by Maria V Snyder
published by Mira
expected release: February 24, 2015
genre: Adult, Fantasy,
**Received via NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for honest review
Summary (Goodreads): 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: First, the cover. While I don't hate this cover, it doesn't go with this series. It feels way too much like YA Fantasy when the main characters are clearly adult and have been since the first Study series books came out.
The Study series is a favorite go to for re-reading. I was thrilled when I heard that there was a new trilogy coming with characters from the original series.
Shadow Study starts around six years after the previous series. I loved getting the POVs of Valek and Janco as well as Yelena. To be honest, Valek's chapters were my favorite. We get to find out not only how he really joined the Commander but also how he was trained to be an assassin. All of the flashbacks played well with what was currently happening both in the castle and along the borders of Sitia and Ixia.
I'm not sure where the author is going with the Commander's story but I see nothing good coming from it. Between the new people in the castle, illegal products, and people coming back from the dead it all spells trouble for Valek and Yelena. It will be interesting to see where loyalties fall once more of the story comes out.
Overall, this was another great addition to this series. The author was able to find a way to bring back loved characters and mix them with new blood to keep the world fresh. There was also enough revealed to make the story satisfying but enough questions left to make you want more. Now for the wait until book two comes out.
Rating: 5
Shadow Study starts around six years after the previous series. I loved getting the POVs of Valek and Janco as well as Yelena. To be honest, Valek's chapters were my favorite. We get to find out not only how he really joined the Commander but also how he was trained to be an assassin. All of the flashbacks played well with what was currently happening both in the castle and along the borders of Sitia and Ixia.
I'm not sure where the author is going with the Commander's story but I see nothing good coming from it. Between the new people in the castle, illegal products, and people coming back from the dead it all spells trouble for Valek and Yelena. It will be interesting to see where loyalties fall once more of the story comes out.
Overall, this was another great addition to this series. The author was able to find a way to bring back loved characters and mix them with new blood to keep the world fresh. There was also enough revealed to make the story satisfying but enough questions left to make you want more. Now for the wait until book two comes out.
Rating: 5
I just literally finished reading The Bookaholic Cat's 3 star review of this book then landed on your 5 star gush fest. LOL! Talk about going from one extreme to the other. At least you gals made getting both sides of the coin easy. :)
ReplyDeleteCarmel @ Rabid Reads
:) if it hadn't been for the Valek chapters I probably would have felt very different. That said the second good go in the other direction depending on how the stories go.
ReplyDelete