Poison Study (Study #1)

Reader reviewed by Lexie

The brutality of what Yelena faced in a relatively short amount of time
(before the start of the book) would probably have broken most people.
There isn't an in depth description of prison life, but from her
appearance and short clues she gives us it couldn't have been a
particularly good year of living. I often wondered if she could have
turned things back if she would have changed things and tried to live a
less...riotous life. I don't honestly believe so though, because she
doesn't have the character (the will) of a person who would change
things for an easier life if it meant another had to suffer.

There
are occasionally plot contrivances to keep the plot moving or propel
character development (how they finally figure out where Criollo comes
from is such a thing), but nothing as overt as 'Yelena found a book
that told her exactly what was happening and how to stop it'. Yelena
earns most things the hard way--her self-defense, the trust of
practically the entire cast and even her victories come at a price.

I
know from message boards and the like that Ixia, where Poison Study is
located, isn't the ideal sort of set up for most. Its very much a
military dictatorship--with all the paperwork, discipline and
uniformity expected of such. You come to find out though that the two
countries--Ixia and Sitia--are pretty much polar opposites on each ends
of extreme beliefs.

Commander
Ambrose believes that orderliness and properly channeling talents is
the only way of keeping control and from what we are told of the past
monarchy's rule there is something to what he says. He rewards hard
work, but doesn't expect someone to toil away at a job because he has
to. He wants the people of Ixia to want to work towards a better life.
There isn't any poverty or unemployment (at least not in any measurable
amount). Its kind of communist.

Sitia is described almost like a
hippie commune but with magic. Something the Commander does not
tolerate. We find out why eventually.

As far as romance goes,
its not a focal point of the novel at all. It happens over the course
of time--Yelena doesn't see Valek and go 'Wow give me some of that!',
she's actually very distrustful and wary of him for a long time. Since
this is a first person POV from Yelena, we can't know Valek's immediate
feelings upon meeting Yelena, but we can guess (she's basically bones
with a fine tissue paper skin stretched across, smells like a dung pile
and is a confessed murderess, I can't imagine that's a turn on for
him). When feelings are made to be known Yelena doesn't suddenly become
worried about how she looks or acts or Valek's opinion--well she
worries over Valek's opinion, but that has less to do with romance and
more to do with staying on his continual good side as an employee of
his. Doesn't do to piss off the foremost spy and assassin in the realm
eh?

((reprinted with author's permission))

Reader reviewed by Jessica

In the novel, "Poison Study," the readers are presented with a young character who is now awaiting her death sentence in the Commander's dungeon. With a dark past and memories that continue to haunt her, there is no way to deny what happened to place her in here. When she is called up for her confession after some time, she is shocked to find herself at a choice between being placed to death by hanging or to become the Commander's next food taster, checking for poisons for every meal, a job which could ultimately be the death of her.

As the novel continues, action and adventure creep into this unique fantasy, eventually leading into a heart breaking romance that the reader cannot resist. With a little bit of everything for all readers, "Poison Study" is sure to capture the hearts of all and create a fantasy world that is descriptive to the point that it appears to be real.

In this new story of secrets and adventure, readers will find themselves wishing that they could exist inside this realm where magic is only accepted in the South, banned in the North. With twists and turns that will leave a reader's head spinning, "Poison Study" is the book for readers of all ages and of all types.

Reader reviewed by Pheonix

Yelena is the next prisoner to be executed. All braced for her hanging, she was sent before Valek, the chief of security, who gives her an offer to live, the current food taster- chosen to taste the commanders food to ensure it's not poisoned- has died recently and by law, the position is to be offered to the next prisoner awaiting execution. Yelna must choose either a quick death in the noose or a slow painful poison.

Yelena takes the postion as the food taster. But it's not always safe in the walls of the former king's castle, danger lurks in every corner and Yelena must face her past as well as what there is to come.

Poison study is a birllinet and well-thought out novel. It has everything a fantasy novel should have an impressive world, great characters, battles, magic, and a hint of romance.

I Really enjoyed reading about Yelena, I could barly put the book down. Even after I finished I kept reading it over and over again. I really liked the characters escpeically Janco and Ari.

Reader reviewed by Bookluver-Carol


Yelena committed a very bad crime and was sentenced to be jail. After a few months in jail she's to be hanged. On a stroke of luck she's made the Commander's food taster. (If you call this luck.) She never knows when she's going to die but this isn't the least of her problems. She finds out about a deadly plot and must try so save the Commander with the help of her boss Valek (head of security) and try to keep her magic powers to herself or she'll be killed.

Maria V. Snyder is a great author. I can't believe I didn't read her books before. The book was really good. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The story was well-written and well-thought out. The characters were great the plot was really good.The character Yelena was smart and had been through a lot in her childhood. Her character was easy to relate to and she stays in your head even after you've finished reading. She tries to live on with her life and she's trying get rid of her nightmares. I recommend this book to anyone. It's a must read. I can't wait to read the sequel Magic Study.

Reader reviewed by Sara G

I haven't been this excited about a book in a long time. It was such a page-turner, had amazing main characters, and the perfect plot. The different poisons explored are interesting, as is the the history of Ixia and how the Commander came into power.

"About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. As a food taster, she'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace - and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
As Yelena tries to excape 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 choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear..."

Trust me, you want to read this book.

Reader reviewed by The Story Siren

"CHOOSE:
A QUICK DEATH...
OR SLOW POISON..."


Yelena has been convicted of murdering General Brazells only son Reyad and she awaits her execution by hanging. With only hours left until her death Yelena is offered a stop to her execution, but only if she agrees to become the food taster for Commander Ambrose. Thinking that escape may be possible, she agrees.


It would seem that being a food taster would be an improvement to Yelenas former life locked in a dark, dreary, rat infested dungeon but there are different ways to be held captive. She might be living in the palace and eating wondrous meals, but she is once again held prisoner by Butterflys Dust. Shortly after her acceptance to be food taster she is feed the poison, now her only way to survive is to have a daily antidote otherwise she will die an agonizing death. Its not as easy to escape as she thought.


Unfortunately for Yelena, General Brazell still wants her dead. Now she always seems to be in deaths path. It is present everyday when she must test the Commanders food for hidden poisons, and as well the thugs and killers hired by Brazell that seem to be lurking around every corner. When it seems it cant get any worse Yelena discovers that a powerful magician is also trying to kill her and Yelena herself realizes that she also posses magic. Which in Ixia, where Yelena lives, anyone possessing magical qualities is sentenced to death!


When a conspiracy against the Commander comes to light, Yelena must once again face the demons that have haunted her memories. All her life she has been trying to run away, but when the chance comes will she be able to take it?


Yelena is one of those characters that you cant help but instantly like. The moment she is given a choice to save her life she doesnt look back, even though it seems like shes only landed herself into another prison. She posses a strength that is unwavering! She is ruthless and very smart. Shes is everything a leading character should be.


Of course the story itself is amazing, I was captivated by the first few pages, and I couldnt put the book down once I started reading. Maria V. Snyder paints a vivid picture of her new world and yet, the world she created is completely convincing. I loved all the characters, especially Valek, which at first look would seem to be somewhat sinister but ended up surprising me. Poison Study isnt only a spellbinding fantasy it is also a riveting love story! Snyder is very talented story-teller and I cant wait to join Yelena once again in the sequel to Poison Study, entitled Magic Study.

Reader reviewed by Tiara

This book is amazing! About to be executed for murder, Yelena is given a chance to live. But it comes with a price- she will be tasting the Commander's food for poison for the rest of her life. The book twists and turns in a long tunnel and when you get to the end all you'll want is more.Check out the sequel, Magic Study, which is even better.

Reader reviewed by Nabi

Yelena has committed the ultimate sin-she has killed. And for that she is to be killed. But then she is given the choice of being the food taster. And she takes it. Soon she is spun into a web of love, hate and lies...

This novel is one of a superior quality. The characters are interesting and engaging, the plotline spectacular and well thoughtout. All fantasy lovers would probably love this novel.