Review ~ Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Shadow Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Soulfinders #1
Genre: Fantasy
Published: February 24th 2015

Once, only her own life hung in the balance...

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she's back with a new tale of intrigue...

Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she’d survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands — and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek’s job — and his life — are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret — or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is — while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.

Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous...

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The books in the Study series were the first books of Maria V. Snyder’s that I read and I loved being in her fantasy world. Yelena, Valek, Janco and Ari were fascinating characters, and I love how Maria pieces together these captivating worlds that have you eager to know what’s going to happen next. Shadow Study was just as exciting as the first series; I got to see all the characters that I have met, not only within the Study series, but the Glass series too.

Shadow Study was a fantastic start to the Soulfinder series. It was easy to slide back into this world, straight into the danger and action once again. Yelena finds herself in trouble right from the beginning, and it seems to follow her everywhere. Valek notices some dramatic security lapses around the Commanders Castle and begins to question a lot of things about his life. Janco and Ari are just as fun and cunning as ever. There are a few new characters that were introduced and I was undecided whether they could be trusted or not.

I loved how Shadow Study had three different points of view. Yelena’s is told from the first person, but Valek and Janco’s are told from the third person. I loved seeing all of their perspectives as I could see what they were all up to and what their thoughts were on the situations that they were in. Valek’s perspective was the most informative, as I was able to get more depth about his past and how he became the man that he is today.

The only downside to this book… I have to wait a whole year for the next book in the series, Night Study! I just get so captivated by all the magical aspects, the fantasy world, the incredible characters and the intriguing storyline… Who wouldn’t want more of that straight away! The ending had me gasping and wondering how it all ties in. I CANNOT wait!!

Complimentary copy provided by Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review.

Other reviews featuring Maria V. Snyder

Healer series

Touch of Power #1

Scent of Magic #2

Taste of Darkness #3