Worse than Magic Study, sigh. A direct continuation of the events of the previous book, and worse in all ways. Worse characterisation, worse plot, worse dialog, worse writing, just... worse. All worse.

I’m glad I'm done with it. ( )

I like this cover for Fire Study, I think its pretty and gets a good idea of the book. I like the UK cover too, though I think it has less to do with the book itself (its blue though and blue is my favorite color).

As the last book of the 'Study' series, its the last book from Yelena's perspective and the setting stage for the heroine of the next series. Practically everyone from the first or second book makes an appearance in some form (though the story is primarily set in Sitia) and whoever doesn't (not that I can think of many) is mentioned at least.

A lot of questions are answered--the true nature of Yelena's 'Soulfinder' abilities, the true evil genius, and the fact that really Ixia nor Sitia can rely solely upon themselves any longer. Yelena, being unique in the fact that she is widely accepted in both countries by the leaders, began this change and works (for at least most of this book) to make it a reality. Oh and less I forget Valek's immunity to magic and the Commander's own curious case is also explained.

I won't lie, I spent a lot of the book ready to smack Yelena halfway to Ixia and back again. She made mistakes in the other two books of course, but this book it just seemed like she was ready to jump into every single mistake she could. And then get mad at everyone else. She isn't alone in her bumbling however, Moon Man decides to take a detour down troublesome annoyance lane as well, which was less then pleasing. To be fair they were both urged onwards by outside forces bent on corrupting them, but I guess I was disappointed how easy that could have been.

The final resolution is satisfying in that it wraps up many of the mysteries that plagued Yelena's story specifically, but left a lot of doors open to be explored in the next series of books (the 'Glass' series, which should give you an indication of who's the main char). I particularly liked the explanation of Valek's 'immunity to magic'. I was down for slightly harsher punitive measures against Cahil however, but I guess he tried to be better so I guess he deserves leniency.

I'm going to review the two short stories 'Assassin Study' (from Valek's POV in between Poison Study and Magic Study) and 'Power Study' (with Ari and Janco in between Magic Study and Fire Study). ( )

I love this series but my fav will always be the first book. ( )

I will admit that it took me 3 tries to really get into this one. But once I hit 3/4 of the way, I was hooked. Wonderful series that I didn't want to ever end. ah well, I will be reading more by this author. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Fire Study

Officially labeled as a Soulfinder, the council argues over what’s best to do with Yelena. But she will not sit around and wait for their judgment. She knows who she is and there are Vermin left in the plains who continue to seek out souls for their own twisted gains. But when Yelena joins Moon Man in seeking out the vermin, it will lead them down a path of fire and betrayal. And Yelena’s family is caught right in the middle of it.

While family ties may be new to Yelena, she has found the acceptance and love that was taken away from her as a child. To have one of the few good things in her life once again taken away makes for a powerful start to this novel. Throughout this trilogy, Yelena has come from being kidnapped and traumatized to a self-sufficient and loved person. Her ties to others and her need to ensure their safety is what makes this such an intense novel.

Being labeled as a Soulfinder is not easy for Yelena. Many people turn in fear at the mere mention of her magic, and she is judged harshly before she is even given a chance. But Yelena never lets it beat her down. Instead, she pushes on despite all the doubts and rumors, refusing to let anyone or anything stand in her way. Yelena is a character that has endured a number of hardships and trauma throughout the first two books, and her journey throughout Fire Study will be no less treacherous.

Of course Yelena is quick to spring into action without thinking of the consequences. She’s been able to rely on only herself for a long time, and it is hard to break habits that once promoted her survival. But this time around she will be facing more than just one warper. Fire Study dives into the root of the corrupted magic, and those who would steal the souls of others for their own gain. Readers will be swept up in Yelena’s quest to save her family’s souls and her determination to put an end to soul stealing. Even if it costs her own in the long run.

Fire Study brought everything together in an explosive and compelling story. There wasn’t a moment of respite as Yelena raced from one challenge to the next. And Maria V Snyder knows how to pull at the reader's heartstrings as she holds nothing back. The characters readers have come to know and love are not safe in this final book. They will be put through the ringer as the warpers seek out anyway possible way to gain power and steal Yelena’s soul. Out of the three books in this trilogy I enjoyed Fire Study the most and it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I am eager to see what other stories take place in these lands. ( )