I will admit that it took me 3 tries to really get into this one. But once I hit 3/4 of the way, I was hooked. Wonderful series that I didn't want to ever end. ah well, I will be reading more by this author. ( )

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Fire Study

Officially labeled as a Soulfinder, the council argues over what’s best to do with Yelena. But she will not sit around and wait for their judgment. She knows who she is and there are Vermin left in the plains who continue to seek out souls for their own twisted gains. But when Yelena joins Moon Man in seeking out the vermin, it will lead them down a path of fire and betrayal. And Yelena’s family is caught right in the middle of it.

While family ties may be new to Yelena, she has found the acceptance and love that was taken away from her as a child. To have one of the few good things in her life once again taken away makes for a powerful start to this novel. Throughout this trilogy, Yelena has come from being kidnapped and traumatized to a self-sufficient and loved person. Her ties to others and her need to ensure their safety is what makes this such an intense novel.

Being labeled as a Soulfinder is not easy for Yelena. Many people turn in fear at the mere mention of her magic, and she is judged harshly before she is even given a chance. But Yelena never lets it beat her down. Instead, she pushes on despite all the doubts and rumors, refusing to let anyone or anything stand in her way. Yelena is a character that has endured a number of hardships and trauma throughout the first two books, and her journey throughout Fire Study will be no less treacherous.

Of course Yelena is quick to spring into action without thinking of the consequences. She’s been able to rely on only herself for a long time, and it is hard to break habits that once promoted her survival. But this time around she will be facing more than just one warper. Fire Study dives into the root of the corrupted magic, and those who would steal the souls of others for their own gain. Readers will be swept up in Yelena’s quest to save her family’s souls and her determination to put an end to soul stealing. Even if it costs her own in the long run.

Fire Study brought everything together in an explosive and compelling story. There wasn’t a moment of respite as Yelena raced from one challenge to the next. And Maria V Snyder knows how to pull at the reader's heartstrings as she holds nothing back. The characters readers have come to know and love are not safe in this final book. They will be put through the ringer as the warpers seek out anyway possible way to gain power and steal Yelena’s soul. Out of the three books in this trilogy I enjoyed Fire Study the most and it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I am eager to see what other stories take place in these lands. ( )

It took way to long to get to the good parts. Also, Yelena needs to stop passing out already. It's getting old. And Valek says "love" after pretty much every sentence uttered to Yelena. "Yes love." "No love." "You keep things exciting love." "I couldn't lose you love." Love. Love. Love. I hope Shadow Study is much better... ( )

Not for kids. ( )

I finished it only because I really liked the first two books in the series and I wanted to know what happened. I was very disappointed. I hadn't read the other books recently, so it was hard to follow some of the character stuff, but mostly the plot was overdone, the ending transparent, the drama forced and the characters flatter than in the previous books. I hope she can return to higher level of writing her other books displayed. ( )