sitia has kept Yelena busy and left her little time to spend with Valek. However, on her way to see him she is attacked with a poison arrow, and believes she expels it all. After only spending a few hours together, Valek has to return to Ixia. When he gets back home he has to deal with various problems, firstly to track down who attacked Yelena, secondly to deal with a new assassin, Onora, who wants his job, and finally to stop a smuggling ring between Ixia and Sitia. Meanwhile, after Yelena’s attack she discovers that she has lost her powers and is desperate to get them back as she is vulnerable because an old enemy, Ben Moon, has escaped from prison and is out to get her.
Shadow Study is the amazing new Study book, and it is nice to see these characters and this world again. I like that we have the POV of not just Yelena but also Valek and Janco. It is action packed, full of twists and intrigue, and is just as brilliant as the previous 3 study books.
Yelena has grown up since the previous books but it was nice to see her again and interesting to see how she coped with out her magic after realising how much she relied on it. I really liked that we got to know Valek more, especially about his past, but I did wish the flashbacks were not as often as it took the focus away from the current story. There are lots of well-known characters that are back including Janco, Ari and Leif but also lots of interesting new characters, especially Onora, a young female assassin.
While I saw the twist at the very end coming, I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Night Study. I would recommend Shadow Study to fans of Maria V Snyder’s other books, particularly the first 3 books in the Study series.
Being the Soul Finder and liaison between Ixia and Sitia has kept Yelena busy and left her little time to spend with Valek. However, on her way to see him she is attacked with a poison arrow, and believes she expels it all. After only spending a few hours together, Valek has to return to Ixia. When he gets back home he has to deal with various problems, firstly to track down who attacked Yelena, secondly to deal with a new assassin, Onora, who wants his job, and finally to stop a smuggling ring between Ixia and Sitia. Meanwhile, after Yelena’s attack she discovers that she has lost her powers and is desperate to get them back as she is vulnerable because an old enemy, Ben Moon, has escaped from prison and is out to get her.
Shadow Study is the amazing new Study book, and it is nice to see these characters and this world again. I like that we have the POV of not just Yelena but also Valek and Janco. It is action packed, full of twists and intrigue, and is just as brilliant as the previous 3 study books.
Yelena has grown up since the previous books but it was nice to see her again and interesting to see how she coped with out her magic after realising how much she relied on it. I really liked that we got to know Valek more, especially about his past, but I did wish the flashbacks were not as often as it took the focus away from the current story. There are lots of well-known characters that are back including Janco, Ari and Leif but also lots of interesting new characters, especially Onora, a young female assassin.
While I saw the twist at the very end coming, I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Night Study. I would recommend Shadow Study to fans of Maria V Snyder’s other books, particularly the first 3 books in the Study series.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm so glad there are more books with these characters! I enjoyed this book as much as the first three and am excited to see where this series goes. I definitely recommend both this book and the previous series!
Since Poison Study is my absolute favorite book, Shadow Study has been my most anticipated release since I heard that Maria V. Snyder was writing more about Valek and Yelena.
I could hardly wait to start this book and it did not disappoint. Five stars aren't enough to describe how amazing it was! I was so completely engrossed while reading that I'd often glance up at the clock and be shocked by how much time had passed.
I loved getting the different perspectives of Yelena and Valek and even Janco. A lot more of Valek's past is delved into, which I completely loved!
I felt like the previous books in the series were recapped really well, so even though it had been a while since I'd read most of them, I wasn't lost at all.
There were a lot of shocks along the way and that ending... oh my gosh!!! I can't wait for book two!
I could hardly wait to start this book and it did not disappoint. Five stars aren't enough to describe how amazing it was! I was so completely engrossed while reading that I'd often glance up at the clock and be shocked by how much time had passed.
I loved getting the different perspectives of Yelena and Valek and even Janco. A lot more of Valek's past is delved into, which I completely loved!
I felt like the previous books in the series were recapped really well, so even though it had been a while since I'd read most of them, I wasn't lost at all.
There were a lot of shocks along the way and that ending... oh my gosh!!! I can't wait for book two!
Never a dull moment with this book and Snyder has jumped back into the world of Yelena seamlessly.
In one word I would describe this book as: EPIC!
However I did love the first three books more. I don't know why but I feel like the way the third book ended felt perfect for me and this seems sort of like an "extra", but maybe that's just me since I got so used to this being only a trilogy and I sort of accepted the third book as the end. But anyway, to me, this book lacked something that the first three books did. I don't know if it's because the first three books felt more connected and this feels a little disconnected from the first three, or what? I don't know.
But there is a ton I JUST LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Janco! This guy can make me laugh in the most inappropriate of moments, it's just insane. I liked Janco in the first three books and he hasn't lost his charm in this one.
I also loved seeing Yelena and Leif together and their brother/sister moments. They remind me so much of my relationship with my older brother it's crazy. But I also feel like Leif is more comfortable in his book, he's less serious and standoffish in this book then he was in the previous ones. And I loved seeing this side of him. He's funny and just adorable. And he sure loves to eat.
Also, Valek. Always awesome and still is walking around in his glory of awesomeness.
Another big thing that I loved about this book is that we get to see or hear of characters from the Glass series. It makes it all come together with the two books being messed together.
Overall, this was an awesome read. Could not put it down and it a strong 4.5 star book.
P.S. THAT ENDING IS GOING TO BLOW. YOUR. MIND.!!!!!!
In one word I would describe this book as: EPIC!
However I did love the first three books more. I don't know why but I feel like the way the third book ended felt perfect for me and this seems sort of like an "extra", but maybe that's just me since I got so used to this being only a trilogy and I sort of accepted the third book as the end. But anyway, to me, this book lacked something that the first three books did. I don't know if it's because the first three books felt more connected and this feels a little disconnected from the first three, or what? I don't know.
But there is a ton I JUST LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Janco! This guy can make me laugh in the most inappropriate of moments, it's just insane. I liked Janco in the first three books and he hasn't lost his charm in this one.
I also loved seeing Yelena and Leif together and their brother/sister moments. They remind me so much of my relationship with my older brother it's crazy. But I also feel like Leif is more comfortable in his book, he's less serious and standoffish in this book then he was in the previous ones. And I loved seeing this side of him. He's funny and just adorable. And he sure loves to eat.
Also, Valek. Always awesome and still is walking around in his glory of awesomeness.
Spoiler
and I realized while reading this book, that Valek is around 41... I didn't realize he was that old (not that being in your 40s is that old, but I always pictured him in his 30s, but oh well. He is officially the oldest crush I have!Another big thing that I loved about this book is that we get to see or hear of characters from the Glass series. It makes it all come together with the two books being messed together.
Spoiler
and DEVLEN!! I loved him in the Glass series and I think he was the only one I actually missed from that series, so I LOVE the fact that I get more of him in this book and hopefully in the other books to come. And HE'S A DAD!!! How awesome it that!!Overall, this was an awesome read. Could not put it down and it a strong 4.5 star book.
P.S. THAT ENDING IS GOING TO BLOW. YOUR. MIND.!!!!!!
* I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Well this is a hard book to review. I’ve loved this whole series, and I really enjoyed Shadow Study for the most part. There were a few things that didn’t work for me, but first let me cover what I loved.
I loved Yelena and her stubbornness. I still can’t believe that she forgave some people as quickly as she did, but I can understand because these are people she HAS to trust. I liked this premise of Yelena’s magic being blocked, it’s an interesting concept for a world so full of magic and especially for Yelena who is like a super magic user. I also enjoyed the addition of Valek’s point of view, and even the flashbacks although in my ARC copy those were hard to differentiate from the regular passages. Valek’s side adds a wonderful dimension to the story, and I feel like it’s a better, more realized version with his side. I, of course, loved Ari and Janco, and I also really loved the addition of Onora.
What I didn’t like was all this nonsense with the Commander. I feel just as betrayed as the rest of the crew, because I believed in his fairness. I knew the Commander wasn’t a good person, but at least he always seemed straightforward and now in this book we’re starting to realize all the slimy, backhanded shenanigans he was up too. I don’t like that. I also don’t like the bringing characters back from the dead etc. A new villain would preferable, but I guess I can understand why this one works to the advantage of the book, it just wasn’t something I liked.
I did enjoy this book overall, although the little cliffhanger at the end annoyed me. This is NOT something I want this first book to end on, even though I probably should have seen this twist coming I just didn’t. I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Maria V. Snyder’s writing is still superb it was just a little bit of the execution and basics that I didn’t totally like. This is something that may be cleaned up in the final copy that is actually published. I have a feeling though that this trilogy is going to be good though, and I can’t wait for the next one!
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/02/shadow-study-by-maria-v-snyder-review.html*
Well this is a hard book to review. I’ve loved this whole series, and I really enjoyed Shadow Study for the most part. There were a few things that didn’t work for me, but first let me cover what I loved.
I loved Yelena and her stubbornness. I still can’t believe that she forgave some people as quickly as she did, but I can understand because these are people she HAS to trust. I liked this premise of Yelena’s magic being blocked, it’s an interesting concept for a world so full of magic and especially for Yelena who is like a super magic user. I also enjoyed the addition of Valek’s point of view, and even the flashbacks although in my ARC copy those were hard to differentiate from the regular passages. Valek’s side adds a wonderful dimension to the story, and I feel like it’s a better, more realized version with his side. I, of course, loved Ari and Janco, and I also really loved the addition of Onora.
What I didn’t like was all this nonsense with the Commander. I feel just as betrayed as the rest of the crew, because I believed in his fairness. I knew the Commander wasn’t a good person, but at least he always seemed straightforward and now in this book we’re starting to realize all the slimy, backhanded shenanigans he was up too. I don’t like that. I also don’t like the bringing characters back from the dead etc. A new villain would preferable, but I guess I can understand why this one works to the advantage of the book, it just wasn’t something I liked.
I did enjoy this book overall, although the little cliffhanger at the end annoyed me. This is NOT something I want this first book to end on, even though I probably should have seen this twist coming I just didn’t. I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Maria V. Snyder’s writing is still superb it was just a little bit of the execution and basics that I didn’t totally like. This is something that may be cleaned up in the final copy that is actually published. I have a feeling though that this trilogy is going to be good though, and I can’t wait for the next one!
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/02/shadow-study-by-maria-v-snyder-review.html*
WOOOOOOO! Back to Yelena! Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the foray into Opal and Devlen’s world, but it’s so nice to be back to where it all began.
Now, before we start, I just want to reiterate the importance of reading the short stories that were listed at the end of the Fire Study post. They will make ALL of the difference before you go gallivanting off into the Sitian / Ixian wilderness. Also, I amended the list just before posting this, so make sure you recheck it: one of the short stories that sat above Shadow Study should really be read before the events of Storm Glass.
You may have noticed that Snyder has changed up her writing style slightly for the short stories, dedicating one chapter to Yelena in the first person, and then following it up by writing through Valek and Janco in the third person. It was strange to start with, but I think it really works in this trilogy as there are so many different facets to the plot here that it really works to keep everyone abreast of the situations. It was also a good way to show how Valek’s background has affected the person he is today, and the way that magic affects Janco – as this is very different to Yelena and Valek’s experiences. I think it also added a deeper element to the story not just focusing on Yelena’s point of view.
Valek’s background is quite interesting, and seems to have vital clues to the main plot line of this book as there are quite a few parallels. One of the parallels is the introduction of a new character, Onara. Onara is different to everyone else, yet feels eerily similar at the same time. We are unsure of her motivations at this point, but you can’t help but feel that we could be looking at another Yelena, if Poison Study had been written from the third person instead of Yelena’s point of view.
Overall there is a nice flow to the story that is carried on from the original Study trilogy, Glass trilogy and the ‘in-between-the-novel’ stories. You really understand the background, and while not exactly seamless, there are fillers for any parts that have been over looked.
I must say the cliff hanger ending was something I had been thinking about since chapter five, so while predictable, I still found it exciting (what can I say, I’m a sucker for this after seven books and three short stories!).
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ – 9/10 hearts
Now, before we start, I just want to reiterate the importance of reading the short stories that were listed at the end of the Fire Study post. They will make ALL of the difference before you go gallivanting off into the Sitian / Ixian wilderness. Also, I amended the list just before posting this, so make sure you recheck it: one of the short stories that sat above Shadow Study should really be read before the events of Storm Glass.
You may have noticed that Snyder has changed up her writing style slightly for the short stories, dedicating one chapter to Yelena in the first person, and then following it up by writing through Valek and Janco in the third person. It was strange to start with, but I think it really works in this trilogy as there are so many different facets to the plot here that it really works to keep everyone abreast of the situations. It was also a good way to show how Valek’s background has affected the person he is today, and the way that magic affects Janco – as this is very different to Yelena and Valek’s experiences. I think it also added a deeper element to the story not just focusing on Yelena’s point of view.
Valek’s background is quite interesting, and seems to have vital clues to the main plot line of this book as there are quite a few parallels. One of the parallels is the introduction of a new character, Onara. Onara is different to everyone else, yet feels eerily similar at the same time. We are unsure of her motivations at this point, but you can’t help but feel that we could be looking at another Yelena, if Poison Study had been written from the third person instead of Yelena’s point of view.
Overall there is a nice flow to the story that is carried on from the original Study trilogy, Glass trilogy and the ‘in-between-the-novel’ stories. You really understand the background, and while not exactly seamless, there are fillers for any parts that have been over looked.
I must say the cliff hanger ending was something I had been thinking about since chapter five, so while predictable, I still found it exciting (what can I say, I’m a sucker for this after seven books and three short stories!).
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ – 9/10 hearts
I loved this book! I love the Ixia/Sitian world and this book did not disappoint!
Spoiler
I think she does not have her magic is because she is pregnant. Valek is immune to magic so there is a possibility that the baby has those properties!!!Spoiler
I want to read the next book ASAP!!!!
I am so happy to have more Yelena and Valek 😍. I have never been a fan of changing POV from chapter to chapter but I understand why it was needed.