Review--The Study of Fire by Maria V. Snyder

 

“What happens if he returns to our world?”
“It will burn.”

There's just no rest for Valek, Ixia’s Chief of Security. Challenges are constant and new problems arrive daily, including a request to help Castletown’s watch solve the mystery of a string of nighttime disturbances, and keeping a close eye on the Commander’s food taster as she schemes her way back into business. As if that isn't enough, the Commander’s life is threatened.

Is the assassination attempt on the Commander a declaration of war by the Sitian Council, or is it a ruse by an unknown party to incite a war between Ixia and Sitia? Valek is sent to Sitia to discover the answer and deal with the threat.

Unfortunately, the problem turns out to be much bigger than even the council and the master magicians can handle. An unsanctioned clan with powerful warpers is plotting to take over both countries. As the danger heats up, Valek and Yelena must reunite and stop the group before they can set their entire world on fire.

A companion novel to Fire Study, The Study of Fire reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what problems Valek tackles in Ixia before he joins Yelena in fighting against a unstoppable enemy.

I was happy to dive into Valek's point of view one last time in The Study of Fire, which is his story of what he was doing while Yelena dealt with her chaos in Fire Study! This Valek companion trilogy has truly been the best thing ever! I have loved every moment of it. I guess I never realize how much Valek was doing while Yelena had so much on her plate.

Valek had his own problems he was dealing with before he teams up with Yelena in the end. Trouble always seems to be happening in Ixia, and trouble means Valek continues to be very busy. He's dealing with a general hunting snow cats, which is illegal and then there's still Star who he had been training to be the next food taster, but she seems to be scheming something of her own. Then someone attempts to kill the Commander via poisonous snake, although Valek begins to suspect there's something odd about the attempted assassination as it seems like it was too easy to stop. 

We once again get to see Ari and Janco in action, and I so love these two! They are like brothers in a sense as they get into mischief together and then also help pull the other through danger. They are truly a dynamic duo!

Valek is eventually led back into Sitia where there's nefarious plotting being done within the Citadel. Suspicions are turned onto Yelena, which Valek knows are false and he will do whatever it takes to save his love, luckily they have plenty of friends who are ready and willing to help as well. And soon we learn of an even darker plot afoot!

Needless to say this one kept me on my toes even though I know the story through Yelena's eyes, even if it has been awhile! But all the feels and love I had for the original Study trilogy was revived with reading the story through Valek's eyes. Valek was a very busy man, but I love seeing him in action as he's the resourceful badass one can't help but root for!

The intensity of the danger was very high in this one! Time has made my memory fuzzy but, some things still came back to me as the story went on. It does make it a little more fun as I can still be surprised in some ways. The ending was truly spectacular as I felt like this was that bonus epilogue that we were left wondering about at the end of Fire Study. 

If you've ever wondered what Valek was thinking throughout the series, then his companion trilogy is one you will want to read! You're not getting the exact same story from his point of view, as he and Yelena are actually separated quite a bit, those moments may always seem small the first time around, but when you read the other side, you realize just how long it was! This series was just mind blowing and totally amazing! If you've been itching to return to the Study World, this is your chance!

Overall Rating 5/5 stars