"Magic Study" by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Study #2
Publication: September 29, 2006 by Mira Books
Format: Paperback; 443 pages
Cover Rating: 3/5 Stars
Goodreads Link: Magic Study

From Goodreads: You know your life is bad when you miss your days as a poison taster...

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 newfound friends and relatives don't think it's 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 all her new enemies...

My Thoughts: Thank goodness Maria V. Snyder's Study series does NOT suffer from second book syndrome! I didn't think it was possible, but Magic Study is even better than the first novel, Poison Study (my review here)!

Yelena has left Ixia, the only home she remembers, to travel with her new magical mentor Irys. Together they make their way to what is known in Sitia as The Keep- a place where the Master Magicians of the council reside, along with other students. However, not everyone trust Yelena, as much as Irys. Accused of being a Northern Spy, Yelena feels like she faces more dangers then she ever did as being The Commanders food taster in Ixia. Longing for home, she tries her best to avoid conflict, but being Yelena that is practically impossible. Then things really start to heat up when the council discovers a missing girl who is barely alive after being brutally attacked by someone she refers to as Ferde. But she's not his only victim, or his last. In trying to help the young girl, Yelena discovers her powers are more formidable then even Irys imagined. So poweful, in fact, that Sitians are accusing her of being a dangerous SoulFinder... the last of whom they burned at the stake.

Filled with adventure this is one series you will not want to miss! Yelena is an excellent heroine, who doesn't take crap from anyone. I've said it before, but she is most definitely a complete badass. Not to mention how awesome the her friends and even enemies are! All the characters in this series are so well rounded and interesting. There's never a dull moment!

My Rating: