Fire Study (Study, Book 3)
by Maria V. Snyder
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Book Reviews of Fire Study (Study, Book 3)
Book Review: Very fun, very satisfying conclusion
Summary: 5 Stars
I was chomping at the bit to get the final installment of Snyder's Study trilogy. Fire Study not only wraps up the overall story, but it also takes us back to all the people we've met and places we've been in Poison Study and Magic Study. I don't want to say too much about the specific plot, because that would not only spoil this book, but the previous one as well, so I'll try to be general. While seeking to apprehend the enemies from Magic Study, Yelena discovers there's a new dark magic, a magic she can't do anything against. Even worse, she's come to realize the worst enemy might be herself, and her actions start pushing away all the people she loves.
As always, Snyder writes with a light and humorous hand, with a modern sensibility in an epic fantasy setting. It's enjoyable, especially at this point in the books. Snyder's writing gets stronger with each novel, and Yelena is pushed to the extreme. There are some very nice surprises that come up along the way. The romantic element isn't as prominent in this book as it was in Magic Study, but there's more here than there was in Poison Study.
It's a good conclusion with a solid ending. And while this is the last book from Yelena's POV, Snyder is writing more books set in her Study universe, but focusing on a different character. I know I can't wait.
If you're a fan of Snyder's books, you definitely want to pick this one up. If you haven't given her work a shot, definitely read Poison Study first and Magic Study second before picking up this volume.
Book Review: An Ok finish...
Summary: 4 Stars
I become absolutely entranced by Poison Study, I couldn't keep myself from thinking about it wherever I was. Magic Study, too, was a powerful and interesting read with more than just action, but with the development of the character's emotions and relationships. Fire Study, however, was mostly just action. I kept waiting for more development with Leif or even Valek. It never really came. The book, while interesting and readable, tended to read like one big, long action sequence. While Yelena's character seeks to find the meaning of being a Soulfinder, there is really little else in the way of developing character's emotions and relationships. I think I was most disappointed by the cardboard representation of Leif. Nothing really seemed to emerge out of their relationship. Even Yelena's own self-discoveries seem to be drowned out by the constant action of the novel.
Would a recommend that you skip it? Absolutely not, it's still a valid part of Yelena's trilogy. However, I believe that it was my love for the previous two books that makes me give the novel 4-stars. I think that if this were a stand-alone novel, or had I not read the first 2 books, I would mostly likely give the book a 2 or 3-star rating.
I love the world and characters that Snyder has created, regardless of this last book. When I learned that Snyder planned on continuing the story through Opal I can say that I was elated. All I can hope is that the book's format resembles Poison Study rather than Fire Study.
Book Review: trilogy falters at final hurdle
Summary: 3 Stars
The final book in the Poison/Magic/Fire Study series gives us the conclusion to the story of Yelena and her friends (and enemies). While this has been a very entertaining trilogy, this is the weakest segment, although fans will have to read it to help wrap the story up. That is not to say this is bad, it isn't but while fast paced is normally a good thing, this is almost too fast paced and the story flies so quickly that you have no time to take a breath. In the space of about three weeks in book time, the characters gallop all over their fictional world, pause for some action, then off again in another direction....a bit too much pace and insufficient depth at times.
But we do get to find out what Yelena's purpose is and who the good and bad guys are and we see the conflict between the two countries, magic supporting and magic fearing. It was actually this conflict that made the first book so interesting along with the pace and characters.
As a middle aged male, I think I am still the wrong demographic for this book, maybe this is aimed at the Harry Potter generation, but then I have enjoyed the trilogy, so what do I know?
But the author can be pleased with her works and those who have read the first two will enjoy this one too.
Oh and The UK covers are some much better then the US ones, I would never have picked up any of these if they had featured the US covers..
Book Review: Remarkable author
Summary: 5 Stars
This review is for all you wonderful people who have read Poison study and Magic Study. If you haven't, then stop reading this and go out and buy the books! Now as far as Fire Study goes, it is brilliant. Maria Snyder knows her stuff. Her dialogue is natural and flows along without any awkward pause. Her characters are well rounded and real enough to care about. Snyder brings such a lively voice to Yelena, she is a strong character who isn't perfect. She has strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else. Snyder knows how to catch your attention at the end of each chapter bringing this 441 page book to its ending far too quickly. And of course the romance between Valek and Yelena is as sweet and believable as Edward and Bella's for Twilight fans. And best of all Leif gets a sense of humor! I can usually see surprises in plot turns way before they happen, but this book threw even me for a loop. A good word to describe it would be intense. The writing is beautiful, the plot is original, and the characters will warm your heart. You will not be able to put this book down, Snyder has done her job right and created a world that you can really sink your feet into. Enjoy it. Snyder has a very long career ahead of her. This reviewer will always stand in line to buy her next book.Book Review: A HUGE letdown!
Summary: 1 Stars
Poison Study and Magic Study are two of my favorite books. When the third book finally came I read it right away and afterward said "What happened?" There was so much drama going on that I couldn't keep the plotline strait. It was so rushed. Obstacles were overcome almost as soon as they were presented. The thing that really annoyed me was the characters. What happened to them? It was like we were back in books one and two. Yelena's brother distrusts her again. Yelena decides not to trust Moon Man for some reason that I never understood. Yelena runs to the Commander to solve a Sitia problem. It's like Yelena forgot the last two books and had to get her confidence back. In the first two books she was always getting in troble for taking action without getting approval first but in this one she runs to the Commander at the first sign of trouble. It was just a stupid excuse to get Leif in Ixia. Maria Snyder also wastes space by explaining everything that had to do with books one and two. When Yelena touches her butterfly pendent, Snyder goes on to explain that it was a gift, when she got it, who gave it to her. Which led to her explaining about her braclet and when that was given to her. Overall the book was just to much.