Fantasy / Romance
Synopsis:
About to be executed for
murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals,
have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the
Commander of Ixia.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear…
It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a fantasy
novel and thoroughly enjoyed it – so much that I almost grabbed my kindle to
buy the next book within seconds of finishing it. I forced myself to make
dinner instead, knowing my friend was going to lend me the 2nd book
over the weekend.
While the MC is facing darkness and there’s no light
at the end of her tunnel, I wasn’t bothered the least bit by the book’s bleak
tone. Her desire to live – to learn – captured my empathy from the very
beginning.
Yummies:
Characters were all flawed, real, & balanced by each other. SO well done. I
love especially how Ms. Snyder portrayed Yelena’s growth throughout the story.
Nothing was hidden from the readers emotion-wise. Yelena’s fear, anger, and
lost soul are easy to see, and her transformation a complete joy to witness.
Yuckies:
Not that they’re REAL yuckies worthy of hurting a 5 star rating, but I wouldn’t
have minded a more organic feel to the world building. It lacked a smidge in my
opinion. Also, I’m a sucker for passion. I want to read it. Nothing worse than
being left in the dark. Literally. Grrrrr (Hypocritical seeing as how the
romance I write is ‘sweet’, I know.)
Both of these so called ‘yuckies’ really have no bearing on
my rating. If I can’t put a book down and don’t even realize the yucks ‘til
after I’m finished it’s worth getting 5 stars.
Recommend:
Absolutely. Even if you’re not a huge fantasy fan you’ll get caught up in the
conflict Yelena faces – external & internal.
This is one of my favorite books, I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it :).
ReplyDeleteI personally didn't care for the sequels as much, but I am excited to hear that Maria Snyder is returning to the Study world in 2014, I can't wait for more Yelena and Valek.
Book #2 was almost as good & I can't wait for the 3rd. Just haven't gotten to it yet.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by!!!