Tour Review: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

AN UPDATED VERSION OF THIS REVIEW CAN BE FOUND ON AFTERWORDS

Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Soulfinder #1/Study #4/Chronicles of Ixia #7
Source: e-arc via Netgalley
Publisher: Mira Ink
Publication Date: March 1st, 2015
Age Genre: Young Adult

Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She 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, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.
As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.

WARNING: I HAD TO GUSH. I COULDN'T NOT GUSH. THAT MEANS I GO INTO DETAILS. NOT REALLY SPOILERS, BUT NOT REALLY HOLDING BACK EITHER.

Okay, wow. Where do I even start?!

I was a latecomer to the Maria V. Snyder bandwagon. When I read Poison Study last year, all the books in the series were already out. Or so I thought. The announcement over the newest book in the Ixia/Sitia world come soon after I finished Fire Study and I honestly couldn't be happier. I needed more Valek and Yelena.

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

Okay. Now to the book.

I will admit, at first I was a bit confused. First of all, let me warn you - the only first person pov is Yelena's. Valek and Janco's are in third person pov, which took a short while to adjust to. Once I did, I was able to fluidly read the book. Or devour it. Semantics.

I was also confused because 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, and 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! It's 

For a gif reaction to the book, click here

   Nitzan★

Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder (Spoilers)

Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Glass #3/Chronicles of Ixia #6
Source: borrowed from library (on wishlist)
Publisher: Mira Ink
Publication Date: Sep 6th, 2013
Age Genre: Young Adult
Challenges: TBR
Challenges: Prequel-Sequel
Challenges: Flight of Fantasy

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, student glass magician Opal Cowan lost her powers. Immune to the effects of magic, Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had. Powers that make a difference in the world.
Suddenly the beautiful pieces she makes begin to flash in the presence of magic and Opal learns that someone has stolen some of her blood. Finding it might let her regain her powers or discover that they're lost forever...

BE WARNED: UNHIDDEN SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THIS BOOK

Honestly, I am not 100% certain how I feel about this book. I enjoyed it, no doubt about that--I mean, how can you not enjoy a Maria V. Snyder book? But at the same time, I liked it less than the first two. I liked the characters less. The romance a bit less. The villain was creeptastic though - full points for that!

There were two things that made me enjoy this book less. First, Opal. In the last book, Opal gained an edge that made me love her so much. She was still the same kind, sweet, self-sacrificing person, but she was also a little jaded and bitter. I felt like for most of this book, she reverted back to who she was before. She did kickass things, no one could counter that, but the way her voice worked thorough all those sounded to me more like Old Opal than New Opal, if that makes any sense. I didn't like that.

Second, the romance. If you read my review of the second book in the series, you saw I completely fell for Devlen. Like, it came to the point I was Team Kade for Opal, and Team Devlen for myself. I felt like there was no way Opal would give up the great relationship she had with Kade for Devlen. Especially considering, as much as I adore the guy, he did some unforgivable stuff... didn't he?

Turns out, I was completely wrong. And you can feel that vibe pretty early on, with Ari accusing (well, saying, not accusing, but whateves) Opal of loving Devlen. Now at this point, I was like... what? Cause yeah. They were getting closer. But love? I wasn't feeling that. Not yet anyways.

Which, I guess, is where my issue with this romance comes from. Again, I adore Devlen. I'm actually extremely happy he got the girl. But I didn't feel like the book convinced me Opal truly loved him. Especially not with her track record.

She had Kade. Wonderful, sweet, loving Kade. And she stopped thinking about him completely when Devlen came into the picture, offering her a "sweeter deal", so to speak. Same with Ulrick, in a way. She had a guy she said she loved, but when he changed (i.e: Devlen) she was all for that. And when the deceit was proven, she was running to Kade. And when Kade and her had a few issues, she ran to Devlen. I guess, as a character, I no longer trust her love.

Aside for that, I really enjoyed this book. I loved seeing so much of Valek, specifically the way he was here; among friends, a bit more open. I loved getting more of Nic and Eve, and Teegan and Reema were a really nice addition. I know it soon, but I kind of ship Reema and Fisk. Especially cause she dislikes him so much, lol.

And the villain? My god, how I loved to hate him! I mean, the things he did... and than there's the cult leader *shudder* I.  Hate. Cults. They're so creepy! And Opal's brush with them is one of the creepest things I ever read of!

So, yes. There are reasons to rant in this book. But I had fun reading it and finishing this journey alongside these characters.

Nitzan★