Maria V. Snyder crafts captivating stories set in vibrant fantasy worlds, drawing inspiration from her early interest in meteorology and her adventurous spirit. Her novels feature strong female protagonists, intricate plots, and settings that are as perilous as they are fascinating. Snyder masterfully blends elements of action, magic, and romance to create tales that draw readers into dangerous yet thrilling adventures. Her approach to writing is hands-on, often learning new skills and engaging in diverse activities to enrich her storytelling.
Exploring the darkly humorous perspective on intelligence and mortality, the narrative delves into the complexities of human behavior and societal norms. Through sharp wit and candid observations, it challenges readers to reflect on the nature of foolishness and the consequences that arise from it. The author presents a thought-provoking commentary that intertwines humor with philosophical musings, inviting contemplation on the value of wisdom in an often irrational world.
The narrative explores the tension between hesitation and action, delving into the emotional struggles of characters faced with pivotal moments in their lives. It examines themes of regret, the quest for fulfillment, and the courage to embrace change. The story invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the impact of waiting versus taking decisive steps toward their dreams. Through rich character development and poignant scenarios, it challenges the notion of timing and the importance of seizing opportunities.
A companion novel to Poison Study. The POV character is Valek, the assassin and chief of security readers meet in Poison Study. This book is his side of the story.
Set against a backdrop of chaos, this story blends elements of magic with thrilling action as characters navigate a world filled with murder and mayhem. The plot follows military missions that take unexpected turns, leading to high-stakes confrontations and supernatural challenges. As the characters grapple with their powers and the consequences of their actions, they must also confront the darker aspects of their world. This gripping narrative promises a blend of excitement, intrigue, and the supernatural.
In a gripping narrative, Shyla finds herself at the center of a dangerous game where her life is the ultimate prize. As she navigates a treacherous landscape filled with manipulation and betrayal, the stakes escalate, forcing her to confront her own survival instincts. The story delves into themes of desperation, the value of life, and the lengths one will go to escape a grim fate. Shyla’s journey is both harrowing and thought-provoking, exploring the darker sides of human nature and the fight for freedom.
The gripping conclusion of this acclaimed fantasy series brings readers back to a world filled with tension, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. As the story unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever, promising a thrilling adventure that ties together the series' complex plotlines. Fans can expect unexpected twists and emotional moments that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Maria V. Snyder masterfully weaves together themes of courage, sacrifice, and destiny in this exhilarating finale.
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...
Set in the year 2522, the story unfolds after the death of Lyra Daniels, a pivotal character whose demise sparks a series of events that challenge the societal norms of her time. As her friends and family grapple with loss, they uncover hidden truths and confront their own beliefs about life, death, and the future. The narrative explores themes of grief, resilience, and the impact of technology on human connections, weaving a complex tapestry of emotions and revelations in a richly imagined futuristic world.
"'The answer is no, Lyra, ' my mother utters her--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."--Back cover
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
