REVIEW: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: February 24th, 2015
Source: Given to me by the Author for an honest review - this is all my opinion and not prompted
Rate: 4.5/5

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.
[GOODREADS] [AMAZON] [BARNES AND NOBLE] 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Maria V. Snyder

A little while ago I was given two series by my sister to read The Study Series and The Healer Series. Both of which I instantly fell in love with. Maria V. Snyder has created these magical worlds that captured my heart. So imagine what I felt when one of my favorite authors gave me the chance to do an author interview with her and talk on the blog! So let's get to it!

BOOK REVIEW: Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Taste of Darkness
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 400
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Date Published: December 31st, 2013
Source: Review (Bought)
Rate: 5/5

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat: The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.

Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.
[ Summary taken from GoodReads]

BOOK REVIEW: Scent of Magic (Healer #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Scent of Magic (Healer #2)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 414
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Date Published: December 18th, 2012
Source: Review (Bought)
Rate: 5/5

 As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.
[Summary taken from GoodReads]

BOOK REVIEW: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Touch of Power (Healer #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 390
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: December 20th, 2011
Source: Review (Bought/Online)
Rate: 4.5/5


Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honoured for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince, the leader of a campaign against her people.

As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for.
[ Summary taken from GoodReads ]

BOOK REVIEW: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Fire Study (Study #3)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 441
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: March 1st, 2008
Source: Given for Review
Rate: 3.5/5

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.
[ Summary taken from GoodReads ]

BOOK REVIEW: Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Magic Study (Study #2)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 392
Publisher: Luna
Date Published: October 1st, 2006
Source: Given for Review
Rate: 4.5/5

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways—and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better....

Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training—especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince—and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies....
[ Summary taken from GoodReads ]

BOOK REVIEW: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Name: Poison Study (Study #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Number of Pages: 412
Publisher: Mira
Date Published: March 1st, 2007
Source: Given for Review
Rate: 5/5

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...
[ Summary taken from GoodReads ]