ARC Review: Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder

Dawn Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study Series (Book 6)
Publication: MIRA (January 31, 2017)

Description: Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.

Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal.

With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

My Thoughts: This new, and final, novel in the study series sees Yelena and Valek having to stop a war, find a way to keep magicians from permanently losing their magic, and keep everyone they love safe.

Yelena is pregnant and still doesn't have any magic. Their thought is that the baby is taking it from her but they don't know what is being done with it. Valek is still coming to terms with his own new magic and trying to learn its limits.

Both Yelena and Valek are dodging assassins sent by the Commander. Fortunately, Valek is able to convince the assassin sent to kill him to switch sides. Onora is his potential replacement as head of security for the Commander but first they have to get rid of the magician who has subverted him and then convince him not to invade Sitia. Onora agrees that the Commander must be rescued and agrees that Yelena and Valek are the best hopes for that happening.

We get to see many of the important characters from the earlier books in the series. Ari and Janco are still bickering and intensely loyal to Valek. Valek's recently met younger siblings play a big role in this one. Leif, his wife Mara, his sister-in-law Opal, and his rather terrifying niece Reema also have substantial roles to play.

This was an excellent story that wraps up a bunch of the plot threads begun in the earlier books. I liked that it looks like Yelena and Valek can finally have a quieter life, having engineered a peace that should let their child grow up in peace and safety.

Favorite Quote:

"That's a good idea."

"Don't sound so surprised, love. I might start to think you're only interested in me for my body."

"Did you say something? I was too busy staring at your muscular chest."

"Nice."

I got this eARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.