And we got to learn so much about his past, and to be honest I would read an entire book series about young Valek because he’s so incredibly complex, and reading about him made me love Valek even more (which probably should have been impossible). Whilst they weren’t written in first person like Yelena’s chapters, I didn’t mind because I was just happy we got to glimpse inside Valek’s mind at all. I think, perhaps, the aspect I loved best (and this is hard to choose) about Shadow Study was the fact that we got to have Valek chapters. It was like revisiting old friends who haven’t changed at all over the years you haven’t seen them. That’s what it was like reading Shadow Study. It felt like coming home after a really long vacation, where everything is familiar and nice and just completely homey.

It was so completely amazing and wonderful to come back to this world, and these characters. Way back when I finished Fire Study YEARS ago, I wanted more of Yelena and Valek. I have been waiting for Shadow Study before it was even a thing. Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. 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. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. Valek’s job - and his life - are in danger. Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands - and protect her relationship with Valek. But she’d survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. Now she’s back with a new tale of intrigue… Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

How: A copy of this novel was provided by Harlequin Teen Australia for review via NetGalley. What: Shadow Study(Soulfinders #1) by Maria V.

Shadow study by maria v snyder