Fire Study (Study, Book 3)
by Maria V. Snyder
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Book Reviews of Fire Study (Study, Book 3)
Book Review: Angieville: FIRE STUDY
Summary: 2 Stars
I felt a bit blue as I finished FIRE STUDY, the third and final volume in Maria V. Snyder's Study Trilogy. Though she is currently working on a new series following a side character from the Study books, this is the last one to center on the adventures of Yelena, the convicted murderer, turned poison taster, turned diplomatic liaison. I felt blue because I'd been expecting more and I ended up finishing it more out of a feeling of obligation than because I was truly engrossed.
The story picks up shortly after the events of Magic Study leave off. Yelena, her brother Leif, and the mercurial Moon Man are busy trying to mop up the Soulstealer's mess and dealing with accusations from the Mage's Council. First Magician Roze Featherstone is calling for Yelena's head on a platter and there is little rest for the weary on the horizon. The problem is, very little happens from this point on. Or rather, very little new stuff happens.
What there is is page after page of no one believing Yelena that Roze really is That Evil. Page after page of people stabbing each other with curare left and right (and waking up from being stabbed). Page after page of no Valek. And when he is there Yelena's not letting him help her. Instead she spends the majority of her time worrying about his potential demise and trying to protect him from a threat he's much better equipped to deal with than anyone else in the book. Towards the last three quarters of the story, the characters do start to wake up and act like themselves. They begin to deal with some of the meatier issues hanging over them just as the book reaches its end. And I felt myself wondering what took them so long? And wishing that the wonderfully dark, emotional atmosphere and tension from Poison Study were present here. Because I missed them.
Book Review: Yelena needs some attitude adjustment
Summary: 4 Stars
As the last book of the 'Study' series, its the last book from Yelena's perspective and the setting stage for the heroine of the next series. Practically everyone from the first or second book makes an appearance in some form (though the story is primarily set in Sitia) and whoever doesn't (not that I can think of many) is mentioned at least.
A lot of questions are answered--the true nature of Yelena's 'Soulfinder' abilities, the true evil genius, and the fact that really Ixia nor Sitia can rely solely upon themselves any longer. Yelena, being unique in the fact that she is widely accepted in both countries by the leaders, began this change and works (for at least most of this book) to make it a reality. Oh and less I forget Valek's immunity to magic and the Commander's own curious case is also explained.
I won't lie, I spent a lot of the book ready to smack Yelena halfway to Ixia and back again. She made mistakes in the other two books of course, but this book it just seemed like she was ready to jump into every single mistake she could. And then get mad at everyone else. She isn't alone in her bumbling however, Moon Man decides to take a detour down troublesome annoyance lane as well, which was less then pleasing. To be fair they were both urged onwards by outside forces bent on corrupting them, but I guess I was disappointed how easy that could have been.
The final resolution is satisfying in that it wraps up many of the mysteries that plagued Yelena's story specifically, but left a lot of doors open to be explored in the next series of books (the 'Glass' series, which should give you an indication of who's the main char). I particularly liked the explanation of Valek's 'immunity to magic'. I was down for slightly harsher punitive measures against Cahil however, but I guess he tried to be better so I guess he deserves leniency.
Book Review: A Great Conclusion to the Study Series
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not sure how I managed to hold off from reading this book for so long--I guess my TBR pile had gotten so big I forgot I had it! I am happy to say that I enjoyed Fire Study just as much as the first two books in the series. (Although Poison Study is probably my favorite of the three books, by a slight margin.) Snyder's writing style feels so effortless and natural that I was swept into the story upon reading the first few words. The pacing is just right, with twists and turns in the plot that urge you to press further on to discover what happens next. Snyder also has a gift for writing strong characters; whether you love them or hate them, they make the story.
Yelena finally discovers more about her talents and what it means to be a Soulfinder in Fire Study, and I am glad that she finally begins to gain more insight into the world of magic. Of course, it does take her most of the book to really start to understand the truth, as she faces numerous conflicts and hardships (of course) along the way, both impeding her progress and aiding it at the same time. I really enjoyed how Snyder finally tied everything together with this last book and we finally see where everyone's loyalties really lie. And while there are a few sad losses, eventually justice does prevail and I truly thought the end was very satisfying. I was intrigued by the fact that while most everything was resolved, the door is left open to other possibilities--perhaps this is where Storm Glass, the first book in Snyder's next series will take us. (That is pure speculation, however, as I actually have not read much about that book yet.)
I really thought this was a wonderful, original series, and am looking forward to reading Storm Glass soon. In fact with this rating, I will have given all three books in the Study series 5-star ratings!!
Book Review: I was fooled.
Summary: 2 Stars
While reading this book and not being too impressed I kept thinking it was similar in ideas to a book I had read and really enjoyed. While trudging onward through the book, not having anything else new to read on hand, I kept remarking on so many similarities to the book I liked. FINALLY, half way though, I realized it was a continuation of the story I had really liked! But, boy, I didn't like this one. I only finished it because I HAD liked Poison Study so much. Yelena bops around in this book getting stabbed and stabbing people with curare. She's always "triggering" her switchblade. Other characters pop in and out too briefly. I got a headache from the evil female magician. I don't know, it wasn't written with the attention the story deserved. Very simplistic, no richness of detail. I felt all the characters were cheated of their due. Bad and evil things happen and are treated very tritely, almost brushed off. I was a bit astonished at reviews that said her writing just gets better in each book. It's over 400 pages, so lots of things happen, so I don't understand why I feel so let down, but maybe that's what people meant, that there's lots of action. Too much happening but not enough detail or character development for me though. No real explanation of why people acted they way they did. Just a couple of simple sentences. I don't want pages and pages of people emoting but a little more embellishment would have been welcomed by me. Good guys turn into bad guys and bad guys into good. The humor was rather missing. Okay, time to say something good. Kiki was fun as usual and I did enjoy the spirit bat. I really had so looked forward to this book. Many people say they were impressed by it. See what you think.Book Review: Sad to see it end..
Summary: 4 Stars
FIRE STUDY (study #3) is the last book in the trilogy and to say a lot happens would be an understatement. Albeit still an enjoyable read that held many necessary answers to conclude the series efficiently; my only complaint is I felt much of the "rehashing" and review sprinkled throughout the story unnecessary and uncharacteristic of Snyder's previous writing and actually really annoying at times. Aside from that, the plot continues strong as Yelena grows as a person and a magician. She struggle to keep her powers pure and "fight the good fight" attempting to find her true self as a Soulfinder and keep the temptation of such great power from corrupting her. Will saving all she holds dear come at the cost of her own freedom?.. her own life?.. is she willing to make that sacrifice? Holding true to this compelling series, there are betrayals and loss of life, along with many twist and plenty of action scenes.
With a strong ending Snyder did a great job (once again) providing the reader with closure; unfortunately that great witting also left me wishing to further explore these strange magical lands and not quite able to let go of the characters I've become so attached to throughout these captivating stories. I always consider this proof of a truly good book.. not wanting it to end.
I guess I'll have to settle for ICE STUDY (study #3.5).. A short story about Yelena and Valek which is being serialized by Maria in her newsletters.
Although The Study Series has told its own unique story, I think fans of books reminiscent in feel (like GRACELING and even HUNGER GAMES) will not be disappointed after investing in these action packed and emotionally charged novels.