Book Review: Night Study




















Night Study (Soulfinders #2)
Published By: Mira
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Page Count: 448
Source: ARC Kindly Provided by Publisher
Young Adult - Fantasy

Night Study is the second in the new Soulfinders trilogy by Maria V Snyder, which follows the events of the books in both the original Study series and the Glass series. It follows on virtually immediately from the events of Shadow Study, and followed through with even more about Valek's past, which I really enjoyed. We find out a lot more about our hero and he makes some very illuminating discoveries about himself too, which I can't wait to find out about... In the next book. 

The story centres on developments put in place by Owen and Ben Moon, infamous villains extraordinaire! They have put together a series of glasshouses to grow curare, which spells trouble for magicians everywhere and leads to the enslavement of a lot of them. It is unclear to the gang of regulars whether or not the Commander is involved in this, due to his fear of magic, but their suspicions are raised. Valek and Yelena are also unsure about Onora, her intentions and trustworthiness. All this uncertainty really built up the tension and kept me turning the pages, anxious to find another clue. Along the way I continued to enjoy Yelena and Valek's interactions with the other characters, and especially the Sandseed horses, like Kiki. One of the things I love most about Maria V Snyder's writing is the sense of camaraderie that develops between her rich and complex characters, and Night Study was no exception - action was interspersed with great character development and delightful banter; a brilliant combination that makes for a great read. 

 I very much enjoyed the theobroma, curare and storm dancer elements of past stories being worked into the new narrative, and a very bleak future was weaved involving them. Putting that together with Yelena, who is pretty seriously vulnerable, and I have been left virtually salivating in anticipation for the final book!! I can't wait to see how the entire gang saves the Sitian way of life, and if Yelena and Valek will ever manage to ride off into the sunset to settle down somewhere.



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 is 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 realize it's far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

Comments

  1. Thanks for the great review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. Only 12 months until DAWN STUDY ;)

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  2. Wow! Thanks for stopping by the Nest Maria!! I can't wait for Dawn Study!!!

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