Night Study

***I received the ARC eBook from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***

I have so much love for this series and this latest installment is perfection! I'm still working my head around everything that happened and will remain firmly in denial that I have to wait a whole damn year for more from my favourite unconventional family: Yelena (who remains badass), Valek (my husband, sorry Yelena), Lief (who I no longer resent though he did make me very hungry with all the descriptions of food) Ari & Janco (a power non-couple if I've ever seen one) and everyone else whose lives I have loved being a part of.

Posted on Enchanted by YA: [...]

Still far too many non Yelena chapters like the previous book (read but not reviewed), but oh boy the story blew my mind, despite guessing a major plot arc from the start... Mwahahaa! You are in for a treat as Yelena's adventures continue. Maria manages to keep raising the stakes with each book, having me worried not just about Yelena who is undeniably my favourite character but also some side characters, who I only realised how much I liked them when great peril befalls them. No I'm not saying who!

There are a couple of breathing spaces in the book, but since most chapters had cliffhanger endings I would stop in the middle of a chapter when I needed to do something in real life. That plus I can only cope with tragedy in small doses, meant it took a few days to read this, having lighter novels to contrast Yelena's plight. I possibly prefer the earlier books only because they were pure Yelena, not using other point of views, but that's my personal preference. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book!

I received a copy on NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner [...]

I have eagerly followed Maria V. Snyder's work since her first novel set in the fantasy worlds of Ixia and Sitia, Poison Study. By far, my favorite characters in those worlds have been Yelena and Valek. I was delighted when she returned to those characters in last year's Shadow Study. Night Study picks up right where Shadow Study left off. Yelena is dealing with the loss of her soul finding abilities after a magical attack. It appears that an old adversary, Owen Moon, may be responsible. In fact, multiple assassins are after Yelena. Valek is trying to balance his duties to Yelena against those to the Commander of Ixia. The Commander himself is not making that easy, so Valek is very conflicted. To add to the mix, war is brewing between Ixia and Sitia, placing Yelena in the middle, as she is the liaison between the two countries.

Told in multiple POV's, those of Yelena, Valek, Janco and Lief, Night Study is high adventure from start to finish. Big changes are on the horizon for not only Yelena and Valek, but the two very dissimilar countries they represent. I am looking forward to the final installment, Dawn Study, to see how it all works out. Thanks to MIRA and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in return for an honest review.

RATING- 4 Stars

I love Maria Snyder! Her stories are all consuming; you can’t get enough of them! You find yourself literally transformed into a world where you are always moving, feeling, seeing and thinking. This book is no different. This one though feels more like a family. They are more joined and the stakes are raised as they will do whatever it takes for their family!

There is nonstop action. You really have to read the Study/Glass series to best be able to understand all that is going on, because once you start it just goes and goes! What I do like is that she puts little reminders in the story if you have forgotten something in the previous books. I also had forgotten the witty dry sarcastic banter they all have especially Janco!

I can’t wait for the next book. I want to read Kiki talking to Yelena again. I want to see how they are going to fix this huge HUGE problem that they have! I want to see what happens to Valek next! I want to see what happens next period!! Maria’s stories are like a drug to me!!

Yelena is still without her powers and is surrounded by enemies.

Sitia and Ixia at at the brink of war.

The Commander is aware of Valeks divided loyalties and is making Valeks life hard. He is also keeping secretes from Valek, making him suspicious of what the commander has planned.

Ahhhhhhh this one was so gripping! had my anxiety out of control and when I wasn't reading it's all I could think about. Twists and turns, some predictable some not! Just when you think it's going in a werid unrelated tangent boom you're hit with the sudden realisation of where it's going. So good!

This episode sees big changes for both Yelena and Valek. Yelena begins the story having lost her magic in the previous book. She is also pretty sure that she is pregnant. The thought of bringing a baby into her current life as a magicless target of assassins scare her spitless. Valek is happy with the news despite the major changes it will make in both their lives.

For much of the story, Valek and Yelena are apart pursuing different investigations and worrying about each other. There is so much going on in the bigger world around them with potential war, evil magicians, and other dangers. The writing is fast-paced and the plot thick with action.

This was an excellent addition to an excellent series though it does have daunting ending that may or may not be a cliff hanger.

This is the 2nd book in the Soulfinders series and the 5th book in the Study series by Snyder. The third (and final) book in the Soulfinders series will be titled, Dawn Study, and is scheduled to release in 2017. This was a decent continuation of the Soulfinders series. I really enjoyed Valek's parts of the story but some parts of the story were pretty boring and pacing was a bit slow.

Yelena still does not have any magic but the plot surrounding Owen Moon and a group called the Cartel thickens. Valek is determined to protect Yelena from Owen but the Commander is starting to doubt Valek’s loyalty to him. Yelena and Valek are struggling to figure out what Owen, the Cartel, and the Commander are up to before it is too late and war breaks out between their two home countries.

This book was a mixed bag for me. The story is told from Yelena, Leif, and Valek’s points of view. I have never liked Yelena as a character and my dislike for her continues. She continues to make life difficult for those around her by being rash and inconsiderate and honestly her portions of the story were a drag for me.

I have always been fairly ambivalent about Leif, so his portions of the story were okay but not all that engaging. Valek’s portions of the story were the most interesting; I have always thought he is the most intriguing character in this series. However even Valek comes off as a bit overprotective and alpha-male at points in this story (although you can’t really blame him, Yelena has absolutely no sense of self preservation).

The plot is generally boring and I didn’t really find it all that interesting. It mainly focuses around Valek and Yelena trying to figure out what this Cartel group is up to and why magicians are disappearing. Wrapped into that story is Valek’s issues with the Commander not trusting him and keeping secrets from him.

The main part of this story that really redeemed the book was finally learning more of Valek’s history and meeting his family. This portion of the story was very well done and fascinating. The whole plot behind why Valek is immune to magic is also explored and expanded on. I almost stopped reading this book a couple times, but then we got to these interesting portions about Valek and his family and I was hooked.

Overall this was a decent continuation of this series. I thought the plot was a bit boring and the pacing a bit inconsistent. I continue to dislike Yelena as a character and feel like the whole story would be better off without her. However Valek is an awesome character and I really loved the background about his immunity to magic and meeting his family. Having this towards the end of the book engaged me in the story and made me curious to see how this all plays out in the next book of the series. I don’t think this is a great fantasy book, but I would recommend if you are a huge fan of the Study series..or of Valek like me :-)

Many are familiar with Maria Snyder's Study series of books. This novel focuses on the realms of Sitia and Ixia. Reading the other books in the study series would be beneficial, but not entirely necessary.

This book follows Yelena Zaltana, who was kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle when she was a child. She recently lost her Soulfinding abilities and this novel follows her journey looking for a way to reclaim her magic. I love Synder's writing style and I loved this latest novel.

Night Study is the second in the new Soulfinders trilogy by Maria V Snyder, which follows the events of the books in both the original Study series and the Glass series. It follows on virtually immediately from the events of Shadow Study, and followed through with even more about Valek's past, which I really enjoyed. We find out a lot more about our hero and he makes some very illuminating discoveries about himself too, which I can't wait to find out about... In the next book.

The story centres on developments put in place by Owen and Ben Moon, infamous villains extraordinaire! They have put together a series of glasshouses to grow curare, which spells trouble for magicians everywhere and leads to the enslavement of a lit of them. It is unclear to the gang of regulars whether or not the Commander is involved in this, due to his fear of magic, but their suspicions are raised. Valek and Yelena are also unsure about Onora, her intentions and trustworthiness. All this uncertainty really built up the tension and kept me turning the pages, anxious to find another clue. Along the way I continued to enjoy Yelena and Valek's interactions with the other characters, and especially the Sandseed horses, like Kiki. One of the things I love most about Maria V Snyder's writing is the sense of camaraderie that develops between her rich and complex characters, and Night Study was no exception - action was interspersed with great character development and delightful banter; a brilliant combination that makes for a great read.

I very much enjoyed the theobroma, curare and storm dancer elements of past stories being worked into the new narrative, and a very bleak future was weaved involving them. Putting that together with Yelena, who is pretty seriously vulnerable, and I have been left virtually salivating in anticipation for the final book!! I can't wait to see how the entire gang saves the Sitian way of life, and if Yelena and Valek will ever manage to ride off into the sunset to settle down somewhere.

This is probably my least favorite of the Poison Study books to date, and my least favorite Maria Snyder book.
It still gets 4 stars from me, because I did enjoy it, just not as much.
The good-
Lots of fantastic development and insight with Valek who has been a bit of an enigma.
Good moments with Valek and Yelena's relationship
It seems like a build up to a good ending to the series

The bad-
A lot of the characters we've grown to know in previous books seemed to be only sketched in.
If you haven't read the previous books or the same world Glass series, it can be a bit confusing. If you don't remember them clearly, you'll want to re-read this one. Not much backstory (which is also a good thing if you are all caught up)
It suffers middle book syndrome.

Unlike most of her books, I didn't stay up all night to read this. In fact, it took the better part of a week. The pacing was just a little too slow to keep me needing to know what happened next in the first half. It picked up considerably in the last half, but still had the issues with the other characters.

I loved that Valek was a protective man, "Valek hated seeing Yelena hurt. A helpless frustration boiled up his throat, and the desire to murder the person who’d harmed her pulsed with every heartbeat." I really loved the sweet side of Valek, “your turn, love,” Valek said. “Why does your touch block my magic? Not that I’m complaining. In fact, I love your touch even more now.” I enjoyed this book I love Valek and Yelena I can't wait for the next installment.

Loved loved love it!!!!! I have been listening to these series starting with "Study" then "Glass" now "Sole Finder" I can't seem to ever get enough!!!! I love the narrator and the books just suck you into adventure after adventure. The characters are amazing!!!! I wish I could relay just how special these books and authors are, but I can only share my hopes that the word spreads and everyone will see how amazing these books are for themselves.

Epic, heart-stopping and so much fun, this next instalment in the Study series is just as awesome as all the other Study books, and yet the romance, tension and plots just keep building.

Night Study picks up exactly where Shadow Study left off with Yelena revealing her big news to Valek. Yelana still does not have her magic and the danger in both Ixia and Sitia is mounting. It is up to Valek, Yelana and their friends to uncover the extent of what threatens their futures.

Rejoining Valek and Yelana is like slipping under a cozy, familiar blanket. But there is nothing relaxing about this book. Tense moments follow action scenes, broken up by sweet moments between our favourite heartmates and playful banter between Janco and anyone who dares to engage him.

There is a lot going on with each group dealing with their own set of troubles, most of which connect back to the growing danger in both Ixia and Sitia. In addition to Janco and Valek's point of views we also have the new addition of Leif's, which allows the reader to stay abreast of the whole group as they separate and play keys parts in the ongoing action. Along with the traditional first-person chapters from Yelana, these alternating view points certainly build the tension, leaving one drama-filled moment to pick back up on another.

Yelana and Valek's little, as Janco dubs it, eclectic family is ever growing. It's so much fun to reconnect with familiar faces and meet some new ones. The villains remain as devious and annoyingly persistent as usual. There are some great surprise twists and a few unexpected new developments. And it just keeps getting better and better. Well, actually it got pretty agonising towards the end there. Don't the good guys ever get a break? But while there is no cliffhanger, everything is poised for one epic showdown in the next book. While I would happily read about Valek and Yelana's adventures forever, it would be nice if they got a quiet, well-earned and peaceful happily ever after - though they would probably get bored.

Night Study forms a part of three series, Study series book 5, Soulfinder book 2 and Chronicles of Ixia, including the Glass series, book 8. They all flow on from each other, and I recommend reading the complete set in order to keep the characters and events straight (and because they are all awesome, fantastic, amazing books).

So basically, Night Study is brilliant. It carries the action on from Shadow Study and perfectly sets up Dawn Study, with fantastic fantasy, romance, action and thriller rolled into one. Can't wait for the next book.

The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book would have to include book burning and the complete eradication of blueberries for me not to a) want to read it and b) not enjoy it at a 3-star level AT LEAST. oh that's right it could end like wtf in SPY GLASS (I still have not gotten over how that romance turned out. And its been 6 years), but this is only the 2nd book in the new arc of the Soul Finders series (aka the Study Series aka Yelena Pwns Everyone Series) so I was fairly certain that wouldn't happen.

I digress.

I will say I'm getting kind of snappish with the Commander in this and in SHADOW STUDY. There's been a bit of regression towards POISON STUDY Commander (the paranoid, super not trusting super not trustworthy at times Commander) which irritated me and gets some sort of explanation here.

I'm happy to see that Snyder is exploring Valek's ah gifts a bit more, they never quit got the attention they deserved before.

Honestly speaking you won't be able to pick this up on a whim having not read an iota of the world before. Seriously you won't. Way too much depends on you understanding the significance of things that happened in the first series (or even in Opal's series). And if you're a fan already you know Snyder's MO when it comes to her 3-book arcs--most of what happens in here won't have a pay off until the next book. There's plenty that happens, plenty that is for and useful to read about, but answers there is not.

Night Study is even better than expected. In the prior book,Shadow Study, the heroine and hero spend quite a bit of time apart. Which disappointed me greatly. But in this book they seem to have a real, developed relationship. I liked that the author ratchets up the stakes and brings in more plot twists and surprises. The book was fast moving and I did not stop reading until it was finished. In this book Yelena is tough smart and without magic! The sorcerer in this book is devious and resourceful. Even the famous master spy and assassin Valek can't keep up. Plus the Commander seems to be holding secrets and questioning Valek's loyalty. He appears to be putting Yelena in danger to see it he can trust Valek. This book has layers upon layers of intrigue, action and suspense. Although Shadow Study had a slow start this is one book more than makes up for it. Do not miss this Poison Study fans.

This one picks up directly where the other one ended in mid conversation with Yelena and Valek, Pregnant? Could Yelena be Pregnant? At the beginning of this book Yelena and Valek put together the pieces along with trying to find Owen Moon.

In this book we get to see a new perceptive, which is Leif's. It is interesting because you get to understand better how Leif smell magic works. There is also the perception of Janco, Valek and of course Yelena's.

A lot happens in this book, especially at the end. It is crazy suspenseful all the way up to the final pages. So much happens but not a lot is answered or summed up in this book from the last book. There is still a lot of things left unanswered for the next book. You get to see a lot of characters from previous books, some of them for not that long. Also there are a couple new interesting characters that looks to be in the next book so I can't wait to learn more about them.

I just wished a lot more from the last book was answered in this book.

I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning - these characters are quite dynamic and part of the fun of reading this series is watching the grow and change. I loved this addition to the series - full of all the fun I've grown to expect from these characters and it has quite a nice bit of mystery and suspense as Yelena tries to find her magic

This is another great installment to what has quickly become my favorite series! I wasn't sure if this author could keep up the momentum but I shouldn't have worried!! Not only is this novel fast paced but it is just incredible!!! I have loved these 2 main characters from the very beginning and with each installment my love grows! This rarely happens but Snyder has a wonderful way with her words and story telling and has kept things so fresh!!! Plus the story line is incredible and romantic!! If you are looking for a series that just keeps getting better this one is for you!!!!

I absolutely loved the return to the STUDY series and this second book of the return is GREAT. I wouldn't pick this book up as a start to jump into the series - start by reading Poison Study first (the first book of the STUDY series) and going through the STUDY and GLASS books to get the full adventure. LOVE these books!

This installment of the series quite surprised me. The previous book failed to impress, but I found myself truly into this one. The four main characters were each fully developed and while the action was slow at first, it truly picked up and held my interest throughout. I do strongly recommend this.

Excellent continuation of the Study series. If you haven't read all the previous books in the series I would highly recommend it before starting this. Yelena and Valek remain my favorite characters in this series with their awe inspiring strength of character and growth.