Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder(Mira, Paperback, 2005)
Rating:
Yelena is in prison about to be executed for the crime of murder when she is offered the position of food taster for the commander of Ixia. Despite the risks of the job, Yelena is willing to take the chance if it means that she will live another day. Being food taster puts her in the path of Valek, the commander's chief of security. Valek is a hard man who will do anything to ensure that the commander stays in power. Yelena must prove that she is a survivor as she battles her growing affection for Valek and her growing ability to do magic which is forbidden in the country of Ixia.
About two years ago, I discovered Maria V. Snyder. I was reading a ton of fantasy books at the time and Poison Study just blew me away. This book is by far the most unique, exciting, well-written story that I've read in a long time. Yelena is an underdog--a scrawny, malnourished girl whose reputation is stained by her murder of a truly evil man. The circumstances surrounding the murder are slowly revealed throughout the novel but, right from the beginning, you understand that Yelena is a tough, likable heroine. And Valek, wow, he's probably one of my favorite literary crushes. He's tough, strong, has high morals, and can sneak into any room unnoticed. The most wonderful part of Poison Study is the well developed minor characters. Ari and Janco, two guardsmen that teach Yelena how to fight, are priceless. Their banter certainly lightens up Valek's seriousness. I was also thoroughly intrigued by Yelena's duty as food taster and her training in poisons. There's no doubt about it, Maria V. Snyder knows how to tell a good tale, one that will keep you furiously flipping through the pages and yet hoping that it never ends. Poison Study is the first book in Yelena's story. Magic Study and Fire Study follow it. For those of you who don't like major cliffhangers, it is important to note that each of these books have a plot line that is resolved in the book and can be read as stand-alones; however, the story is enhanced if you read them in order.
Visit Maria's website for more information about her books.
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Sounds like an interesting read! I might have to check that out.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I just read it for the first time a few months ago, or possibly weeks, and really enjoyed it, and I have been looking forward to reading the next ones just as soon as I read everything else in ahead of them in line. Readingwise, I feel like an international airport in a snowstorm.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book, but didn't go on to read the others; at some point I will. Have you?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like exactly the sort of book I love What else can you recommend?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this book! But I was disappointed with Magic Study.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten that this was on my list! Thanks for the reminder... I'm off to put it on hold.
ReplyDeleteGrr, my library has Magic and Fire Study but not this one! But since they're good as standa-lone, I'm definitely bumping this to the top of my list. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read this series, but I haven't yet. D: Bad, I know.
ReplyDeleteI really like poison study there seemed to be something happening in almost every chapter to make you read on and you get little insights of what Reyad done to Yelena. I can't wait to read magic study.
ReplyDeletei lived this book. I have read all three of them: poison study, magic study and fire study. Maria has done an exelent job with these books and I would live to read any other books she has. Yelena has most definitely had an adventurous life.
ReplyDeleteMAGNIFICENT!!!!!! Maria has out done herself!
ReplyDeleteI've started reading this book and its brilliant!i mean im all for action and wierdness...and my reading material consists of a wide range anything from lord of the rings to fallen, after reading so much i've found it hard to get interested in many books. But this book got my attention as soon as i read the 1st page.
ReplyDeleteThis is a must read!