{Review} Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Shadow Study
by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #4
Pages: 410
Release Date: February 4, 2015
by Mira

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Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

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…

*REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*

They are whited out so you can only read them if you highlight the text

I have read this book for the first time twice now. I couldn't remember a single thing from my first read-through so I was shocked by every twist and turn. I mean, it doesn't get much better. Maria V Snyder never ceases to amaze me. Yelena has defeated the big bad with her magic and power, the series has been going at breakneck speed...now what? Of course, skip eight years, build the characters, and strip Yelena of her power. ABSOLUTELY GENIUS. This book was devoted to teaching us more about the characters we love so much, and Synder managed to fit a whole other plot in there as well. The balance between current issues and past events was perfect, and we had action as well as history. I loved learning more about Valek and his and the Commander's relationship. We only knew Valek as an assassin, but now we know about his past, what motivates him, and how he got to where he is. And we knew next to nothing about the Commander, but now we see how he started. This book was an elaboration on every small detail mentioned about Valek and the Commander in the first three books, and now we know the whole story, and I love it. The pacing was perfect to me, smoothly switching between past and present, and Synder has her own form of magic: she ends every chapter with a cliffhanger that prevents you from putting the book down. The switching PoV was an integral part of the success of the story. It was what allowed the furthering of the plot while learning about characters. I have wanted to get inside Valek's head for so long, and having Janco as a narrator was a bonus. I love that guy, and him and Ari's relationship is both hilarious and lovable. And I loved how Kiki is basically a character. A horse has better character development than some humans in other stories. To be honest, I shouldn't even be surprised, this is Synder we're talking about. I was incredibly impressed how she was able to keep every PoV straight and give us information from each person but then the other person doesn't know it because they aren't in contact, but it still worked out and everyone eventually ended up in the same place. That's a testament to her skill as a writer and her ability to craft a complicated, enthralling story. Can you tell I love this woman? We're deep into the series, so let's talk about where I think this is going. An underlying current in this book was the future of Valek's career. [Spoiler: For the first time in his life, his loyalty is split between two people - Yelena and the Commander - and while Yelena knows and accepts that, I don't see that being the dynamic for long. The Commander broke Valek's trust and for some unknown reason targeted Yelena, which resulted in her losing her magic. That was never explained, but taking Yelena's magic was, in a sense, as good as killing her. Of course, this is Yelena we're talking about, but still. The Commander, for some reason, wanted to target Yelena, and he has to know that will anger Valek. I don't think the Commander will be Valek's priority for long, especially since Onora is there now.] Onora is a new character, and I love her already. I was thinking she would basically be a new Yelena, but no character even thought it for a second, so I'm glad she is standing as a unique person with a unique story. [Spoiler: If I understand correctly, the Commander knew of and was helping to manufacture and trading of Curare, but then he wanted to be the only person to possess it, so he could fight against Sitian magicians if they ever decided to attack. But I really don't understand how Yelena fits into this, and why he had Onora shoot her. Onora was never ordered to kill Yelena, so then what was her mission? On paper, I think Onora was told to shoot Yelena and not question the orders, but I think the Commander wanted to strip Yelena of her power.] Why, I don't know. I really don't know. But we will see. [Spoiler: Also, Yelena is pregnant and my entire life is made.] A new addition to an already legendary series. I am endlessly impressed by Snyder and her ability to have new ideas and further the stories she already has in place. 5 stars

OTHER BOOKS BY MARIA V. SNYDER

          

Poison Study (Study #1) - Goodreads / Purchase
Magic Study (Study #2) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Fire Study (Study #3) - Goodreads /Purchase /  Review
Night Study (Study #5) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Dawn Study (Study #6) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Touch of Power (Healer #1) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Scent of Magic (Healer #2) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Taste of Darkness (Healer #3) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Storm Glass (Glass #1) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review
Sea Glass (Glass #2) - Goodreads / Purchase
Spy Glass (Glass #3) - Goodreads / Purchase
Inside (Insider #1-2) - Goodreads / Purchase / Review