Title: Ice Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
First published January 1, 2009
30 pages, ebook
Rating: 3.96
Overview
If you thought Yelena and Valek’s adventures were over after Fire Study, think again! In Ice Study, the couple’s peaceful break is disrupted when they stumble upon a sinister plan to control the magical powers of the Ice Moon. This gripping prequel to Shadow Study will keep you on the edge of your seat as Yelena and Valek race to stop a rogue magician from getting his hands on the powerful artifact.
Don’t miss out on the thrilling tale of Ice Study, sandwiched between two short stories: Fire Study and Power Study.
About the Author
Maria V. Snyder had a childhood dream of becoming a storm chaser in the American Midwest.
To pursue her dream, she enrolled in Pennsylvania State University and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. However, she soon realized that forecasting the weather was not her forte, and she worked as an environmental meteorologist for several years.
Despite the boredom of her job, she found solace in writing fantasy and science fiction stories, which soon became her creative outlet. With over twenty novels and numerous short stories under her belt, Maria has garnered extensive experience in writing.
Her exceptional skills have landed her a position on the New York Times bestseller list, numerous accolades, and a Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is currently a faculty member.
Maria’s love for the color red is evident, and she adores dogs, but sadly, she is allergic. Instead, she has a big black tom cat that she affectionately calls Kitty.
Although she mentions her cat before her family, she is passionate about her husband and two children, who inspire her writing, albeit sometimes being a distraction.
When Maria’s not writing, she engages in other fun activities such as playing volleyball, traveling, or taking pictures. Writing is her passion, and she loves the freedom it gives her to learn new things.
She’s taken up fencing lessons, horse riding, martial arts, glass blowing classes, and even Astronomy Camp, all in the name of research. According to Maria, being a meteorologist was not nearly as thrilling as being a writer.
Readers who want to find out more about Maria can visit her website, which features book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule.
Editoral Review
Maria V. Snyder’s Ice Study is a captivating read that seamlessly melds magic and adventure.
Snyder is an accomplished author, and her experience shows in the way she weaves together the intricate plot and dynamic characters of this book. The novel is part of the Study series, which centers around the life of powerful magician, Yelena Zaltana.
In Ice Study, Yelena is summoned to the northern frontier of her country to investigate a strange magic that is slowly destroying the land. There, she is forced to navigate treacherous political waters, as well as confront the source of the dark forces that threaten the world.
The book is filled with rich world-building, and Snyder’s descriptive prose expertly conjures up the icy terrain of the north. The main characters are well-crafted, and Yelena’s growth throughout the novel feels natural and earned.
The cast of new characters she encounters in her quest are also well-developed and provide a fresh perspective on the world of the Study series. The pacing of Ice Study is another strength of the novel, with Snyder keeping the story moving at a brisk pace that ensures the reader remains engaged throughout.
The plot structure is well-crafted, with a balance of action and intrigue that ensures the story never feels stale. Thematically, the book touches on issues of power, corruption, and identity.
Snyder is able to effectively explore these themes without ever feeling heavy-handed, which is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Any flaws in the book are minor, with some of the side plots feeling slightly underdeveloped.
However, this is a small complaint in the grand scheme of things, and the main plot is strong enough to carry the book on its own merits. Overall, Ice Study is a fantastic addition to the Study series, and a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Snyder has crafted a rich, engrossing world that will leave readers eager for more. Rating: 4.5/5
