Fire Study by Maria V Snyder

Performed by Gabra Zackman
Harlequin Enterprises/MIRA Books/Audible
Fantasy
Unabridged Audio Book
Rating: 5

A CK2S Recommended read!

Please note I am reviewing the audio version of this book. So I cannot guarantee all of my spellings are correct.When word got out that Yelena Zaltana was a Soul Finder, the magicians in Sitia start to worry. (See Magic Study) Sitian history has only recorded one other case of a Soul Finder and that one had created an army of zombie warriors to take over Sitia. It’s only natural they fear Yelena would be corrupted and attempt the same.  

It’s not long before Yelena uncovers a plot to force Sitia and neighboring country Ixia into war. The leader of the plot is the same magician, a Soul Stealer, that Yelena defeated once before. He escaped with the help of Cahil who has his own plans to take over Ixia. He also has the Daviian Clan who use blood magic to increase their powers and a mysteriously powerful Fire Warper, behind him.

It’s up to Yelena to defeat her enemies once more. With the help of her loyal friends it should be easy, but who is friend and who is enemy? When the lines begin to blur, Yelena is in for the greatest magical battle of her life. 

In Fire Study, the conclusion to the Study trilogy, we find Yelena really come into her own in the magical community. Be forewarned, this is not a series easily read out of order. Each preceding book leads into the next one and with each book, we learn many more intricacies about the lands of Ixia and Sitia, but especially about the magic that Sitia thrives on. Yelena continues to grow and adapt and learns how important it is not to abuse her gifts. Her fears are very real as she understands the immense responsibility she has to wield her powers appropriately.

All of our beloved friends from Ixia are back, from Ari and Janco to Commander Ambrose and of course, Valek. Iris is back too of course, Yelena’s mentor and one of the few people in Sitia who truly understand Yelena. We are also introduced to more of the Zaltana clan, as well as visiting with those we’ve already met. One of Yelena’s greatest strengths is the love and loyalty she shares with her friends and family and in Fire Study she needs them more than ever.

Fire Study is a highly emotional read. Yelena is really put through the paces and has to reach deep down inside herself to find her true power. She has several very difficult choices to make and as she struggles to weigh what must be done against what she wants. These struggles provide some very poignant moments, especially when she fears she may very well lose Valek and all she holds dear if she hopes to defeat the Fire Warper. I had tears in my eyes more than once, sometimes sad tears, other times joyful ones. As Yelena finally comes to understand what magic is capable of, we find some very powerful scenes. Be forewarned too, there are some mind blowing surprises revealed. A few you may have already guessed, but let me tell you, even the ones you think you know will shock you.

Make sure you have plenty of time to spend with Yelena and company. Once you start Fire Study, you won’t want to stop until the final page is turned. What’s so wonderful about this book is that while it is an ending of sorts, it is an even greater beginning… to the rest of Yelena’s life.

Once more, Gabra Zackman has done an incredible job performing Yelena’s story. As many different players as we find in the Study series, Zackman never ceases to amaze me with the depth of her talent. She brilliantly portrays each and every person in the story and the voices are distinct enough that you’re never in doubt who is talking.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2008. All rights reserved.

The D2K Paranormal Junkies