Magic Study - Book Review

Magic Study - Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Book #2 in the Study Trilogy

UK Publisher: Mira Ink

Synopsis:

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she’d been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can’t help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways - and her new found friends and relatives don’t think its for the better.

Despite the turmoil, she’s eager to start her magic training - especially as she’s been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. 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. 

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies. 

Review:

A fantastic middle book to what I know to be a truly spectacular trilogy. With new challenges, old fears and a mix of divided loyalties, this book takes the reader on another adventure, only this time we get to see the other side of Maria V Snyders fantasy realm.  The place where magicians roam free, colour paints everything and the horses are occasionally smarter than the people who ride them. Picking up mere days where the previous novel ended, Magic Study follows Yelena on the next leg of her journey.

 After a short reunion with her long lost family, Yelena sets out to discover the true extent of her magical powers, all while doing her best to avoid the pointed stares and whispered gossip from her fellow students that she is an Ixian spy. But when she learns of a plot that could lead to an outbreak of war between Ixia and Sitia, she is torn over whom to trust … and is unsure of which side she is supposed to be aiding…

Another brilliant read, this book sees Yelena faced with more problems and even greater challenges. But it is clear to see that she has really grown as a character. Applying previous experience to new situations, she knows her limits and now sets about expanding them. While still quick to jump into trouble, she remains a kind, brave heroin and I loved each and every page of her story.

The new characters also contain a motley crew of friends, villains and in-betweens who each add something unique to the plot line. Yelena’s brother, Leif, is a particularly layered character who’s agenda remains difficult to figure out. Of course the old and well loved characters such as Ari, Janco and the elusive Valek, also make appearances in the book although they arrive quite late into the story. 

The plot moves at a fast pace and contains plenty of action. Although there is less backstory in this book, we still get to learn more about Yelena’s childhood and the events that led up to her previous abduction. 

However one of my favourite things within this story was the horses. I love their mind speak and the way they attach names to people based on their impressions. It adds some comedy to all the adventure and with their casual outlook on life, they occasionally offer insightful advice.

All in all yet another great read with just enough of a cliffhanger to ensure you pick up the next book. Fantastic! 4 Stars!