February 12, 2015

Review: Fire Study (Study #3) By Maria V Snyder

Release Date: March 1st, 2008
Rating:
 2.5 stars
Amazon  |  Goodreads

Blurb:
The Apprenticeship is Over Now the Real Test has Begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder able to capture and release souls spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...


Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself and save the land she holds dear.

First Thoughts

What happened to this series?? Poison Study was so good, Magic Study left me unsatisfied, and I wanted to DNF Fire Study so many times. I feel terrible in saying that because I really wanted to like this series. Unfortunately, I just felt completely confused while reading Fire Study.

What I Enjoyed

Kiki. Yes, the horse again. Kiki is the one character that never annoyed me. Her one or two word sentences were a comfort to all the puzzlement I felt while reading this book.

The big reveal behind The Commander's duality. The explanation actually touched my heart. I hope The Commander uses this discovery to better his attitude toward magic.

What Could Have Been Better

The characters. Yelena made too many poor decisions. Valek was not the charming man he once was in Poison Study. I have no idea why Moon Man became so moody. Roze was as hateful as ever. Leif had no personality. The list goes on and on.

The story dragged. I've read many books with more than 448 pages, but man, this book felt like a million pages. How many times is Yelena going to run off on her own and get herself captured? How many villains does this plot need? Why does this book seem to be one useless adventure after another? Ugh, so much disappointment.

Why does Yelena's mother, Perl, keep touching her damn throat? I can't even count how many times "Perl's hand flew to her throat". Just.. why??

Dramatic moments weren't really so dramatic. Yelena was almost burned alive. Yawn. Valek was presumed dead for a chapter or so and I didn't even realize it until Yelena talked about meeting him "in the sky". What the heck?

Quotes

There's always another storm. It's the way the world works. Snowstorms, rainstorms, wind-storms, sandstorms, and firestorms. Some are fierce and others are small. You have to deal with each one separately, but you need to always keep an eye on what's brewing for tomorrow.
- Wise words from one of the only remaining likable characters, Janco.

Recommended For

Those who enjoy fantasy and don't mind a headstrong heroine that keeps getting herself into trouble.


Happy Reading!

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