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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Read my full review on my blog, Turning Pages.
Poison Study is one of my absolute favourite fantasy novels. Magic Study and Fire Study didn’t have as much impact on me as the first book in the series; they seemed to lack some of the magic in Poison Study and the characters didn’t seem consistent. But when I learned that Snyder was writing more books about Yelena, I got excited because I hoped it would redeem the rest of the series for me. It did, mostly.
Shadow Study has a unique narrative technique. There are multiple POVs, but not in the way you’d think. Yelena’s chapters are told in first person while Valek and Janco’s chapters are told in third person. Don’t get me wrong, I love having the extra insight into Valek and Janco because it made them very complex, but the decision to not tell the whole book in third person POV startled me with the first POV switch. I’m not sure it was the right decision, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book too much.
Yelena has had a hard life, but she fought and survived and now she has a family and happiness. She’s also accepted herself for all that she is even though all that she is sometimes makes things difficult for her. In this book, we finally get to see the Yelena we know and love. She’s smart, insightful, resourceful, caring, and determined to survive. When Yelena loses her magic, it’s easy to see that she’s devastated at losing a part of herself that she’s come to love. It’s a nice pay-off to see the character growth she’s undergone over the course of the series so far. What I don’t understand, however, is the fact that people still don’t trust Yelena even though she has endangered herself to protect people again and again. I just don’t understand why Snyder keeps returning to that attitude towards Yelena when it seemed to mostly be solved in Fire Study.
Valek was always a main character in the book, but in Shadow Study we get to know him a lot better. We get to see his motivations and struggles that led him to be an assassin and we come to understand a bit more of why he’s so loyal to the Commander. A good portion of the novel is spent on these flashbacks. An interesting dynamic is the relationship between him and the Commander since he’s loyal to the man above all else, even sometimes Yelena. In this book, we see how he’s changed since meeting Yelena. He has someone else to think of now, and his life isn’t only consumed with making the Commander happy anymore. He wants to be happy and have a life that he thought he could never have.
I will say that sometimes the characters aren’t written consistently, however. For example, Janco comes across more ridiculous than fun and wise, and Leif returns to his old self, just a little. I’m also surprised that one character seems to have gone back to his old beliefs completely.
The many mysteries in this novel kept me absolutely riveted. I had so many questions about who was behind what, why this was happening, etc. Sometimes I guessed things fairly easily, or almost guessed things. Other times, I thought “whoa”. Not everything is solved in Shadow Study because there will be two more novels in the series. But what this novel uncovers about characters makes me super interested in seeing how everything will end.
Shadow Study is a riveting, smart, and action-packed novel that reminds me why I enjoy Poison Study so much. While it has its issues, it’s an improvement on the previous two novels about Yelena and co. I can’t wait to read about these beloved characters in the next two Soulfinders books!
Poison Study is one of my absolute favourite fantasy novels. Magic Study and Fire Study didn’t have as much impact on me as the first book in the series; they seemed to lack some of the magic in Poison Study and the characters didn’t seem consistent. But when I learned that Snyder was writing more books about Yelena, I got excited because I hoped it would redeem the rest of the series for me. It did, mostly.
Shadow Study has a unique narrative technique. There are multiple POVs, but not in the way you’d think. Yelena’s chapters are told in first person while Valek and Janco’s chapters are told in third person. Don’t get me wrong, I love having the extra insight into Valek and Janco because it made them very complex, but the decision to not tell the whole book in third person POV startled me with the first POV switch. I’m not sure it was the right decision, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book too much.
Yelena has had a hard life, but she fought and survived and now she has a family and happiness. She’s also accepted herself for all that she is even though all that she is sometimes makes things difficult for her. In this book, we finally get to see the Yelena we know and love. She’s smart, insightful, resourceful, caring, and determined to survive. When Yelena loses her magic, it’s easy to see that she’s devastated at losing a part of herself that she’s come to love. It’s a nice pay-off to see the character growth she’s undergone over the course of the series so far. What I don’t understand, however, is the fact that people still don’t trust Yelena even though she has endangered herself to protect people again and again. I just don’t understand why Snyder keeps returning to that attitude towards Yelena when it seemed to mostly be solved in Fire Study.
Valek was always a main character in the book, but in Shadow Study we get to know him a lot better. We get to see his motivations and struggles that led him to be an assassin and we come to understand a bit more of why he’s so loyal to the Commander. A good portion of the novel is spent on these flashbacks. An interesting dynamic is the relationship between him and the Commander since he’s loyal to the man above all else, even sometimes Yelena. In this book, we see how he’s changed since meeting Yelena. He has someone else to think of now, and his life isn’t only consumed with making the Commander happy anymore. He wants to be happy and have a life that he thought he could never have.
I will say that sometimes the characters aren’t written consistently, however. For example, Janco comes across more ridiculous than fun and wise, and Leif returns to his old self, just a little. I’m also surprised that one character seems to have gone back to his old beliefs completely
Spoiler
i.e. the Commander decides he still hates magicians even though he is oneThe many mysteries in this novel kept me absolutely riveted. I had so many questions about who was behind what, why this was happening, etc. Sometimes I guessed things fairly easily, or almost guessed things. Other times, I thought “whoa”. Not everything is solved in Shadow Study because there will be two more novels in the series. But what this novel uncovers about characters makes me super interested in seeing how everything will end.
Shadow Study is a riveting, smart, and action-packed novel that reminds me why I enjoy Poison Study so much. While it has its issues, it’s an improvement on the previous two novels about Yelena and co. I can’t wait to read about these beloved characters in the next two Soulfinders books!
I absolutely loved the Study series and can’t express how thrilled I was to learn that after all these years, Maria V Snyder finally decided to continue it. I’m also happy to say that this long awaited book was amazing!
When Yelena is attacked by an assassin, she awakes several days later to discover that her magical powers are gone. Now helpless against magical attack, word is fast spreading through the territories about her newfound vulnerability, and the only potential culprit is escaped prisoner, Ben Moon.
But this time, Valek can’t help her investigate. When an assassin reaches his beloved Commander, Valek is forced into reassessing his security and is dumbfounded upon finding it lacking. Not only are smugglers moving freely between the kingdoms, but members of his trusted circle are also unaccounted for.
Finding his loyalties torn between helping Yelena and following the Commanders orders, Valek realises he must choose between them. Does he protect his country, or protect his heart mate? And can he choose before he loses them both?
My favourite thing about this book was discovering Valek’s past. Reading about the events that led up to him becoming Ixia’s number one assassin was both interesting and insightful. Also as the story is split mostly into Yelena and Valeks Povs - with a little bit of Ari and Janco thrown in - I liked how Valek’s Pov provided the backstory while Yelena’s and other others were more focused on the present.
I also enjoyed the plot line of Yelena’s missing magic. The Study series was all about her learning to harness her powers and now several years later, magic has become second nature to her. With her magic gone, she must now re-learn how to connect with the world and survive without her magical abilities and I feel it makes her more relatable as a character.
This book also introduces several new characters. Their agendas are questionable and I can’t wait to see whether they turn out to be friend or foe. However I loved getting reacquainted with the old characters, and I particularly enjoyed discovering how their lives had changed over the past several years. But I was a little sad that some characters, such as the Master Magicians never managed to make an appearance in the book, although they were often referenced.
My only criticism is that if you haven't read the Study or Glass series in long time, you may not remember all the characters well. While I very recently re-read the study series, its been a few years since I picked up the Glass books and I struggled to recall some of the characters who play a fairly vital role in this story. I would recommend refreshing your memories before picking up this book. However if your new to the story, I don't think you'll have any problem in understanding.
Other wise I loved, loved, loved this story. And with its huge cliffhanger of an ending I can’t help but want the next book, Night Study, immediately! I'll be counting down the days until its release! 4 stars!
When Yelena is attacked by an assassin, she awakes several days later to discover that her magical powers are gone. Now helpless against magical attack, word is fast spreading through the territories about her newfound vulnerability, and the only potential culprit is escaped prisoner, Ben Moon.
But this time, Valek can’t help her investigate. When an assassin reaches his beloved Commander, Valek is forced into reassessing his security and is dumbfounded upon finding it lacking. Not only are smugglers moving freely between the kingdoms, but members of his trusted circle are also unaccounted for.
Finding his loyalties torn between helping Yelena and following the Commanders orders, Valek realises he must choose between them. Does he protect his country, or protect his heart mate? And can he choose before he loses them both?
My favourite thing about this book was discovering Valek’s past. Reading about the events that led up to him becoming Ixia’s number one assassin was both interesting and insightful. Also as the story is split mostly into Yelena and Valeks Povs - with a little bit of Ari and Janco thrown in - I liked how Valek’s Pov provided the backstory while Yelena’s and other others were more focused on the present.
I also enjoyed the plot line of Yelena’s missing magic. The Study series was all about her learning to harness her powers and now several years later, magic has become second nature to her. With her magic gone, she must now re-learn how to connect with the world and survive without her magical abilities and I feel it makes her more relatable as a character.
This book also introduces several new characters. Their agendas are questionable and I can’t wait to see whether they turn out to be friend or foe. However I loved getting reacquainted with the old characters, and I particularly enjoyed discovering how their lives had changed over the past several years. But I was a little sad that some characters, such as the Master Magicians never managed to make an appearance in the book, although they were often referenced.
My only criticism is that if you haven't read the Study or Glass series in long time, you may not remember all the characters well. While I very recently re-read the study series, its been a few years since I picked up the Glass books and I struggled to recall some of the characters who play a fairly vital role in this story. I would recommend refreshing your memories before picking up this book. However if your new to the story, I don't think you'll have any problem in understanding.
Other wise I loved, loved, loved this story. And with its huge cliffhanger of an ending I can’t help but want the next book, Night Study, immediately! I'll be counting down the days until its release! 4 stars!
The first three books in this series were amazing, and definitely some of my favorites ever. I even read through the Healer and Glass series because I liked the world Maria Snyder built so much. That being said, Shadow Study just didn't do it for me. I was happy where things ended before and I'm a believer in letting characters have their restful ends in the worlds their in without needing a script to follow every minute of their lives. I liked the story, but it didn't grip me in the same way that the others did. Great cliffhanger at the end though!
Another great read about Yalena, years later after she defeated Roze. There are a lot of moving parts in this book with multiple POVs. It was very engaging and had a lot of action. There was one aspect that was predictible and the possible reason for Yalena's predicament, but isn't confirmed just yet. Looking forward to finding out more in the next book.
really enjoyable read so good to be back with the old gang. Also that was quite a cliff hanger!
I KNEW IT. Every book needs more Valek forever. A little heavy on the info dump at times. Probably due to the fact that the author assumed we didn’t read the Glass trilogy. Which I didn’t.
This was a little bit boring and dragged at times. The only POV I really cared about was Valeks because he reminds me of the sexy pirate daddy from OUAT.
Listened to the audiobook and read this. Would not recommend the audio. Most the voices are weird and one sounds like Sean Connery. Also, weird choices of accent.
This was a little bit boring and dragged at times. The only POV I really cared about was Valeks because he reminds me of the sexy pirate daddy from OUAT.
Listened to the audiobook and read this. Would not recommend the audio. Most the voices are weird and one sounds like Sean Connery. Also, weird choices of accent.
I am so happy I decided to continue with the Study series. I am definitely missing some context from the books I skipped (but not really because they are from a different series). Like there are a solid 8 years gap in between the first trilogy and this one.
Everything is explained during the narration, but it still feels off to have characters be presented as "familiar" when it's the first time I'm reading about them.
The main conflict is a bit weird for me, since I knew Yelena to be reluctant with her magic for most of the 2 book, and just getting the hang of it during the third. Having her lose her magic suddenly doesn't feel as tragic because... Well, again the missing books. The 8 year in-universe gap that resulted in her relying so much on her magic just aren't really there for me as a reader.
Now what I am a bit upset about is the revelation as to why she lost her magic. I am tired of that trope because the last book I read, it also had it.
Now I am very concerned about Ambrose, like? Sir are you jelous you are no longer Valek's center of the universe?
Speaking of Valek, I ate all of his backstory. I was so invested in how he became the man he is now. I am just so very happy that Snyder gave that to us. Anywho, that's all for me. Might continue after reading some non-fiction for a bit because it's all I've been reading lately.
I need a palate cleanser.
Everything is explained during the narration, but it still feels off to have characters be presented as "familiar" when it's the first time I'm reading about them.
The main conflict is a bit weird for me, since I knew Yelena to be reluctant with her magic for most of the 2 book, and just getting the hang of it during the third. Having her lose her magic suddenly doesn't feel as tragic because... Well, again the missing books. The 8 year in-universe gap that resulted in her relying so much on her magic just aren't really there for me as a reader.
Now what I am a bit upset about is the revelation as to why she lost her magic. I am tired of that trope because the last book I read, it also had it.
Now I am very concerned about Ambrose, like? Sir are you jelous you are no longer Valek's center of the universe?
Speaking of Valek, I ate all of his backstory. I was so invested in how he became the man he is now. I am just so very happy that Snyder gave that to us. Anywho, that's all for me. Might continue after reading some non-fiction for a bit because it's all I've been reading lately.
I need a palate cleanser.
Sooooo happy to get to hang out with these characters again. Especially Janco.
Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2015/03/24/review-shadow-study-by-maria-v-snyder/
3.5/5 stars
It’s been years since I read the Poison Study trilogy and I honestly did not expect another book in the series. I have not read the other books in the Ixia series and so am not sure how that may or may not impact this one. Since this is considered a Poison Study book, I would assume that skipping the others is fine. Shadow Study does a great job of dropping bits of information for people like me that had not read the series in a while. It helped refresh my memory on events and characters, while I did not remember much, I never felt lost.
I don’t read YA all that often, but every once in a while, it can be a nice change of pace, particularly when I am reading some longer, darker epic fantasies. This was no different, it’s a book I would categorize as a comfort read. While Valek may be an assassin, the reader is slightly more removed from the darker edges of the story, making it a lighter read. There’s really no gore or grimness even if there can be some dark parts. I think that’s why I read these books to be honest, even when I want a lighter book, I still prefer there to be at least some element of darkness, even if its predominantly off-page or lacking the graphicness or grimness that can be found elsewhere.
In Shadow Study, Yelena finds herself in a difficult situation. A good bit of time has passed (I think 10 years or so) since we last saw her, so she is in her late 20s. Her and Valek have continued their relationship during this time. While traveling, Yelena is attacked in an assassination attempt. This is obviously what spurs the conflict for the story. While she survives the assassination attempt, she is left quite vulnerable, her magical abilities somehow lost. The book is an investigation as they try to determine who ordered the attack (there’s no shortage of people that have reason to want her dead), as well as what could have caused her loss of powers. This could be a formidable weapon against magicians. Despite the dark sounding nature of the story, I find it fun to read (much like the Green Rider series by Kristin Britain).
My one real complaint about this book was the shifts in timeframe. In addition to the present day events, Valek’s story contains flashback scenes to his beginnings as an assassin. I enjoyed this part of the story, so I don’t wish we didn’t get it. I just didn’t care for the jumping around. I think I would have preferred to get this part of the story maybe independent of this book as I felt like it broke the flow.
This book does end with something that immediately makes you want more. I can’t say it was a shocking twist, but still something that if you have any interest in the characters, it makes you eager to find out what will happen next. I definitely plan on reading the next book to find out.
3.5/5 stars
It’s been years since I read the Poison Study trilogy and I honestly did not expect another book in the series. I have not read the other books in the Ixia series and so am not sure how that may or may not impact this one. Since this is considered a Poison Study book, I would assume that skipping the others is fine. Shadow Study does a great job of dropping bits of information for people like me that had not read the series in a while. It helped refresh my memory on events and characters, while I did not remember much, I never felt lost.
I don’t read YA all that often, but every once in a while, it can be a nice change of pace, particularly when I am reading some longer, darker epic fantasies. This was no different, it’s a book I would categorize as a comfort read. While Valek may be an assassin, the reader is slightly more removed from the darker edges of the story, making it a lighter read. There’s really no gore or grimness even if there can be some dark parts. I think that’s why I read these books to be honest, even when I want a lighter book, I still prefer there to be at least some element of darkness, even if its predominantly off-page or lacking the graphicness or grimness that can be found elsewhere.
In Shadow Study, Yelena finds herself in a difficult situation. A good bit of time has passed (I think 10 years or so) since we last saw her, so she is in her late 20s. Her and Valek have continued their relationship during this time. While traveling, Yelena is attacked in an assassination attempt. This is obviously what spurs the conflict for the story. While she survives the assassination attempt, she is left quite vulnerable, her magical abilities somehow lost. The book is an investigation as they try to determine who ordered the attack (there’s no shortage of people that have reason to want her dead), as well as what could have caused her loss of powers. This could be a formidable weapon against magicians. Despite the dark sounding nature of the story, I find it fun to read (much like the Green Rider series by Kristin Britain).
My one real complaint about this book was the shifts in timeframe. In addition to the present day events, Valek’s story contains flashback scenes to his beginnings as an assassin. I enjoyed this part of the story, so I don’t wish we didn’t get it. I just didn’t care for the jumping around. I think I would have preferred to get this part of the story maybe independent of this book as I felt like it broke the flow.
This book does end with something that immediately makes you want more. I can’t say it was a shocking twist, but still something that if you have any interest in the characters, it makes you eager to find out what will happen next. I definitely plan on reading the next book to find out.
Why??? I don't know what I was thinking when I started this book. I didn't realize it was a start to another series. Urg!!! I love her writing, and it's painful that I have to wait for the next book!!