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This topic is open for discussion of The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder.




The Series:

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Thank you, mods!

Looks interesting and my local library has it. I'll probably get caught up on my reading by the end of the week and I'll try to fit this one in next week.

Yay! We'd love to have you join us!

I'm pretty filled up but have a few days between 13th-17th December, so I'll not be able to read until then.

That's fine, Danielle! I'll still be following the thread and join in the discussion regardless if I'm finished by then or not. We'll go slow. I think Cait has term papers or finals to finish so she'll be going at a slower pace as well.

I think there were quite a few people who couldn't get to it until December, so I doubt we will be alone. : )

Heyyyy! This book just so happens to fit in to what I need to read for SS this first week so that's super awesome haha Looking forward to getting in to this with all of you!

My friend has been asking me to read this so I'll join in!

Woohoo! Looks like we'll have a good group! Looking forward to starting this tomorrow!

Chapters 1-7

So I started reading it and so far I'm hooked.
(view spoiler)[I think Yelena is an interesting character. She has strong personality and I hope she stays that way and not become a blithering fool as the story progresses.

Valek, for now, is an enigma. However I like that he is very efficient and thorough in his job.

Rand, the cook? Of course, as he is the creator of all things delicious, I'm currently in love with him! I hope he doesn't turn out to be one of the bad guys!

Current questions running through my head are:
1. What were Yelena and the other orphans being trained for by General Brazell when they turn sixteen?
2. What prompted Yelena to kill Gen. Brazell's son and how did she pull it off?
3. Does Yelena possess magic? How about Valek?

I'm sure the book will answer all of these as I go on.

What did you think of Valek? Rand? The Commander? (hide spoiler)]

I want to join too! I'm finishing a book today and then will start this one.

In exciting news, I waited until this morning to buy this on Kindle and it dropped 5 dollars in price! That slightly makes my day better despite the fact that it's snowing :/

Hey. If you decide to continue the series I'd like to join in. I read this one in September, so it's too soon for a reread :)

Cait wrote: "In exciting news, I waited until this morning to buy this on Kindle and it dropped 5 dollars in price! That slightly makes my day better despite the fact that it's snowing :/"

Woot!!! I need to check out the remaining books in the series. I vaguely remember that my library doesn't have all of them. Wasn't a biggie at the time. I was just grabbing a quick read for the points.

But I really, really, liked this book!!! I must read them all!!!

I've finished so, I'll spoiler my entire comment. (view spoiler)[
Who didn't see the romance coming? I knew it would happen, and only hoped it wouldn't be simple and easy and it wasn't. I also suspected that the Butterfly Dust wasn't a real poison, but there had to be some mechanism for making the person get sick if they failed to show up for the antidote. I thought maybe Valek had some magic and was using some hoodoo on the tasters.

I still think Valek may have some magic. How else is he resistant to it?

Lots more questions, and I'm anxious to see Sitia, so I'll be reading the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "Chapters 1-7 So I started reading it and so far I'm hooked..."

I'm about to start Chapter 8. I LOVE the pace. It's fun when a book reaches out and grabs you right from the start. It doesn't "feel" like typical YA either, which I'm pleased about.

(view spoiler)[I think Yelena is a smart character and I like that she's super observant, considering ways to make her escape in case her circumstances change. I'm curious about her magic or paranormal ability. I hadn't thought about Valek having the same potential, but it would make sense. I think he could be a potential support.

Rand, I'm unsure of. I want to like him, but I need more time to trust him. Margg is my primary suspect for "evil vilianess." Such a witch for just tossing Yelena in her room to fend for herself after sampling My Love.

The Commander...hmm...he's a mystery to me so far, but I like him. ; ) (hide spoiler)]

Fantastic book so far!

Sadie wrote: "I'll start this once I get the colored marker off of my two year old. Her whole body is multicolored and her mouth is green."

LOL! I remember those days! Hopefully it was the washable kind and not the Sharpie? Those markings will last for DAYS. I have a friend with seven (yes 7) kids and I remember them showing up for church one Sunday with faded flowers drawn on their faces. My friend was mortified, but we all thought it was pretty funny. Kids are meant to get messy!

Becky ♡The Bookworm� wrote: "I'm about to start Chapter 8. I LOVE the pace. It's fun when a book reaches out and grabs you right from the star..."

I didn't think 'YA' once when I was reading it. Yelena seems much older, perhaps because of the things she's been through. I love that she isn't a whiny crying mess about things. She's got strength.

The Commander is a wild card, for me. I feel a little more connection because I've finished the book, but I really need more to go on before I get attached to him.

Valek - I'm so curious to learn more about him and his story.

Yes! I'm really starting to like Valek!

Chapter 8-16: (view spoiler)[What is it about Valek that makes him immune to magic? Is it just the spells or can the magician still read his thoughts? Fascinating character!

Ari and Janco remind me of two big brothers for Yelena. I loved the way she outsmarted the guards in the forest and it shows character that Ari and Janco didn't hold a grudge. They could turn out to be fun. At least she has two people now she can trust...at least a little.

About the pods and beans. Why doesn't she ask Rand? Or is she forbidden? (hide spoiler)]

Ugh...I have to put this down for dinner and I don't wanna!

I was going to wait until I had a bit more space next month, but with you all reading now and seeing comments, I'm going to start tomorrow.

I just got the 2nd book from the library. I can't help it.

I won't say anything spoilerish.

I'm loving it so far! I so much prefer books that just jump right in to the story and get you interested right away. I'm really not one for a slow build at all haha And this is exactly that, from page one it's like HERE WE GO, THIS IS WHAT'S HAPPENING.

This just gets better all the time!

Chapter 17-21: (view spoiler)[Okay, so the beans aren't coffee. I bet they're something addictive and magical that bends the mind into complacency, or makes the person vulnerable to the power of suggestion. Just guessing. I really have no idea.

Loved that the seamstress suspects chemistry between Yelena and Valek, although I was leaning more toward Ari. (hide spoiler)] I can't wait to see how this turns out.

Doggone it, I have another blasted series to read.

I'm almost finished and will be starting the next book today too! This is a great series! :)

Becky ♡The Bookworm� wrote: "I'm about to start Chapter 8. I LOVE the pace. It's fun when a book reaches out and grabs you right from the star..."

I AGREE 100%! The pace is perfect - it hooks you from the start, yet it gives you enough information that the anticipation of what's coming next continues to build exponentially.

I just completed Chapter 8 and I think Yalena is an incredibly tough cookie. She seems to take each day as it comes, does not dwell on all that sucks, continually trying to think about her (view spoiler)[Plan-B and how she can possibly make an escape. I am super curious to know about what caused her to end up in the klink for murder in the first place. Obviously there is more going on than meets the eye - as it's been explained that Valek is not ready to hear her story yet. So I'm thinking the murder was either completely justified or that she is protecting someone else... We know that General Brazell and, especially, the son treated the orphans horrendously once they turned 16, but we don't know what that means yet.

I hope that Valek is a good guy - I really want to like him and hope he is someone Yalena can trust. I also feel the same way about Rand since he comes across like he wants to be Yalena's friend, I hope he's not playing her or setting her up for anything.

Margg is very cold & unfriendly and appears like she could have the potential to become wicked.

The Commander seems alright so far although I don't think there's been enough of him seen so far to know that much about his character yet.

(hide spoiler)]

Kathleen wrote: "I'm almost finished and will be starting the next book today too! This is a great series! :)"


Magic Study is starting out just as fast-paced and exciting as Poison Study. I'm at around 25%. (view spoiler)[
I don't understand why Yelena didn't call for Irys when she was first attacked by Caihill. Why did she wait until she reached the Citadel and Roze tried to enter her mind? (hide spoiler)]

It's going to get down to 25F tonight, so I've got sweet rolls in the oven and I'm curled up with a blanket reading. It's perfect!

Cynthia, sweet rolls in the oven you say? I'm coming over!!! ;)

I'm about to start Magic Study too. Maybe we should put up another thread for that or have rhis thread modified to a Series buddy read? Since I presume the way we're all gushing about Yelena and Valek we'll all be racing to finish reading this series!

I'm all for a series read. I only have 4 chapters to go. I'll see if I can get the next book and fit it in before my BR starts Wednesday.

Yes, I vote for a series read. We can properly mark spoilers and everyone read at their own pace. I love the series BRs. I don't feel pressured to follow a schedule.

I'm not at 44%, and I've promised myself I won't stay up late and finish...but I think I had my fingers crossed. There's a (view spoiler)[ Serial Killer (hide spoiler)] on the loose! I can't stop in the middle of that. Sheesh.

Finished! (view spoiler)[This was really great! There were a few thinks I picked up on, but for the most part it kept me on my toes. Loved that there were a few surprises, but I hated to see the turn that Rand took. Love how the magic came into play and especially how Yelena saved the Commander. That was neat. I can't wait to read the next book and find out about her family. Hopefully we'll learn more about Valek, too. I'm glad they ended up together, but it looks like they'll be separated for awhile. (hide spoiler)]

Snagged the Magic Study epub from the local online library! WOOHOO!

Cynthia...you won't be the only one up late! It's after 11:00 here, but I just have to start the next book. I have no self-control.

Dear Mods,

Can we please have this thread changed to a Series Buddy read? Thank you! :)

Hello! I'd like to join if I'm not too late. This is my first buddy read, so I'm excited!

Hi Erika! Don't worry, spoilers are hidden so you can always hop in anytime you like :)

I'm sorry if I'm posting in the wrong thread, but is there anything I need to do as far as signing up or to get credit for the Tower Teams Challenge for a buddy read? I did read through the instructions, but is this a little different because its an informal buddy read?

Do I need to wait to start until I'm paired with someone?

If I have to join in. I'll have to wait for my audible credits (I usually get new ones around the 22nd), and then I'll use one of my credits for that one.

Do we need to change this thread to a series thread, or get the mods to make a new thread for Magic Study?

Hey Erica! Just jump on in, but be sure to use spoiler tags! When you report your book read to your team, let them know it was part of a buddy read. Glad to have you! I'm curious to see what you think of the first book.

Hi Anita! The mods will make this a series read when they get a chance. Just identify which book you're commenting on when you post. It'll be very relaxed and you can read at your own pace.

Awesome! Thank you!

Erica wrote: "Awesome! Thank you!"

Hey Erica - Welcome!! **waves**

Poison Study --> I'm up to Chapter 23 and (view spoiler)[ I'm really bummed Yalena has been betrayed by yet one more person.. I'm sure all the "testing" Yalena has to pass sure makes it hard to even trust those she should sort of be able to trust. I still don't like Margg. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished !!!

Well, it was action-packed and full of magic unlike the 1st book where it was all military tactics.
(view spoiler)[ I would have loved more family time scenes for Yelena but I guess understandably her situation did not allow for that to happen. But still, 2 or more warm family scenes could suffice? (yeah yeah I'm groveling).

I liked all the supporting characters, from Dax, Kiki and Fisk! Also we got to see Ari and Janco again!

Valek remains the knight in not-so-shiny armor but a knight nevertheless. I do have several questions about his 'connection' with Yelena. Valek has no magic and yet he's able to communicate with Yelena mentally? HOW?? I want answers. (hide spoiler)]

More Ari and Janco banter please?

Kristin ~ Experiment in Terror Junkie wrote: "I'm up to Chapter 23 and [spoilers removed]"

Gaaaah I wanted to strangle her too.

Kathleen wrote: "I just finished !!!

Well, it was action-packed and full of magic unlike the 1st book where it was all military tactics. ..."

I so, so agree!
(view spoiler)[ I was still pleasantly surprised that so much of the crew from Ixia showed up in this one. It was magical, but an interesting sort of magic and not overly magical.

I said in the first book that I think Valek has some kind of magic. I think Yelena finally asked him about it and he diverted the conversation with his sexiness. Just enough romance in it for me. (hide spoiler)]

Has anyone gone to the BR thread and asked the mods for a series BR?

I like this one even better than the first one.

Becky ♡The Bookworm� wrote: "Hi Anita! The mods will make this a series read when they get a chance. Just identify which book you're commenting on when you post. It'll be very relaxed and you can read at your own pace."

Ok. Great. I'll just read it after the 22nd then.

Finished Poison Study

This book captures you right from the beginning. Yelena is such and interesting character. Love the setting and world

(view spoiler)[Loved going back and reading about Yelena and Valek together. There's just something about Valek.

Ari and Jonco such great secondary characters.

(hide spoiler)]

Becky ♡The Bookworm� wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "Chapters 1-7 So I started reading it and so far I'm hooked..."

I'm about to start Chapter 8. I LOVE the pace. It's fun when a book reaches out and grabs you right from the star..."

It certainly does hook you.

I started late, but finished the first chapter before bed. This buddy read worked out perfect, this book has been on my to read list for a while and so far I like it.

Becky ♡The Bookworm� wrote: "Finished! [spoilers removed]

Snagged the Magic Study epub from the local online library! WOOHOO!
[spoilers removed] ..."

(view spoiler)[I remember being a bit disappointed that it was Rand. Loved Yelena save of the commander. I find the magic so interesting in this world. (hide spoiler)]