Review: Night Study (Soulfinder #2) by Maria V Snyder

Title: Night Study (Soulfinder #2)

Author: Maria V Snyder
Published: 25 January 2016
Source: Harlequin Teen Australia in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed: Sapphired Dragon
Rating: ****

My Review:

Man I love this story, these characters and this world! I can't believe I now have to wait another year to find out how this story turns out. Again it has finished at a point where I just want to keep reading on and find out what happens next but alas I have reached the last page of this book

I struggled with the first half having to make myself persevere through it. i am not sure if it was the pace, the amount of set up or something else entirely but I was struggling to connect with the characters at first and constantly found my interest waning and looking for something else to do. This was a little disappointing given how much I love this series

Once I hit half way however, I couldn't put it it down, with each of the three main point of views keeping me interested and intrigued and ending so that again i am frustrated that i have to wait another year to find out what happens next

The first half of the novel felt like mostly set up and as mentioned I had to struggle through parts as it didn't always manager to hold my full attention. It was moving the story line along and was necessary to the story but I had to push myself through it a little until I could really experience that complete immersion in the story like I had in Ms Snyder's previous books. It was definitely worth it through because the second half of the book moved beautifully. All of a sudden all three main threads were keeping me interested and all that had gone on before suddenly made more sense. All the elements I have come to expect from a Maria V Snyder novel were there; The balance of threads, expertly woven into a thrilling story, characters that came alive off the page and loaded with intrigue so that the twists and turns keep you guessing until that last exciting precipice on which Ms Snyder then leaves you hanging for the next book.

I had forgotten just how much I love these characters, not just Yelena and Varlek but Ari and Janco, Leif and Mara, Maren and Fisk. There is also a number of new characters introduced who will definitely be up there with my favourites. I love the dialogue, banter and interaction between Ms Snyder's characters. It is almost always completely on point and there were genuine tears in my eyes in a different parts as the story rolled on as well as genuine fear when ever one of these characters is in danger which is essentially the majority of the book :-P

Overall I loved this and gave this novel 4 stars.

Sapphired Dragon xx

About The Book:

Night Study (Soulfinder #2)) by Maria V Snyder

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he’s been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander’s mysterious plans, they realise it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Publication Date: 25 January 2016

Pre-Order: Booktopia  | Book Depository | Harlequin Teen Australia | Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday #16 : Night Study (Soulfinder #2) byMaria V Snyder

Welcome to Waiting on Wednesday!  Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly featured hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight the not yet released books that I wish were in my hot little hands right now.

This week I am waiting on Night Study which is the second book in the Soulfinder series and the fifth in the overall study series and continues on with Yelena and Valek's story.

The previous book ( see my review here) left in a bit of a cliff hanger with a revelation that I had gleefully guessed earlier but was only revealed in the last few pages so I am completely hanging out for this book to see what will happen as a result. 

This has got to be one of most favourite series in recent time, with Yelena and Valek's being two of my favourite characters and one of my favourite couples.  It's one of those series where you immediately drop everything to read as soon as the newest book makes it into your hands. So I cannot cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Night Study (Soulfinder #2)) by Maria V Snyder

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore. Especially since the growing discord between the two countries and the possibility of a war threatens everything Yelena holds dear.

Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided, and he’s been keeping secrets from Valek...secrets that put him, Yelena and all their friends in terrible danger. As they uncover the various layers of the Commander’s mysterious plans, they realise it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Publication Date: 25 January 2016
Pre-Order: Booktopia  | Book Depository | Harlequin Teen Australia | Amazon

What book are you 'waiting on' this week?

Review: Shadow Study (Soulfinder #1) by Maria V Snyder

Title: Shadow Study (Soulfinder #1)

Author: Maria V Snyder
Published: 1 March 2015
Source: Harlequin Teen Australia in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed: Sapphired Dragon
Rating: *****

My Review:

Oh My Goodness this book was so good! Another awesome instalment in the Study series and Valek and Yelena's story.

From the moment I read the first page, I was pulled right back in Yelena's world and it was great to visit with all the characters again, and a number of the main players from both the Study series and the glass series are back in this book. That being said however, whilst it helps to already know the characters, this tale is its own story and I believe it is just as compelling even if you are visiting the Study world for the first time.

This novel is told from three points of view, Yelena, Valek and Janco, each weaving a different thread in and around each other and in its own direction as needed. Ms Snyder uses it very well to direct the different threads of the story and the balance between the three worked well for me and each thread had its own story and own mystery to be solved and I was just as hooked on all three.

I liked that we learn a lot more about Valek in this novel, we get to see some of his history and how he came to be where he is which gives us a much greater understanding of his character and why he does what he does. We also learn a bit more about certain characters from the previous novels which also helps to propel the story forward.

What Ms Snyder does really well however, is create a story, world and characters that you can't help but love, hate, and be completely immersed in. This is the first book in a new series set in the Study world and I for one, am thankful to Ms Snyder for allowing us to visit with these characters again and share in their newest adventure. I can't wait to see what happens next!

I give this novel 5 stars.

Sapphired Dragon xx

About The Book:

Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Goodreads | Harlequin Books | Book Depository | Amazon  |

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she's back with a new tale of intrigue.

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,

Stacking The Shelves #22

Welcome to Stacking The Shelves! Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga Reviews and is a meme to share those books, both print and e-book, that have been added to your shelves in the last week/s.

This week was a small week in regards to receiving books but it what it may have lacked in quantity, it more than made up for in quality.  I was extremely excited this week to receive a print copy of  Shadow Study by maria V Snyder for review especially as I had spotlighted it on my waiting on Wednesday post last week. I also won a book through librarything to receive early and review as well as couple of other interesting looking titles to review :-)

Review (Ebooks - Kensington Books via netgalley)

Haunted (The Arnaud Legacy #1) by Lynn carthage

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Irving has traded life in San Francisco for her stepfather’s ancestral mansion in rural England. It’s supposed to be the new start her family needs. But from the moment she crosses the threshold into the ancient estate, Phoebe senses something ominous. Then again, she's a little sensitive lately—not surprising when her parents are oblivious to her, her old life is six thousand miles away, and the only guy around is completely gorgeous but giving her mixed messages.

But at least Miles doesn’t laugh at Phoebe’s growing fears. And she can trust him…maybe. The locals whisper about the manor’s infamous original owner, Madame Arnaud, and tell grim stories of missing children and vengeful spirits. Phoebe is determined to protect her loved ones—especially her little sister, Tabby. But even amidst the manor’s dark shadows, the deepest mysteries may involve Phoebe herself…

Review (Print Books - Many Thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia)

Incredibly excited about this one.  I did a waiting on wednesday post about this book just a couple of weeks ago as I was so excited about it coming out so was over so you can guess how ecstatic I was to pick this up from the post office this morning :-)  Whilst it is the first book in Maria V Snyder's new series, it is actually a continuation from the Poison Study and Glass series'. I am going to start reading it as soon as I finish this post :-)

Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon  | Galaxy Bookshop

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she's back with a new tale of intrigue.

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,

Won: (Angela Ford via Library Thing)

The Christmas Wreath (Forever Christmas #3) by Angela Ford

Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Annie Dixon’s love for nature and her hometown of Glenville has her driven to find a way to keep the tree farm from outsiders. When the bank grants sixty days before the tree farm is listed for public sale, Annie and her friends devise a plan to finance the buy.

The death of Annie’s childhood friend brings Detective Ryder Harris back to Glenville. A child in his eyes, he always called her ‘Sweet Annie’. Now he sees her differently. Annie never admitted she had a big crush for Ryder. Now that familiar flutter in her heart is back. Annie knows Ryder won’t settle in Glenville. And is Ryder really back for his sister’s funeral or is he connected to the town resort’s sudden disappearance of their manager?

For the first time in many years, Ryder is excited about the holidays. Will the magic of Christmas forever connect these two hearts?

So what did you add to your shelves this week?