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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Yelena, once so scared of magic grew dependent on her powers, and she realize when they are suddenly gone. A weird attack rendered her powerless and feeling oddly vulnerable. How did she live all those years so defenseless before she discovered her powers? She must keep it a secret though because many of her enemies would jump on this opportunity to put an end to her life.
I have been waiting for years for another Yelena & Valek book and I was so happy when Maria announced she’s working on a new series featuring them. As much as I loved this novel, and I’ll tell you all about it later, I’m afraid the years between the releases ( 7 since the last study book, 5 since the last Glass book) played hell on my memory and I grew frustrated about all the details I had forgotten. To avoid this situation, I would suggest you reread the books before you get to Shadow Study, if it’s something that would bother you too.
Yelena gained quite the reputation as the Soulfinder and liaison between Ixia and Sitia. She is almost bigger than life if you listen to all the gossip, so fer her to be suddenly powerless and away from Valek was quite the challenge. I loved that even though giving in to despair was tempting, she never gave up and fought back with everything she had. This girl just doesn’t have it in her to hide and wait it out. The mystery surrounding her magic’s disappearance is quite thick, and I’m afraid we’ll have to wait for the next never to really know what actually happened. Thankfully, Snyder pointed us the culprit, which make the tension barely, but barely. I really want to know how that person did it!
My favorite aspect of this novel, and by far, are all the visit to Valek’s past. What happened in his youth, how he became an assassin, his struggles, meeting with the commander and finally, killing the king. I was completely mesmerized by those bit of tales speckled all over the book and I was craving the next one again and again. I admired his focus, determination and resourcefulness. Really, Ari & Janco can only dream of being that good, I was thoroughly impressed.
Fans will be happy to know many old friends -and foes- are featured in this novel. A peculiar new character is also introduced, and she is bound to leave you scratching your head in wonder.
The plot if of course filled with intrigue, battles and twist & turns. I never would have guessed the extend of the different betrayals taking place in this book, and I can’t wait to see all the consequences in the next novel, Night Study, expected in 2016.
If I had one complaint to formulate, can we please have Yelena and Valek together?? They were apart the whole time! *pouts*
I have been waiting for years for another Yelena & Valek book and I was so happy when Maria announced she’s working on a new series featuring them. As much as I loved this novel, and I’ll tell you all about it later, I’m afraid the years between the releases ( 7 since the last study book, 5 since the last Glass book) played hell on my memory and I grew frustrated about all the details I had forgotten. To avoid this situation, I would suggest you reread the books before you get to Shadow Study, if it’s something that would bother you too.
Yelena gained quite the reputation as the Soulfinder and liaison between Ixia and Sitia. She is almost bigger than life if you listen to all the gossip, so fer her to be suddenly powerless and away from Valek was quite the challenge. I loved that even though giving in to despair was tempting, she never gave up and fought back with everything she had. This girl just doesn’t have it in her to hide and wait it out. The mystery surrounding her magic’s disappearance is quite thick, and I’m afraid we’ll have to wait for the next never to really know what actually happened. Thankfully, Snyder pointed us the culprit, which make the tension barely, but barely. I really want to know how that person did it!
My favorite aspect of this novel, and by far, are all the visit to Valek’s past. What happened in his youth, how he became an assassin, his struggles, meeting with the commander and finally, killing the king. I was completely mesmerized by those bit of tales speckled all over the book and I was craving the next one again and again. I admired his focus, determination and resourcefulness. Really, Ari & Janco can only dream of being that good, I was thoroughly impressed.
Fans will be happy to know many old friends -and foes- are featured in this novel. A peculiar new character is also introduced, and she is bound to leave you scratching your head in wonder.
The plot if of course filled with intrigue, battles and twist & turns. I never would have guessed the extend of the different betrayals taking place in this book, and I can’t wait to see all the consequences in the next novel, Night Study, expected in 2016.
If I had one complaint to formulate, can we please have Yelena and Valek together?? They were apart the whole time! *pouts*
I am so glad Maria V. Snyder decided to write another book!!
Reading this made me realize how good the previous three books actually where. I think I was too young and inexperienced when I read them, and I couldn't truly appreaciate how good Snyder is at writing fantasy. Poison study was one of the first fantasy books I read, and now after having read a fair bit of others I realize she does it so much better.
This book had no boring moments, and I think this rarely ever happens for me. Especially when it's fantasy. However, I don't think I can say much more about the plot.
I still love Yelena and Valek and their relationship. They work so well together and I really enjoy the dynamics between them. I also enjoy that they are so much older than the regular YA characters. I don't remember, or now if it's even stated, how old they actually are. But I am guessing in their mid-twenties or something like that. So I felt like this is closer to my own age and life situation, and I really enjoyed that (which for sure is a sign that I should get into NA soon...).
Lastly I have to gosh about the "twist" at the end! Aaaaaaaaaaw! That was exactly what I needed. I can't wait to read the next book. However with caution, because if it takes a bad turn I will go into deep depression. You hear that, Maria! Nobody is dying and nobody is getting hurt!
Reading this made me realize how good the previous three books actually where. I think I was too young and inexperienced when I read them, and I couldn't truly appreaciate how good Snyder is at writing fantasy. Poison study was one of the first fantasy books I read, and now after having read a fair bit of others I realize she does it so much better.
This book had no boring moments, and I think this rarely ever happens for me. Especially when it's fantasy. However, I don't think I can say much more about the plot.
I still love Yelena and Valek and their relationship. They work so well together and I really enjoy the dynamics between them. I also enjoy that they are so much older than the regular YA characters. I don't remember, or now if it's even stated, how old they actually are. But I am guessing in their mid-twenties or something like that. So I felt like this is closer to my own age and life situation, and I really enjoyed that (which for sure is a sign that I should get into NA soon...).
Lastly I have to gosh about the "twist" at the end! Aaaaaaaaaaw! That was exactly what I needed. I can't wait to read the next book. However with caution, because if it takes a bad turn I will go into deep depression. You hear that, Maria! Nobody is dying and nobody is getting hurt!
*Review also appears on: SceneSisters blog*
Book: Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Published: 12th March 2015
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Pages: 410
Rating: 4/5 stars
Following on from her widely successful Chronicles of Ixia series, this book takes readers back to the lands of Sitia and Ixia, and revisits the characters of Yelena and Valek (amongst others), following their progress since the events of the previous books.
Coming into reading this book, I was a bit daunted. I must confess - I had never read the Chronicles of Ixia series (Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study, respectively) - I know, I regret my choices. So, starting this book, I wondered if I would be able to pick up the story successfully, and whether the characters would resonate with me, considering I had not had previous experience with reading about them. Would everything make sense, or would I find myself swimming in a sea of new names, places, backstories, subplots and be totally lost?
Well, if, like me, you have the same reservations when it comes to starting this series, I would strongly urge you to dispel your doubts. The book is definitely able to be read by a complete newbie to the series (like me) and the author very kindly reminds readers of the key events of the previous books in a way that is not overbearing or condescending - but rather, the writing helpfully relays key points which allows the reader to refresh their grasp on the series. I found myself picking up the story very quickly, which is a testament to the ability of Snyder to make this book accessible to all readers.
When it comes to the characters, despite not knowing much about Yelena to begin with (completely my own fault), I found myself really liking her and she came across as a very real, and complex character. She's not your typical perfect-at-everything character, she has flaws, but not so many that you begin to question her actual competence. As for Valek, I really enjoyed reading his relationship with Yelena, and although there is romance in this book - between Yelena and Valek - this is not overbearing, and most of the book focuses on the characters in their own right.
Some of my favourite parts of the book focused on the backstories of the characters - namely Valek - and I really enjoyed reading about his past and how he came to be where he is now. For someone who didn't know much about Valek going into this book, these sections really helped aid my understanding and added a multitude of layers to his character, which ultimately cemented him as my favourite character in the book.
I also enjoyed the change of perspective - the story is told by three characters, and alternates between them - Yelena, Valek, and Janco. The perspective change helped to alter the pace and keep the story fluid without becoming stagnant or boring, which I especially appreciated. I also enjoyed the introduction of a few new characters (Onora was a highlight) and I am interested to see where the story will go in the next addition to the series.
There was nothing major that I did not enjoy in this series, however the reason I am not awarding it 5 stars is that I feel like the story didn't grab me until perhaps half way through, although this is understandable as the writer has to set up the plot first, and I'm sure this will be resolved for the second novel in the series.
Ultimately, this is a very enjoyable read with two very likable lead characters, and an engaging story (once it gets going). It is easily accessible to readers who have not picked up the Chronicles of Ixia series before, and therefore receives a solid 4 stars.
Book: Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Published: 12th March 2015
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Pages: 410
Rating: 4/5 stars
Following on from her widely successful Chronicles of Ixia series, this book takes readers back to the lands of Sitia and Ixia, and revisits the characters of Yelena and Valek (amongst others), following their progress since the events of the previous books.
Coming into reading this book, I was a bit daunted. I must confess - I had never read the Chronicles of Ixia series (Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study, respectively) - I know, I regret my choices. So, starting this book, I wondered if I would be able to pick up the story successfully, and whether the characters would resonate with me, considering I had not had previous experience with reading about them. Would everything make sense, or would I find myself swimming in a sea of new names, places, backstories, subplots and be totally lost?
Well, if, like me, you have the same reservations when it comes to starting this series, I would strongly urge you to dispel your doubts. The book is definitely able to be read by a complete newbie to the series (like me) and the author very kindly reminds readers of the key events of the previous books in a way that is not overbearing or condescending - but rather, the writing helpfully relays key points which allows the reader to refresh their grasp on the series. I found myself picking up the story very quickly, which is a testament to the ability of Snyder to make this book accessible to all readers.
When it comes to the characters, despite not knowing much about Yelena to begin with (completely my own fault), I found myself really liking her and she came across as a very real, and complex character. She's not your typical perfect-at-everything character, she has flaws, but not so many that you begin to question her actual competence. As for Valek, I really enjoyed reading his relationship with Yelena, and although there is romance in this book - between Yelena and Valek - this is not overbearing, and most of the book focuses on the characters in their own right.
Some of my favourite parts of the book focused on the backstories of the characters - namely Valek - and I really enjoyed reading about his past and how he came to be where he is now. For someone who didn't know much about Valek going into this book, these sections really helped aid my understanding and added a multitude of layers to his character, which ultimately cemented him as my favourite character in the book.
I also enjoyed the change of perspective - the story is told by three characters, and alternates between them - Yelena, Valek, and Janco. The perspective change helped to alter the pace and keep the story fluid without becoming stagnant or boring, which I especially appreciated. I also enjoyed the introduction of a few new characters (Onora was a highlight) and I am interested to see where the story will go in the next addition to the series.
There was nothing major that I did not enjoy in this series, however the reason I am not awarding it 5 stars is that I feel like the story didn't grab me until perhaps half way through, although this is understandable as the writer has to set up the plot first, and I'm sure this will be resolved for the second novel in the series.
Ultimately, this is a very enjoyable read with two very likable lead characters, and an engaging story (once it gets going). It is easily accessible to readers who have not picked up the Chronicles of Ixia series before, and therefore receives a solid 4 stars.
kinda obvious ending... but looking forward to the next one.
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars. Way better than the last study book - Fire Study - and all the Glass books. Happily, I think the series is finally getting back to the magic of the first two books, and Yelena and Valek were as loveable as always.
I really enjoy Maria V. Snyder's books. It's a great story, but I would suggest reading her Study books for the backstory.
I really enjoy Maria V. Snyder's books. It's a great story, but I would suggest reading her Study books for the backstory.
Shadow Study launches an exciting new fantasy adventure trilogy by Maria V Snyder featuring characters familiar from her Study and Glass series.
It opens as Yelena, on her way to meet Valek for a brief reunion, is attacked by a hidden assailant who shoots her with a poisoned arrow. Able to heal herself, Yelena enjoys a passionate reunion with Valek before he returns to Ixia, but twenty four hours later she realises her magic has disappeared. Returning to Sitia, Yelena is desperate to find out how she has been stripped of her powers, and how to get them back. Without them she is vulnerable, especially since an old enemy is bent on revenge, and a new one is determined to destroy her.
While Yelena sets out to find the answers she needs, Valek is busy in his role as the Commander's second after being gone for almost a year. His point of view details life at the keep, as well as Valek's recall of his past as a student of the The School of Night and Shadows, desperate to avenge the murders of his family, and sets up what I assume will be the main thrust of the plot for this trilogy - a brewing war between Sitia and Ixia.
I don't think it is strictly necessary to have read the previous books set in this world to enjoy Shadow Study, but those that have will have the slight advantage of being privy to both the history of Snyder's world, and the development of the characters and their relationships. Snyder does introduce a few new characters in Shadow Study, most notably Onora, a talented assassin with her eye on Valek's job, and Gerik, a soldier, who are partnered with Janco and Ari.
For established and new fans alike, Shadow Study should prove to be a fast paced and entertaining fantasy adventure. Fair warning though, the book ends on a cliffhanger and the second book, [b:Night Study|16130759|Night Study (Soulfinders, #2)|Maria V. Snyder|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|23584222], won't be published until 2016.
