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
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18 comments:

  1. the first book is my favorite, but the saga is amazing, can't wait for the new book :D
    Yep, Yelena is a great pov, but Valek :D and Janco :D amazing characters too

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  2. Wait ... okay, I had to check GR. This cover threw me for a minute. I'm used to seeing the woman on it. Anyway, yeah, I need to try a Snyder book again.

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  3. I love multiple points of view, and I have great respect for authors who manage to do it well. I don't like it when all the characters sound the same, or worse when a boy sounds like a girl and vice-versa. Well I'm glad I read your review because now I know to wait a while before getting into the series, to avoid landing myself in your situation :) Waiting sucks! It's great if you can do it beforehand - so wait until all the series is out, and then buy the books at your pleasure :) Great review!

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  4. But you'll have to ;) You're so enthusiastic I have to check out this series !

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  5. I love when multiple points of view are done well! This definitely sounds like an interesting read, and the concept of the book draws my interest! I'm glad that you enjoyed this one so much!


    Lovely review!

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  6. I have loved every book in this world, Opal's books too, so it was great to get back into it again! And it was great to get all these POV's!!

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  7. Yes, this is the cover we have in Aus! It matches with the others in the original books too.

    Get onto it girl! I think you'd like these!

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  8. You should start with the original series and you will fall in love this world like I have! I love Snyder's writing though... so good!

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  9. Haha!! I know! I am trying to be patient!!

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  10. I did, thanks Magen! Snyder is a master at building these fantasy world's... and to be back in the one I love!! Just fantastic!!

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  11. Thanks for the fantastic review! I'm so glad you loved the book!

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  12. I haven't heard of any books that could have a poison taster, unique concept & love the fantastic review! Benish | Feminist Reflections

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  13. Shadow Study sounds fantastic, Naomi. And writing from 3 POVs, 1 in first person and 2 in third, takes talent! I'm glad you enjoyed getting back to this world. I'll have to start from the beginning. :)

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  14. I did!! Thank you so much for writing another book from this world!!

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  15. This series is just fantastic! If you love Fantasy reads you'd love this

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  16. OMGosh yes!! This series is sooooooo good! I love each and every book... Get onto it!!

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  17. The long wait is so hard to handle when you've enjoyed a book so much. Great review Naomi!

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  18. Thanks Sharon! It will be worth it in the end.

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