This is one of those books that I just didn't want to put down once I'd started it! The story is so exciting, so well-structured and so creatively written that I literally flew threw it, without even noticing where the time went. In the second installment of Yelena's story, she has beaten her enemies in Ixia and been released to return home to Sitia and her family, after having spend 14 years being tortured, beaten and manipulated for the various nefarious purposes of others. And while Yelena is happy about the prospect of finally being reunited with the family she barely remembers, she is nervous about trying to pick up after so long, and she's devastated at being forced - because of her magical abilities - to leave Ixia under pain of execution, because it also means leaving Valek, who she now loves, and wants to be with. Once back in Sitia, and under the protection of the Council of Magicians, Yelena begins her training to learn to control her magic. But, as usual, things don't go smoothly, and Yelena makes enemies - really through no fault of her own - and becomes involved in a dangerous plot that includes murder and treason. The best thing about Maria Snyder's books is how she creates a multi-faceted, highly detailed world, in which each character feels completely real to the reader, and where you can completely immerse yourself in the story feeling like you're a fly on the wall the entire time. I really enjoy these books, including the one I've read from Snyder's other series "the Glass books" and I highly recommend anything by her if you like fantasy/magical/alternate world books.

This book was so interesting I would get irritated each time there would be interruptions to my reading. It was that good. I had to keep reading until the final page. I just had to. If you thought Poison Study was good, Magic Study gets even better. Yelena is thrown into a brand new situation, and now has to re-adjust accordingly. This brings about a new set of characters, a good solid character development within Yelena, and more Valek (my favorite part!). As in the previous novel, there’s mystery and intrigue thrown into the story but the mystery aspect of the book is more violent and much darker than Poison Study. The romance between Yelena and Valek is still there, and it was nice to see them together as they do compliment each other well as a couple. There was an interesting chemistry between Yelena and Cahil - although Cahil acted like a spoiled selfish brat in the end and that does pave the way towards the third book. It was nice to see Ari and Jaco back, and while they were out of the picture, Yelena’s horse Kiki provided some of the comic relief. It was also nice to see Yelena hasn’t really changed, although I did notice she had really great comebacks and her wit was still there, sharp as ever. I enjoyed the connection between Kiki and Yelena. Better yet, Kiki’s requests for peppermints and apples always generated a smile from me. I’m not sure if I like Leif or not. I hated him at first because of his treatment of Yelena, and once you found out his dirty little secret, I still hated him even more. As his behavior changed, I’m still not sure what to think about him. I’d have to say, all the characters in the books are very well done and each one memorable so they’re not just any character that you’ll forget later as you progress further into the book. They had distinct personalities which helps to memorize who is who (as the cast in this book is a bit big). The fantasy aspect of the book is good and the magic is easy to understand. I liked how characters had a specific specialization in a certain aspect of magic - in that way they’re not too overpowered and they have their weaknesses as well. Yelena seems to be the jack of all trades when it comes to magic but her talents also has risks and consequences as well. Magic Study did live up to its predecessor and achieved more. It had an interesting plot filled with mystery, fantasy, and intrigue but it also featured well written memorable characters (horses included!). The ending prepares the reader for the third book and I’m definitely going to be reading that one soon.

(The Chapters-Indigo website has been deleting my ratings so: I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars/leaves.) I liked this one. I wasn't sure after reading the first book in the series, Poison Study, given the Mary Sue aspects of the main character. However, I'm glad I gave this series a chance as this book was quite enjoyable. The world building was very well done and highly imaginative. The plot was, in general, quite exciting. The book's weaknesses were (IMHO): (i) the plot's tendency to be dominated by Yelena's tendency to 'barrel' or rush/plow through things, (ii) Yelena's status as a definite Mary Sue. Addressing the second point first, to my mind this book (and its prequel) is a good example of the fact that having a Mary Sue in a novel does not automatically ruin said novel (if you can accept that aspect of it). The first point was the only thing I could point to as somewhat problematic in this novel, but even this did not prevent me from enjoying it. All in all, I tend towards recommending this one. Similar recommended titles (given here because of the weird problems I've been having with the Chapters/Indigo website and which they STILL haven't fixed): -Grimspace, by Ann Aguirre -Stardoc #1, by S.L. Viehl -Stormwalker, by Allyson James

Yelena returns in this novel to find her long lost home and family, and she even finds time to enrol in a magic college. As always, our heroine manages to find trouble at every turn but uses her wits, and sometimes brawn, to get herself out of it. I found this novel a little slower paced than the first and, at times, slightly far-fetched. Snyder also has a habit of letting modern dialogue slip into the book, somewhat spoiling the atmosphere that she carefully builds up. Altogether it is still a great read with charismatic characters and a fast-paced plot. Well recommended.

In Poison Study, Maria Snyder captures readers hearts with the strong willed and fierce Yelena, who survives against all odds, between people bent on her murder, to constantly tasting poisons and ensnaring both friendships and hearts. Magic Study is an equally strong sequel to Poison Study, Yelena's emotions are so real and her friends so lifelike it seems like the world walks off the page. When Yelena is pulled apart from her heart mate Valek she must return to the past. However to her she is going back to a world she never knew. Once again her world spins wildly out of control and her feelings for her life in Sitia and her past life in Ixia are crossed and she must risk everything to save the people she loves, in both countries. New friends, foes and heartbreaks are sure to bind all readers to this book, and make sure they can't put it down till they are done.

Poison Study is one of my favorite book and I had high expectactions for Magic Study and I was not deceived by it. Like PS it was a page turner, the plot was well written. And I was so happy to see Valek, I feared that we wouldn't see much of him but we do. Something that I really like about his book is that Yelena is not perfect, she do mistakes and stupid things wich is kinda nice because I can stand a perfect character, it gets on my nerves. Anyways it's an awesome fantasy novel and I can't wait to read Fire Study.

This is the 2nd book to the series and again it was as entertaining as the first. It was nice to finally see Yelena learn more about her family and who she really is.

Yelena's ready to start her new life. She's found a new family. A new family that mostly likes her.....except for maybe her brother. Things only seem to go downhill from there when a chain of murders occur and Yelena finds herself caught in the chase. Another excellent novel. The world-building as always was well-done. I liked this book a little less than Poison Study-sometimes Yelena got a bit on my nerves. Even so I'm definitely looking forward to reading Fire Study.

Yelena has escaped death, but left her lover behind, and now lives in the South, where magic is allowed, and her gifts might be taught and controlled. Still, her life is nowhere near the soft calm she had envisioned: her own brother seems to hate her, the other magicians do not trust her, and everyone wonders if she might be a spy for the militaristic regime to the north, from where she came. Snyder has crafted a solid fantasy republic in this second installment of Yelena’s life, and the magic is fresh and interesting. With a murder mystery, political tension, and the headstrong heroine all clashing together into a wonderful snarl, the plot keeps a decent pace and leaves you smiling at Yelena’s solutions. Well written – I’m rather hoping there’s a third in the works.

Like her first book Poison Study, this one is enthralling. Once you start reading you don't want to quit. Impatient for her sequel Fire Study to be released.