Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder (Review)

Summary:

Controlling the Past.

Controlling the Future.

With an execution order on her head, Yelena has no choice but to escape to Sitia, the land of her birth. With only a year to master her magic - or face death - Yelena must begin her apprenticeship and travels to the Four Towers of the Magician's Keep.

But nothing in Sitia is familiar. Not the family to whom she is a stranger. Not the unsettling new facets of her magic. Not the brother who resents her return. As she struggles to understand where she belongs and how to control her rare powers, a rogue magician emerges - and Yelena catches his eye.

Suddenly she is embroiled in battle against good and evil. And once again it will be her magical abilities that will either save her life...or be her downfall.

Magic Study starts where Poison Study left off; Yelena returns to her homeland, Sitia, to meet her family and to study the art of magic with the Fourth Magician Irys.

I think this series just keeps getting better and better. A whole new culture is introduced with different ways of living and different customs. We find out more about where Yelena really came from as she tries to discover her own identity.

Magic Study introduces new characters such as Leif. Yelena's brother who is somewhat unhappy about Yelena's return to Sitia.

I loved the introduction of all the new characters especially Yelena's parents who's relationship had me giggling at times with their playful banter.

Old characters also return, though sometimes not in the way you'd expect. Ari and Janco provide a lot of comic relief in dire situations and Valek, as always, plays an amazing supporting character to Yelena.

The plot line is very intriguing. Yelena has to deal with being a student of a high-ranking magician, petty gossip and her love-life....oh and also a serial killer preying on young girls such as herself. 

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, the second book in the Study series really does have it all!

My Rating: 10/10

Publisher: Mira Books

Author: Maria V. Snyder