Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Adult Fiction (Older YA)

Author Website: www.mariavsnyder.com

One Word Review: Okay

First Line: “We’re here,” Irys said.

Synopsis: “Kidnapped as a child, held prisoner as a teen, then released to act as a poison taster, Yelena is now a student of magic. As she struggles to understand where she belongs and how to control her powers, a rogue magician emerges—; and Yelena catches his eye. Suddenly she is embroiled in a situation not of her making. And once again her magical abilities will either save her life…or be her downfall. Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training. 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. Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies.” -GoodReads

Kathy’s Review: I didn’t go into this one with high expectations. I had read reviews that this book wasn’t as good as the first so I guess that may have tainted it a little for me. I thought the book was okay, but it was missing some of the excitement and originality that the first book had. I still like Yelena, although at times she seems almost too rough for me. I missed Valek throughout the first half of the book and was disappointed when he finally made his appearance. It was almost like he was only there for a “booty call” and nothing more (not to mention that I hated how he overused the term ‘love’ as a nickname for Yelena). Anyway, I did enjoy the overall story of Yelena finding her family, learning her history and mastering her magical abilities.

Like the first book the story does have quite a bit of disturbing elements, namely the villain of our story who happens to be a raping serial killer. I think these elements make it more of an adult book, not to mention all the “relations” with Valek and Yelena. I’m glad this is only a trilogy and will probably finish off the last book, Fire Study, just because I like to see things through to their end, and I admit I’m a bit curious what Yelena will get herself into next.

Reading Order:
Book One: Poison Study
Book Two: Magic Study
Book Three: Fire Study

Other Reviews:
Angieville
The Story Siren