Shadow Study. Maria V. Snyder

      

      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

      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 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

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