Book: Shadow Study by Maria V Snyder, Narrated by Gabra Zackman

Published February 2015 by Harlequin|11 hours, 28 minutes

Where I Got It: I got the audio book from audible.com

Series: Soulfinders #1, Chronicles Of Ixia #7, Study #4

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She 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, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.

As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.

I really liked Shadow Study!  When I found out there was going to be another book set in this world, I was so excited because I really like this world and the characters.

It was really nice to see what was going on with Yelena and Valek, which, of course, means we got to see what was going on with Ari and Janco.  We even got to see how Opal (who appeared in the Study series, and later had her own series) was doing, which was nice.

What really stood out to me was Valek’s story.  The book alternates between Yelena and Valek, with a few chapters narrated by Janco.  Janco’s chapters were fun, and it was nice to get inside his head a little.  And it was nice to spend more time with Yelena, who has to deal with all sorts of stuff, mostly in regards to having her magic blocked.  We’ll get to that later, I just want to talk about Valek first.

But it was Valek’s story that really stood out.  He’s a very feared assassin, and I’m glad we finally got to see a more detailed life story for him.  We see more about his assassin training, and I liked seeing his memories, and how it all started coming back to him in a time when there were a lot of things going on.  I love Yelena, but I found myself wanting to get to Valek’s story, because I could not get enough of it!  Especially with some stuff going on with the Commander.

Speaking of the Commander, I did like seeing how he and Valek met, and became friends.  And with certain things that are revealed…you know that’s going somewhere interesting, and will have a massive effect on Sitia and Ixia.  (At least, that’s what I think, if things go in a certain direction).

I am also curious about Yelena’s magic, and the fact that it’s blocked.  I have no idea what could be causing it, and it is quite curious.  I did like seeing how vulnerable it made her, and how she was so dependent on using that not having it was hard.  I really have no idea what’s going on, but in this case, I think it’s a good thing, because it really makes me want to know what happens next.  I know this is vague- which is because I don’t want to spoil it- but I wonder if a certain thing we learn at the very end of the book is connected somehow.  It’s a weird feeling/thought I had, and I am very, very curious about how that will change things.

We also meet some new characters, but the one that stood out the most was Onora.  There is a lot more to her than we see, and I really want to her story…and if she and Janco will end up together.  Actually, I think I would like that, because they seem good together.  I think they would be good together, like how Yelena and Valek are good together.

And I have to talk about the narration, because it would be silly not to, especially since I listened to the audio book.  I’m really glad that Gabra Zackman is narrating this series.  Well, I’m assuming she is, but there doesn’t seem to be any information about the other books yet, but changing narrators after 4 books would be weird. Anyway, I really like her narration, and I can’t picture anyone else as Yelena.

4 stars.  Shadow Study makes me so glad that we’re getting another book about Yelena and Valek, and it’s so nice to see more of them!