I just finished reading Maria V. Snyder's Study series for what has to be the tenth time, and I just needed to say that it is probably my favorite fantasy series. For those that haven't read it, I shall give a short--hopefully--summary of the trilogy.
The story centers around a young woman named Yelena, who grew up an orphan in the home of one of the eight generals who maintain areas of the country of Ixia for their leader, The Commander. Yes, he is generally referred to as such, but his name is really Ambrose. At the age of maturity, she begins to be tested by General Brazell, his son Reyad, and an adviser named Mokgan. These trials are in effect, torturous exercises designed to break her spirit. When, after a blatant display of disobedience, Brazell decides she will not break, she is surrendered into the sadistic care of his son, Reyad. Reyad consequently tortures and rapes Yelena. After a casual remark about the experiments continuing with one of the other children in Brazell's care, Yelena slits Reyad's throat, and is sent to the Commander's dungeons to await execution.
This is where her story truly begins. The region is divided into two nations, Ixia and Sitia. When the Commander took over Ixia, he decreed that all persons with magic would be sentenced to death, so Ixia is primarily non-magical, while Sitia is ruled by a council and a handful of Master Magicians. Yelena, who has spent nearly a year in the dungeons, is taken into the castle to meet with Valek, the Commander's head of security and the most feared assassin in both territories, and is offered a choice: be hanged, or agree to be the Commander's Food Taster. Essentially, she would exist to make sure none of the Commander's meals were poisoned.
She chooses to live as a Food Taster.
The first book revolves around the plot surrounding Brazell's torture of her, Yelena's relationships within the castle, and her discovery of her own magical talents. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is her relationship with Valek, who falls in love with her.
In the second, she escapes after saving the Commander's life, and journeys to Sitia to develop her magic. Once there, she is reunited with her family--including a brother who hates her--and discovers a rogue magician who is torturing and killing girls to harvest their souls. Along the way she learns that she is the first Soulfinder in nearly two thousand years, a type of magician who can interact directly with a person's soul, rather than their mind. Yelena is feared and hated for this ability, because the last Soulfinder was capable of raising an army of the dead.
Finally, the last book follows Yelena's struggles with being a Soulfinder, the story of the boy-king Cahil, and a Fire Warper of incredible power, who is intent on leaving the plane on which he is trapped. Yelena, because of her abilities as a Soulfinder, is the only one capable of journeying onto that plane and keeping the Fire Warper imprisoned.
Of course, a lot of other things occur, and to be honest I could probably rhapsodize about this series endlessly, but I'll leave you with a few reasons why I enjoy Snyder's work so much:
1. World Building.
Without a doubt, this woman has created some truly spectacular worlds. The countries differ not only in governing styles, but in their very culture. MVS's strength lies in making the reader believe that her world exists absolutely, we have only to find it.
2. Characters.
This may be extremely girlish, but I loved the romantic side of her books. Particularly the fact that while the romance was present, it was not the main focus. Shifts in characters were so subtle, you hardly noticed it. Really though, her characters are well thought out, and clearly defined. Each piece of dialogue was styled precisely for the character who was speaking, giving them a true voice. Ari and Janco were masterfully portrayed; I could not stop laughing.
3. Politics.
I have always been a fan of politics. West Wing, a show that centers around the White House of a Democratic President, has always been one of my absolute favorites. MVS did an absolutely brilliant job of crafting both internal, and foreign policy for her nations, and I thoroughly enjoyed each interaction.
I apologize for the spoilers, though I hope they intrigue you enough that you might pick up the series and read it for yourself. If you like fantasy even the least bit, you will adore these books.
Lisa
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