Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
This story is a prequel to Shadow Study. Ice Study tells a short story after Fire Study and another short story Power Study.

After the events of Fire Study, Yelena and Valek's sabattical is cut short when they become entangled in a plot to prevent the Ice Moon from falling into the hands of a rogue magician.

30 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2009

54 people are currently reading
10130 people want to read

About the author

Maria V. Snyder

75 books17.4k followers
When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over twenty four novels and two short story collections later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member.

Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.

When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.

Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,868 (32%)
4 stars
2,106 (36%)
3 stars
1,492 (25%)
2 stars
251 (4%)
1 star
36 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Helena ✨.
392 reviews1,137 followers
March 24, 2023
”He was getting too old for this nonsense.” :D

Awww poor Yelena and Valek can’t even catch a break, when holidaying together. This is the final novella preceding the Soulfinder trilogy (serving as a prequel), and it is told from both Yelena and Valek’s perspectives. Thus far, it’s been the longest one to date, and has the best plot out of the three novellas. This one is definitely my favourite. :)

Yelena is forced by Owen Moon to lead him to a powerful diamond in the Ixian Commander’s possession, called Ice Moon. Owen Moon is holding Leif hostage in order to motivate Yelena to cooperate, causing Valek to set a rescue mission of his own in motion. It’s also funny to hear the inside-jokes from previous books, when the characters tease Leif for being easily led around by his stomach, haha!

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, Yelena and Valek are one of my all-time favourite YA couples, and I relish any extra time spent with them in Maria V. Snyder’s magical world. This is a must-read for any fan of her amazing Study trilogy!
Profile Image for Maggie.
616 reviews739 followers
July 24, 2017
*4,3/5 stars*

Available on author's web, here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/IceStudy.php

"Only six?" he asked, sounding bored. "My, my." He tsked and spun his daggers in his hands. "Do you want to surrender to me now or later?"

Definitely the best novella from Study series. It's told from Yelena's, Valek's and Janco's pov (Just like in Shadow Study). I absolutely loved it, these three are my favorite characters from the entire series and Valek/Yelena are one of the best book couples I have ever encountered!
The story takes place two years after Fire study *It's prequel to Shadow Study* and tells about Owen Moon, who wants to steal Ice Moon (powerful diamond) from Commander. He captures Yelena and threatens to kill her brother Leif, if she won't cooperate. But Yelena and Valek have their own plan how to stop him.
Must read for fans of this series!

"Move back," the man on the left ordered Valek. "Or I'll skewer your friend."
Valek considered the threat. "Do you plan to wound, maim, or kill him?" he asked the guard. "Threats should be specific in order to have the maximum impact."
The man just stared at him.
"Skewer is just too vague. I think if you say, ‘Stand back or I'll stab him in the stomach,' then I have an idea about how serious you are. After all, Leif's stomach is his favorite body part, so that's a decent threat."
"Don't give him any ideas," Leif said in a low growl."
Profile Image for Irene.
1,048 reviews122 followers
August 7, 2018



Not much to say about this short story. It doesn't add to the general plot of the glass series but I'm wondering if maybe there will be some twist in the final book "Spy Glass" that depends in that story.

Apart from that, it was good to be on the head of some of my favorite characters in the Ixia Universe, Yelena and Valek for once, Leif and Janco (I love his sense of humor and how even the most dire circumstances fail to dishearten him).

Now, on to the last of Opal's adventures. I'm curious of what will happen to her?
Profile Image for Kelvin.
500 reviews14 followers
January 21, 2016
Read it at Maria V. Snyder's website here: Ice Study

Where did Maria V. Snyder go? The writing in Ice Study wasn't as captivating as I remember the Study and Glass series were :(. (emojis followed by periods are awkward...) The sentences seemed a bit too simple and I didn't the action scenes didn't make my heart pound. I also didn't like how Valek and Lief's POVs were in 3rd person while Yelena's was in 1st person, and did we really need the chapter from Janco? This is a novella though, so I'll let it slide. The writing aside, I liked the whole story about the Ice Moon especially where it was really hidden, so ingenious. The personalities of each of the characters were still the same and on full display and the pacing of the story was done well for a novella, not rushed or choppy. For those who are confused about the chronology of all of Snyder's Ixia/Sitia books (me) the chart at the bottom of the page (linked above) is very helpful. I read the Glass series before this book and so I wasn't sure where events fell chronologically since there were developments from the Glass series that were featured in it. I'm looking forward to reading Shadow Study!
Profile Image for Nemo (The ☾Moonlight☾ Library).
724 reviews320 followers
February 22, 2015
Ice Study is a recently expanded re-write of the previous Ice Study and serves as a prequel of sorts to Shadow Study. In it, Yelena and Valek must overcome a powerful magician set on reclaiming an artefact known as the Ice Moon, which has the ability to destroy all magic in the world, and even Janco pops up with a point of view.

Ice Study was the longest of the short stories and honestly, it probably could have been expanded into a full-length novel. There was a heap of new characters, action, deception, magic and alliances written into its short length, but it also serves as both a complete story on its own and as a set up to Shadow Study. It’s pretty much essential reading, so good thing it’s available for free on Snyder’s website.

In Ice Study, we see Yelena as always embroiled in something disastrous as she’s separated from her heart mate Valek. While the story is basic and straightforward, it does show some significant advances such as the use of null shields to block a magician’s magic and hoe dependent Yelena has become on her magic, which is refreshing because in Poison Study she was a complete rookie.

I think Ice Study should definitely be read before Shadow Study because it sets up an important plot point, but it’s also an enjoyable tale in itself, one of adventure and learning who to trust.
Profile Image for Gaelle ✨ (asparklingchapter).
293 reviews114 followers
January 19, 2019
"Go find my clothes," Valek said. "I have a full set of lock picks in them." "Shirt or pants?" He smiled, "Either one."

Ice Study was a great addition to the series, I enjoyed reading from different POVs. I love Leif, and I need a Valek in my life, period. 3/5 stars.

"If you're my knight in shining armor, I'm screwed," Leif said.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,358 reviews1,236 followers
January 3, 2018
Reread Review (read March 10th 2015):

Maria V Snyder has written a new extended version of Ice Study which can be found on her website here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/IceStudy.php

Even if you've already read the previous version of Ice Study I'd definitely recommend rereading the new version before you start Shadow Study because it gives some extra information about what has been happening with both Yelena and Valek since the end of Fire Study.

The updated version includes a new prologue and epilogue but I think there was also at least one extra chapter in there too (I may be wrong about that though because there was a long gap between me reading the two versions). The story is told from Yelena, Valek and Janco's point of view (the same as Shadow Study) and I loved catching up with all three of these characters.

Original Review (read September 25th 2014):

Ice Study is a free short story that can be read on Maria V. Snyder's website here. It fits into the series timeline after events in Fire Study so I would recommend waiting until after that book to read it.

After everything they've been through in the series you'd think that Yelena and Valek had earned the right for a little peace and quiet, some time just the two of them - kind of like a honeymoon perhaps? Well, of course nothing is ever quite that simple for these two and they are pulled straight into another adventure. This time Leif and Valek have been captured and Yelena is the only one who can save them both.

I don't like to go into too much detail when talking about these short stories because it is way too easy to give spoilers. I loved being able to visit this couple again though and I loved that the story is told from both Yelena and Valek's points of view. It is always fun to catch up with these guys and although I was disappointed that the couple were separated for the majority of the story you can still really see how perfect they are for each other and how in love they are.

I have enjoyed all three of these short stories from Maria V. Snyder and really hope that she'll decide to write more of them in the future. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this world or these characters!
Profile Image for Manisha.
514 reviews90 followers
January 28, 2020
“At least I didn't walk blindly into a trap. You let them kidnap you”.

A mini story – or side quest, if you will – as we follow the adventures of Yelena, Valek, Leif and Janco as they get roped into retrieving an object that may or may not be stolen.

This is by far the most interesting, fun, action packed and entertaining short story I’ve read in this series. It reminded me of how much I love these characters and their antics.
Profile Image for Archives of Jina.
567 reviews204 followers
June 21, 2018
This was really great! Awesome way to bridge both Fire Study and Shadow Study. Its hard to rate novellas because they're so short but this was done very well. From the get go it captured my interest and by the end left me wanting more. What else could you ask for? Plus, Valek!!!!! I love anything that has to do with him.
Profile Image for Lucie V..
1,218 reviews3,643 followers
September 5, 2024
Here is an important piece of information: you need to read the Glass series before you read Shadow study. The first time I read this novella, I had only read the three firsts books and the three short stories and there were many things that just didn't make any sense. I knew who Owen Moon and Ben Moon were, but I did not know about Opal and Devlen so I was confused at many parts of this novella.

I read it again after reading the Glass series, and it made much more sense.

This short story is told from Yelena and Valek’s points of view. Yelena is forced to lead Owen Moon to the Ice Moon (powerful diamond) of he will hurt Leif. Valek being his amazing self must plan a rescue mission as soon as possible.


1. Poison Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
1.5 Assassin Study ⭐⭐⭐
2. Magic Study ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Fire Study ⭐⭐⭐
3.5 Power Study ⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ .
1,293 reviews9,002 followers
October 24, 2015
This is an extra that's available on the author's website here:

http://www.mariavsnyder.com/IceStudy.php

Honestly, this was a bit boring to me for the first half. It did pick up eventually, but once again, nothing critical to understanding the series to place . . . unless you count all the out-of-left-field references to Leif being lead around by his stomach. The ability of Janco's that was revealed in 3.5 us mentioned again, but that's about it.

For die-hard fans only.
Profile Image for Jillian.
1,222 reviews94 followers
March 20, 2017
This is a short story with Yelena and Valek (and other secondary characters) and the Ice Moon diamond. It introduces Owen and Ben Moon and leads up to what happens in book 4, Shadow Study.
This short story and the other two from this series are on the author's website and can be read for free.
*Review edited to include below*
About the Series:
I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a fantasy and magic series. You could probably get away with reading some of these as standalone and still enjoy them but it won't be nearly as exciting or rewarding if you don't read them in order. They aren't overly sexual either as the intimate scenes are mostly glossed over. It would be appropriate for the mid to older teen audience. That being said, they don't read as too Young Adult either so they are great for those, like me, who aren't very fond of reading YA. I think the author achieved a writing style that can be appreciated and loved across age genres.
Ratings:
My ratings for each of the books I read from the Study series:
Poison Study (Study #1) 4.5 Stars
Magic Study (Study #2) 4 Stars
Fire Study (Study #3) 3 Stars
Power Study (Study #3.5) 3 Stars
Ice Study (Study #3.6) 4 Stars
Shadow Study (Study #4) 4 Stars
Night Study (Study #5) 5 Stars
Dawn Study (Study #6) 5 Stars
Profile Image for Anna (Enchanted by YA).
361 reviews424 followers
April 6, 2015
Update 6/4/15:
I simply can't get enough of Maria V Snyder's writing and the amazing world she has created. Now I'm even more excited to start Shadow Study! Immediately.

Original review 23/4/14:
I have loved Maria V Snyder’s short stories, particularly when they included Valek *heartfelt sigh*, and Ice Study was no different. It was told from both Yelena and Valek’s POVs which made it feel like a full length book even though it wasn’t; it was however considerably longer than the other novellas.

It is a lot more developed than the others too, because they focused a lot more on character development than storyline, but it had the perfect blend of humour and romance as well. It’s great for when you are having withdrawal from Maria V Snyder’s world, and are desperate for her spin-off series that feels like forever away (only January 2015).

Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,135 reviews194 followers
July 31, 2018
This was so good!!!

Janco, Valek, Yelena ! It was action packed, had a great story, and it didn’t feel rushed at all. Attention to detail, great dialogue and simply enjoyable.

This short story was brilliantly executed! Makes me realise why I love fantasy!

Read: 31/07/2018
Will I recommend: Yes, but read the “real books” first. It will be more enjoyable.


Profile Image for Jessie Leigh.
2,099 reviews906 followers
January 2, 2012
These short stories are quite fun - especially with Valek as a POV character! I wish that that happened more in the full-length novels. Either way, Ice Study is a definitely 3.5 out of 5.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,343 reviews203 followers
August 3, 2021
Okay after the glass series, I was very intrigued to pick back up the study series in this chronicles. I did, sort of, go out of order because Ice Study was before Spy Glass. Which, yes, does seem weird to me since it's the novella to Shadow Study but details.

I'm kind of glad that I did go out of order though. Mostly because I didn't really enjoy the spy book but this novella just brought back all my favorite characters and made me happy all over again. It honestly doesn't surprise me that Yelena constantly finds trouble. So when Owen came into the picture - I didn't like the guy instantly. He really needed to go because he was a huge douche and thought he was mister tough guy. Well, spoiler alert - Valek and Yelena were going to show you how tough you really weren't.

In the end, I'm not surprised by what happened with Owen or Ben, Owens super dumb brother. All I know is that Yelena is safe(ish) and I can't wait to dive into the next book.
Profile Image for Tomethee Chalamet.
93 reviews15 followers
September 7, 2020
These short adventures are really fun and I always enjoy them! Having read so many of Maria V Snyder's books her writing feels easy to get through while also being very fun. I really enjoyed Valek's perspective, which was also my favourite in Shadow Study as well! For the first time, it felt like the story was short but concise. They didn't rush to the ending as much as previous times, and it was very fun to read! Would totally recommend if you're reading the Study series!
Profile Image for AthinaB.
117 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2017
Μία σύντομη ιστορία αλλά και μία αντιπροσωπευτική ματιά στα αρχικά βιβλία. Είχε ίντριγκα, περιπέτεια και πάνω από όλα, τους αγαπημένους μου ήρωες μαζί, σε αντίθεσή με το Power Study και το Assassin Study.
Profile Image for Selena ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☁︎.
86 reviews47 followers
September 15, 2022
The first book in this series is honestly the only one worth reading so far. I don't know if I want to continue, especially with the other two series linked to this one, but maybe I will.
Profile Image for Katerina  Kondrenko.
497 reviews1,002 followers
December 31, 2020
6 out of 10

ревью на русском/review in russian

Actually not bad, reminded me a bit of Poison Study which I loved (can't say the same about other books of the series).

(Study) Испытание:
Poison Study (Испытание ядом) #1/3
Assassin Study (Испытание убийством) #1.5/3
Magic Study (Испытание магией) #2/3
— Fire Study (Испытание огнем) #3/3
Power Study (Испытание силой) #3.5/3
Ice Study (Испытание льдом) #3.6/3

Glass (Стекло):
— Storm Glass (Стекло штормов) #1/3
— Sea Glass (Стекло морей) #2/3
— Spy Glass (Стекло шпионов) #3/3

Soulfinders (Ловцы душ):
— Shadow Study (Испытание мраком) #1/3
— Night Study (Испытание ночью) #2/3
— Dawn Study (Испытание рассветом) #3/3
Profile Image for Sophia.
2,740 reviews385 followers
February 6, 2017
This book was not as short as Assassin Study and even more interesting! It had multiple perspectives and such a natural story line! The descriptive language in this short was amazing and I loved how the story flowed and how the characters thought! I liked the little timetable at the end to show us where Valek and Yelena were in their lives (did you know that Yelena is 14 years younger than Valek!!!). This story gave us another adventure and made me love this world even more!
Profile Image for Michelle.
89 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2020
This is a mini side story, but important enough to be able to understand the following trilogy which I can`t wait to get into.

It was good, but I was hoping for more awesome Kiki and Yelena and Valek fluff.
Profile Image for Cherie.
1,031 reviews45 followers
February 5, 2017
A prequel to Shadow Study (which I haven't read yet), in which Yelena and Valek must overcome a magician who is trying to take something from the Commander, and who have kidnapped Leif. Very quick story, looking forward to Shadow Study.
Profile Image for Lara.
23 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2017
CAN VALEK PLEASE STOP SAYING "LOVE" AT THE END OF EVERYTHING HE SAYS TO YELENA!!!

Seriously, makes me want to hurl.

He's all dashing and calm and cultivated and gorgeously remote in Poison Study and then as soon as he [SPOILER ALERT] hooks up with Yelena it's all gushy and gross. Can't these hunky men still be hunky after they've become boyfriends?!

Other than that...these short stories are fine, just the characters all seem a bit too predictable. In order of awesomeness and ability to solve any problem: Commander, Valek, Yelena, Ari/Janco....every single time! Can't they all just be flummoxed for once and have Ari or Janco solve it all??
Profile Image for Eldarwen.
581 reviews72 followers
January 2, 2015
The third of the Study short stories and also the best, not only because it revolves around Yelena and Valek but also because it's the most developed of the three.

There are a few moments when the villain is explaining his agenda that made my eyebrows shoot skywards in a "whut?!?" movement but I guess with his somewhat delusional world view that was intended.
Janco's brief appearance made for a nice little comic relief in the middle of the action.

As all the other stories, I'd recommend it to all those who love reading more about the Study world and series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.