Reviewer: Holly Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Series: Study #1
Also in this series: Magic Study, Fire Study, Night Study, Shadow Study
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: August 15th 2012
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 400
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Series Rating:
Murder, mayhem and magic…
Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.
But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.
This is a re-read for me, in preparation for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy, Fire Study (which I will review in a couple days).
Poison Study is the first person tale of Yelena, a woman sentenced to death for murdering the son of a high ranking General in Ixia. On the day she’s to be executed, she’s brought before The Commander’s first in command, Valek, to confess her crimes before she’s taken to the gallows and hung. Instead, Valek offers her the position of food taster for the Commander. She’s put on the spot: Die now, or possibly die later by poison. She chooses the possible poison. Yelena says that only a fool wouldn’t accept, and that she is no fool.
The training of a food taster really surprised me. She was forced to sample a lot of different poisons so that she could recognize them in the Commander’s meals, some of which leave her so ill she’s incoherent for days. And if she survives her training, there’s a good possibility she won’t survive a plot to murder the Commander.
As Yelena finds out more and more about what’s going on around her the entire picture changes, and she’s forced to look deep inside herself for strength she isn’t sure she possesses. Not only that, but a traitorous plot is revealed and Yelena seems to be right in the middle of it. Plus, the General whose son she murdered isn’t happy to wait around and see if she dies by poison.
As the story develops, and I was shown more and more of Yelena’s world, I was completely drawn in. And just when I thought I’d figured out what was going on, a new revelation would occur and I’d have to review everything I thought I knew about the story and characters. It truly made me think, which doesn’t happen that often.
I also have to tell you that the romance was just an added bonus. When I first started reading, I didn’t even think this was a romance novel. But as I watched Yelena fall in love, I was pleasantly surprised!
I truly admired the way MVS brought in new characters, as well. Though there are several by the end of the book, they were introduced gradually and I never felt overwhelmed or like there was too much going on at once. There was also a magical element to this story that I didn’t expect, but which, I felt, was also an added bonus.
Overall I was extremely impressed. So much so that I immediately ordered the second installment, Magic Study (review to follow).
As a first novel, I’d say Maria V. Snyder certainly left her mark. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from MVS in the future.
5 out of 5
The series is as follows:
Poison Study
Magic Study
Fire Study
You can buy this book here or here in eBook format. Or, you can buy the bundle here.
Thank you for this review. I have always wondered about this series. I sort of love the titles. The plot sounds really cool.
I second Carolyn Jean’s thanks. I had this book on my “to be read” list a year ago and never got around to it. Time to add it again and make sure i don’t forget this time. 🙂
Ladies, you really need to read this. It’s an amazing book. Actually, the entire series is amazing, though I think this is the best of the three. 🙂
I second Holly’s suggestion. You guys should definitely read this series, I really really enjoyed the first two books and look forward to reading the next and final book in the series.
Thanks Holly for the review!
Okay, two strong recommendations. It is officially going on my list now.
I loved the first book, kind of liked the second but not really and I have no idea about the third. But I agree this book was FANTASTIC!! Highly recommend it to everyone 😉 Great review.
Wow – this sounds like my newest must-have book! Thanks for reviewing it. 🙂
CJ,
Let me know if/when you read it. I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
Sarai,
As I said in my review of Magic Study, I like it more with every re-read. The first time I was only so-so about it, and I really think the beginning dragged some. But it gets better the more I read it.
Anna,
Let us know what you think. 🙂
hey Holly 😀 didn’t you review this book already? not that I’m complaining because I completely agree with you… but just wondering 😛
LOL! I guess you missed this part, Nath:
This is a re-read for me, in preparation for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy, Fire Study (which I will review in a couple days).
I was so surprised to luuuurve this book, but I totally did. The fact that I liked it even though it was 1st person spoke volumes about the writing and story. It was simply amazing.
That reminds me…I’m supposed to send you Magic Study, aren’t I? Eek, I always forget. Want me to throw in Fire Study, too?