Maria V. Snyder - Shadow Study

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she’s back with a new tale of intrigue.

Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she’d survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek’s job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers.

Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous…

“Doing full justice to the plot of this original and entertaining epic fantasy is impossible. Suffice it to say that the action is nonstop. The many characters leap to life, particularly Yelena, whose first-person narrative is riveting.” —RT Book Reviews on Fire Study

Now available as ebooks!

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Praise Booklist Title Page Dedication Map 1 YELENA 2 VALEK 3 YELENA 4 VALEK 5 YELENA 6 VALEK 7 JANCO 8 YELENA 9 VALEK 10 JANCO 11 YELENA 12 VALEK 13 JANCO 14 YELENA 15 VALEK 16 JANCO 17 YELENA 18 VALEK 19 JANCO 20 YELENA 21 VALEK 22 JANCO 23 YELENA 24 VALEK 25 JANCO 26 YELENA 27 VALEK 28 JANCO 29 YELENA 30 VALEK 31 JANCO 32 YELENA 33 VALEK 34 YELENA Acknowledgments Endpages Copyright

MARIA V.

SNYDER

‘Maria V. Snyder tantalises readers with another complex, masterful story set in a magical world so convincing that she’ll have you believing that it’s actually real.’

—YAReads.com on Storm Glass

‘A compelling new fantasy series’

—SFX magazine on Sea Glass

‘Wonderfully complex … Opal finally comes into her own in Spy Glass. ’ —Fantasy Book Review

‘This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they’ve read it.’

—Publishers Weekly starred review on Poison Study

‘Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humour, fast-paced action and creepy villainy, Touch of Power is a spellbinding romantic adventure that will leave readers salivating for the next book in the series.’ — USA TODAY on Touch of Power

‘Maria V. Snyder is one of my favourite authors, and she’s done it again!’

—New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine on Inside Out

Also by New York Times bestselling author Booklist Title Page Dedication Map 1 YELENA 2 VALEK 3 YELENA 4 VALEK 5 YELENA 6 VALEK 7 JANCO 8 YELENA 9 VALEK 10 JANCO 11 YELENA 12 VALEK 13 JANCO 14 YELENA 15 VALEK 16 JANCO 17 YELENA 18 VALEK 19 JANCO 20 YELENA 21 VALEK 22 JANCO 23 YELENA 24 VALEK 25 JANCO 26 YELENA 27 VALEK 28 JANCO 29 YELENA 30 VALEK 31 JANCO 32 YELENA 33 VALEK 34 YELENA Acknowledgments Endpages Copyright Maria V. Snyder

from MIRA INK™

The Chronicles of Ixia

POISON STUDY

MAGIC STUDY

FIRE STUDY

STORM GLASS

SEA GLASS

SPY GLASS

The Insider Series

INSIDE OUT

OUTSIDE IN

from MIRA BOOKS

Avry of Kazan series

TOUCH OF POWER

SCENT OF MAGIC

TASTE OF DARKNESS

www.mirabooks.co.uk/mariavsnyder

www.miraink.co.uk

This book is dedicated to all my loyal readers who asked for more books about Yelena and Valek. This one is for you. Enjoy!

THE TERRITORY OF IXIA

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder wowed readers with Poison Study, the unforgettable story of poison taster Yelena. Now she’s back with a new tale of intrigue. Once, only her own life hung in the balance… Oddly enough, when Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. But she’d survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek. Suddenly, though, they are beset on all sides by those vying for power through politics and intrigue. Valek’s job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers. Yes, the days of tasting poisons were much simpler. And certainly not as dangerous… “Doing full justice to the plot of this original and entertaining epic fantasy is impossible. Suffice it to say that the action is nonstop. The many characters leap to life, particularly Yelena, whose first-person narrative is riveting.” —RT Book Reviews on Fire Study Now available as ebooks!

Praise Praise for New York Times bestselling author Praise Booklist Title Page Dedication Map 1 YELENA 2 VALEK 3 YELENA 4 VALEK 5 YELENA 6 VALEK 7 JANCO 8 YELENA 9 VALEK 10 JANCO 11 YELENA 12 VALEK 13 JANCO 14 YELENA 15 VALEK 16 JANCO 17 YELENA 18 VALEK 19 JANCO 20 YELENA 21 VALEK 22 JANCO 23 YELENA 24 VALEK 25 JANCO 26 YELENA 27 VALEK 28 JANCO 29 YELENA 30 VALEK 31 JANCO 32 YELENA 33 VALEK 34 YELENA Acknowledgments Endpages Copyright MARIA V. SNYDER ‘Maria V. Snyder tantalises readers with another complex, masterful story set in a magical world so convincing that she’ll have you believing that it’s actually real.’ —YAReads.com on Storm Glass ‘A compelling new fantasy series’ —SFX magazine on Sea Glass ‘Wonderfully complex … Opal finally comes into her own in Spy Glass. ’ —Fantasy Book Review ‘This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they’ve read it.’ —Publishers Weekly starred review on Poison Study ‘Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humour, fast-paced action and creepy villainy, Touch of Power is a spellbinding romantic adventure that will leave readers salivating for the next book in the series.’ — USA TODAY on Touch of Power ‘Maria V. Snyder is one of my favourite authors, and she’s done it again!’ —New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine on Inside Out

Booklist Also by New York Times bestselling author Booklist Title Page Dedication Map 1 YELENA 2 VALEK 3 YELENA 4 VALEK 5 YELENA 6 VALEK 7 JANCO 8 YELENA 9 VALEK 10 JANCO 11 YELENA 12 VALEK 13 JANCO 14 YELENA 15 VALEK 16 JANCO 17 YELENA 18 VALEK 19 JANCO 20 YELENA 21 VALEK 22 JANCO 23 YELENA 24 VALEK 25 JANCO 26 YELENA 27 VALEK 28 JANCO 29 YELENA 30 VALEK 31 JANCO 32 YELENA 33 VALEK 34 YELENA Acknowledgments Endpages Copyright Maria V. Snyder from MIRA INK™ The Chronicles of Ixia POISON STUDY MAGIC STUDY FIRE STUDY STORM GLASS SEA GLASS SPY GLASS The Insider Series INSIDE OUT OUTSIDE IN from MIRA BOOKS Avry of Kazan series TOUCH OF POWER SCENT OF MAGIC TASTE OF DARKNESS www.mirabooks.co.uk/mariavsnyder