12) Night Study by Maria V. Snyder

The Blurb :

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he's quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he's been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander's mysterious plans, they realize it's far more sinister that they could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts :

I am a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder and was extremely happy to have Yelena and Valek return in the Soulfinder books.  Their story was far from being over and it is getting more and more complicated and interesting with each book.  I say complicated because I find it hard to keep up with everything and remember what happen in the previous books.  I could really do with a 'Previously on...' section at the beginning ;)

Despite my ability to remember all the details, I enjoyed this new installment as much as the others.  There are, as always, some challenging developments and interesting twists.  The plot is always captivating and the world the author has built to house her characters is always a pleasure to visit.

I can't wait for more from the series.  There are so many possibilities and outcomes for all involved and I am interested to see what the author has in store for them all.  Especially as the characters develop and grow.  Oh and we are not only talking personal growth here.  The amount of characters keeps growing too with some very surprising additions this time around.

Well worth checking out if you like Fantasy and magical elements.  This is a Game of Thrones on a smaller scale and no dragons.  A very well thought out world with so many wonderful aspects to be in awe of.

20) Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

The Blurb :

Once, only her own life hung in the balance.

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.

My Thoughts :

Your eyes do not deceive you!  After all this time Yelena and Valek are back and I couldn't be happier!  I am sure all the fans are rejoicing about this comeback or they missed the memo and will be surprised when they come across this new installment.  The question is - Does Maria V. Snyder manage a good comeback?  The answer is - hell yes!

At first I felt a little lost.  Of course I remembered the main points but if I had had the time I would have re-read the previous books before starting Shadow Study.  It would have made things easier if my memory was completely refreshed but as it was the author managed to help me along with her short memory jogs.  As things progressed I fell back into the wonderful world that Snyder built for this amazing series and once again I found myself being pulled into the magical twists and turns.

I don't want to go into the story too much because I could end up giving something away.  What I can tell you is that Shadow Study is the perfect continuation of the series. There is everything and everyone you could wish for plus a few other bits and pieces you will be happy to read about.  The story is as original and special as all the books before it so I doubt anyone will be disappointed.

My only regret about this book is figuring out the solution to a major twist/cliffhanger ending very early in the story.  So, for me, the cliffhanger didn't pack the punch it should of.  I felt a little annoyed at myself more than anything but maybe for others it isn't as obvious.  Although it does mean that there will have to be another installment!

Any fan who has read Maria's books will be eager to read this new addition and they shouldn't wait too long to get a copy.  The chances of spoilers ruining the book is high and to be honest there isn't any way that anyone who has read the Study and Glass books will be able to stay away from this one for long.  Get a copy and snuggle up with it.  Take the day off work or phone in sick, this book needs to be read as soon as possible.

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