Shadow Study

By: Maria V. Snyder

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling 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.…

©2015 Maria V. Snyder (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Read in this order to avoid confusion

Would you consider the audio edition of Shadow Study to be better than the print version?

The narrator is excellent which make the audio version much better than the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like the humorous responses made by several of the characters, especially Leaf, Ary and Jenko. (going by narrator's pronunciation of their names, haven't seen them in print).

Any additional comments?

When I began this book after ready the other Study series books. I was confused and felt as if I had missed something. I then read the Glass series and it helped but wasn't enough. I needed the Ice Study novella to fix things. I suggest that the books be read in this order. The first three books of the Study series (Poisen, Magic, and Fire), followed by the three novellas in the Poison Study short story collection (especially Ice Study). Then ready the Glass series (Storm glass, Sea Glass, and Spy Glass). Now you will be ready to ready Shadow Study.

YES YES YES

Snyder has made me a happy woman again. What twists and turns. An amazing addition to the Study Series. It is always a pleasure to return to the world of Valek and Yelena, and this adventure was just the beginning to something greater. Couldn't turn this off, I listened straight through. And of course, Zackman is an incredible reader. A must-read for fans. :)

Good but disappointing

What made the experience of listening to Shadow Study the most enjoyable?

The narration and story were good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Valek, but really all the characters are well written.

Which character – as performed by Gabra Zackman – was your favorite?

Valek

Any additional comments?

Minor spoilers - I will try to keep the spoilers to a minimum. I knew what the problem was with the missing magic from the beginning. And I waited and waited and waited for the reveal. I just wanted the reaction to the news only to be disappointed as the "semi-revealed" comes at the very end. And I didn't get the reaction that I was looking for. And now I have to wait a whole year before I get satisfaction. Only some authors don't start the book where it ends. My luck, I won't get the information about the reaction that I'm looking for. So I'm kind of pissed right now.

A magic book with no magic...

I was so excited to read the last two boos in this series. I had read the first three years ago. Then re-read them so I could continue the story.
Super disappointed. How can you have a magic book with no magic. (Spoiler) She went from a powerful magician and solid fighter to completely without... any redeemable quality. A big let down...and then just ended.

Not resolved!

While the story was mostly entertaining I find it frustrating that Yelena still doesn't trust her friends and hasn't seemed to learn anything or evolved much in the past 6-8 years. And the story ends unresolved. Thankfully all the other stories have not been this way. I was also left feeling like I missed a book since this ties in with characters that they have had past adventures with. I'm assuming this is all in the 2 short stories soon to be on audible but it seems like some major plot to put into short stories. The only thing that helps this is because she generally tends to over explain events from her prior books (in my favor this time).
Not sure I want to continue using my credits on this series.

Lame

Compared to the other study novels this is pretty boring. I don't know if that's because it's been a few years and I've lost interest , but with all the characters back this should have at least been entertaining

Good story but too short

I love the series and was excited to see a new book. However, I feel like the story ended just before it got to the good stuff. Can't wait for the next book!

Yelena & Valek are Back Again😸

I love all of the various "Study" books by Maria V Snyder. This book starts off being the picture perfect love,story, then calamity, and finishing with utter shock. I love the fact that the narration has stayed consistent with all of these books, also.

Great book

As always this series doesn't disappoint! And what a cliffhanger! Cannot wait for the next book, in short Shadow Study was an excellent read!!!

A great continuation to an awesome story.

Great performance! I am happy to see the trilogy turned into a series. Story continues well. My only wish...the next book will not take a year to be available.