For me, this one was slow to start. I wasn't as gung-ho about picking it up as I was the previous one. The action didn't get really good until about the last 100-150 pages. That's not saying that the book was bad or anything, because it wasn't, it was just more of a slow burn up to all the climactic action at the end. There isn't really much else to say. Don't start the series here, and if you've read the rest of the series, then you know what to expect. There were some character developments that you may not see coming, and some twisty turns like in every Study book.

All in all, a good addition to the series. Read the entire series...and spinoff series...and just anything by Maria V. Snyder. There's not much else to say. ( )

I'm so glad that Maria V Snyder decided to continue on with the poison study series. I've always enjoyed her books in the series because of the world that she has created is very colorful and you can picture yourself immersed in this world and riding along with Yalena, Valek the rest of the gang we've come to know and love. And with how this book is going it's pretty great because it has taking you in a whole different direction than the previous books has before but keeping with the same element in the same characters as a previous books. I am I really enjoyed the twists and turns that Ms. Snyder is giving us with the new addition to her books. If you read the books you know exactly where it's going on but if you haven't I'm not going to divulge on and what exactly happens the books because it's really enjoyable to find out these aspects yourself however I will say that I'm loving every detail of this book and I cannot wait until the next books it is really so I can dive into the world the Sitia and Ixia again. ( )

I thoroughly enjoy this series. Snyder constantly pulls on your heartstrings and keeps you wanting more. I couldn't stop reading! I love reading about Yelena and Valek, Ari and Janco and Leif. It was so good to be back in their world. I really enjoyed the plot of this and so many questions were answered but I now have a million more! I loved seeing a new side to Valek, and the new development is crazy. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.

I really enjoyed the character development in this book. I am constantly surprised and impressed with how much these characters continue to grow and mature with each instalment. They become stronger in so many ways and also learn about their flaws - these characters may seem perfect, but they make mistakes too.

There isn't much more world building to add to this story, but we visited more places and got to know more about how things work. It wasn't spectacular but this is an already established world.

I quite enjoyed the plot of this book as well - let's face it, I liked everything, whether or not it was that good or not. It was a bit slow at times but it definitely kept me captivated. The twists and turns were great and we were introduced to a new character who has become a thorn in Yelena and Valek's sides.

My love for this series continues :) and I cannot wait for the next book! ( )

“‘Sneaks, spies, defenders, heroes, masterminds, tenacious bastards-it doesn’t matter what you call us. We’re the ones who will do whatever it takes to stop those who believe they’re entitled to wealth and power at the expense of others.’
‘The family business,’ Yelena said, smiling. ‘I like that. Well said, Janco.’
Valek squeezed her hand in agreement. For once Janco didn’t preen.

If I could only point out one thing about this entire series, it would be the character’s relationships with each other:

Yelena and Valek’s quiet, romantic relationship.
Janco and Ari’s amazing bromace.
Ari and Janco’s loyalty and friendship with Valek.
Valek’s loyalty to the Commander.
Yelena’s relationship with Lief, even though they didn’t grow up together.
Fisk and the ‘little brother’ vibe he has with Yelena.
And then squishing them all together.

For me the secondary characters livened up the first series (Study) to a point in which now Ari and Janco have become just as important as Valek and Yelena. They are fiercely protective, yet they know Yelena can handle herself. I wouldn’t mind a run off series including the (mis)adventures of Ari and Janco.

Valek and Yelena are not ones to rush into anything. Readers understand that from the years of separation endured while Valek works for the Commander and Yelena works as the liaison. In Night Study, however, you get to see different sides of both of the characters. Sure, we’ve seen glimpses of a panicked Valek and an overwhelmed Yelena, but for once we get to openly see behind the stoic assassin without the prying of his heart-mate and a Yelena who is having to learn to accept others for support and not work through things on her own.

The plot itself is full of twists and mind boggling counter twists. With rogue magicians creating an army against Ixia, it’s hard for our crew to distinguish between who’s a friend and who’s a foe; which are being controlled and which are willingly members of the cartel. That, combined with the Commander becoming extra mysterious and strict with Valek sets off sparks and tension between the counties that have already been near war for years.

Overall, Night Study left the reader with more questions then answers, which leaves Dawn Study with even more pressure and anticipation. Start the series, meet the characters, fall in love, grab the complimentary tissues and lock picks on your way in. ( )

The pacing was just too slow, the first half dragged so much I nearly gave up. The second half was a bit better. I liked Valeks point of view and that there was more about his background story, only reason I gave this three stars. I didn't care much for Yelena's parts; also found it really jarring that Yelena's chapters were written in the first person, when the others were third pov.

What really started to bother me was the romance, it's just getting too sappy. The proposal was ridiculous and is it necessary to mention the damn baby every three pages? I get it, she's pregnant, can we please get on with the plot? ( )