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Soulfinders #3
Dawn Study
New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.
Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.
Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.
With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
416 people are currently reading
16888 people want to read
About the author
Maria V. Snyder
74 books17.4k followersWhen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 851 reviews
March 9, 2017
I hated this book. I fucking LOVED this entire series, books 1-5. Even books 2-3 in the Poison Study series because Yelena was so fucking awesome. The Soulfinders books 1-2. Wow. Just wow. Even better because of the inclusion of my beloved Valek as a narrative voice, but man, this book was such a clusterfuck, and it breaks my heart to say this.
It was boring. It was SO boring. Valek started to sound like a generic whiny asinine male instead of Valek the Great, One of My Three Book Boyfriends, and I could not stand his narration. Everyone started sounding the same. Everyone was off on their separate different quests and I could not keep shit straight.
It lacked the spark and the joy that held the entire series together, and I am completely astounded by the fact that this book had such higher reviews, when it is, in my opinion, the worst book she has ever written in this universe. I struggled to skim it, that's how bad it was. I didn't read the last 10% of the book because it was so unbearably dull. I read this like 2 months ago and couldn't bring myself to rate it until now. What a disappointment and what a terrible ending to the series. But again, I didn't even read the last 10% so I don't even know what happened. And at that point, I didn't even care.
*wails*
It was boring. It was SO boring. Valek started to sound like a generic whiny asinine male instead of Valek the Great, One of My Three Book Boyfriends, and I could not stand his narration. Everyone started sounding the same. Everyone was off on their separate different quests and I could not keep shit straight.
It lacked the spark and the joy that held the entire series together, and I am completely astounded by the fact that this book had such higher reviews, when it is, in my opinion, the worst book she has ever written in this universe. I struggled to skim it, that's how bad it was. I didn't read the last 10% of the book because it was so unbearably dull. I read this like 2 months ago and couldn't bring myself to rate it until now. What a disappointment and what a terrible ending to the series. But again, I didn't even read the last 10% so I don't even know what happened. And at that point, I didn't even care.
*wails*
December 11, 2020
Dawn Study was a beast of a book to write and to read! Wow, I can't believe almost everything was resolved by the ending. So many characters - like wrangling cats. But I see so much potential for more stories, which is amazing to me as I started with Poison Study and thought it would be a stand alone novel. Yup - once and done. Who knew it would spawn 5 more Study books and 3 Glass books! Not me :) Plus short stories, which I'm working on more. Wedding Study anyone?
February 19, 2017
It literally hurt my heart to give this book anything but 5 stars, but here we are; a massive puddle of disappointment.
The Study series is my precious. After waiting many years in the hopes that Yelena would grace my life with more books my dream came true. And now we're at the absolute end(I assume so anyhow) and I'm mad.
Dawn Study what the hell? It's not even the story, although there was nothing super stellar or shocking about it(in fact, it was overly repetitive; capture, rescue, scheme, capture, rescue, scheme, and repeat). It's everything else. I'm not sure if this was a rush job or Snyder got confused, but this book feels so out of place. The writing is meh. The dialogue is lacking is every way possible. And the characters! These were not my characters I know and love. Their voices are missing. Their personalities are missing. These were just some random characters that happened to have the same names as my beloved ones. I mentioned the dialogue was lacking, and well that's because these characters were. Everything was so forced and not good. No sexy Valek. No funny Ari and Janco. Yelena was a shell of her usual kick-ass self.
I'm just so upset and angry. I really wish I'd skipped this finale. It would be better to have no ending than this ending...
The Study series is my precious. After waiting many years in the hopes that Yelena would grace my life with more books my dream came true. And now we're at the absolute end(I assume so anyhow) and I'm mad.
Dawn Study what the hell? It's not even the story, although there was nothing super stellar or shocking about it(in fact, it was overly repetitive; capture, rescue, scheme, capture, rescue, scheme, and repeat). It's everything else. I'm not sure if this was a rush job or Snyder got confused, but this book feels so out of place. The writing is meh. The dialogue is lacking is every way possible. And the characters! These were not my characters I know and love. Their voices are missing. Their personalities are missing. These were just some random characters that happened to have the same names as my beloved ones. I mentioned the dialogue was lacking, and well that's because these characters were. Everything was so forced and not good. No sexy Valek. No funny Ari and Janco. Yelena was a shell of her usual kick-ass self.
I'm just so upset and angry. I really wish I'd skipped this finale. It would be better to have no ending than this ending...
March 13, 2017
"You are more beautiful to me today than yesterday. Each day when I think I can't possibly love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong."
Look, I promised that there would be a full review of this book but really, I'm a liar. The problem is that I have a lot of spoilery thoughts and hardly anyone has read these books so I don't want to risk spoiling anyone who's looking to read these books in the future!
This series is honestly one that I will hold close to my heart forever because it's just so comforting and special. I know that's a weird description but bear with me. It's like you always know what you're going to get from this story - crazy action, a strong group of friendships and a great romance.
I love this series so much and I'm absolutely heartbroken that it's over. No more Valek and Yelena and their gang. I'm hoping Maria brings out some short stories about their adventures after these books because I need more from Ari, Janco and Onora. I ship Janco and Onora so hard and the fact that they never really got together at all is like ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I need answers and I need more from these characters and this world and I'm not emotionally ready to say goodbye. My heart is so full from this book but it's also broken thinking about leaving these characters.
I'm sorry for the really shitty reviews for all of this series but I can't recommend it enough. If you haven't picked up these books already, you need to!
Look, I promised that there would be a full review of this book but really, I'm a liar. The problem is that I have a lot of spoilery thoughts and hardly anyone has read these books so I don't want to risk spoiling anyone who's looking to read these books in the future!
This series is honestly one that I will hold close to my heart forever because it's just so comforting and special. I know that's a weird description but bear with me. It's like you always know what you're going to get from this story - crazy action, a strong group of friendships and a great romance.
I love this series so much and I'm absolutely heartbroken that it's over. No more Valek and Yelena and their gang. I'm hoping Maria brings out some short stories about their adventures after these books because I need more from Ari, Janco and Onora. I ship Janco and Onora so hard and the fact that they never really got together at all is like ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I need answers and I need more from these characters and this world and I'm not emotionally ready to say goodbye. My heart is so full from this book but it's also broken thinking about leaving these characters.
I'm sorry for the really shitty reviews for all of this series but I can't recommend it enough. If you haven't picked up these books already, you need to!
July 24, 2024
“Our herd may roam, but we all know where is home.”
I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS AMAZING SERIES IS OVER!!! As per usual, I’m in the minority when it comes to my feelings about a book. Most reviews seem to state that this final instalment in the Ixian Chronicles is the weakest of the 6, but I still firmly believe that Fire Study is the only one deserving of that title, as it’s the sole instalment that earned a mere 4.5-star rating for me. This was a phenomenal finale, and I enjoyed every second of it!!! As this is the final book, I’ll try to make this review as vague as I can, in an effort to be as spoiler-free as possible. :D
“You are more beautiful to me today than yesterday. Each day when I think I can't possibly love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong.”
Yelena and Valek are now one of my biggest OTPs and I can’t wait to re-read Poison Study (in addition to the rest of these books) because I want to go on this incredible journey all over again! I loved the world, the characters, the magic system, the politics, the romance…so, basically, everything!!! ;) Except maybe the pacing…Magic Study and Fire Study definitely needed some improvement there. In comparison to rest of the instalments in the Ixian Chronicles, those two were rather underwhelming. Having said that, there were so many shocking moments in this book, as well as sweet and heart-warming ones.
“This is your mother we’re talking about. She can be very persistent and stubborn,” [Esau said.]
Valek burst out laughing, and we both looked at him in confusion.
“Sorry,” he said, wiping his eyes. “It’s just I have a feeling that I’ll be saying that very same thing to our son or daughter in the future.”
I’ve binged this entire series in no time at all, despite my efforts to draw it out, in order to savour these books for as long as possible. Valek, Yelena, Ari, Janco, Onora, and Leif are a family that I’d love to join. They are so loyal and supportive of one another. If I had to complain about the absence of a character, I’d have to say that I thought Maren was deserving of more screen-time, considering what a fundamental role that she once played in this series. We haven’t really seen her since Poison Study!
I’M SO SAD THAT THIS SERIES IS OVER, THOUGH!!! I need more Valek and Yelena in my life. 6 books weren’t enough!!!
Goodbye, my beloved characters! I can’t wait to see you all again very soon!!! <3
February 10, 2017
Dawn Study was all I could have hoped for from the ninth, and final, Chronicles of Ixia novel. I admit that it wasn’t perfect, but it was a brilliant ending to a truly wonderful series.
I’ve read all of the Ixia books – the Study series, the Glass series, the Soulfinders series, and the short stories – excluding Shattered Glass. I planned to pick that one up before reading this, yet when NetGalley approved my request, I was too excited. I couldn’t hold back – I had to read this one. Fear not, all those who have yet to read Shattered Glass. The short story is not a necessity to understand this book. It’s linked in with the Glass series, with characters and events in Dawn Study, but it is not the end of the world if you have yet to read it. I now plan to go back and read it, if only to ensure I have read every single Ixia story – both full-length novel and short story – yet my lack of prior reading failed to lessen my enjoyment of Dawn Study.
Now comes the really hard part – trying to form a coherent review about the actual book.
Since Poison Study, I have been in love with this series. The world of Ixia ensured Maria V. Snyder’s place on my favourite author list. I devoured the first six books across a handful of days, and since then I’ve been jumping whenever there was news about the last three books. Without a doubt, the Study/Soulfinders characters are my favourite, but I’ve enjoyed every book in the series. Everyone has something to offer, all of the events come together in a wonderful way. With Dawn Study, I was expecting something big. I had ideas of what would come, but I wasn’t sure about anything.
Fortunately, Dawn Study has enough twists and turns to ensure you’re pulled in throughout. Every time I put the book down, I found myself impatient to carry on reading. You never knew exactly what would come next. Old and new characters come together, events from the past come back to influence how things play out, and the entire series is brought together in this one. Answers are given; conclusions are reached; scenes we’ve been waiting for finally play out.
It truly is a fabulous ending to the series.
I know, I know, I’m saying very little about what exactly happens. This, of course, is intentional. We’ve all been waiting so long to see all these things come together, that to give spoilers would be a truly horrible thing to do. I’ve been fortunate enough to advance read this novel, and I really do not wish to be blamed for secrets escaping. Just know that you’ll be given so many things in this one.
Despite how wonderful this ending was, even though so much was brought together, I wasn’t completely satisfied. The book tries to give every character some kind of ending. We get to see how events play out for everyone. Some of these endings, though, fell short for me. I’d expected more from some of the storylines. Some characters played such vital roles throughout the entire Ixia series, only to be given an ending that was less than they deserved. Yes, these endings make for great twists… However, I felt a bit cheated by some of the endings. The main characters had great endings, but some of the characters didn’t end the way I expected and hoped. It just seemed to me as though more effort was put into some endings than other endings.
Was this done intentionally? In some cases I can but hope, almost as though we’re going to be given more stories of these characters in the future. I cannot imagine they would be full-length novels, but I have my fingers crossed for some short stories. If only to tie up the few questions I have pertaining to how things played out for certain characters.
Overall, though, this was a great read. The Chronicles of Ixia series has been a real ride, and I’m so sad to see it end. All good things must come to an end, though, and I cannot wait to see what Maria V. Snyder brings us next.
As a final note, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to advance read this – such a thing made me a very happy fan.
I’ve read all of the Ixia books – the Study series, the Glass series, the Soulfinders series, and the short stories – excluding Shattered Glass. I planned to pick that one up before reading this, yet when NetGalley approved my request, I was too excited. I couldn’t hold back – I had to read this one. Fear not, all those who have yet to read Shattered Glass. The short story is not a necessity to understand this book. It’s linked in with the Glass series, with characters and events in Dawn Study, but it is not the end of the world if you have yet to read it. I now plan to go back and read it, if only to ensure I have read every single Ixia story – both full-length novel and short story – yet my lack of prior reading failed to lessen my enjoyment of Dawn Study.
Now comes the really hard part – trying to form a coherent review about the actual book.
Since Poison Study, I have been in love with this series. The world of Ixia ensured Maria V. Snyder’s place on my favourite author list. I devoured the first six books across a handful of days, and since then I’ve been jumping whenever there was news about the last three books. Without a doubt, the Study/Soulfinders characters are my favourite, but I’ve enjoyed every book in the series. Everyone has something to offer, all of the events come together in a wonderful way. With Dawn Study, I was expecting something big. I had ideas of what would come, but I wasn’t sure about anything.
Fortunately, Dawn Study has enough twists and turns to ensure you’re pulled in throughout. Every time I put the book down, I found myself impatient to carry on reading. You never knew exactly what would come next. Old and new characters come together, events from the past come back to influence how things play out, and the entire series is brought together in this one. Answers are given; conclusions are reached; scenes we’ve been waiting for finally play out.
It truly is a fabulous ending to the series.
I know, I know, I’m saying very little about what exactly happens. This, of course, is intentional. We’ve all been waiting so long to see all these things come together, that to give spoilers would be a truly horrible thing to do. I’ve been fortunate enough to advance read this novel, and I really do not wish to be blamed for secrets escaping. Just know that you’ll be given so many things in this one.
Despite how wonderful this ending was, even though so much was brought together, I wasn’t completely satisfied. The book tries to give every character some kind of ending. We get to see how events play out for everyone. Some of these endings, though, fell short for me. I’d expected more from some of the storylines. Some characters played such vital roles throughout the entire Ixia series, only to be given an ending that was less than they deserved. Yes, these endings make for great twists… However, I felt a bit cheated by some of the endings. The main characters had great endings, but some of the characters didn’t end the way I expected and hoped. It just seemed to me as though more effort was put into some endings than other endings.
Was this done intentionally? In some cases I can but hope, almost as though we’re going to be given more stories of these characters in the future. I cannot imagine they would be full-length novels, but I have my fingers crossed for some short stories. If only to tie up the few questions I have pertaining to how things played out for certain characters.
Overall, though, this was a great read. The Chronicles of Ixia series has been a real ride, and I’m so sad to see it end. All good things must come to an end, though, and I cannot wait to see what Maria V. Snyder brings us next.
As a final note, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to advance read this – such a thing made me a very happy fan.
February 10, 2017
Boy, was this bad...
If I had to sum the whole thing up with a gif, it would be:
Shall we talk about the characters first? They were flat, flat, flat. Flat as an open bottle of soda left in the fridge for three days. Valek was so frustrating! He needed some anger management classes, all he felt was fury, rage, anger... Yelena was also a train wreck. I mean, lady, you're pregnant! I'm not saying that pregnant women should be wrapped in bubble wrap, but I don't think it's healthy for them to go gallivanting in the night and being ambushed by assassins and then, only after they've nearly died to think 'Oh, I could have harmed the baby! Is the baby okay?'. As for the other characters, they didn't fare much better.
So, plot. It was an endless loop of someone needs to be rescued-off to the rescue-scheming the bestest plan ever the defeat the evilest guys ever- all goes to hell - someone needs to be rescued. It was annoying. I could almost keep a check list of who had already been rescued and who was still waiting for their turn to be in grave danger.
Oh, what about the writing, you ask.
It was, I'm sorry to say, just awful. None of the dialogue rang true for some reason. If that's all on the writing or the fact that the characters were flat, I don't know, and, right now, I don't really care. One of the many things that had me grinding my teeth through this book was having a YA book with adults as the main characters. I mean, Yelena and Valek are married, for crying out loud, with a baby on the way. We all know how she got pregnant, right? And yet, the writing has to be cottoned by words like 'relations'. This means that there is no passion between the two of them. I mean, I'd get sentences like 'He kissed me long and hard.' And that was it. Cue the next scene. I wanted more to work with, y'know?
Also, about what I said last year?
-------------------------------------------------------
I'm going to leave my prediction here:
I hope I'm wrong, it will be too predictable if I'm right...
If I had to sum the whole thing up with a gif, it would be:
Shall we talk about the characters first? They were flat, flat, flat. Flat as an open bottle of soda left in the fridge for three days. Valek was so frustrating! He needed some anger management classes, all he felt was fury, rage, anger... Yelena was also a train wreck. I mean, lady, you're pregnant! I'm not saying that pregnant women should be wrapped in bubble wrap, but I don't think it's healthy for them to go gallivanting in the night and being ambushed by assassins and then, only after they've nearly died to think 'Oh, I could have harmed the baby! Is the baby okay?'. As for the other characters, they didn't fare much better.
So, plot. It was an endless loop of someone needs to be rescued-off to the rescue-scheming the bestest plan ever the defeat the evilest guys ever- all goes to hell - someone needs to be rescued. It was annoying. I could almost keep a check list of who had already been rescued and who was still waiting for their turn to be in grave danger.
Oh, what about the writing, you ask.
It was, I'm sorry to say, just awful. None of the dialogue rang true for some reason. If that's all on the writing or the fact that the characters were flat, I don't know, and, right now, I don't really care. One of the many things that had me grinding my teeth through this book was having a YA book with adults as the main characters. I mean, Yelena and Valek are married, for crying out loud, with a baby on the way. We all know how she got pregnant, right? And yet, the writing has to be cottoned by words like 'relations'. This means that there is no passion between the two of them. I mean, I'd get sentences like 'He kissed me long and hard.' And that was it. Cue the next scene. I wanted more to work with, y'know?
Also, about what I said last year?
-------------------------------------------------------
I'm going to leave my prediction here:
I hope I'm wrong, it will be too predictable if I'm right...
June 3, 2020
Somhow, Dawn Study was a very bland finale to me - the plot felt very repetitive. There were too many POV characters (with too short chapters considering), breaking up the narrative so it didn’t flow, and felt really dull in parts, and made it drag on.
While I loved Valek and Yelena in the original trilogy, somehow they both seemed less faceted and more single minded here, and the dialogue felt a bit stilted.
While I loved Valek and Yelena in the original trilogy, somehow they both seemed less faceted and more single minded here, and the dialogue felt a bit stilted.
June 26, 2017
Love that is has a title, but why 2017
Update 8-4-16:
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOVER
Update 8-4-16:
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOVER
February 7, 2016
Just waiting for Yelena to meet Valek's mother.... >.>
April 11, 2018
This is bittersweet. The Study and Soulfinders series are the only series I have ever read in full and completed. The only two series that I will recommend to anyone without hesitation. So while it is sad to see it come to an end, I think it was a solid ending to Yelena and Valek's story. While I loved being in their world again and coming along for their adventurous, dangerous, and love filled journey with all their friends and enemies, it became repetitive. It was just a repeated cycle of plot, capture, rescue, scheme, capture, rescue, repeat. There were portions of the book that I would skim because it grew boring to read the same subplot over and over again. The synopsis leads us to believe there would be this disastrous war between their homelands, Ixia and Sitia.
While there was some action and unsettling unknown throughout, I felt like it was a slow burn for something that was very anti-climatic once it occurred. As much as I wanted to give this book 4 stars, I feel like it's more suited as a 3.5, because while I savored being back with that world, it wasn't one that I felt like I was really immersed in like the previous books in the series. I would have been satisfied reading multiple chapters about Yelena and Valek's (sometimes) mundane life in the epilogue.
While there was some action and unsettling unknown throughout, I felt like it was a slow burn for something that was very anti-climatic once it occurred. As much as I wanted to give this book 4 stars, I feel like it's more suited as a 3.5, because while I savored being back with that world, it wasn't one that I felt like I was really immersed in like the previous books in the series. I would have been satisfied reading multiple chapters about Yelena and Valek's (sometimes) mundane life in the epilogue.
Read
February 26, 2016GIVE ME THE SEQUEL NOW
December 12, 2016
I hate to do this but I can't give more than 3 stars to this book. I only liked it and didn't love it.
It was very repetitive and long , it also got boring at times. It's not a good sign when I'm not sleepy but I choose to sleep rather than reading a few more chapters.
I lost count of times the characters were captured, rescued , relocated and got captured again. Valek and Yelena weren't the power couple they always are. Almost all of their plans went wrong.They got it right at the end but I wasn't impressed. I wanted more from the last book, more surprises, more twists, more ... something!!!
I'm not saying it wasn't a good book and after many many books in this series I still love and enjoy reading about these characters and their adventures but this one didn't quite reach the mark for me.
I do recommend this series and the author's other series. And I won't hesitate to get my hands on any other book from Maria V. Snyder.
From Netgalley for an honest review
It was very repetitive and long , it also got boring at times. It's not a good sign when I'm not sleepy but I choose to sleep rather than reading a few more chapters.
I lost count of times the characters were captured, rescued , relocated and got captured again. Valek and Yelena weren't the power couple they always are. Almost all of their plans went wrong.They got it right at the end but I wasn't impressed. I wanted more from the last book, more surprises, more twists, more ... something!!!
I'm not saying it wasn't a good book and after many many books in this series I still love and enjoy reading about these characters and their adventures but this one didn't quite reach the mark for me.
I do recommend this series and the author's other series. And I won't hesitate to get my hands on any other book from Maria V. Snyder.
From Netgalley for an honest review
February 7, 2017
I loved how all the characters came together for one final book! I really hope there's more to come in this world - perhaps with the next generation, because I will seriously miss Ixia and Sitia too much! Poison Study is one of my all-time favourites and now I've read 9 books worth with the characters, which is the longest time I've ever stayed in one world.
I though Dawn Study was a fun end to the series, maybe slightly anticlimactic, but just getting to live with these characters for another 350+ pages was worth the wait!
I though Dawn Study was a fun end to the series, maybe slightly anticlimactic, but just getting to live with these characters for another 350+ pages was worth the wait!
March 18, 2017
RTC.... maybe never.
December 19, 2016
Four and a half from me
I started this journey with Yelena and Valek way back in Poison Study and although the author has fleshed out her world by shining a light on peripheral characters these two have always dominated it for me. It's with a little sadness that I realise their story is probably now told but wow what a way to end this spin off Soulfinder series .
At the end of the previous book Night Study readers were left wondering just how a peaceful life could ever be on the cards as someone pretty important to Valek was perhaps not in his corner anymore. Add in the fact that old enemies have been beavering away and the situation has just turned out to be so messed up when it comes to magic and power that war is definitely knocking at the door! Yelena has problems of her own but as usual puts the safety and of others first but it's a dangerous line she takes here as her decisions throw her headlong into the enemies sight.
I'm loathe to say too much but I've so enjoyed this world were magic can be trumped by good old botany. Throughout the reader has always been aware of the power of plants and it's no coincidence that Valek first started Yelena learning about poisons and it's a subject followed through as here we learn just how insidious homegrown drugs can really be.
As usual the author brings insight with the points of view of various characters which helps open up the story although admittedly occasionally I'm tearing my hair out wondering just how my favourite characters will get out of whatever pickle they find themselves in. The tension holds though and it's the fine details that appeal the most. Valek has been a revelation in so many ways but his love for Yelena coupled with his sense of duty has always pulled him in multiple directions. The Commander is still a conundrum to me and I don't think I will ever like that character but there are younger ones stepping up here so I wouldn't be surprised if perhaps a few years down the line we got to revisit them.
My final thoughts are I've loved everything about this particular power couple. I've always wanted them to spend more time together though and with this ending the way seems a lot clearer for them. The gang surrounding them may be a motley crew at times but even they get to 'grow up' as the final chapters unfold and yes that does include the irrepressible Janco! So even though my favourite characters are pretty spread out in this book there's still time for sweetness and surprises. A fabulous series and a huge recommendation from me and with nine books I believe well worth reading in order
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader arc from Netgalley
I started this journey with Yelena and Valek way back in Poison Study and although the author has fleshed out her world by shining a light on peripheral characters these two have always dominated it for me. It's with a little sadness that I realise their story is probably now told but wow what a way to end this spin off Soulfinder series .
At the end of the previous book Night Study readers were left wondering just how a peaceful life could ever be on the cards as someone pretty important to Valek was perhaps not in his corner anymore. Add in the fact that old enemies have been beavering away and the situation has just turned out to be so messed up when it comes to magic and power that war is definitely knocking at the door! Yelena has problems of her own but as usual puts the safety and of others first but it's a dangerous line she takes here as her decisions throw her headlong into the enemies sight.
I'm loathe to say too much but I've so enjoyed this world were magic can be trumped by good old botany. Throughout the reader has always been aware of the power of plants and it's no coincidence that Valek first started Yelena learning about poisons and it's a subject followed through as here we learn just how insidious homegrown drugs can really be.
As usual the author brings insight with the points of view of various characters which helps open up the story although admittedly occasionally I'm tearing my hair out wondering just how my favourite characters will get out of whatever pickle they find themselves in. The tension holds though and it's the fine details that appeal the most. Valek has been a revelation in so many ways but his love for Yelena coupled with his sense of duty has always pulled him in multiple directions. The Commander is still a conundrum to me and I don't think I will ever like that character but there are younger ones stepping up here so I wouldn't be surprised if perhaps a few years down the line we got to revisit them.
My final thoughts are I've loved everything about this particular power couple. I've always wanted them to spend more time together though and with this ending the way seems a lot clearer for them. The gang surrounding them may be a motley crew at times but even they get to 'grow up' as the final chapters unfold and yes that does include the irrepressible Janco! So even though my favourite characters are pretty spread out in this book there's still time for sweetness and surprises. A fabulous series and a huge recommendation from me and with nine books I believe well worth reading in order
This voluntary opinion is of an advance reader arc from Netgalley
Want to read
June 6, 2015It has a title! I can't wait for this book
September 5, 2024
✅ Action
✅ Funny moments / Banter
✅ Romance
🆗 Characters
🆗 Plot / Narrative
3.5 stars
I am happy that this series is over because even though I really enjoyed reading it, and I adore Valek, Ari, and Janko, the plot was getting repetitive.
The narrative was weak at times because of the many POVs and the shorts chapters. I feel that Valek and Yelena were blander in the lasts 2 books of this series. Instead of seeing them progressing and developing, they were more uni-dimensional and single-minded. Even the dialogues were a bit stiff.
Dawn Study is still a nice ending to a very good series, everything is nicely wrapped up, but the fact remains that I enjoyed the Study trilogy more than the Soulfinder trilogy.
1. Poison Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
1.5 Assassin Study ⭐⭐⭐
2. Magic Study ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Fire Study ⭐⭐⭐
3.5 Power Study ⭐⭐⭐
3.6 Ice Study ⭐⭐⭐
4. Shadow Study ⭐⭐⭐
5. Night Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Funny moments / Banter
✅ Romance
🆗 Characters
🆗 Plot / Narrative
3.5 stars
I am happy that this series is over because even though I really enjoyed reading it, and I adore Valek, Ari, and Janko, the plot was getting repetitive.
The narrative was weak at times because of the many POVs and the shorts chapters. I feel that Valek and Yelena were blander in the lasts 2 books of this series. Instead of seeing them progressing and developing, they were more uni-dimensional and single-minded. Even the dialogues were a bit stiff.
Dawn Study is still a nice ending to a very good series, everything is nicely wrapped up, but the fact remains that I enjoyed the Study trilogy more than the Soulfinder trilogy.
1. Poison Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
1.5 Assassin Study ⭐⭐⭐
2. Magic Study ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Fire Study ⭐⭐⭐
3.5 Power Study ⭐⭐⭐
3.6 Ice Study ⭐⭐⭐
4. Shadow Study ⭐⭐⭐
5. Night Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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March 16, 2017
“You could put the sass into assassin.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“You are more beautiful to me today than yesterday. Each day when I think I can't possibly love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“That's a good idea.”
“Don't sound so surprised, love. I might start to think you're only interested in me for my body.”
“Did you say something? I was too busy staring at your muscular chest.”
“Nice.”
I can't believe this story is over. I will miss this magical world and these memorable characters so much! Special tributes to - Yelena, Valek, Ari, Janco, Onora and Leif. But I also know I will visit them once again in the future. Loved this whole series to pieces!
“Will do, Boss.” Janco said. “I understand all about keeping mothers happy.”
“You do?” Ari asked with a doubtful tone.
“Yes. Just because I ignore it doesn't mean I don't understand it.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“Janco saluted. “Our herd may roam, but we all know where is home.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“You are more beautiful to me today than yesterday. Each day when I think I can't possibly love you any more than I do, you prove me wrong.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“That's a good idea.”
“Don't sound so surprised, love. I might start to think you're only interested in me for my body.”
“Did you say something? I was too busy staring at your muscular chest.”
“Nice.”
I can't believe this story is over. I will miss this magical world and these memorable characters so much! Special tributes to - Yelena, Valek, Ari, Janco, Onora and Leif. But I also know I will visit them once again in the future. Loved this whole series to pieces!
“Will do, Boss.” Janco said. “I understand all about keeping mothers happy.”
“You do?” Ari asked with a doubtful tone.
“Yes. Just because I ignore it doesn't mean I don't understand it.”
➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵➵
“Janco saluted. “Our herd may roam, but we all know where is home.”
April 19, 2021
very repetitive, which was such a disappointment for me. the characters spent most of the book plotting against the villains, only for it to end very quickly and with little consequence. everyone i loved in the last books, like valek, ari and janco, were pale imitations of who they had been before, and the outcomes for most characters were extremely unsatisfying.
two stars instead of one despite the issues i had with this book purely because of onora.
two stars instead of one despite the issues i had with this book purely because of onora.
November 20, 2018
Reading this series was an amazing journey.
February 21, 2017
While I may have a strong dislike for Opal and her choices, I absolutely love Valek and Yelana and hate this series comes to an end. All the side characters are great save Opal.
This was a wonderful edition to the series that kept moving. I didn't find myself bored. Only at the end did I regret it was over.
The narrator did a fantastic job and I'll hear her voice of Valek in my head forever.
Gah, I want more. It hurts my heart to think I'll never be able to visit these characters again.
This was a wonderful edition to the series that kept moving. I didn't find myself bored. Only at the end did I regret it was over.
The narrator did a fantastic job and I'll hear her voice of Valek in my head forever.
Gah, I want more. It hurts my heart to think I'll never be able to visit these characters again.
June 11, 2017
This one had so much action I had to take small breaks to process all that was happening at all times. Every time they made a plan it was ruined by some new information or thing happening. It was a bit too much. Its still getting 5 stars but only because of the nostalgic feelings I have for Maria V. Snyder and Ixia/Sitia.
I love Yelena/Valek but Janco was the most interesting pov. And I wish there was a bit less of "You sound like Janco", "That´s what Janco would say" and "You´ve been spending too much time with Janco", its a "joke" that was repeated waaay too much. But I did like how the story finished. I liked the whole idea it was just a bit too much action on every page.
I love Yelena/Valek but Janco was the most interesting pov. And I wish there was a bit less of "You sound like Janco", "That´s what Janco would say" and "You´ve been spending too much time with Janco", its a "joke" that was repeated waaay too much. But I did like how the story finished. I liked the whole idea it was just a bit too much action on every page.
February 7, 2017
I'm going to warn you that I am not someone who is fawning over this book. I disliked it immensely.
It was a copy and paste book; a wash- rinse- repeat book. Each chapter was the same...go to help solve everything, get caught or get hurt, heal and on to the next issue. Nothing different.
I could say that the ending was a surprise to me -but it wasn't -the author couldn't chance having her fans hate her if she chose to do it in any other manner. It makes for the possibility that if there is another series, Yelena and Valek can show up if their child (I am not going to spoil the sex of the kid!) has a series. It was a very cliched ending.
This book seems to have finished off the series, but I have a feeling that another series will be off-shot from this one -perhaps one for young adults.
*ARC supplied by publisher
It was a copy and paste book; a wash- rinse- repeat book. Each chapter was the same...go to help solve everything, get caught or get hurt, heal and on to the next issue. Nothing different.
I could say that the ending was a surprise to me -but it wasn't -the author couldn't chance having her fans hate her if she chose to do it in any other manner. It makes for the possibility that if there is another series, Yelena and Valek can show up if their child (I am not going to spoil the sex of the kid!) has a series. It was a very cliched ending.
This book seems to have finished off the series, but I have a feeling that another series will be off-shot from this one -perhaps one for young adults.
*ARC supplied by publisher
May 5, 2019
This series has been so much fun. I'm sad it's over, but I live in hope for more spin offs/ sequels one day (especially ones with Reema and/or Liana as main characters because I would love to see more of them as grown ups)
July 29, 2019
Aaaaahhh.... it was so beautiful.
I absolutely love how Synder ended this novel, it tied up every end.
I absolutely love how Synder ended this novel, it tied up every end.
February 20, 2017
I fell in love with Yelena and Valek in Poison Study and have been a devoted fan of this series ever since then. Maria V. Snyder has created such a wonderful world along with so many favourite characters and I just devour each new instalment so I'm pretty heartbroken that Dawn Study is the final book. If you're going to end a series then it has to be on a high note though and she has definitely achieved that goal here. This book was action packed from beginning to end, we get a chance to catch up with all our favourite characters (old and new) and I don't think there could have been a more fitting end to the series.
This is the conclusion we've been building up to, the final showdown between Yelena and her herd and their longstanding enemies, and it was well worth the wait. Owen Moon thinks he has everything planned down to the tiniest detail, he has the Commander brainwashed, the Master Magicians and the Sitian Council are under his control and he is about to start a war between Ixia and Sitia to destroy the magicians once and for all. Unfortunately for him Yelena, Valek and their allies are determined to stop him at any cost. They're short on manpower, they're up against weapons they have no idea how to counter and they are still trying to figure out all of Owen's backup plans but they're fighting for their lives and they're aiming to win no matter what it costs them.
I'm not going to say anymore about the plot but just when you think you have everything figured out Maria V Snyder throws another curveball to change the game completely. Our team are hit with one thing after another and the danger has never been greater so it's genuinely an edge of the seat read that leaves you praying everyone you love will make it to the end. If I have one complaint it's that I'd have liked a longer epilogue but that's only because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters and I wanted to spend more time with everyone, not because the book actually needed any more. I can't help it, I'm greedy when it comes to this world! In reality I actually think the author was right to end Yelena and Valek's story here, it's about time they found some peace and are able to focus on themselves and their growing family.
That doesn't mean I'm not hoping for more in the future though, I'd be happy to read extra stories about ANY of the characters in this world but what I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for is a spin off set a few years down the line starring some of the younger characters. I'd love to see more of Reema and Teegan as they grow into their powers and just imagine how much they could achieve if you had them working alongside Fisk and his helping hands or Valek's younger siblings. Onora would be another interesting character to follow and I'd be happy to spend more time with Ari and Janco too. There are so many options for expanding this world and of course if we could get a glimpse into Yelena and Valek's future too that would just make things even sweeter.
This is without a doubt one of my favourite series and it's one I can't recommend highly enough. It has been excellent from beginning to end and Maria V Snyder continues to be an auto-buy author for me so no matter what she decides to write next I'll definitely be reading it.
Source: Received from Mira Ink in exchange for an honest review
This is the conclusion we've been building up to, the final showdown between Yelena and her herd and their longstanding enemies, and it was well worth the wait. Owen Moon thinks he has everything planned down to the tiniest detail, he has the Commander brainwashed, the Master Magicians and the Sitian Council are under his control and he is about to start a war between Ixia and Sitia to destroy the magicians once and for all. Unfortunately for him Yelena, Valek and their allies are determined to stop him at any cost. They're short on manpower, they're up against weapons they have no idea how to counter and they are still trying to figure out all of Owen's backup plans but they're fighting for their lives and they're aiming to win no matter what it costs them.
I'm not going to say anymore about the plot but just when you think you have everything figured out Maria V Snyder throws another curveball to change the game completely. Our team are hit with one thing after another and the danger has never been greater so it's genuinely an edge of the seat read that leaves you praying everyone you love will make it to the end. If I have one complaint it's that I'd have liked a longer epilogue but that's only because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters and I wanted to spend more time with everyone, not because the book actually needed any more. I can't help it, I'm greedy when it comes to this world! In reality I actually think the author was right to end Yelena and Valek's story here, it's about time they found some peace and are able to focus on themselves and their growing family.
That doesn't mean I'm not hoping for more in the future though, I'd be happy to read extra stories about ANY of the characters in this world but what I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for is a spin off set a few years down the line starring some of the younger characters. I'd love to see more of Reema and Teegan as they grow into their powers and just imagine how much they could achieve if you had them working alongside Fisk and his helping hands or Valek's younger siblings. Onora would be another interesting character to follow and I'd be happy to spend more time with Ari and Janco too. There are so many options for expanding this world and of course if we could get a glimpse into Yelena and Valek's future too that would just make things even sweeter.
This is without a doubt one of my favourite series and it's one I can't recommend highly enough. It has been excellent from beginning to end and Maria V Snyder continues to be an auto-buy author for me so no matter what she decides to write next I'll definitely be reading it.
Source: Received from Mira Ink in exchange for an honest review
February 23, 2018
For the record, Maria V. Snyder’s debut novel Poison Study remains one of my favorite pleasure reads. I loved the slow-boil romance, the high stakes, and the memorable characters. Poison Study balked young adult trends by creating a dystopia that had as many benefits as it did flaws—one that was ruled by a Commander whose transgender identity was not even close to his defining character trait.
I slogged through Shadow Study and Night Study, hoping that Dawn Study, the ninth book set in the world of Ixia/Sitia, would eventually recapture some of the charm of the original series. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. If you liked Poison Study, you probably won’t enjoy the Soulfinders companion series. Other reviewers have done a good job explaining its shortcomings—the repetitive plot, the “tell, not show” exposition, the cardboard-cutout villains, the ballooning cast, and the reliance on oblivious and irrational character choices to create tension—so I’m going to focus on something that hasn’t been discussed as much: the sexist undertones.
You wouldn’t expect sexism in the gender-equal society described in the Study series, where women fill as many leadership positions as men. Here, you still have ass-kicking female assassins, politicians, and magicians, but the way they’re treated by their male friends is demeaning and unacceptable. Since the women in the series don’t call them out on this, I will. Whether she intends to or not, Snyder plays into some really harmful stereotypes about how women should act.
Spoilers to follow.
Myth #1: Leave the fighting to the men.
This one sounds laughable. You’d run out of fingers before you ran out of female fighters in the Study series. Yet there’s a clear double standard when it comes to women versus men who put themselves in danger. For example, after Mara is freed from captivity, she decides to learn self-defense. Leif’s reaction?
Leif: Oh, no, she’s not. I’m not allowing her to get involved in any more danger.
Let’s count the things wrong with that reaction. The idea that she needs his permission to do anything. The idea that self-defense is more of a danger than being helpless. The implication that what happened to her was her fault for “getting involved.” You could argue that this is just a low point in Leif’s character arc of learning to accept his wife as his equal. But why do we need this arc in the first place? Shouldn’t that just be an expectation?
And more importantly, why do we need it repeatedly? Reema also gets rebuffed when she attempts to learn self-defense, and Yelena is treated like she’s made of glass throughout the series (not the powerful magic glass, either). If these instances are part of a flawed arc where the male characters learn that women do not need their protection, it fails in the end. Sure, Mara, Reema, and Yelena all participate in the final assault, but then we get this exchange in the second to last chapter:
Yelena: [Onora’s] been acting like a mother bear protecting her cub. Guess who is her cub?
Valek: That’s normal.
Yelena: Says the man who wants to lock me in a tower.
Valek: That’s normal, too.
It’s definitely not normal, or romantic, to have an obsessive fantasy about locking your wife in a tower with your children. To make matters worse, guess what Yelena does at the end of the novel? She willingly spends five months in a tower, only leaving to go to the market.
Myth #2: Women need men to make decisions for them.
Since when does a fully-grown woman, much less a skilled fighter, need her husband’s permission to go where she pleases? According to a kid who’s a decade younger than said woman:
Fisk: You can’t go unless you have permission from Valek.
To be clear, Yelena’s not talking about going on a suicide mission. She’s talking about leaving the Citadel. Which, by the way, was exactly what Valek and Fisk insisted that she should do two chapters earlier. Does Yelena tell him off for this? No. She laughs it off and assures him she’ll get permission from Valek.
Sometimes, the men just go out and make the decisions themselves. At one point, Yelena says she’ll take third watch. Ari pretends to listen to her. Guess who doesn’t end up waking her up for third watch? Yes, Yelena’s pregnant. There are some risks she probably shouldn’t take. Sitting watch is not one of them, no matter how many times the male characters refuse to let Yelena participate.
Myth #3: Be a worrying mother, not a working mother.
Obviously, motherhood is a big theme in this series. Although Yelena is the only mother who plays a major role, characters reference their mothers frequently in throwaway lines that center on one theme: how mothers are nags and worrywarts. For example:
Onora: All right, but don’t be gone for long.
Yelena: Yes, Mother.
(This one’s pretty common in popular culture. Even more reason not to use it.)
Valek: Please keep an eye on the twins… My mother would be upset if anything happened to them.
(Because how else can Valek admit that he cares about his siblings’ safety, except to blame it on his mother?)
Fisk: Power nagging. I love it. Don’t tell my mother.
(Does Fisk even have a mother? Was it really that important to wedge this joke in here?)
It would be easy to dismiss these as cliché attempts at humor if father figures were subjected to the same stereotypical jokes. They’re not. Yelena’s father Esau gets to save the country with his botany skills; her mother Perl gets to nag her offscreen about her wedding. Why do all of these mothers—Yelena’s, Opal’s, Janco’s, Valek’s, Fisk’s, possibly even Valek’s grandmother—fit this same stereotype?
That’s not all this series has to say about mothers. When the Sitian Council offers Yelena the liaison position again, she replies, “I’m going to be busy with other duties the next few years.” Now, it’s not wrong for her to want some time off or to want a less dangerous job. But given that female politicians get disproportionately grilled on balancing their careers and their families, it’s disappointing to see Yelena so readily put her career on hold for a few years just because she’s having a baby.
Myth #4: You can use sex to control women (and men).
Usually, when Yelena wants do to something Valek disapproves of, he bribes her with sex. (“What if I give you a very good reason to stay in bed until I squash The Mosquito?”) She does the same thing to him. (“He received his reward the night before they left.”) This is not a healthy relationship. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly bribe your husband with sex to get him to listen to you or accept it as a consolation prize for not being given freedom.
That leads to uncomfortable exchanges like this:
Valek: Now give [Onora] a wave so I can drag you deeper into the woods and ravish you.
A gleam shone in her eyes.
Yelena: Those that say romance is dead haven’t met you yet.
Valek: That’s right. They don’t call me Mr. Romance for nothing.
He swept her up in his arms and carried her to a nice spot far away from the campsite. Then he proceeded to follow through on his promise.
Ravish. Definition: To seize and carry off someone by force. To force someone to have sexual intercourse against their will. To rape.
I’m going to assume Snyder is going for the second definition, “to overcome by emotion.” But still. Really, really problematic language to associate with romance, especially considering that Yelena is a sexual assault survivor. For a series whose two female leads have been sexually abused, it handles the issue of sexual assault poorly. The horrific subplot where Onora negates Yelena’s birth control—mirroring a modern practice called “stealthing,” where men intentionally rip holes in condoms with the aim of getting their partners pregnant without their consent—is pretty much swept under the rug. Then there’s the fact that Onora’s first test as Ixia’s new chief of security will be to confront the man who sexually assaulted her. That’s not something anyone should be forced to do, much less as a factor for their job security. It doesn’t bode well that this book came out the year of the #MeToo movement.
Myth #5: Beauty is a girl’s best friend.
How would you feel if the first thing your father-in-law said to you was, “Valek didn’t exaggerate when he said you were beautiful”? And if the first thing your brother-in-law said to your husband in front of you was, "[What are you sorry for?] Marrying the prettiest girl in the world? Of course if I’d been alive, she wouldn’t have even looked at you”? And if your nickname was “Lovely Yelena”? And, on top of all this, if you were a national hero who had saved the country multiple times?
This preoccupation with Yelena’s beauty over her other traits is a little frustrating, given how hard women have fought to not be defined by their looks.
Why is this important?
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how many “strong female characters” you have if they’re not treated as strong, only as female. To be clear, I didn’t give Dawn Study a one-star rating because of its portrayal of women. I rated it based on the narrative issues I mentioned earlier. But I wrote about this because I hated seeing a character whom I admired as a kid be reduced to a stereotype. Young adults should know that the behavior depicted in this novel is not normal.
At least, it’s not supposed to be.
I slogged through Shadow Study and Night Study, hoping that Dawn Study, the ninth book set in the world of Ixia/Sitia, would eventually recapture some of the charm of the original series. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. If you liked Poison Study, you probably won’t enjoy the Soulfinders companion series. Other reviewers have done a good job explaining its shortcomings—the repetitive plot, the “tell, not show” exposition, the cardboard-cutout villains, the ballooning cast, and the reliance on oblivious and irrational character choices to create tension—so I’m going to focus on something that hasn’t been discussed as much: the sexist undertones.
You wouldn’t expect sexism in the gender-equal society described in the Study series, where women fill as many leadership positions as men. Here, you still have ass-kicking female assassins, politicians, and magicians, but the way they’re treated by their male friends is demeaning and unacceptable. Since the women in the series don’t call them out on this, I will. Whether she intends to or not, Snyder plays into some really harmful stereotypes about how women should act.
Spoilers to follow.
Myth #1: Leave the fighting to the men.
This one sounds laughable. You’d run out of fingers before you ran out of female fighters in the Study series. Yet there’s a clear double standard when it comes to women versus men who put themselves in danger. For example, after Mara is freed from captivity, she decides to learn self-defense. Leif’s reaction?
Leif: Oh, no, she’s not. I’m not allowing her to get involved in any more danger.
Let’s count the things wrong with that reaction. The idea that she needs his permission to do anything. The idea that self-defense is more of a danger than being helpless. The implication that what happened to her was her fault for “getting involved.” You could argue that this is just a low point in Leif’s character arc of learning to accept his wife as his equal. But why do we need this arc in the first place? Shouldn’t that just be an expectation?
And more importantly, why do we need it repeatedly? Reema also gets rebuffed when she attempts to learn self-defense, and Yelena is treated like she’s made of glass throughout the series (not the powerful magic glass, either). If these instances are part of a flawed arc where the male characters learn that women do not need their protection, it fails in the end. Sure, Mara, Reema, and Yelena all participate in the final assault, but then we get this exchange in the second to last chapter:
Yelena: [Onora’s] been acting like a mother bear protecting her cub. Guess who is her cub?
Valek: That’s normal.
Yelena: Says the man who wants to lock me in a tower.
Valek: That’s normal, too.
It’s definitely not normal, or romantic, to have an obsessive fantasy about locking your wife in a tower with your children. To make matters worse, guess what Yelena does at the end of the novel? She willingly spends five months in a tower, only leaving to go to the market.
Myth #2: Women need men to make decisions for them.
Since when does a fully-grown woman, much less a skilled fighter, need her husband’s permission to go where she pleases? According to a kid who’s a decade younger than said woman:
Fisk: You can’t go unless you have permission from Valek.
To be clear, Yelena’s not talking about going on a suicide mission. She’s talking about leaving the Citadel. Which, by the way, was exactly what Valek and Fisk insisted that she should do two chapters earlier. Does Yelena tell him off for this? No. She laughs it off and assures him she’ll get permission from Valek.
Sometimes, the men just go out and make the decisions themselves. At one point, Yelena says she’ll take third watch. Ari pretends to listen to her. Guess who doesn’t end up waking her up for third watch? Yes, Yelena’s pregnant. There are some risks she probably shouldn’t take. Sitting watch is not one of them, no matter how many times the male characters refuse to let Yelena participate.
Myth #3: Be a worrying mother, not a working mother.
Obviously, motherhood is a big theme in this series. Although Yelena is the only mother who plays a major role, characters reference their mothers frequently in throwaway lines that center on one theme: how mothers are nags and worrywarts. For example:
Onora: All right, but don’t be gone for long.
Yelena: Yes, Mother.
(This one’s pretty common in popular culture. Even more reason not to use it.)
Valek: Please keep an eye on the twins… My mother would be upset if anything happened to them.
(Because how else can Valek admit that he cares about his siblings’ safety, except to blame it on his mother?)
Fisk: Power nagging. I love it. Don’t tell my mother.
(Does Fisk even have a mother? Was it really that important to wedge this joke in here?)
It would be easy to dismiss these as cliché attempts at humor if father figures were subjected to the same stereotypical jokes. They’re not. Yelena’s father Esau gets to save the country with his botany skills; her mother Perl gets to nag her offscreen about her wedding. Why do all of these mothers—Yelena’s, Opal’s, Janco’s, Valek’s, Fisk’s, possibly even Valek’s grandmother—fit this same stereotype?
That’s not all this series has to say about mothers. When the Sitian Council offers Yelena the liaison position again, she replies, “I’m going to be busy with other duties the next few years.” Now, it’s not wrong for her to want some time off or to want a less dangerous job. But given that female politicians get disproportionately grilled on balancing their careers and their families, it’s disappointing to see Yelena so readily put her career on hold for a few years just because she’s having a baby.
Myth #4: You can use sex to control women (and men).
Usually, when Yelena wants do to something Valek disapproves of, he bribes her with sex. (“What if I give you a very good reason to stay in bed until I squash The Mosquito?”) She does the same thing to him. (“He received his reward the night before they left.”) This is not a healthy relationship. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly bribe your husband with sex to get him to listen to you or accept it as a consolation prize for not being given freedom.
That leads to uncomfortable exchanges like this:
Valek: Now give [Onora] a wave so I can drag you deeper into the woods and ravish you.
A gleam shone in her eyes.
Yelena: Those that say romance is dead haven’t met you yet.
Valek: That’s right. They don’t call me Mr. Romance for nothing.
He swept her up in his arms and carried her to a nice spot far away from the campsite. Then he proceeded to follow through on his promise.
Ravish. Definition: To seize and carry off someone by force. To force someone to have sexual intercourse against their will. To rape.
I’m going to assume Snyder is going for the second definition, “to overcome by emotion.” But still. Really, really problematic language to associate with romance, especially considering that Yelena is a sexual assault survivor. For a series whose two female leads have been sexually abused, it handles the issue of sexual assault poorly. The horrific subplot where Onora negates Yelena’s birth control—mirroring a modern practice called “stealthing,” where men intentionally rip holes in condoms with the aim of getting their partners pregnant without their consent—is pretty much swept under the rug. Then there’s the fact that Onora’s first test as Ixia’s new chief of security will be to confront the man who sexually assaulted her. That’s not something anyone should be forced to do, much less as a factor for their job security. It doesn’t bode well that this book came out the year of the #MeToo movement.
Myth #5: Beauty is a girl’s best friend.
How would you feel if the first thing your father-in-law said to you was, “Valek didn’t exaggerate when he said you were beautiful”? And if the first thing your brother-in-law said to your husband in front of you was, "[What are you sorry for?] Marrying the prettiest girl in the world? Of course if I’d been alive, she wouldn’t have even looked at you”? And if your nickname was “Lovely Yelena”? And, on top of all this, if you were a national hero who had saved the country multiple times?
This preoccupation with Yelena’s beauty over her other traits is a little frustrating, given how hard women have fought to not be defined by their looks.
Why is this important?
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how many “strong female characters” you have if they’re not treated as strong, only as female. To be clear, I didn’t give Dawn Study a one-star rating because of its portrayal of women. I rated it based on the narrative issues I mentioned earlier. But I wrote about this because I hated seeing a character whom I admired as a kid be reduced to a stereotype. Young adults should know that the behavior depicted in this novel is not normal.
At least, it’s not supposed to be.
February 7, 2017
Actual rating 2.5
I did not hate the book. But there were so many things to dislike about it. But on the whole, plotwise it did a good job of tying up almost all loose ends. ALMOST! A good ending to what was supposed to be Yelena and Valek's story but has come to include a really really extended "herd"!
The story telling was bad. And by bad I mean bad. Many of the sentences had me cringing with pain. "You could put the sass in assassin" I read at one time and almost groaned out loud. The book started with plenty of bad paragraphs but the pace of the story distracted me towards the latter parts. The childishness of some of the sentences actually astonished me as it is not something I expected out of this author. "...but the fact that they had exchanged views continued to thrill him, as if he'd won the biggest tournament in the entire world." This is not how adults talk. Especially not the 40 something Valek.
After the powers of the baby was such a huge plot point in the previous two books, I expected there to be more of an explanation explaining powers than the vague uncertainness about it that I received.
Valek turned from a cold blooded assassin to a loving doting husband and father almost overnight. Although I do appreciate plots which require characters to undergo some change this was too sudden and was not a smooth transition.
There were too many times that the baby was used as a source of motivation for Valek to do more for its protection. Though it is a very important and valid reason, I found that the author relying on it too much a little irritating since it was already something that I had accepted as part of Valek's character.
The author must have been indulging herself in romance novels in between writing this because that is the only way I could explain why there was just so many unnecessary instances of lovemaking in this book. More than a few times it was used by Valek or Yelena against the other to make them agree to something. Once or twice is okay but more than that makes me think of them as sex starved rabbits! And one would think that we're dealing with horny teenagers rather than mature adults if you consider the number of times "the desire in his eyes burned into mine" or such statements.
Call it nitpicking or silly or whatever but
I would recommend this being read only by fans who have read all the other books of this series and wish for some closure. If this was the first book of the series I really doubt I would've picked up the next.
February 16, 2017
This review was originally posted on The Moonlight Library
I don't even know where to start with this book.
You know how each instalment of a series is supposed to be more epic than the last?
Well, at one point Snyder has something like 28 characters 'onscreen', all with different motivations, characterisations, and backstories, including small children with more sass than they have the right to be.
I don't know how she managed to keep it all straight in her head, let alone write it in a way that made sense to her audience.
The crux of the story is that Valek's old BFF Ambrose 'The Commander' is going to invade Sitia and wipe out all of the magicians with the help of some old enemies of Yelena's. The Sitians are preparing for war against Ixia, but they are being mind-controlled by food laced with Theobroma, which strips a person's resilience to magic. Meanwhile, Yelena has every bounty hunter on her tail, no magic, and a growing baby bump. Valek is getting too old for this shit, but he's the only one who can face down certain people while trying to keep his newly-discovered magical powers a secret (which led to some truly awesome scenes of outsmarting villains, I might add).
The team - or 'herd' as they start to refer to themselves - of Yelena's allies all work together to overcome their various obstacles including finding a way to beat Theobroma and work around the newly discovered resistance to the old fallbacks of laced poison darts. There's a lot of investigation, sneaking, spying, assassin-ining, disguises, riding hard and fast, deals made and broken, and trust betrayed and earned again. All the while Yelena and Valek manage to keep the hots for each other: no mean feat after years together offscreen. I think Yelena is meant to be in her mid to late twenties now, and Valek is close to, if not, forty.
There's so many characters in this book that we have to take on multiple points of view to tell the story. Yelena's is always my favourite, mostly because it's first person, but Valek is a close second, only because we get to see the real emotion hiding underneath.
As a conclusion to Yelena and Valek's story I found this novel very satisfying, including the ending. I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and even fantasy novices, although it would probably be best to read the books that come before it first.
I look forward to the day Snyder gets an idea for a spin-off about a certain new female character set fifteen or so years into the future, but until then I'll have to be content with re-reading this amazing, fantastical original fantasy series from cover to cover all over again.
I don't even know where to start with this book.
You know how each instalment of a series is supposed to be more epic than the last?
Well, at one point Snyder has something like 28 characters 'onscreen', all with different motivations, characterisations, and backstories, including small children with more sass than they have the right to be.
I don't know how she managed to keep it all straight in her head, let alone write it in a way that made sense to her audience.
The crux of the story is that Valek's old BFF Ambrose 'The Commander' is going to invade Sitia and wipe out all of the magicians with the help of some old enemies of Yelena's. The Sitians are preparing for war against Ixia, but they are being mind-controlled by food laced with Theobroma, which strips a person's resilience to magic. Meanwhile, Yelena has every bounty hunter on her tail, no magic, and a growing baby bump. Valek is getting too old for this shit, but he's the only one who can face down certain people while trying to keep his newly-discovered magical powers a secret (which led to some truly awesome scenes of outsmarting villains, I might add).
The team - or 'herd' as they start to refer to themselves - of Yelena's allies all work together to overcome their various obstacles including finding a way to beat Theobroma and work around the newly discovered resistance to the old fallbacks of laced poison darts. There's a lot of investigation, sneaking, spying, assassin-ining, disguises, riding hard and fast, deals made and broken, and trust betrayed and earned again. All the while Yelena and Valek manage to keep the hots for each other: no mean feat after years together offscreen. I think Yelena is meant to be in her mid to late twenties now, and Valek is close to, if not, forty.
There's so many characters in this book that we have to take on multiple points of view to tell the story. Yelena's is always my favourite, mostly because it's first person, but Valek is a close second, only because we get to see the real emotion hiding underneath.
As a conclusion to Yelena and Valek's story I found this novel very satisfying, including the ending. I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and even fantasy novices, although it would probably be best to read the books that come before it first.
I look forward to the day Snyder gets an idea for a spin-off about a certain new female character set fifteen or so years into the future, but until then I'll have to be content with re-reading this amazing, fantastical original fantasy series from cover to cover all over again.
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