Most Popular Books by Maria V. Snyder

Beyond Ixia, the roots of magic run deep... After the discovery of her magical abilities leads to her execution being ordered, Yelena has no choice but to flee to Sitia, her long-lost birthplace. There, she has the chance to meet the family she never knew. But Sitia is unfamiliar, and she''s treated with suspicion and even hatred by the people she thought she could trust--including her own brother. Then Yelena is given the chance to travel to Sitia''s capital. In the Citadel, she''ll have the chance to hone her magical abilities under the tutelage of master magicians. As she learns the laws of magic, Yelena also discovers those who will do anything to break them. And when a rogue magician who targets young female victims emerges, Yelena must put her life at risk to stop him. Will Yelena''s newfound magic save her--or will it be her downfall? The Chronicles of Ixia Book 1: Poison Study Book 2: Magic Study Book 3: Fire Study Book 4: Storm Glass Book 5: Sea Glass Book 6: Spy Glass Book 7: Shadow Study Book 8: Night Study Book 9: Dawn Study

From New York Times Bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder Magic, danger, and intrigue abound in the worlds of Sitia and Ixia… Yelena Zaltana’s life has always been fraught with peril, but the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia is safe for her anymore. The growing discord between the two countries, and the possibility of imminent war, threaten everything Yelena holds dear. Valek is determined to protect Yelena, but he’s quickly running out of options. The Commander suspects that his loyalties are divided and has been keeping secrets...secrets that put Valek, Yelena, and their allies in terrible danger. And as the assassin and the Soulfinder are pulled deeper into the conflict, they realize the Commander’s plans are far more sinister than they could have ever imagined. Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder brings her Poison Study series to its exhilarating conclusion Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond—and a family—that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia. Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person’s resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall—and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal. With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician…and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything.

“Then what were you waiting for?” He turned to her. “You.” New York Times bestselling author, Maria V. Snyder, presents a complete collection of short stories and novellas from the dynamic and complex world of Ixia & Sitia. These stories delve into and expand the critically acclaimed Chronicles of Ixia series, featuring readers’ favorite characters: Yelena, Valek, Opal, Ari, Janco, and Commander Ambrose. This comprehensive collection includes familiar stories: Assassin Study, Power Study, Ice Study, Shattered Glass, and Diaper Study, along with three exciting and never before seen additions: Diamond Study, Wedding Study, and After Study. Readers will also find bonus content with introductions to all the stories, detailed maps, character timelines, and amazing artwork by talented fans. For Snyder’s fans and Soulfinders, this is a must have compilation and guide for all things Ixia & Sitia.

Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his. As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last fifteen years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena. Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance? A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!

A magic healer must stop a villainous king and his army of undead soldiers in this fantasy adventure by the bestselling author of Touch of Power. As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confidant, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle. Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat. War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible . . . again. Originally published in 2013 Praise for Touch of Power “Filled with Snyder’s trademark sarcastic humor, fast-paced action and creepy villainy . . . a spellbinding romantic adventure that will leave readers salivating for the next book in the series.” —USA Today

The prequel to Shadow Study, this novella is the perfect story to get you ready for the next part of Yelena and Valek''s journey. After the events of Fire Study, Yelena and Valek''s sabattical is cut short as they race to stop Owen Moon, rogue magician, from stealing the dangerous and highly sought after Ice Moon from the Commander''s diamond mine.

Beyond Ixia, the roots of magic run deep… After the discovery of her magical abilities leads to an execution order, Yelena has no choice but to flee to Sitia, her long-lost birthplace. There, she has the chance to meet the family she never knew. But Sitia is unfamiliar, and she’s treated with suspicion and even hatred by the people she thought she could trust — including her own brother. Then Yelena is given the chance to travel to Sitia’s capital. In the Citadel, she’ll have the chance to hone her magical abilities under the tutelage of master magicians. As she learns the laws of magic — Yelena also discovers those who will do anything to break them. And when a rogue magician who targets young female victims emerges, Yelena must put her life at risk to stop him. Will her newfound magic save Yelena — or will it be her downfall? Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

Choose: a quick death… or slow poison… Locked deep in the palace dungeon for killing her abuser, Yelena knows she’ll never be free again. The laws in Ixia are strict, and murderers must be executed, no matter the reason. But just as she’s resigned herself to her fate, she’s offered an extraordinary reprieve. As the food taster, Yelena will eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace — and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. To make matters worse, the chief of security deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life is threatened again, and in order to survive, she must unravel the secrets behind the past she’s been running from. Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

Pilih satu: Mati dengan cara cepat atau mati perlahan-lahan.... Yelena sudah melakukan pembunuhan, dan karenanya akan dieksekusi. Namun dia mendapatkan tawaran yang menggiurkan dari Valek, tangan kanan sang Komandan: menjadi pencicip makanan Komandan. Yelena akan menyantap makanan ternikmat, tidur di istana..., dan tetap berisiko mati saat melakukan itu semua. Yelena, tentu saja memilih untuk terus hidup dengan menjadi pencicip makanan. Tapi Valek dengan sengaja memberikan racun di makanan Yelena. Itu adalah strategi Valek agar Yelena tidak berbuat jahat kepada Komandan. Yelena masih bisa terus hidup, asalkan setiap pagi dia menemui Valek untuk mendapat penawarnya. Malapetaka terus merundung Yelena. Begitu banyak yang ingin menghabisinya, tapi Yelena sering terhindar dari kematian karena ternyata dirinya pun mewarisi sihir, yang tak pernah dia ketahui. Sesuai Kode Tingkah Laku, penyihir yang ditemukan di Ixia akan dihabisi, berbeda dengan Sitia, tempat para penyihir bebas berkeliaran. Belum ada yang mengetahui tentang sihir Yelena, tapi dia punya satu kendala: dia belum dapat mengendalikan sihirnya. Akankah identitas Yelena terkuak? Apakah dia akan, sekali lagi, dihukum mati?

From New York Times Bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder Once, only her own life hung in the balance... When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. Now, she’s become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Through wits and magic, she’s able to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek. But as old rivalries begin to emerge, Yelena discovers sinister plots that threaten to unravel the carefully won peace. Valek’s job and his life are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover the scope of these plots, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. She must keep that a secret—or her enemies will discover just how vulnerable she really is—while searching for who or what is responsible for neutralizing her powers. Her days as a poison taster are long gone. But without her magic, Yelena must once again rely on wits and skill to survive… Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

From New York Times Bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun. When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, she faces mistrust and fear in Sitia. What’s more, she keeps discovering new, unusual sides of her abilities. As the Council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before… The road to Ixia is fraught with peril, and sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills. But the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Along the way, she’ll encounter allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty, and be forced to confront an impossible choice as whispers of war emerge. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the lands she holds dear. Previously published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

From New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder In this riveting conclusion to Opal Cowan’s saga, the young magician will discover that glass holds many secrets… including the key to her plight. After siphoning her own blood to defeat her enemy, Opal Cowan lost everything—including her powers. Moreover, her choice has made her immune to the effects of magic. Once a trusted protegee, Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in her world. Until spying through glass unlocks something new within her. Suddenly the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. She also discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood for nefarious purposes—and that finding it might allow her to regain her powers. As she sets out on a new journey, she’ll learn, once and for all, if her powers are lost forever… and what she would sacrifice to regain them. Previously Published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

Student glass magician Opal Cowan''s newfound ability to steal a magician''s powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan''s lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because another man—now her prisoner—claims Ulrick''s desire for blood magic has eclipsed his passion for her. In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn''t sure whom to trust . She can''t forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn''t want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal''s special powers for their own deadly gain….

The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry''s healing powers are needed now more than ever. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he''s gone forever.

Frankly, I think death is the best cure for stupidity. As Chief of Ixia’s Security, Valek’s work is never done. After rescuing Commander Ambrose with, Yelena, his heartmate’s, help and seeing her off to Sitia, Valek discovers the nefarious scheme to overthrow their country is far more complex and far reaching than anyone could have guessed. Valek must discover who is continuing with Brazell and Mogkan’s conniving plans, all while dealing with a tense political situation. The Ixian generals are questioning his abilities to keep the Commander safe, and whispers of a possible coup are circulating. Will Valek be able to survive a plot that seeks to sabotage all he and the Commander have worked for? Also, having opened his heart to love, will Yelena still wish to be with him when all is said and done? A companion novel to Magic Study, The Study of Magic reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what hazards Valek encounters and survives before he and Yelena are reunited once more.

Beyond Ixia, the roots of magic run deep...

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder will be available Apr 23, 2024. Preorder your copy today!

Me? A leader? Okay, I did prove that there''s more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we''re free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He''s the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there''s outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.

Avryś power to heal the sick should earn her respect in the plague-torn land of Kazan. Instead she is feared. Her kind are blamed for the horrifying disease that has taken hold of the nation.

“What happens if he returns to our world?” “It will burn.” There''s just no rest for Valek, Ixia’s Chief of Security. Challenges are constant and new problems arrive daily, including a request to help Castletown’s watch solve the mystery of a string of nighttime disturbances, and keeping a close eye on the Commander’s food taster as she schemes her way back into business. As if that isn''t enough, the Commander’s life is threatened. Is the assassination attempt on the Commander a declaration of war by the Sitian Council, or is it a ruse by an unknown party to incite a war between Ixia and Sitia? Valek is sent to Sitia to discover the answer and deal with the threat. Unfortunately, the problem turns out to be much bigger than even the council and the master magicians can handle. An unsanctioned clan with powerful warpers is plotting to take over both countries. As the danger heats up, Valek and Yelena must reunite and stop the group before they can set their entire world on fire. A companion novel to Fire Study, The Study of Fire reveals Valek’s side of the story. Find out what problems Valek tackles in Ixia before he joins Yelena in fighting against a unstoppable enemy.

The apprenticeship is over--now the real test has begun. When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder--able to capture and release souls--spreads like wildfire, she faces mistrust and fear in Sitia. What''s more, she keeps discovering new, unusual sides of her abilities. As the Council debates Yelena''s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before... The road to Ixia is fraught with peril and sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills. But the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Along the way, she''ll encounter allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty, and be forced to confront an impossible choice as whispers of war emerge. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself--and save the lands she holds dear. The Chronicles of Ixia Book 1: Poison Study Book 2: Magic Study Book 3: Fire Study Book 4: Storm Glass Book 5: Sea Glass Book 6: Spy Glass Book 7: Shadow Study Book 8: Night Study Book 9: Dawn Study

Award-winning author Maria V. Snyder brings readers into a world of molten magic, where storms can be captured within a glass orb and a magician''s powers can remain hidden…until challenged by enemy forces. As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowan understands trial by fire. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan''s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal''s unique talents to prevent it from happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic. Yet the further she delves into the intrigue behind the glass and magic, the more distorted things appear. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control her powers…powers that could lead to disaster beyond anything she''s ever known. www.mariavsnyder.com

Bestselling author Maria V. Snyder transports readers back to the realms of Sitia and Ixia in an exciting new Study novel full of magic, danger and intrigue.

It''s suicide, Shyla. You''re the prize they want. Through her courage and tenacity, Shyla Sun-Kissed has awoken the power of The Eyes of Tamburah. But this feat only marks the beginning of the challenges that the magical order, the Invisible Sword, faces to free the underground city of Zirdai. Though they have allies among the monks and splinter cells inside the city, Shyla knows the Invisible Sword doesn''t have the strength to win. With the group fracturing due to the strain of losses from their latest ordeal, thinly veiled suspicions and endless disagreements, it''s up to Shyla to forge a new united order. When both the draconian Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess learn of Shyla''s new powers, life becomes even more complicated as they will stop at nothing to capture Shyla and take the magic of The Eyes for themselves. Hunted at every turn and unable to hide, Shyla and the Invisible Sword must use every resource at their command - and unearth new ones - in their race to save the city from destruction. But their enemies always seem to be one step ahead. And the cost to win the battle may be more than Shyla would ever be willing to pay...

Magic, murder, mayhem and military missions gone sideways! New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder has written it all, proving she’s Up to the Challenge no matter the story. Bringing together Maria V. Snyder’s many fantasy and science fiction short stories, this collection showcases her talent for crafting engaging worlds and is a perfect introduction for new readers as well as a must-have for her loyal fans. Meet Mongrel as she protects an injured “dog” from those seeking to kill him in Mongrel. Fly through space with Sergeant Harris on a mission to defuse a bomb in Godzilla Warfare. Discover why fencing phenom Ava’s new and famous coach keeps wooden swords in his equipment closet in Sword Point. Follow Gwen, an exiled Fae princess, as she searches for her missing sister in Lost & Found, INC. And enjoy many more adventures that will keep you up late into the night!

From New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder Enter into a stunning world of molten magic, where storms can be captured in glass and a magician''s powers can remain hidden…until challenged. As a glassmaker and a magician-in-training, Opal Cowan understands trial by fire. Someone has sabotaged the Stormdancer clan''s glass orbs, killing their most powerful magicians. The Stormdancers—particularly the mysterious and mercurial Kade—require Opal''s unique talents to prevent it from happening again. But when the mission goes awry, Opal must tap into a new kind of magic. As she delves into the intrigue behind the mysterious glass orbs, she uncovers secrets not even she could anticipate. With lives hanging in the balance—including her own—Opal must control her powers…powers that could lead to disaster beyond anything she''s ever known. Previously Published. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

2019 PRISM Award Winner! “The answer is no, Lyra,” my mother utters her favorite—I swear—phrase. No means I have to travel with them to another planet—again. No means leaving all my friends fifty years in the past. Thanks, Einstein. Seventeen-year-old Lyra Daniels can’t truly blame Einstein or her parents for their impending move across the Milky Way Galaxy. It’s all due to the invention of the Q-net, which made traveling the vast distances in space possible—with one big caveat: the time dilation. But that never stopped Lyra''s ancestors from exploring the Milky Way, searching for resources and exoplanets to colonize. What they didn’t expect to find is life-sized terracotta Warriors buried on twenty-one different exoplanets. ... Make that twenty-two. As the Galaxy’s leading experts on the Warriors, Lyra''s parents are thrilled by the new discovery, sending them—and her—fifty years into the future. Her social life in ruins, she fills her lonely days by illegally worming into the Q-net. The only person close to her age is the annoyingly irresistible security officer who threatens to throw her into the brig. After the planet they just left goes silent—meaning no communications from them at all—security has bigger problems to deal with than Lyra, especially when vital data files go missing. But that''s just the beginning, because they’re not as alone as they thought on their new planet... and suddenly time isn''t the only thing working against them.

MIRA brings you three full length novels in one collection! Enter into a stunning world of molten magic as Opal Cowan, glassmaker and magician-in-training, faces trials, challenges, and deadly secrets that could change the realms of Sitia and Ixia forever. This box set includes: STORM GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder Enter into a stunning world of molten magic, where storms can be captured in glass and a magician''s powers can remain hidden…until challenged. SEA GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder Return to the realms of Sitia and Ixia, where a young glass magician becomes ensnared in a deadly power struggle that may cost her everything… SPY GLASS (A Glass Series Novel) By New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder In this riveting conclusion to Opal Cowan’s saga, the young magician will discover that glass holds many secrets… including the key to her plight. The Chronicles of Ixia Series by Maria V. Snyder Book One: Poison Study Book Two: Magic Study Book Three: Fire Study Book Four: Storm Glass Book Five: Sea Glass Book Six: Spy Glass Book Seven: Shadow Study Book Eight: Night Study Book Nine: Dawn Study

From condemned prisoner to food taster for the Commander of Ixia, from apprentice to a charismatic assassin to warrior with ever-evolving magical powers, Yelena is a remarkable heroine like none you''ve ever experienced. Follow her amazing journey through Maria V. Snyder''s breathtaking fantasy series, which New York Times bestselling author Mercedes Lackey calls \"engaging and entirely original...fascinating in its rich detail.\" Bundle includes Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study, and also as a special bonus, the online read written exclusively for Harlequin, Assassin Study! The Chronicles of Ixia: Book 1: Poison Study Book 2: Magic Study Book 3: Fire Study Book 4: Storm Glass Book 5: Sea Glass Book 6: Spy Glass Book 7: Shadow Study Book 8: Night Study Book 9: Dawn Study

Lightning Never Strikes Twice? Luke Riley is lost. His mother''s recent death has set Luke and his family adrift. Even though his father, twin brothers, and their three Bloodhounds are search and rescue volunteers, they have been unable to rescue themselves and become a family again. The summer after sixth grade looms in Luke''s mind as a long, lonely three months where the only thing he can look forward to is watching The Weather Channel. Luke is fascinated with the weather, but since his mother''s death in a storm, he is also terrified. Even the promised 13th birthday present of a Bloodhound puppy fails to lift Luke''s spirits. He would rather have a different breed - a petite Papillon, but his father insists he get a Bloodhound. When Luke decides to get the Bloodhound from Willajean, a dog breeder who owns Storm Watcher Kennel, he works out a deal to help at her kennel in exchange for the expensive dog. Thrilled to have a summer with a purpose, Luke befriends Willajean''s daughter, Megan and together they plan how Luke can get a Papillon puppy instead of a Bloodhound. But nothing seems to work as they struggle with stubborn fathers, summer storms, unhelpful siblings, and hidden guilt. Can one little white dog really save both families? The book also includes an appendix of fun weather facts and quizzes!

The complete collection is now available in a box set! Discover the mystical world of the Healer Series, from New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder. Touch of Power Avry of Kazan is the last Healer in the fifteen realms. Hunted, with a bounty on her head, she must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Scent of Magic Coming out of hiding, Avry is on a mission to find her sister, stop a megalomaniacal king by infiltrating a holy army, and stop a looming war. Taste of Darkness With the armies of the Fifteen Realms in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry’s healing powers are needed now more than ever. And her heart-mate is missing, possibly forever. Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully.

Let fantasy star Maria V. Snyder steal you away to a darkly enchanting world of powerful magic and dangerous deeds in these six incredible stories from The Chronicles of Ixia series, following young magicians Yelena Zaltana and Opal Cowan on a dark and deadly journey.

Yelena, the heroine of Maria V. Snyder''s stunning novel Poison Study, is on her way to her ancestral homeland of Sitia to be reunited with her family and to learn more about her magical powers. An order of execution hangs over her head should she ever return to Ixia. But her true love, Valek, quickly learns that an assassin has taken it upon himself to make sure Yelena doesn''t reach her destination. As Ixia''s chief of security, and a highly skilled assassin himself, can Valek track down the killer in time to save Yelena''s life?

First work originally published: c2010. 2nd work originally published: c2011.

Yelena menyadari bahwa hidupnya begitu rumit dan merindukan masa-masa menjadi pencicip makanan.... Seharusnya Yelena merasa bahagia, karena musuh terbesarnya sudah mati dan dia akan segera berkumpul dengan keluarganya. Namun, meskipun dia sudah terbebas dari Ixia, dia tetap merasa sendiri—terpisah dari cintanya, Valek, dan dicurigai sebagai mata-mata Ixia. Yelena pun berniat memulai pelatihan sihirnya—ia telah didesak untuk menguasai sihirnya dalam satu tahun, atau dia akan dieksekusi. Akan tetapi, rencana-rencananya harus dibelokkan karena ia diikutsertakan dalam rencana untuk mengembalikan tahta Ixia kepada si Pura-pura Raja, Cahil. Tak hanya itu, keputusan Yelena yang sering bertentangan dengan para Master Penyihir membuatnya dibenci, dan kakaknya sendiri, Leif, menginginkan kematiannya.

Year 2522. ufeffOh. My. Stars. Junior Officer Ara Lawrence here, reporting for duty. Again. It''s situation critical for the security team and everyone in the base - including my parents - with a new attack from the looters imminent, a possible galaxy-wide crime conspiracy and an unstoppable alien threat. But this all pales in the face of my mind-blowing discovery about the Q-net. Of course, no one believes me. I''m not sure I believe me. It could just be a stress-induced delusion. That''s what my parents seem to believe... Their concern for me is hampering my ability to do my job. I know they love me, but with the Q-net in my corner, I''m the only one who can help the security team beat the shadowy aliens from the pits we discovered. We''re holding them at bay, for now, but the entire Milky Way Galaxy is in danger of being overrun. With battles on too many fronts, it''s looking dire. But one thing I''ve learned is when people I love are in jeopardy, I''ll never give up trying to save them. Not until my dying breath. Which could very well be today...

''He thinks you are the thief...'' Shyla is a researcher who resides in the underground desert city of Zirdai, which is ruled by the wealthy Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess. Even though Shyla is sun-kissed - an outcast, considered cursed by the Sun Goddess - she is still renowned for uncovering innumerable archaic facts, lost artefacts, ancient maps and obscure historical documents. Her quiet life is about to change when Banqui, an archaeologist, enlists her services to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestow great magic on their wielder. These ancient objects can tip the balance of power and give whoever possesses them complete control of the city. But chaos erupts when The Eyes are stolen soon after they''re found - and Shyla is blamed for the theft. Forced to flee, with the Prince''s soldiers and the Priestess''s deacons on her trail, Shyla must recover the jewels and clear her name. A quest that will unearth secrets even more valuable than The Eyes of Tamburah themselves...

2020 PRISM Award Winner: Fantasy He thinks you are the thief… Shyla is a researcher who resides in the underground desert city of Zirdai, which is ruled by the wealthy Water Prince and brutal Heliacal Priestess. Even though Shyla is sun-kissed - an outcast, considered cursed by the Sun Goddess - she is still renowned for uncovering innumerable archaic facts, lost artefacts, ancient maps, and obscure historical documents. Her quiet life is about to change when Banqui, an archaeologist, enlists her services to find The Eyes of Tamburah: legendary gemstones that bestow great magic on their wielder. These ancient objects can tip the balance of power and give whoever possesses them complete control of the city. But chaos erupts when The Eyes are stolen soon after they''re found - and Shyla is blamed for the theft. Forced to flee, with the Prince''s soldiers and the Priestess'' deacons on her trail, Shyla must recover the jewels and clear her name. A quest that will unearth secrets even more valuable than The Eyes of Tamburah themselves...