I have been so fortunate that my books have gotten a variety of great reviews and comments from various reviewers, authors, readers, librarians, booksellers, and from magazines. This page features my favorites. And I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and wonderful comments.

FIRE STUDY:

Achievements of note for Fire Study include:

• A New York Times Best Selling Novel. NY Times List

->"Fans of high-spirited adventure, intrigue and romance will celebrate the third book in the saga of reluctant mage and diplomat Yelena Zaltana. The news that Yelena is a Soulfinder, able to manipulate the spirits of the dead and the living, hasn't made her popular with the inhabitants of Sitia's Magician's Keep, since the last Soulfinder turned people into mindless slaves. First Magician Roze Featherstone's hostility toward Yelena increases until the Sitian Council decides to send Yelena north as diplomatic liaison to the rival nation of Ixia. When...(spoiler)...takes over the council, imprisoning...(spoiler's)...rivals and driving the nation to the brink of war with Ixia, Yelena is caught between her duties as liaison, her love for Ixian intelligence officer Valek and her fear of her own power, which she must embrace fully to defeat...(spoiler)...and restore the council. Snyder delivers another excellent adventure, deftly balancing international and local hostilities against Yelena's personal struggles." Publisher's Weekly is the industry magazine for books and book publishing.

->"...Snyder's latest addition to her fantasy saga resolves several major plot threads but opens the door to the possibility of future novels in the series. A strong, resourceful heroine and an intriguing cast of supporting human and animal characters make this a fine addition to most libraries." Library Journal.

->"...FIRE STUDY is a magical tale filled with intrigue, double crosses, and duplicity and stars a beleaguered heroine who swims in treacherous waters in order to stop a bloody war from occurring as both countries are dear to her..." Harriet Klausner, B&N reviewer.

 

MAGIC STUDY:

Achievements of note for Magic Study include:

• Book Sense October 2006 pick.
• Finalist in the Romance Writers of America's RITA award in the Best Paranormal Category.
• Won the 2006 Editor's Pick at Audible.com.

 

 

 

 

 

->"Family betrayal, a power-mad serial killer and a potential diplomatic crisis threaten the independent-minded heroine of Snyder's fine sequel to Poison Study (2005). With the overthrow of the royal family of Ixia, 20-year-old Yelena Zaltana, who was kidnapped as a child by the evil magician Mogkan, is now free to return home to Sitia. Her reunion with the family she hasn't seen in 14 years palls when her brother spreads rumors she's actually a spy from Ixia. At the Magician's Citadel, where Yelena enrolls to hone her prodigious magical talents, her powers raise concern that she might be a rare, powerful Soulfinder. Then a string of ugly murders reveals the presence of a rogue magician in the area. As Yelena joins the hunt for the killer, complications grow with the arrival of a diplomatic mission from Ixia—including her lover, Valek, a notorious spy and assassin, sure to be executed if anyone sees through his disguise. Snyder's lively, charming mix of romance and fantasy is sure to gain her new fans." Publisher's Weekly is the industry magazine for books and book publishing.

->"The second volume of Maria V. Snyder's Study trilogy (and sequel to her critically acclaimed 2005 debut novel, Poison Study) pits endearing heroine Yelena Zaltana -- a young woman with untapped magical abilities who was kidnapped from her home as a child -- against her most dangerous foe to date: her shadowy past.

After spending more than a decade of nightmarish subjugation in Ixia (as a slave, a prisoner, and later as a food taster for the country's military leader), Yelena is finally free -- and heading home to the southern climes of Sitia, where her family resides. But the homecoming is fraught with anxiety: After 14 years, will her clan welcome her with open arms? Yelena's apprehension is well founded; her parents greet her with hugs and kisses, but her older brother, Leif, is certain that she is an impostor -- an Ixian spy. After being accepted as a student of magic at the prestigious Citadel, Yelena is faced with even more antagonism in the form of instructors who don't trust her or acknowledge her singular abilities. But when a rogue magician begins a murderous killing spree, only Yelena can stop him from destroying the power structure of the entire realm…

Fans of romantic fantasy tired of the same old, same old should definitely check out Snyder's Study saga, which is reminiscent of first-rate works like Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar sequence and Cecilia Dart-Thornton's Crowthistle Chronicles. Powered by a fluid, lyrical, and self-assured narrative voice and featuring realistically drawn, truly lovable characters, these novels are wondrous. Could Maria V. Snyder be the second coming of Misty (Mercedes Lackey)? Highly recommended." Paul Goat Allen from Barnes & Noble's Explorations.

-> "...I normally will not pick up a book mid series, but I am extremely happy that I did in this case. Magic Study is a poignant look into the life of a woman who has had a miserable life and has made the best of what she’s been given. The world that Maria V. Snyder has created is awesome. The intricacies of the different countries’ interactions and the magic laws are simply amazing. I laughed, I cried,
and I lived through
Yelena’s triumphs and agonies.
Told through first person narrative, Magic Study is a book that draws you in and makes it hard to leave the characters behind. I will be buying the first book in the series, Poison Study, and look forward to seeing how this series began. Reviewed by Serena on Fallen Angel Reviews.

->"Maria V. Snyder has created strong, multidimensional characters. Yelena’s determination to do the right thing regardless of the personal consequences is admirable and makes her love for Valek even more interesting as Valek is tends to be self-serving, except when it comes to Yelena. The bond between
the two is powerful but
Magic Study is by no means a romance novel. Magic Study is fantasy at its finest. Maria V. Snyder has crafted a series that is to be slowly savored, as it is a sheer pleasure to read." Reviewed by Debbie on CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

->"...Maria V. Snyder did it again! Magic Study captures your attention from the opening scene and doesn't let you go until you reach the very last page...This is definitely a must read." Awarded 9 out of 9 gargoyles by In the Library Reviews.

->"...One word describes Maria V. Snyder’s Magic Study WOW! You just can’t help falling in love with Valek even more, and then there’s Ari and Janco… one question? Where can I find men like that? This is definitely a recommended read. Awarded 6 out of 6 Magical Wands by Enchanted Ramblings.

 

POISON STUDY:

Achievements of note for Poison Study include:

• Won the 2006 Compton Crook Award for best debut novel from the Baltimore Science Fiction Society.
• Won the 2006 Reader's Choice Award from the Salt Lake County Library System.
• A LOCUS magazine 2005 recommended reading selection.
• Book Sense October 2005 pick.
• Finalist in the Romance Writers of America's RITA award in the Best First Book Category.
• Nominated for an Alex Award by the American Library Association.

->"Shivers, obsession, sleepless nights—these are the results not of one of the milder poisons that novice food-taster Yelena must learn during her harrowing job training but of newcomer Snyder's riveting fantasy that unites the intelligent political focus of George R.R. Martin with a subtle yet potent romance. Through a stroke of luck, Yelena escapes execution in exchange for tasting the food of the Commander, ruler of Ixia. Though confined to a dank prison cell and doomed to a painful death, Yelena slowly blooms again, caught up in castle politics. But some people are too impatient to wait for poison to finish off Yelena. With the help of Valek, her steely-nerved, cool-eyed boss and the Commander's head of security, she soon discovers that she has a starring role to play in Ixia's future—a role that could lead to her being put to death as a budding magician even if she hits each cue perfectly. The first in a series, this is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they've read it." Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly.

->"...Snyder's first novel, a series opener, provides a compelling look at a woman caught in an impossible situation, living each day on the edge of dying. The author's talent for storytelling bodes well for her continuing career as a strong contributor to the genre. For most fantasy collections." Library Journal.

->"...This impressive first novel weaves together adventure and suspense in a compelling fantasy." LOCUS magazine.

->"...Wow, there is so much more to Poison Study. than meets the eye. With such an array of complications, this multifaceted journey keeps readers intoxicated and breathless until the very last page. Yelena embodies ingenuity and prowess that no other female character has come close to duplicating. Each new challenge,
presents a new layer of intrigue that makes this a book that you will not soon forget. Maria V Snyder has opened readers' eyes to what books were meant to be, an adventure that encompasses all the senses. You only have to read one chapter to be transfixed. After reading this one, finding a book to top it will be a challenge." Reviewed by Joyce for CK2S Kwips and Kritiques.

->"Poison Study is an intricate tale full of well-defined characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader captivated to the very end. Orphaned at an early age, Yelena's plight will have you cheering for her as you delve into the mystery of what happened to make her murder her benefactor's son. Her budding romance will make you smile. Rich in detail, Maria V. Snyder's mythical world comes alive. The political intrigue and deceit among the various leaders adds to the story. Yelena is left wondering who she can trust and why she is at such risk. When she begins to develop magical abilities, Yelena is at more risk, since magic has been outlawed by the Commander and all who have those talents are to be executed. Valek, the man in charge of Yelena and whom she is coming to care for, is also the commander's executioner of magicians. This is a book to enjoy. From the first page to the last I was enthralled with this tale. I loved Yelena and her friends. I highly recommend Poison Study." Reviewed by Nancy Farrier of Armchair Reviews.

->"...This is a book that's hard to put down." Charlaine Harris, bestselling author of Definitely Dead.

->"For those who haven't had a chance to read Poison Study yet, do so. It's an excellent way to totally lose a weekend." Laura Anne Gilman, author of Burning Bridges.

->"I had to take time to strongly and unreservedly recommend Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study. Yelena, the heroine, is in prison and scheduled for execution but reprieved to take the job of food taster to the "Commander" who has overthrown the king. She had killed the son of a powerful man, who still wants her dead. Her relationship with Valek, the head of security for the general, is complex and nuanced, and doesn't dumb down some of the very real conflicts that they experience, especially as she begins to develop powers as a sorceress/magician that are completely despised in this culture. The politics and intrigue within the palace are well drawn and original. ...I particularly liked the comparative lack of glamorization of the overthrown king and the comparatively positive view of the general who is ruling. I get really tired of the "innate nobility of the nobles" type of book. I am really surprised to see this kind of power and expertise in a first novel. Her website shows a lot of other writing chops so that may be it. LUNA obviously thinks well of the author, since this book is a hardcover. It's worth every penny, folks." Lynn reviewer for Romantic SF.

->"Poison Study is fabulous. The world Maria created, the characters, the flow and feel of it. Just amazing. Can't believe I have to wait until October to read part 2! Please tell Maria to write faster!! And if she doesn't win the Rita, we should get a recount!" Maureen Child, author of the Lonergan Trilogy.

->"I must confess to you that, when I first started to read Poison Study and I saw "magic", and "dungeons", and "castle", and "Ixia" I thought to myself, "I don't think I'm going to like this." I am not a fan of fantasy or swashbuckling period romance with a "damsel in distress", and I immediately thought that a typical "here-we-go-again" effort at those were what I was in for. But, what a surprise! I enjoyed Poison Study as much as I have ever enjoyed any book. I think it's terrific." Rodney Recor.

->"I don’t usually read fantasy, so I was expecting to have to force it down, but boy was I wrong! I couldn’t put it down." Colleen Coble, author of Alaska Twilight.