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Magic Study
(Poison Study #2)
by
A lesson in loyalty--a master class in intrigue
So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities--powers forbidden in Ixia--has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long- ...more
So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities--powers forbidden in Ixia--has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long- ...more
ebook, 400 pages
Published
August 15th 2012
by MIRA
(first published October 1st 2006)
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Maria has done it again, she's created a beautifully captivating story that had you on the edge of your seat from the first page until the last!
One of my favorite series to date! ...more
One of my favorite series to date! ...more
I am at a complete loss. I found Poison Study to be an amazing book, with an engaging plot, real, intriguing characters and excellent writing. Magic Study begins much the same, until around page 240, and then it takes a nose dive through crazy town. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. For a book that began with a five star rating, Snyder had to work to make this book as nonsensical as it ended up being. Here are a few of my qualms.
Yelena, once resourceful, intelligent, honorabl ...more
Yelena, once resourceful, intelligent, honorabl ...more
Jan 21, 2018
❄️BooksofRadiance❄️
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya-fantasy-sci-fi
4.5⭐️
I hoped I’d love this book but I'm truly surprised at how engrossed and utterly into the story I was. The characters satisfied me to no end, the plot kept me engaged but more importantly, I loved and respected the way Maria V. Snyder handled sexual violence in the story.
I was so close to giving this the full rating for that alone and in fact, would have, had it not been for one thing that, in hindsight, might seem minor but it was enough to genuinely irk me as it was one of my biggest peev ...more
I hoped I’d love this book but I'm truly surprised at how engrossed and utterly into the story I was. The characters satisfied me to no end, the plot kept me engaged but more importantly, I loved and respected the way Maria V. Snyder handled sexual violence in the story.
I was so close to giving this the full rating for that alone and in fact, would have, had it not been for one thing that, in hindsight, might seem minor but it was enough to genuinely irk me as it was one of my biggest peev ...more
More like 2.5 stars actually, but I am being extremely generous in the memory of "Poison Study."
I enjoyed the first 300 pages of the book just as much as "Poison Study." Yelena's relationship with her family and Zaltana clan, the world of Sitia, the magic lessons, the mystery of a magician serial killer and political intrigue involving a contender to Ixian throne - all these aspects were written very well and in a very engaging manner.
However, right about page 300 to 400 something went wrong wi ...more
I enjoyed the first 300 pages of the book just as much as "Poison Study." Yelena's relationship with her family and Zaltana clan, the world of Sitia, the magic lessons, the mystery of a magician serial killer and political intrigue involving a contender to Ixian throne - all these aspects were written very well and in a very engaging manner.
However, right about page 300 to 400 something went wrong wi ...more
Uh-uh. Uh-uh. Fluff and hot air, hot air and fluff.
I'll see if a full review is worth my time.
EDIT 12/06/2016: Now I've read the third book and I can rightly say it: a full review isn't worth my time. Pardon me this time around. ...more
I'll see if a full review is worth my time.
EDIT 12/06/2016: Now I've read the third book and I can rightly say it: a full review isn't worth my time. Pardon me this time around. ...more
❝Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.❞
Rating: ★★★½
I still have a love for Yelena. My love for her just grows because of how strong she is becoming and how much of a better heroine she is willing to make herself. I don't think I've ever loved a female protagonist so much. She keeps everything so balanced. The only thing ...more
“Living is a risk,” I snapped at him. “Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you’re taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.”
Well, I can honestly say that the Study trilogy is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites! :D There was mystery, action, adventure, fantasy, magic, friendship, family, AND romance! This was a wonderful sequel that had me engrossed in its fa ...more
Well, I can honestly say that the Study trilogy is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites! :D There was mystery, action, adventure, fantasy, magic, friendship, family, AND romance! This was a wonderful sequel that had me engrossed in its fa ...more
The reason for my 3 star reating is that the last 50 pages are so boring and dreadfull , but what i realy liked was the magic shool setting and her magic , and i loved the connection between her and kiki (the horse), and i liked the romance a little bit more , but i'm not sure yet, because it is all just so shallow, i have the feeling that they barely know eachother , and i 'hated' the relationship with her brother because it was all so confusing , and would liked more information for example a
...more
Considering how often Yelena was injured, captured, and beat-to-a-pulp in this follow-up to Poison Study - I felt this picture summed it up best:
There are considerably more DOH! moments in this book, as opposed to the zero in the last book. Quite a few times, I felt myself wanting to smack some sense into Yelena. Especially toward the beginning of the book, she didn't seem to be her reliable calculating and resourceful old self.
Instead of reading, like I did with Poison Study, I listened to the ...more
There are considerably more DOH! moments in this book, as opposed to the zero in the last book. Quite a few times, I felt myself wanting to smack some sense into Yelena. Especially toward the beginning of the book, she didn't seem to be her reliable calculating and resourceful old self.
Instead of reading, like I did with Poison Study, I listened to the ...more
I loved the first half, same vibes of Poison Study. Yelena was discovering her magic and starting a new life in Sitia. She meets some great (and bad) people there. The first part of the second half and all the events with Ferde weren't so impressive, though. It got slightly better with the Ixians arrival and the last chapter was promising. I think my main problem was with the villain, a different sort of villain would've been appreciated since this one was similar to Ryad (sadist and rapist and
...more
2/2,5 stars for a book wherein the writer doesn’t know how to take her time.
Oh man, how I wish I could rate this book differently. I had such high hopes for the second book in the Study-series: "Poison Study” absolutely kicked ass and was a great mix of political scheming, romance, and magical powers with an awesome MC to rule it all. The only problem that I had was that Maria Snyder lost control around 2/3 of the book, which I hoped wouldn’t happen again…
But it did. And boy, did that fuck up t ...more
Oh man, how I wish I could rate this book differently. I had such high hopes for the second book in the Study-series: "Poison Study” absolutely kicked ass and was a great mix of political scheming, romance, and magical powers with an awesome MC to rule it all. The only problem that I had was that Maria Snyder lost control around 2/3 of the book, which I hoped wouldn’t happen again…
But it did. And boy, did that fuck up t ...more
Mar 20, 2009
Maria V. Snyder
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
Re-read this one for a book discussion. I'm surprised by how much I've forgotten! Lots of things going on and a number of new characters. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger - the main plot is resolved, but then there's an.... ;)
...more
This was good and all but I don't think I'll be continuing this series
...more
*4.5 MAGICAL STARS*
"Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.”
A little less good than the previous book in this series, but still very good nonetheless! Either way, Yelena keeps on slaying! You go girl!
I've been struggling to find books with a female character as badass as Celaena from Throne of Glass, and Yelena is definit ...more
"Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.”
A little less good than the previous book in this series, but still very good nonetheless! Either way, Yelena keeps on slaying! You go girl!
I've been struggling to find books with a female character as badass as Celaena from Throne of Glass, and Yelena is definit ...more
In this sequel to Poison Study (which I loved), Yelena must travel to her homeland to learn how to control her magic, and meet a family she thought lost forever.
While I still enjoyed the book immensely, I felt that Magic Study wasn't quite as good as Poison Study. The unique sense of danger was gone, and the poison angle, which made the first book so fascinating, was completly non-existent. Still, it was a very good story, and Yelena still manages to get into one scrape after another. Valek make ...more
While I still enjoyed the book immensely, I felt that Magic Study wasn't quite as good as Poison Study. The unique sense of danger was gone, and the poison angle, which made the first book so fascinating, was completly non-existent. Still, it was a very good story, and Yelena still manages to get into one scrape after another. Valek make ...more
"Many have tried to kill us. All have failed.
I loved this!! I've read a lot of mixed reviews on this series and I've heard a lot of comments about how this series gets worse rather than better but I'd definitely have to disagree. I loved this second book in the series and I can't wait to continue on! I was definitely scared that this book would have that stereotypical second book syndrome since we wouldn't be seeing much of Valek but that never happened. There's still a little bit missing in ...more
I loved this!! I've read a lot of mixed reviews on this series and I've heard a lot of comments about how this series gets worse rather than better but I'd definitely have to disagree. I loved this second book in the series and I can't wait to continue on! I was definitely scared that this book would have that stereotypical second book syndrome since we wouldn't be seeing much of Valek but that never happened. There's still a little bit missing in ...more
Sep 10, 2015
Penny
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reviewed,
n-read-new-adult-fantasy
1.5 stars
Huge, huge disappointment.
It wasn't bad really, I just wasn't interested in anything at all. I couldn't care less for anything that happened in this book, or care about anyone in it. To me all seemed pointless. The whole book, the characters and the plot, all was pointless.
Leif character was absurd.
I spent the whole book waiting for Valek, and when he finally did appear, nothing happened at all, it was incredibly anticlimactic and disappointing. There was nothing about their relationsh ...more
Huge, huge disappointment.
It wasn't bad really, I just wasn't interested in anything at all. I couldn't care less for anything that happened in this book, or care about anyone in it. To me all seemed pointless. The whole book, the characters and the plot, all was pointless.
Leif character was absurd.
I spent the whole book waiting for Valek, and when he finally did appear, nothing happened at all, it was incredibly anticlimactic and disappointing. There was nothing about their relationsh ...more
First and foremost. I’m totally glad that someone told me that Velek was missing for the first half of this. Otherwise I would have been distracted wondering when I was going to see him again because he is my favorite character of this series so far.
But since I knew that going into it I could focus on Yelena and meeting her family and getting to the school. When Yelena meets her family you would almost expect it to be sunshine and rainbows. But while many are willing to accept her it is clear ri ...more
But since I knew that going into it I could focus on Yelena and meeting her family and getting to the school. When Yelena meets her family you would almost expect it to be sunshine and rainbows. But while many are willing to accept her it is clear ri ...more
I lowkey went into this book thinking I'd be disappointed. Why???? LOOK AT ALL THOSE MIXED REVIEWSSS.
LISTEN, trust your homegirl over here and just go into this book with ZERO expectations. You'll thank me :'')
I'm just super super SUPER happy that it didn't end up being whatever I originally expected. I loved this! *cough* alright, let's be real when I say "loved this", I really meant Valek, Ari & Janco. ...more
LISTEN, trust your homegirl over here and just go into this book with ZERO expectations. You'll thank me :'')
I'm just super super SUPER happy that it didn't end up being whatever I originally expected. I loved this! *cough* alright, let's be real when I say "loved this", I really meant Valek, Ari & Janco. ...more
I enjoyed this a lot more than Poison Study! Cannot wait to read the next one!
This was much better than the first book!!
VALEK!! I LOVE YOU
And i want to get an Ari and a Janco of my own, where do i sign up??
VALEK!! I LOVE YOU
And i want to get an Ari and a Janco of my own, where do i sign up??
I really liked this sequel, especially I enjoyed its magical aspects, which are undoubtedly the strong point of the book. Being honest, I feel that this book has taken a new direction, and this makes it completely different to the first book, even so, it was a lot of fun
4/5 Stars
You can find this one and more of my reviews on my blog A Book. A Thought.
In Magic Study we can learn more about Yelena's past, and we'll see how she has to face completely new and unexpected situations. Many aspects ...more
4/5 Stars
You can find this one and more of my reviews on my blog A Book. A Thought.
In Magic Study we can learn more about Yelena's past, and we'll see how she has to face completely new and unexpected situations. Many aspects ...more
“Your soul fits the void in my soul perfectly. I’ve no doubt you’re mine. I hope you’ll call me Mother, but if you can’t you can call me Perl.”
This was so much better than Poison Study!
I liked Yelena in this book, she was a strong character, she had multiple things going on at once and somehow found a way to juggle them. She did put herself in dangerous situations, but it was always with the best intentions.
“Men exploded from the bushes with their swords in hand. But the element of surpri ...more
This was so much better than Poison Study!
I liked Yelena in this book, she was a strong character, she had multiple things going on at once and somehow found a way to juggle them. She did put herself in dangerous situations, but it was always with the best intentions.
“Men exploded from the bushes with their swords in hand. But the element of surpri ...more
Jun 16, 2016
Helen 2.0
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
brs-done,
own,
new-adult,
school-setting,
fantasy-epic,
romance-on-side,
magic,
original,
mystery,
royalty
Almost as good as the last one, so still pretty damn awesome. I love this series. Spoilers for Poison Study below.
In Magic Study Yelena follows Master Magician Irys to the souther country Sitia to meet her long-lost family and train to become a controlled magician. Once there she's forced to deal with an angst-ridden older brother, a delusional aspiring king and his sadistic soldiers, and a killer (Ferde) who steals souls and magic. Unfortunately Yelena has to face all these problems without the ...more
In Magic Study Yelena follows Master Magician Irys to the souther country Sitia to meet her long-lost family and train to become a controlled magician. Once there she's forced to deal with an angst-ridden older brother, a delusional aspiring king and his sadistic soldiers, and a killer (Ferde) who steals souls and magic. Unfortunately Yelena has to face all these problems without the ...more
this book blew my mind away.
This story has become my new obsession, I could write about how much I'm enjoying this world and these characters and this magic system.
But I want to talk about something else and it is the relationship between Valek and Yelena because I haven't seen a couple so well done in a loooong time. So I'm going to be a little spoilery about them (without ruining the book) because readers need to read more healthy relationships in books, like the one they have. And i'd appreci ...more
This story has become my new obsession, I could write about how much I'm enjoying this world and these characters and this magic system.
But I want to talk about something else and it is the relationship between Valek and Yelena because I haven't seen a couple so well done in a loooong time. So I'm going to be a little spoilery about them (without ruining the book) because readers need to read more healthy relationships in books, like the one they have. And i'd appreci ...more
5/5
my review of the first book in this series
I am officially HOOKED, SOMEBODY SAVE ME I AM LITERAL TRASH FOR THIS SERIES. I devoured this book in a day and I am in love with this series. I haven’t been able to find a YA series that has grabbed my attention in years, but this blew my expectations out of the water.
This book was entirely focused on Yelena’s magic and the magician’s world, which was quite a pace change from the castle politics and spy ...more
“Many have tried to kill us. All have failed.
my review of the first book in this series
I am officially HOOKED, SOMEBODY SAVE ME I AM LITERAL TRASH FOR THIS SERIES. I devoured this book in a day and I am in love with this series. I haven’t been able to find a YA series that has grabbed my attention in years, but this blew my expectations out of the water.
This book was entirely focused on Yelena’s magic and the magician’s world, which was quite a pace change from the castle politics and spy ...more
I was quite enthused by the first in this series, and got started on reading the second as soon as I finished it. Unfortunately, I feel like I was hit by a case of sequel-itis.
'Magic Study' was OK - but my enthusiasm fizzled out a bit.
The story as a whole felt more juvenile than the first book, and was much less tightly plotted. it's more like, "OK, what will Yelena do next?" For most of the book, it's just her wandering from one situation to another. As the title indicates, the focus here is Y ...more
'Magic Study' was OK - but my enthusiasm fizzled out a bit.
The story as a whole felt more juvenile than the first book, and was much less tightly plotted. it's more like, "OK, what will Yelena do next?" For most of the book, it's just her wandering from one situation to another. As the title indicates, the focus here is Y ...more
Meh....nothing sensational :(
Very dry writing, characters poorly designed & developed, not enough development in the romance for the relationship to be believable.
This has such a big “filler” vibe! For the amount of pages it has it delivers a little on the development of the plot and it actually hurts most of the characters we met in the first book because instead of maturing they regress (especially Yelena, she loses all her rational thinking and becomes a concentrate of impulsive decisions), t ...more
Very dry writing, characters poorly designed & developed, not enough development in the romance for the relationship to be believable.
This has such a big “filler” vibe! For the amount of pages it has it delivers a little on the development of the plot and it actually hurts most of the characters we met in the first book because instead of maturing they regress (especially Yelena, she loses all her rational thinking and becomes a concentrate of impulsive decisions), t ...more
*4.5*
"Living is a risk," I snapped at him. "Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety."
I LOVED THIS ONE!! This picks up directly after Poison Study with Yelena going off to meet her family and getting to know her magical abilities. There's a lot of mystery, magic, awesome new characters, some romance, family, kickass battle ...more
"Living is a risk," I snapped at him. "Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you're taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety."
I LOVED THIS ONE!! This picks up directly after Poison Study with Yelena going off to meet her family and getting to know her magical abilities. There's a lot of mystery, magic, awesome new characters, some romance, family, kickass battle ...more
2017
While I devoured the majority of this book, I was let down a bit. I was immediately intrigued & entertained by the introduction of new characters. And also the change of scenery.
I loved Leif's character and I expected him to have a larger role straightaway so I was a bit disappointed that he did not (but perhaps he will in the next installment).
I also highly enjoyed Cahil. And immediately shipped him and Yelena.
What I was most looking forward to in Magic Study was Yelena and Valek reuniti ...more
While I devoured the majority of this book, I was let down a bit. I was immediately intrigued & entertained by the introduction of new characters. And also the change of scenery.
I loved Leif's character and I expected him to have a larger role straightaway so I was a bit disappointed that he did not (but perhaps he will in the next installment).
I also highly enjoyed Cahil. And immediately shipped him and Yelena.
What I was most looking forward to in Magic Study was Yelena and Valek reuniti ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addicted to YA: Magic Study | 11 | 267 | Aug 29, 2020 10:20AM | |
Addicted to YA:
Discussion Leader Sign Up: Magic Study
|
3 | 72 | May 08, 2020 10:41AM | |
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA Fantasy - girl kidnapped and paralyzed, can understand horses, "lavender lady". [s] | 4 | 35 | Aug 14, 2018 06:12AM | |
| WTF??! | 7 | 145 | Aug 06, 2017 04:16AM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Magic Study (Study #2) by Maria V. Snyder - Restarting November 20th 2016 | 85 | 68 | Nov 25, 2016 08:04AM | |
| YA Backlist Bookclub: February: Magic Study (Study #2) by Maria V. Snyder | 5 | 10 | Feb 26, 2016 09:58AM |
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“Living is a risk,” I snapped at him. “Every decision, every interaction, every step, every time you get out of bed in the morning, you take a risk. To survive is to know you’re taking that risk and to not get out of bed clutching illusions of safety.”
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'A strip search is the only way to be absolutely certain.' Valek's deep blue eyes danced with delight.”
