Book Review of "Poison Study" by Maria V. Snyder

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Title: Poison Study (Study #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Classification: Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Semi-YA
Source: Public Library

Overall Grade:

A

Would I read it again?

Already have :)

Would I recommend it?

Yes. I just did! 

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Summary:

Yelena has been accused of murdering the son of one of the land's high-officials and awaits the day of her execution in a dark and filthy prison cell. Then, one day she is summoned before the Commander's head of security, who has a tantelizing offer. According to protocol, the next prisoner in line to be executed will be offered the job as food taster for the Commander, escaping the noose but living every day with the knowledge that one more bite can bring an even swifter death. Yelena quickly accepts, recognizing that even a life of fear and danger is better than no life at all.

Yelena moves into the castle and starts her rigorous, dangerous and exhausting food tasting training with Valek, who is not only the head of security, but a deadly assassin as well. In order to ensure that she will never attempt to escape from the castle, Valek exposes her to the deadly poison Butterfly's Dust, a poison whose antidote she must take daily in order to survive.

As she adjusts to life in the castle, she quickly becomes aware that poison is not her only danger, as many make a point of targeting the infamous Yelena, murderess of the high-official Brazell's son. When trying to have a low profile doesn't keep her from being attacked, Yelena seeks out the help of Ari and Janco, talented soldiers who agree to teach her how to fight, and they form an unlikely friendship. 

While Yelena struggles with new friendships, her feelings for Valek, and consistent attempts on her life, we learn more of her past with Brazell and his son Reyad, about her inner and outer strength and her knack for survival. Then, when a plot by Brazell threatens the Commander's rule over Ixia, Yelena is forced to return to her previous home where her darkest nightmares lay.

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My Thoughts:

Poison Study is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. I will admit right now that I most willingly abandoned my homework and reading assignments from school to finish this book.

There are so many reasons to LOVE this book. First off, the story. Oh my goodness, the story! I was enthralled with Snyder's mix of historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy and romance. It is a perfect blend of my most favorite genres and is written so well that it overcame any possibility of cliché. The plot itself is one part thriller, one part political intrigue and one part romance.

Then there are the characters. From Yelena's stubborn strength of will to Valek's deadly power to Ari and Janco's playful banter, I fell in love with these characters. Each persona is carefully crafted with incredible detail by Snyder, so that you feel like you know them.

Then comes the setting. Poison Study, along with the sequels Magic Study and Fire Study are set in a world comprised of the countries Ixia and Sitia. Ixia is ruled by Commander Ambrose, whose strict ruling over the country lacks grandeur and condemns magic, while Sitia is ruled by the Head Magicians and reveres those with magical capabilities. I love the way Snyder unfolded her fantastic setting in the novels. She does so in such a way that enriches the already interesting landscape and adds dimension to her stunning characters and enticing plots.

On another note, there has been some debate over whether or not Poison Study is a Young Adult novel or not. I think this is a definite problem with the book, as it contains more (slightly) adult content than most other Teen or Young Adult fiction. This is why I've classified the book as Semi-YA.

Now, if you're wondering if I have any negative comments about Poison Study, here it comes: the only thing I can generally say that bothered me about this book, and Snyder's other books in the Study series, is her sense of fashion. Yes, I just complained about the author's fashion sense. This is because when describing the clothing of her characters, Snyder often picked styles and colors that I just did not find flattering to the imagination. And yes, that is my only complaint. :) 

Please please read this book.  Then read the other books in the series: Magic Study and Fire Study.

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Overall Grade:

A

Would I read it again?

Already have :)

Would I recommend it?

Yes. I just did! 

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