The beginning of a fabulous trilogy
587562
This is the second book I read by Karen White and I am enjoying her writing style and story lines so very much. I'm always thrilled to find a new author who has several (or many!) books already written since I go through books so quickly. This story catches your attention right from the beginning and holds your attention the whole way through. The characters are well developed while still leaving a bit of mystery about them. The interaction of all the characters made me want to be a part of the story because of the humor, drama and interactions among them. I'm usually not a big ghost-story person, but this book is so well written and classy that I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't wait to read the next one. Luckily I had ordered the second one along with the first so I could start on it right away. My mistake was not also ordering the third! I'm going to order it right now!
525968
This trilogy was so well-written that I started the 2nd book immediately - one second after finishing the first and then raced on to the 3rd book. I literally couldn't wait to keep reading to see what happened next. The characters are so real that there is no need for the special page so many other books need in front listing who the characters are. The rich words create such vivid images that you are literally there. It's not a story, it is an experience. Reading about characters and even groups that are changing their viewpoints and stumbling upon lies that were long-believed inspires all of us to ask questions in our own lives. I never lost track that the characters are fictional, but this author grapples with critical issues so true to life that I was continually seeing parallels from our country's history and other world events. This trilogy is like a 3D movie that can be enjoyed emotionally on so many levels from simply entertainment (which is excellent) to deeper levels analyzing how the simple actions of one individual or one group can impact so many others for such a long period of time. I generally read a lot of books - a lot! I don't read some of them more than part way because they need a minimum of two things for me - exceptional writing skills and a story worth writing. I look forward with anticipation to more from this author - he has it all! I would give this trilogy 10 stars if I could.
3096075
The book was spectacular! The characters were alive and vibrate, and well written. The author did a wonderful job mixing the fantasy in with the romance. I am really looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.
3877250
This is a wonderful story.

I loved reading how the three sisters interact with each other. It was very recognizable. I could relate with how Andi felt, and why she seeks her solace away from court and family.

And that's how she meets Rayfe. I wasn't sure what to think of Rayfe at first. He's mysterious, a bit dangerous, but very intriguing. I really liked how Andi is torn about him and what happens as well. There might be an immediate attraction, but by no means insta-love. Instead Andi does the sensible thing at first: defend herself, and run away.

Then Andi discovers important secrets have been kept from her, and suddenly two countries are fighting over her.

I really love how Andi tries to do what is right, even if that means doing things her family doesn't approve of. She is faced with difficult choices, and is willing to sacrifice herself for those she cares about.

The complex relationship between Andi and Rayfe is also great to see develop. There's attraction, but Andi isn't foolish enough to mistake that for love. She keeps on her guard, and I loved seeing the two of them slowly getting to know each other better.

The ending was satisfying, but also leaves lots of things open that made me wonder what will happen next for the three sisters. All in all this is a beautiful story that captured me and has me eager for more. I can advice this to anyone who loves Romantic Fantasy. I will most certainly reread this book often, and I'll eagerly await the next book in this trilogy.
2592165
This is such a wonderful end to an incredible trilogy that I hope will go viral now that all three books are available to read one after the other. That's precisely how I would devour these books if I hadn't read the first two when they initially came out. With each, I found it hard to put down.  I know that if I started with the first (knowing the others were available for immediate purchase), I would want to read them right away.  In fact, at some point (soon), I plan to take these three beloved books on a vacation where I can read them again in order.

I had not been a huge fan of humorous science fiction until being introduced to There Goes the Galaxy.  I fell in love with the quirky characters, pithy and dry comedy, and sparkling story lines.  Each has been a bigger delight than the previous and I definitely give this book a gold star recommendation.

Be prepared to laugh out loud (always a sign of a fantastic book!).  And if you haven't read the earlier two, I'd read those first (although I think you could jump right into Tryfling Matters and enjoy it as a standalone.

I cannot wait to see what Ms. Thorson comes out with next.  She's a fantastic writer so whatever it is, I'll be looking for it.
4959197
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books of the trilogy.  This one, the first, sets the theme for the series.  It leads you through the development of the characters and their interactions but is still strong enough to stand on it's own.  The characters are human and lovable.
3995643
This is book one in the Blondie Trilogy and really started the series off with a bang.  Recovering from Andre's betrayal,  Simona has created a wonderful new life for herself in Paris.  Then he shows up after trying to track her down for over a year.  this is a beautifully written book with great characters and a wonderful story.  We are transported into a life of luxury and beautiful destinations.  A world of suspense, lots of drama and  an abundance of drama.  Andre' attempts to wine back Simona's heart and we get involved in a love triangle.  A great story that was a fun easy read,  I look forward to the next book in the series.  I received an arc and voluntarily chose to review it.
3043573
This is the complete trilogy, plus a short story, of Poison Study (Book 1), Magic Study (Book 2), and Fire Study (Book 3).

Poison Study was Ms. Snyder's debut novel, and it was excellent! I borrowed the hard copy, and enjoyed it so much, I immediately bought the Bundle so I would have all the books, and all in the same place. I will be buying more of Ms. Snyder's books!

These books are what I would call High Fantasy, though there are no dragons. There are Sorcerers, Magicians, and of course, Mundanes - no dragons. I believe they would easily cross to a genre I seldom read and even more seldom enjoy, Romance.

As I read fiction for escape, this was perfect! I could escape into a world lush with characters, geography, and conflict.

Poison Study starts off with our heroine, Yelena, being brought out of her cell in the dungeon to stand before the #2 man of the country. He gives her a choice. She can face the executioner for her crime of killing the son of a noble, or she can face the possibility of a slow and agonizing death at some future date, and become the official taster of the Commander (who runs the country.)

Because there might be a way for her to escape, and this is at the beginning of the story, she accepts the latter. An honest person, she wins either the fast and loyal friendship of many, or the undying hatred.

When the Commander took over the country, he outlawed all magic, seeing it as evil, and any who had abilities either did their best to escape to Ixia, where magic was not only allowed, but nurtured, or were killed trying.

As the story unfolds, we learn Yelena was an orphan, taken and raised under the protection and education of General Brazell (whose son she killed). By the end of the story, we learn she was not an orphan, but had been kidnapped for her hoped for, and anticipated, magical abilities.

Life for Yelena was not pleasant in the orphanage, and only slightly more pleasant as a Taster, but at least it was life.

Magic Study finds Yelena reunited with her birth family, and on her way to learning to use and control her magic. Again, her choice is: Learn to use it, or burn yourself out, unless killed first.

In Magic Study, she finds herself in a strange place, untrusted, even by her brother, accused of being a spy, with few friends, and a nasty habit of charging ahead without thinking everything through.

Fire Study is the third and final book in the trilogy. Yelena finds her true magic, which frightens everyone, including her. She is a Soulfinder, one of the most powerful of all magics. By now all the characters are known, or at least most of them, and we're aware of Yelena's foibles, and her undying loyalties.

She tries to avert a war, is caught, imprisoned, escapes, and has a price on her head. The First Magician wants her dead, the Fire Starter wants her soul, and the Commander's Assassin wants her.

For the most part, this was a page burner. Once I started reading it, it was very difficult to put down. So why only 4 stars? Because Ms. Snyder knows better than to use lazy language such as, "Me and him..." and the 3d and final book had entirely too many of those. Each time I read that phrase, it threw me out of the story, and I had to work my way back in. It jarred. The more of them I read, the stronger the jar.

Although "Me and...." drives me crazy, it may not bother you. Perhaps that is the way you speak and write, and you have no idea it is the epitome of laziness in the use of American English; if so, it won't bother you, and you will probably not even notice.

The stories were great fun. I look forward to my next Maria V. Snyder novel. She has a wonderful imagination, and a great ability to create new and interesting worlds.
3982281
I didn't read the original trilogy (or it's been so long, I've forgotten), but I loved this book and can't wait to read the other two!  I haven't been this enthralled with a book in years!  It has my two favorite things--Ireland and magic.
2521380
At least I think it's an end.  Who knows?  There might be more to come, although I haven't seen anything to that effect.  Anyway, I absolutely loved this trilogy.  The characters were brilliantly drawn and their emotions shone through on every page.  I had a hard time putting this book down because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next, how Cam and Imogen were going to get themselves out of the trouble they currently found themselves in, and the ending blew me away.  Just a lovely trilogy with believable characters and I loved every small detail Ms. Diener included in each of her stories.  Yes, there were small inconsistencies like grammatical errors, past instead of passed and other small errors, but they were easy to overlook among all the great action and emotional scenes.  A big hit that I'm sad to see the end of.  But I suppose all good things must come to an end sometime or other.
3638427
Wonderful story, beautifully written. I'm off to get the rest of the trilogy.
2513134
Im still amazed from the writing and the amazing story of this sci-fi trilogy. The fantasy and the writing talent of this author are surely great. I have never read anything so imaginary, with great vision. This book took me to another world, world filled with amazing characters, love, imagination and adventures. I adore how the author combined the human and alien contact. I don't want to reveal much about the story, but I must tell that this trilogy kept me up till late at night and it was the first thing I touched and read in the morning. It got me hooked, I enjoyed every moment and that is why I will recommend it to anyone.
2815599
I am delighted that this book is one third of a trilogy because once I completed the book, I was aching to read more about this world and these people.  I want to live in that world.  Read it and see if you want to live there, too.  We can be neighbors.
692771
I read this book in one sitting.  A wonderful second book inthe trilogy.  I was happy to meet the new characters and enjoyed everypage.  Elena does seem to need a more developed personality but she is still very young and her uncertainty then confidence is congruent with that development.  I was gratified to see some strong, mature female characters added in this book.  Tol'chuk is still one of my favorites. Still a trilogy with wonderful characters cast in shades of grey with action, adventure and suspense.  A rich fantasy novel!  I anticipate 'Witch War, the climactic conclusion, with bated breath.
4400605
I am really impressed by Jemisin's writing, and this trilogy is her first!  The characters are well fleshed, even the gods.  The mostly female protagonists are human enough to be believable but plucky, thoughtful and intelligent.  The reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I just read The Fifth Season and I loved the structure, characters, and plot.  Can't wait for the next installments and I will read more of her work.
2878823
I loved the history and the characters - wonderful trilogy of books!
4802901
This is a really good beginning to what is likely to be a great sci-fi trilogy. The story has many intertwining characters with opposites in another dimension. It's suspenseful and easy to read. I found myself rooting for the characters to escape misfortune and want to know what adventures await them next. I can't wait for the next book to come out soon!