Maria V. Snyder is an American novelist specializing in the genres of fantasy and science fiction. She is best known for her debut novel, Poison Study, and its subsequent series.
Snyder's educational background is in the sciences; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University. She worked as a meteorologist for several years before pursuing a career in creative writing. She later received a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, where she has also served as a teacher and mentor.
Her professional writing career began with the publication of Poison Study in 2005. The novel received significant critical attention and was awarded the 2006 Compton Crook Award for Best First Novel. The "Study" series (also known as the Chronicles of Ixia) expanded to include multiple titles, such as Magic Study and Fire Study. Snyder also authored the Glass series, which is set in the same fictional world.
In addition to high fantasy, Snyder has written science fiction, including the Insider duology (Inside Out and Outside In) and the Sentinels of the Galaxy series. Her bibliographical history includes several other series, such as the Healer trilogy. Her work is often characterized by the inclusion of complex magic systems, political intrigue, and central female protagonists.
Snyder currently resides in Pennsylvania, where she continues to produce new literary works. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have appeared on various bestseller lists globally.