Shadow Study (Study Series)

I loved Poison Study, and was sufficiently entertained through Magic Study and Fire Study, but here is where all interest dries up. Now that Yelena has become superdy-duperdy powerful, the only thing to do is to *gasp* strip her of those powers. Considering she was pretty good at taking care of herself before she learned she had magic, it's not quite the seat-gripper I would have liked. And bringing back an old bad guy? Arg. Even if there are several other plot points introduced -- people from Valek's past, smuggling routes, new characters, etc. -- it was all suffocatingly dry.

Aside from a brief meeting, Valek and Yelena spend a good deal of the book separated. Yay. So much for romance. I guess there's nothing to talk about once they've been together for 6(?) years. We get some interesting character interaction between Valek and Ambrose, but that's about it. Yelena's interactions with other characters were cut and dry, partly because those other characters were themselves flat. Lief spends most of the time talking about food.

And Valek's past? Totally unnecessary. Yes, a few flashbacks would have been interesting, while maintaining the mystery of the character, but going through almost his entire history? Boring, and utterly hero-crushing. I don't care if he was once young -- the Valek I know is AWESOME. I don't want to read about him being stupid. I began completely skipping these flashbacks.

But most infuriating? The repeat and repeat and yes, repeat, of information. I understand characters who are separated and doing separate investigations will come across clues by themselves -- they don't know the other person already found out about this and told the reader. Viewpoints are separated into Valek, Yelena, and Janco. While Janco can be amusing, I'm not sure his viewpoint was the best choice -- unless the whole book was in his point of view. Maybe that would have been interesting. Anyhow, as each set of people find out about things or discover clues, it tells you every single time. Then it tells you they told the other person about it. Then it tells you that other person got that information which they maybe already knew.

There is nothing really wrong with this book. It took me some time to figure out why I was so bored and irritated by it, and it narrows down to the flat character interactions and the redundant passages. If you are really in love with this series and have being dying for more, to find out what happens next in the strained Ixia/Sitia relations, what's going on with Yelena/Valek and all their friends -- by all means, you should read this book.
If nothing else, the cover is beautiful!

Awesome. Brilliant. Wonderful. Long-awaited. Satisfying. Everything-I-Was-Hoping-For. Can I have more now, please.

When I first heard that we were getting more Yelena and Valek I was... well, really excited!!! I had enjoyed Maria Snyder's subsequent writings, but nothing ever compared to Yelana and Valek, the wonderful world they live in, their colourful friends and exciting adventures. And you get all this once again in Shadow Study.

This next instalment in the Study series, the book we have all been desperately waiting for, starts with a bang.

Yelena is the liaison between Sitia and Ixia, as well as a powerful magician, specifically a Soulfinder - a dangerous mix of dangerous jobs. On her way home to meet with her heartmate Valek, she is ambushed. As Valek returns to his job as chief of security for the Commander of Ixia - note, also a very dangerous job, Yelena is horrified to find that her magic has been blocked. Unsure what to do, she begins to unravel the mystery of her attack and her loss of magic. Valek has his own rash of problems, including increasing security concerns, a vie for his job and a new smuggling ring.

I'm not sure if you would need to have read all the books in the Study series or even the Glass series to understand Shadow Study (which you really should anyway for your own pleasure and benefit). It would certainly make the backstories and characters clearer, but I think a complete newbie to the world, characters and series could fare ok as well.

In this book we are given chapters from both Yelana and Valek's point of view. I loved the glimpse we get into Valek's childhood and his rise to true assassin glory. It made me love him even more (you didn't think that was possible, did you). His point of view worked well - who could honestly complain about more Valek - especially as Yelena and Valek spend the majority of the time apart. Now, don't distress at this, as it works really well, lots of action and I'm thinking the next book will give us lots of time when they are together. We also get chapters from Janco's view point, which I really enjoyed. Fresh and highly amusing, he and Ari have always been favourites, but once again I loved seeing more of them and getting this great insight into Janco. While joined with a lot of familiar faces, there are some exiting new characters, which I'm guessing we will see more of as the series progresses. I am now desperately awaiting the next book.

I figured out what was really going on with Yelena's magic right at the start, but that's ok, I like to be right and there are plenty of other twists and mysteries and action (and Valek) to keep it interesting. And there is a lot of action. The writing style is perfect (come on, it's Maria Snyder, not like we were expecting anything else) and the pace is fast, keeping you turning the pages.

Quite frankly, this is a must read for all fantasy lovers, lovers of Maria's other works (duh) and anyone who thinks they don't like fantasy and just haven't read this book yet.

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

Confession: I hugged my copy of Shadow Study when it arrived in the mail. Yes, I was that excited to read it. Then again, Poison Study was one of my favorite reads of last year, and I devoured Magic Study and Fire Study a couple months later solely so I could stay on top of this series starting with the fourth book. So here it is, the newest adventures of former poison taster and current magician-diplomat Yelena Zaltana, and I'm thrilled with how it turned out.

Shadow Study takes place about 6 years after the original conclusion of the Study trilogy. Yelena is acting as political liaison between the countries of Ixia and Sitia and has fully embraced her role as a Soulfinder. She's also still with Valek, her soulmate and the famed Ixian spy-assassin. No sooner does the couple reunite in Chapter 1 that crisis strikes - literally. Valek is ordered home by Ixia's Commander to address the country's growing smuggler network and is confronted by a young, hot-shot assassin who wants Valek's job. Yelena remains in Sitia to investigate a past enemy's escape from prison - and is grappling with the sudden loss of her magic. Given how many enemies Yelena has, she's in great danger if they find out how vulnerable she is.

Like Snyder's other novels, Shadow Study is impossible to put down thanks to its suspenseful chapter endings and urgent prose. Also, the first bit of conflict pops up within the first couple pages, so Snyder gives us reasons right away to worry about Yelena and the other characters. I was also fascinated by how interwoven the conflict threads became as the story went along. Each chapter drops hints that widen the overall scope. Once I put the pieces together, my mouth dropped open. And for the record, I'm not much of a plot-twist guesser, but there were two in particular that I guessed correctly - and both will have a HUGE impact on the next two Study books.

One welcome change between the three older Study novels and Shadow Study is the POV narration style. From Poison Study to Fire Study, it was from Yelena's first-person perspective. With Shadow Study, Snyder alternates between Yelena (first person), Valek (third person), and Valek's assistant and Yelena's friend Janco (third person). While Yelena's the one who drew me into this series, Valek's sections steal the show here. Readers finally learn more about his past, from his early days as an assassin-in-training at the School Of Night And Shadow, to the moment where he enacts his ultimate revenge. It's a fascinating trip down memory lane that explains Valek's unique and lethal brew of logic, meticulousness, and cunning. Readers also get to see the beating heart beneath, and feel for Valek as his loyalties become entangled.

Janco's POV, on the other hand... Sometimes he was so funny that I'd burst out laughing. Other times, he was downright annoying, and I wanted to smack him. Janco's perspective is necessary, though, since he's in a number of important scenes where Yelena and Valek aren't present. But at the same time, I feel like I learned very little about Janco, especially in comparison to what I learned about Valek.

A couple other things about Shadow Study threw me off. First, there were times where the timing for one character's POV wasn't synchronized with the timing for another character's sections. I'm not sure why this caught my attention. It hasn't for other multiple POV books like George R.R. Martin's A Song Of Fire And Ice novels. But for some reason, I noticed it more with Shadow Study, and it jarred me a little. Also, Yelena's independent streak drives me nuts sometimes. It's not a complete drawback; I like that Yelena is decisive and follows her instincts, but she rarely asks for help. So when she strikes out on her own, I always know something bad is going to happen.

I could say so much more about Shadow Study, including the characters who returned from the previous Study novels (and also the Glass trilogy), and the new characters we meet. But the point is, Shadow Study is a fantastic new installment to the Yelena Zaltana saga. It's tightly written, packed with tension and action, and full of new reasons to love its memorable characters. I'm still reeling a bit from the bombshell ending ("cliffhanger" doesn't quite fit for this one - trust me) and the other revelations that emerge - but that just means lots of crucial choices and juicy conflict for Night Study and Dawn Study. And I can't wait to see how it all unfolds from here!

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.

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.

Readers of Maria Snyder's trio of books that focus on the adventures of Yelena and Valek (Poison Study (Study, Book 1),Magic Study and Fire Study (Study, Book 3)) will most likely be disappointed by her latest offering, "Shadow Study."

The reader will be entertained only due to the fact that he/she has already formed a relationship with characters he/she fell in love with in the first and best novel of the series. Reuniting with beloved characters and enjoying their chemistry is always a thrill but not when these characters lose dimension or are only considered viable based upon information built up in the previous books.

That being said, "Shadow Study" introduces a new set of books that kick start from the older set where new story lines and characters will veer away from the original premise and use Yelena and Valek as their anchors. Unfortunately, rather than put successful characters "to bed"(so to speak), the author has chosen to move them into another set of adventures and capitalize on their popularity. This is not always a good idea. Take Diana Gabaldon's Diana Gabaldon Outlander Series Seven Book Set [Outlander, Voyager, Dragonfly in Amber, Drums of Autumn, Fiery Cross, Breath of Snow and Ashes, Echo in the Bone] as a good example of the formulation of a reading franchise where the first three books were phenomenal--compelling the reader to turn pages and revel in the characters achievements, ability to overcome their difficulties and fierce dedication to one another. Then add books 4-9 with no end in sight with myriads of additional characters that rival George R.R. Martin's other popular franchise George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons--so much so that a compendium of crosschecks is needed to even remember who is who especially when the next book in the franchise comes out after many years have passed. Sometimes, its good to see the light at the end of the tunnel and forgo the allure of keeping the series alive just for the sake of the franchise's continual sustenance. Hopefully, this is not what Snyder and her publishers have in mind--but judging by the almost sinful cliffhanger at the novel's end? I'm afraid that it indicates just that.

In "Shadow Study," Yelena loses her magic and she and Valek spend most of the novel's pages apart which will not appeal to the couple's die-hard fans. Nonetheless, the novel acts as a transition into the new series with the addition of a new POV from a new character. For those who are willing to invest in a new franchise? Go for it, but be prepared for such meanderings as Valek's background story and other such transgressions that don't seem to move the story along until the very end. And then? Of course, there is no ending! Just a cliffhanger that lures you into the next episode. Shades of Outlander and Song of Ice and Fire--and about a thousand other less popular series . . .

Bottom line? I don't thing that "Shadow Study" works at all as a standalone novel. The reader must already be fully vested in the Yelena and Valek saga to even consider reading on with any semblance of enjoyment. Only recommended for those who are ready to read a slew of more such adventures with characters never quite learning their lessons, making repeatedly ridiculous mistakes just for the sake of continuing the legend.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc:

Wow. That ending was shocking. I did NOT see that coming! I just can't believe it. And I'm not going to say how it ended. I absolutely loved reading in Valek's point of view. Especially when it went into how he became an assassin. It was addicting. Definitely one of those books that has you dreaming and thinking about it all the time. I've always loved Janco's character, but in this book I got to experience it more and he's a favorite. Valek is different on the inside than the outside. Everyone sees him as this cold, strong person. He's so much more and it's a good kind of more. It was less Yelena's story and more about Janco and Valek. It was refreshing. I like how it still had Yelena but it had three people's stories. I had a goofy grin on my face half the time and gripping the book for the other half. I simply can't wait to read the next book!

What I love about this author's books:
Maria is big on giving cliff hanger endings at the end of almost every chapter. A lot of her books leave the readers starving for more. The last page of each book is AGONIZING. I read through the nights when reading her amazing books. Shadow Study did not disappoint. The author left me with the book in my hand and having this wide-eyed, shock-filled, ecstatic look on my face.

As always, Maria V. Snyder has done a masterful job. Her ability to weave together the stories of a whole host of characters in a way that isn't clunky astounds me. With shadow Study, Maria has stepped out of the pretty Ixia/Sitia we became familiar with in the early Study novels into the dark, gritty underbellies of the realms, full of espionage and traitors. Somehow, Shadow Study conveys a sense of overlying darkness that wasn't present in the earlier novels--perhaps the looming threat of war has something to do with that?

I had the pleasure of meeting Maria a few months ago and had the chance to pick her brain about the Study series. I can't wait to continue on to reading Night Study and Dawn Study so that Valek and Yelena can finally get their well-deserved happy ending--Maria is fond of saying that these final 3 novels will be the last we hear of them so that they can retire to the life of leisure they so deserve, and I'm with her on that front! I am anxious to read how all of the characters' stories wind up, especially Ari and Janco's--I sense the possibility of a blooming romance for one of them!

As far as this book goes, I loved the twists in the last several chapters and while I think I can see where the story is heading, Maria has a way of surprising me and making sure that all of my theories end up incorrect, so we'll see!!

5 stars. If you're a Study series fan, you'll enjoy this solid entry, and if you aren't, well, you should be!!

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: A wonderful adult high fantasy that will capture your heart! I have loved this entire series and I can’t wait for more!

Opening Sentence: Ugh, mud, Kiki said as she splashed through another puddle.

The Review:

Yelena is a soulfinder and she has used her magic to help keep peace between the two lands she calls home, Ixia and Sitia. For years now she has fought to protect those she loves and herself from different evil forces that threaten to destroy everything and everyone she cares about!

While on her to way to meet Valek at their cozy little cottage, Yelena is attacked by an unknown enemy. She is caught unaware and struck with an arrow. Luckily she survives the attack, but the next morning she wakes up without magic. She is more vulnerable then ever and there is still an enemy out there that wants her dead.

Yelena is one of those heroines you like more and more as you get to know her. It’s amazing how much she has grown from the girl she was when we first met her in Poison Study. It doesn’t seem to matter what dilemma she is faced with, she always approaches things with a level head. She is extremely resourceful, intelligent, confident, and I love that she knows how to take care of her own problems. But at same time, she doesn’t hesitate to ask for help if she needs it. She is just one of those characters you can’t help but love. I’m so glad I have had the privilege of reading her story and I can’t wait to read more!

Valek is easily one of my all time favorite book boys! He is sexy, charming, loyal, deadly, and just an all around perfect guy. I think the best thing about Shadow Study was that we got to be inside of Valek’s head. Seeing things from his POV was really interesting and we also got to explore his past, which I loved. His relationship with Yelena is beautiful and one of those love stories that inspire you. They have amazing chemistry and they compliment each other so well. They both have many talents that make them great, but when you get them together they are an unstoppable force! They are one of my favorite book couples!

Shadow Study is a fun, adventurous story filled with wonderful characters, epic romance, and a very intriguing plot! One of the things I love best about this story is all the amazing secondary characters. There are many old faces that appear in the story but there are also many new characters as well. One thing I didn’t realize while reading the first book in that this series is actually not a young adult book. For some reason I always figured it was because it reads like a YA book, but while the first three books felt like YA books, Shadow Study felt more like an adult book to me. That’s not to say that young adults won’t enjoy it, but the issues the characters are dealing with are definitely more adult issues. With that all being said, I am so glad that Maria decided to revisit these characters even though it has been many years since Fire Study was released. This world and these characters are amazing and I can’t wait to continue reading their story. If you are a fantasy fan and you haven’t started this series yet, you need to change that and start reading them ASAP!

Notable Scene:

Darkness greeted me when I woke. Every single muscle ached as if I’d ran here from the Citadel. My dry throat burned and my stomach hurt. I needed water, food, and a bath. But first, I needed to ensure that I didn’t have another attack. Had the poison run its course? Or was it still inside me? One way to find out.

I drew a deep breath and reached for the blanket of power. Nothing happened. Trying again, I concentrated on pulling a thread of magic.

Nothing.

Fear pushed up my throat. I swallowed it down determined not to panic.

I opened my mind to Kiki. What’s going on?

No response. Not even images.

Dead air surrounded me.

My magic was gone.

FTC Advisory: Harlequin/Mira provided me with a copy of Shadow Study. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

It's been a long time ago since I read Maria v Snyder her study series and I have to admit I was a bit wary when I heard she was writing more books in the series, but I also was excited and when I saw Shadow Study on netgalley I just couldn't resist requesting a copy. After reading Shadow Study I can only say that I am really happy Maria decided to revisit this world. I didn't realize how much I had missed it and it was so fun to be back in Ixia and Sitia.

This story is told form multiple point of views, we get Janco, Valek and Yelena her point of view and this way of telling the story really worked. Then with Valek his point of view we also get flashbacks to his past and it was awesome learning more about his past and how he became an assassin. Janco his point of view was also fun, although I keep having trouble keeping Ari and Janco apart it did got easier as the book progressed. Shadow Study delivers in the same style we've come to expect from this author, a solid story and mystery. There are some predictable parts and a few chapters felt a bit slow, but also some twists and turns which managed to surprise me. The main storyline get's wrapped up, but there are still enough loose ends for later books.

All the characters are so familiar that they almost feel like friends. It was fun to read about these characters again. Even Opal and Devlen make an appearance and play a role in this story. Ofcourse the story focussed on Yelena, Valek and Janco, but the side characters play an important role as well. We also meet a new interesting character and I can't wait to learn more about her. There were some fun scenes between Yelena and Valek and you get a feel for their relationship, but most of the story they spend apart. I really like all the characters in this series and it was nice to read about them again.

There isn't a lot of world building, which is to be expected in a later book in a series, but there are things that change in the world and things we didn't know added. Also even though I didn't re-read the first three books, it was easy to get back into this world and there was enough recap for me not to feel lost.

To conclude: Shadow Study is a great addition to this series! I enjoyed the story and learning more about Valek his past and being back in this world was amazing. This was a comfortable read, but there are no big surprised, although there are some surprising twists and turns towards the end of the book. All in all I am happy to revisit this world and characters and hope Maria writes more books in this world!

 
 
Shadow Study, Maria V. Snyder
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
Well, in the pre kindle days I ordered what I thought was a historical fiction read from the store and realised I’d made a mistake. It was Poison Study and of course fantasy. That’s a genre I had stayed away from til then, thinking it was all Tolkien, middle earth and star wars type reads,  but once into Poison Study I was hooked, and haven’t looked back since. I now love fantasy and paranormal reads  and have read all in this series so far, so to see more Yelena and Valek was a real treat. Looks like its another trilogy, but the great thing about Maria’s books is that though the story continues she stops at a natural break, not an awful, hated, frustrating cliff-hanger – thanks Maria.
Anyway on to this book. Its been a few years since I read poison study – maybe four or five - and yet the story is still clear in my mind. It was great to be back with them both,. with Kiki and Onyx, and of course with people from Sitia and Ixia. Yelena is on her way to meet Valek for a much needed break for them both, when she’s attacked. Kiki rushes her to Valek and she recovers from the poisoned arrow. Sadly their break is brief though as Valek has to return to Ixia, and Yelena stays another day to recover before returning to Sitia.
After Valek leaves though she’s beset by some kind of odd fever which seems to have taken away or blocked her magic, leaving her incredibly vulnerable. Both she and Valek have numerous enemies, people who want power, who want to use politics for their own ends, and she needs to find out who is behind the attack without letting too many people know just how vulnerable she is. Valek meanwhile is having his own problems, it seems while he’s been away on his latest mission things have changed at the castle, and not for the good. They’re both busy and as usual danger seems to follow Yelena around, but this time she’s not got her magic to protect her.
Its a real puzzle – who’s behind the attack and why, and for Valek, why have things changed so much? How come there are new personnel at the castle, and where is Marin and what assignment had the Commander sent her on that he hasn’t told Valek about? Its the usual well plotted and gripping mystery, trying to work out what’s happening and why, and how they can stop the bad while staying alive. And this time staying alive is so much harder for Yelena, as she’s so used to having her magic to help her.
Its a fabulous read, and I’m so glad Maria decided to bring back Valek and Yelena, ( and of course all the old favourites that share their story) and I’m really looking forward to continuing this series.

Stars: Five, a fantastic  read, full of the old magic ( in all senses) and a real treat for fans of the Ixia and Sitia worlds.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.

I’m honestly baffled by all the glowing reviews for this book. I loved the first three books in the series, because the two main characters were intelligent and clever, and the primary supporting characters were sufficiently amusing or interesting (as their roles required). Everyone, including the author, appears to have lost fifty IQ points in this story.

I finished it by sheer determination to keep up with the story, and it was a chore, not a pleasure. The characters and plot were boring and often predictable, with none of the mystery, suspense, humor, romance, or intelligent problem solving I’d come to expect from the series (or, indeed, the author). The writing adage to ‘show, not tell’ was wildly abused, and much of the dialogue contained jarringly modern expression.

I genuinely wonder if it was ghost written, as the quality and style vary so dramatically from the earlier works. To top it all off, the story ends not just on a cliff hanger, but essentially unfinished, with the main plot points completely unresolved. This was an unsatisfying read in multiple ways, and a real disappointment given the quality of the earlier part of the series.

I'm grateful that the Study series has continued. Yelena and Valek back as the main characters was wonderful. There seemed to be a lot more dialogue then action ratio, but it was great delving into Valek's past and the latest Yelena troubles.

There were quite a lot of conspiracies and intrigue, however, every mystery was resolved by the end. We learned about how everything was plotted out. I expect the next book will detail the whys and if Yelena will get her magic back.

Perhaps in the sequel we will also figure out the role of the Shadow plot device because it's only brought up once and I didn't understand why it may have been important enough to name the book thus.

I'm looking forward to more books and seeing Yelena back in kick ass action.

A great read, but I recommend reading all the other books first.

A most welcome return to the Study series by this simply awesome writer who mixes fantasy , adventure and of course a lot of heart. I first read Poison Study believing it to be just a fantasy book aimed at young readers and if honest had very low expectations but was absolutely gripped from the first page . Yelena was a character who felt then and now real to me and the author makes the reader feel as if we are right beside her characters as they fight for what they see as right. Now with this the fourth book we get not only Yelena's point of view but also Valek's with flashbacks that will give the reader goosebumps moments as we finally get to know just how far these characters have come. We even get to live inside the head of Janco which adds yet another dimension to the plot. Oh and plot is the right word to use here as from the very outset things have been set in motion that will change the perspective and lives of this couple forever!
What no synopsis? No clues about the story? No definitely absolutely and positively no spoilers here as it's a journey of discovery for these characters and the reader both.
Amazing world building and a fantastic action packed adventure. As you might have guessed by now I loved the mixture of intrigue and magic and it clearly needs very little praise from me as fans of this series will be desperate to read it. It's dark, it's magical, there's hardly any romance and yet as a die hard romantic I'm gripped as its such a fascinating world Ms Snyder has created.
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

*Book source ~ Purchased on Audible

Yelena finds herself targeted for assassination and loses her magic, Valek finds himself at odds with the Commander and the Power Twins are trying to keep things together. Smuggling is rife, plots are thick and tricky and it’s hard to decide who to trust.

Guest Reviewers:

T ~ my 16-yr-old son
K ~ my 14-yr-old son

Yelena, Valek and the gang are back. Told from three POVs (Yelena, Valek, Janco), the story switches back and forth between them as they deal with current events. A lot of Valek’s story consists of flashbacks on how he became the man he is today. We loved his portion because as T put it: Valek is effing awesome! K & I have to agree. Janco is always good for amusement and we’re mixed about Yelena. We mostly like her but there are times we seriously want to bitchslap her for doing stupid s***. Seriously. The alternating storylines were ok. We think it was a bit frustrating to get to a good point in one arc only to have it slip to the next and then the next. Grrr. Overall though we did enjoy having all three arcs come together in the end. And I have to tell you that K called that ending about 1/3 of the way into the book. That boy is too smart for his own good. LOL Oh, and that ending? Holy s***! As for the new characters, we’re reserving judgment. I kinda like Onora, but I don’t trust her. Yet. The Commander has me worried, K and T aren’t with T saying that he believes the Commander is incorruptible. I’m not so sure. Again, I’m worried where this story is heading. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Favorite Quotes:

Yelena to Onora about Janco: “ He grows on you. Sort of like a barnacle.”

Valek to Yelena: “We should make a list of who doesn’t want to kill you, love. It’d be shorter.”
I’d be offended, but it was actually a good idea.

Valek had learned the best way to distribute information was to classify it as secret.

My favorite book of Maria V. Snyder is Poison study, so when I heard there was going to be another study series book, I got really excited! I love reading about Yelena, Valek, Kiki, Ari, and Janco. But this book just didn't please me as much as the rest of the study series. It was just okay.

Poison Study was 8 years in the past, but there is a lot of reminiscing of what happened in the Study Series and the Magic Series. Too much reminiscing of the past when it was such a long time ago. Everything she does gives her a memory of something that happened 8 years ago. I reread Study series in anticipation of this book. But it also pulls from the Magic study as well and I couldn't remember everything from that series so I was left in the dark in some of the stuff as well. It is too reliant on both series.

The narration goes between Valek and Janco in 3rd person and Yelena in 1st person. But by the time it cycles over to one person again, I have forgotten exactly what was going on with that character, even though it was left in a semi cliff hanger, it didn't really keep me enthralled. I found myself having a hard time reading this book, it didn't keep my attention.

The part I like a lot is when Valek reminisces in the past about how he became an assassin. Those were my favorite chapters, learning more about Valek and how he became to be an assassin.

Also, this book ends in a big cliff hanger, but I figured out this cliff hanger plot very early on in the book. It has to do with why Yelena lost her power. It was supposed to be a surprise, but early in the book I was like...I bet this is why she lost her powers, I bet this is why...and sure enough. There are a lot of threads left hanger and there is a enough left hanging that I would like to read the next book. But this book was just hard to keep me entertained.

I give this four stars instead of three probably a bit out of fondness for the first book. But also because I think maybe as an entry to the forthcoming books that will complete this triad it makes for a better book.

Let me clarify. As the fourth book in a series, it is a bit lacking. There is too much infodumping. There is also little in the way of expanding the various supporting characters that add nuance to what I think could, and should, have been a continuation to a series and a world. They felt flat and more to play off of than a deepening of a still rather small recurring cast of supporting characters.

As jump start to a new ancillary series, the book has much of the same weaknesses. However it has something that the first book, rough but very much enjoyed by this reader, does not. When the Luna line of books came out, one of my chief complaints was the over simplistic elements to the worldbuilding and plotting. Too many of the books seemed to take place in a vacuum. Little was done to provide complexity. I think, opinion of course, some of this at the least was due to the determination to expand Harlequin more firmly into the fantasy genre without alienating its core of romance readers. It seemed to me to be an extension past the flat romances that were formulaic just with "magic". But not a full commitment to fantasy.

For me Snyder is one of the few that survived that initial rollout but truly delivered fantasy. She also delivered romance. But despite a perceived editorial slant, the rough juggling still managed to deliver a very strong debut.

Here I think Snyder is much more confident in delivering her voice and vision. While her first book seemed to be formed in part by the expectations of the imprint, this fourth entry in this world seems much more assured. And more importantly it delivers a set up to an interesting and compelling storyline I definitely want to follow. Something her first book also did. So that is the four stars. Being able to grow as a writer and still maintain a such a level of insterest.

Okay, wow. Where do I even start?! This book, you guys... this book!

Okay, let me start with the slightly confusing - the book refers to events that happened in the short stories. I haven't read those. I had no idea who these characters were, but Snyder does a good job filling up the gaps so we get the general gist of things. However, it might still be best for you to read the short stories first.

Shadow Study introduces Valek's POV. You know, the swoon worthy master assassin and Yelena's heartmate. Being inside his head was just... incredible. First, we got to see how much Yelena really means to him, and OH THE FEELS. Through Yelena's head we knew he loved her, but we were also affected by her belief that his first priority will always be the Commander. Through his eyes though...

And let's not forget Valek's past. If you haven't been intrigued by the events that turned Valek into the King-Killer, something might be wrong with you. In Shadow Study, Snyder gives us all the juicy details. That means we get to see young Valek. And Valek in training. And the meeting between the Commander and Valek. And the King's assassination. Yep. All great stuff, all around.

Not to mention, the book is kind of heavy on the Valek x Commander relations, a theme that will continue on to the second book at the very least. Very curious to see how it goes from here.

Then there was Janco. If you don't love Janco, then... then... I don't know what to tell you. I don't have words for such a sordid occurrence. Anyways, he stars in this book, alongside a new character called Onora. Their interactions were as fun to read of as Janco and Ari's. Janco and Ari are my bromance OTP in this series. But I'm shipping Little Miss Assassin and the Rhythm Master, I ain't gonna lie.

And of course, there was Leif, Ari, Opal and Devlen, Reema, Kiki... there was no shortage of awesome characters, awesome interactions, awesome situations, and a great storyline that keeps you guessing and intrigued, with every chapter ending in a way that makes you need the next one.

And that ending... Let's put it like this: I KNEW IT and I am freakin' happy and excited!

Thank you so much MIRA INK for giving me an early e-arc. I've never been happier in my life. Like, ever. And that might be slightly unhealthy, but WHO CARES, MORE VALEK AND YELENA!

Shadow Study is the first book in the Soulfinders series by Maria V. Snyder. This is actually a continuation of the Study series as it features Yelena and Valek. I thought Shadow Study was a good book but overall, I was disappointed. There wasn’t as much excitement or adventure as the previous series and I didn’t care for the direction of the plot. It’s heavy on deception, political maneuverings and intrigue.

Yelena’s magic becomes blocked shortly into the story. I came up with a theory for the reason for this early on and after finishing it I’m sticking to my original theory. I felt bad for Yelena. Not having her magic was devastating to her. She didn’t realize how much she relied on it until it was gone. But it doesn’t stop her from doing everything in her power to find out the cause and to search for a solution. This brings about much danger and Yelena is vulnerable without her magic.

Valek and Yelena are apart for most of the story and it seems to be the norm for their relationship. I got the impression that Valek’s primary focus is his job which makes me question where his true devotion lies. In Shadow Study he takes a trip down memory lane and has flashbacks of his past, beginning when he first decided to kill the King. I enjoyed learning his history. It was interesting but once he joined up with Ambrose I lost interest. I’ve never been a huge fan of Ambrose and this book didn’t change my option. I don't like how Valek is almost blindly loyal to him.

In Shadow Study, the story alternates between Yelena, Valek and Janco. One thing that was jarring to the flow of the story was the change in perspective from first person to third person. Yelena’s point of view is told from the first person perspective while everyone else’s is third person. I think it would have been much better to have a single perspective.

Shadow Study is a good book but not great. There are parts that I really enjoyed and others that were just okay. It held my attention but I was glad when it was done. The story is filled with danger, misdirection and adversity. There wasn’t much to lighten it up so it had a slightly negative tone.

Shadow Study ends in a teaser. There is a conclusion to one storyline but plenty is left untold. To get a satisfactory conclusion you’ll have to keep reading. I haven’t decided if I want to read the next book but curiosity will probably push me to it.

*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from the publisher, Harlequin - Mira, via NetGalley.

When I saw this available on Netgalley to review, I was pretty excited. I love it when I can get favorite author's books early. I enjoyed this one, but was a little disappointed in it. I felt like it moved a bit too slowly until the end when everything happened way too quickly.

I didn't understand how the story was going to get all wrapped up when there wasn't very much book left. Well, it didn't really get all wrapped up. Obviously there's more to the series, but this book left a lot of things up in the air, and what it did resolve it did so in a matter of pages.

I liked the characters, but the more I read books set in this world, I find Janco less endearing and more annoying. Still, I did enjoy reading this, and will definitely continue on with the series.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Maria V. Snyder story and "Shadow Study" was a challenge for me because although it appears to be a new series, it is a continuation of a previous series (The Study Series) and I'll admit that not having read that series, I would fairly lost through a good portion of the series.

That said, Snyder writes a fast paced, action series. There is some violence although not too graphic and if there was some sexual content, I admit that I missed it which surprised me because this book is from the Harlequin MIRA imprint so I expected more romance between Yelena and Valek but again, since this is a continuation, the story opens with Yelena under attack and the two lovers have to separate. Because the two are separated, the story is told in alternating points of view with also another character named Janco.

There are several storylines going on as Yelena is unable to access her magic abilities and Valek is beholden to his military orders. The strength of the book, the part that sold me, was the world building that Snyder has for this world. The action is also well paced so even when I got lost on who the different characters were and their importance, I could keep going due to Snyder's writing.

All in all, it was well written but I would recommend reading the first series before jumping into this one. I think if I had read the first series, I would probably have gotten more appreciation of this one.

I was embarrassingly excited when I learned that Yelena and Valek would back in Maria V. Snyder’s Shadow Study! These stories are some of my favorites and I couldn’t wait to read about what happens next with these two. The former poison-taster/now Soulfinder, Yelena, and the (arguably) best assassin in the land/ the Commander’s closest confidant, Valek, are now attempting to balance a romantic relationship with their jobs in neighboring (and quarreling) countries. Of course there is a huge wrench thrown into the mix, but Yelena and Valek are not known for giving up. Get ready to watch these two in action and meet some new characters along the way.

There’s something about Maria V. Snyder’s writing that grabs my attention and doesn’t let me go until the very last sentence. However, this time, I was expecting the last sentence. It was the perfect ending to this adventure while setting us up for plenty of future shenanigans. The continuation of Yelena and Valek’s love story (yes, there is action, adventure and magic, but those two are love personified) is fascinating. They are the two people that weren’t supposed to be together and, even now, their respective countries aren’t thrilled with their relationship. That coupled with the fact that both have enough enemies to take down a small army keeps things interesting.

See full review at: http://www.literaryescapism.com/45657/shadow-study-by-maria-v-snyder-soulfinder-1

Shadow Study
Maria V. Snyder
Mira, Feb 24 2015, $14.95
ISBN: 9780778317401

A shaky cold peace has held up for the most part for several years between non-magical Ixia and magical Sitia. Both adversarial sides know how quickly an incident could ignite the fire of war. Lovers Soulfinder Yelena the Sitian and Valek the Ixian assassin do what they can to keep the hostilities from turning into combat.

An unknown assassin shoots Yelena with a poison arrow. At the same time Valek is recalled back to Ixia to deal with a growing smuggling operation. Although Yelena struggles with the toxin threatening her magical skills and perhaps her life, and from enemies craving her death, she still goes it alone. Though they go back a long time since his days at the School Of Night And Shadow, Valek feels his leader the Ixian Commander no longer trusts him and may be duplicitous in the attack on his beloved.

Rotating three interrelated subplots (Yelena, Valek, and twins Janco and Ari) the first Poison Study fantasy (see Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study) in seven years is a gripping twisting novel filled with danger from adversaries and seemingly allies. Each segue is well-written, but for saga fans the Valek entry is the best as we learn of his days as a student. The return is a tremendous tale as our separated heroes revert back to their personal comfort zones of their roots.

Harriet Klausner

Wow, I can't believe POISON STUDY has been released so long ago. Almost a decade ago, in fact. (Specifically, October 2015.) In the world of SHADOW STUDY, the story follows Valek and Yelena with old and new characters. It has been many years since the events of POISON STUDY. Still, it seems just like yesterday when Valek was the mysterious and cold spymaster and Yelena, the next to dead prisoner. She narrowly avoided being executed by becoming a poison taster, but then everything becomes complicated throughout the years and Valek and Yelena can't seem to catch a decent break. There is always someone out to kill, murder, torture, hurt the two. SHADOW STUDY is no exception to the rule.

Our heroes are grown up, but that still makes them the reader's darlings. Valek is deep in the mystery of how some smart smugglers are getting their (illegal) goods into Ixia with a frightening ease. Yelena is powerless, and her magic is completely gone after being attacked by an unknown assassin. She has to fall back to her original training with a bow and rely on someone else's magic to protect herself. They are facing their deadliest enemies yet, and both possesses great weaknesses. Worst of all, time is not on their side. The suspense is killing, and the duo are constantly in danger of dying.

On a minor note, it is amazing how Yelena is now twenty-seven years old which makes Valek very, very old.

The book brings back a few familiar villains, and Snyder somehow manages to make them not only interesting but also a real threat to the entire world. Who they are will probably be a surprise to most readers (assuming they didn't read spoilers off of summaries or heard them from talkative, speedreading friends), but the main villains aren't the only person(s) who Valek and Yelena have to be worried about. There is a deep mystery, that isn't solved (not completely) by the end of the book. The last, possible, and hidden villain could mean the unraveling of not only Sitia but also Ixia.

The plot is fast-paced, and I'm welcomed by Maria V. Snyder's familiar writing style. The book is split in many POVs that are surprisingly easy to understand. POVs are usually annoying, but Snyder nails it perfectly. In Valek's perspective, he is in the past and also in the present. The details of his career as a young assassin are finally revealed, and Valek grows even more fascinating as a character.

In conclusion, SHADOW STUDY is the latest installment the continues the adventures of Valek and Yelena. Though they are getting old, they do have sharp and powerful moments that makes the book feel new.

Rating: Four out of Five

I am fascinated by their world and inspired by the two main characters, Yelena and Valek. Their romance was captured by their thoughts and actions as two strong and independent people, since they were physically apart for most of the book. The magic was seamlessly woven into the story and didn’t overpower it. The relationships and adventures dominated the story. There are similarities to Game of Thrones, with less complexity and more feminine perspectives and romance.

Here’s what I loved:
- Being drawn into their world
- Valek’s backstory of how he became the man that he is
- The complexity and depth of the characters
- The lusciousness of the writing, it stayed with me

What I didn’t like was:
- The cover, that is not how Yelena looks (this is why I never see a movie first)
- I figured out the end right away and had a hard time believing they couldn’t figure it out.
- The misplaced loyalty seemed out of alignment with the character, despite the explanation.

This was my first Poison Study book but not my first Maria Snyder book. I’ve already ordered and will read book one. I adore her storytelling.

I can remember first discovering this author and the Study books. I instantly fell in love with the books and Yelena and Valek. The world that Mrs. Snyder created was a magical one. It was great to see Yelena as she grew and gained more abilities. I tried to read the Glass books but they did not draw me in as much. One thing that was missing was Yelena. Yet I could appreciate that the author was branching out with the Glass books. So when I learned about these new Soulfinder books that would feature Yelena and Valek again I was thrilled. Yet, I don't know if it is because I have been away from these books for a while or what but I was not loving this book as much as I hoped for and craved from the Study books. While I did like to revisit again with Yelena and Valek at times it was slow reading for me.

(This review first appeared on Readers in Wonderland)

Well, SHADOW STUDY was fun. I was always sure I was going to like this book. One of my favourite authors was writing more stories set in my favourite world with the very first characters of hers I’d fallen in love with. And I was right, SHADOW STUDY was fast paced, action packed, and had a plot that surprised me more than once.

And I’m sitting here with a decent introductory paragraph (for once) with no idea where to take the review next. This is the problem with favourite series that are underrated. I want to fangirl about all the things, but must restrain myself and convince non believers people who haven’t read this glorious series to pick up book one. Not that you need to read the other books first, Snyder does a very good job at filling in key events and back stories (which was helpful because it’s been a while since the last Ixia/Sitia book was released). It’s not info dumpy, it’s woven in really well. And there’s new tidbits that old readers of the series will enjoy as well, namely Valek’s back story about his assassin training and the lead up to his killing of the king.

SHADOW STUDY as impossible to put down, I really didn’t want it to ever end. Not only was I loving the return to the old characters and seeing what their life was like 8 years after it all began in POISON STUDY, but the writing was just so engaging and addictive. The action starts immediately in chapter one and doesn’t stop until you reach the final few pages. There’s new information and suspense every chapter, and plenty of fight scenes. And right at the end you’re bombarded with some epic plot twists. Things I never, ever saw coming. I had to reread some parts three times because I couldn’t believe what I’d just read. I’m really excited to see what these developments mean for the future of the world and the characters. There’s one development I predicted but you know what, I ain’t even mad because I have been wanting this to happen for SO LONG. What is it you ask? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

The way the story was written only added to the thrill. There’s three alternating point of views in SHADOW STUDY and each chapter ends in a massive cliffhanger! Every. Single. One from chapter one. It was bloody great, but frustrating because I just wanted to follow that one development not switch to another! Saying that, I really did enjoy all three point of views (there’s Yelena in first person, then two other favourite characters in third person) so any frustration I had didn’t last for long because I was soon caught up in another story line. Snyder’s writing doesn’t contain long winded descriptions either and is great at nabbing your full attention, so you’ll be flying through the pages. Her style of writing would be a great way to introduce someone to the worlds of high fantasy without having to worry about slow, boggy writing.

Not only is SHADOW STUDY action packed, but it’s entertaining thanks to the brilliant cast of characters. All my favourites side characters returned, not just Yelena and Valek. Ari and Janco have prominent roles, and Janco is sure to brighten up any dark scene. Lief is in it a lot and I forgot how much I loved him. Opal and her family make appearances, Kiki is her usual spunky self. They all had me amused at some point or another. I didn’t realise how much I missed them. Definitely going to have to make time to reread all the books some day. I want to meet them all over again (and remind myself of all those little details I have forgotten.) There’s also a couple of new characters introduced that I have come to love, especially one particular assassin.

I should point out that yes, this is an adult fantasy (Yelena’s 27 or 28 now). There are a few sexy times, but they’re not graphic, not at all. It’s tamer than what you’d find in some upper YA and NA titles. The sex is mentioned or eluded to in that fade to black way some authors use. It’s not happening frequently either because the plot doesn’t allow any time for it. Our favourite couple is separated for a great deal of the novel investigating different issues. They have more important things to worry about like not dying.

SHADOW STUDY truly surpassed my expectations. Definitely a great installment with plenty to keep me entertained. I struggled to put it down. It was great to return to all these characters and the world they live in. I cannot wait to see where this trilogy will take them. The wait is going to be tortorous.

If you haven’t read the Study series (and it’s sequel series), please consider picking them up. These books really don’t get enough love and they’re so unique and fun.

I liked the story line and the imagination. I liked the characters and their camaraderie, banter and way of communicating. I think the author's words flowed smoothly.

At certain stages of the story the pages turned quickly, at other times the action just wasn't there or seemed repetitious. Felt like I was walking through sand along the beach--and wishing I was a mile closer to home.....Every once in a while I'd find something interesting washing ashore, but the excitement wasn't enough to overpower my wish to get to the end of my self-chosen hike....

I would read another by this author, though. I would just choose a different time to read it.

Yelena and Valek apparently have a history in a "first" trilogy. This is the first book in a SECOND trilogy. It is narrated with 3 characters perspectives, and it doesn't really work. Every chapter (including the last) is a cliffhanger. It isn't as annoying as Game of Thrones because it only cycles through 3 characters, but I do not like the style. The twists at the end were odd and not well explained, and the final "resolution" was non-existent. There was lots of movement through the kingdoms, but I didn't feel like there was much of a driving plot. It wasn't horrible, but it was certainly not great. Just an OK read, and I'm not excited about book 2.

This was… kind of a dissapointment as a pick up of the Study series. It felt kind of flat, but I do still love the characters so it was worth the read. I just wish the characters were a bit more… themselves. And I wish there weren't long bits just explaining what happened in the previous books. I just wanted to say "Yes, I know. I read them. That's why we're here." It wasn't just offhanded references, but full blocks of nothing but exposition. The ending did have me all excited though, so I guess I'm reading the next book. I kind of wish it had just stayed a trilogy. The first 3 books were tight and well-written. My favorite books.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Ms. Snyder for listening to her fans. And continuing on with this series. It's really a fantastic series. The characters are great, the world still awesome as ever. The nearest additions and the mystery and intrigue that you sit there and try to figure out throughout this book definitely keeps you on your toes. The ending, oh my wow what a cliffhanger, which means more books in the series, yay!

Imagine my surprise when I discovered this new series was a continuation of Yelena's series. I loved the series and thought it was over. As with the other three books there are many hold your breath moments. These characters place themselves in the line for each other even in the most challenging situations. Old and new enemies present new challenges in this intriguing tale.

I LOVE Maria V. Snyder's books! The Study/Soulfinders series are my absolute favorite and I was THRILLED to see a return to these characters. I would definitely recommend going back to POISON STUDY to get a grasp of all the adventure, however, I think one could jump in with this book as the recaps are there.

Somewhat disappointing. OK, part of this is a personal quirk, I do not love first person stories that jump from character to character. But in addition the characters didn't seem to be very emotionally involved in their own stories.
That being said, Valek's back story was quite interesting,

Excellent story. Love the characters! Snyder's world is vivid and enticing. This book can be read on its own but if you want it starts with the Study series then goes into the Glass series both trilogies. Same world and characters but previous trilogies. You wont be lost if you don't go back and read them.

This book is interesting with familiar characters and an interesting story line. But the chapters are decided between three different perspectives and one of them is telling a store from the past as well as the current story line. It makes the story jump around a lot and which is harder to follow and less interesting to read.

I struggled with this book, compared to her original series. During the first several chapters, she is often outwitted by her horse. It sounds cute. But when dealing with poison arrows, it make her super strong female character not believable. There are also holes in her logic, with her magical world. It felt forced. Loyal fans may enjoy visiting the characters again, but other readers, go back to poison study.