Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Study #1
Publication: June 1, 2004 by Mira Books
Format: Paperback 405 pages
Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars
Goodreads Link: Poison Study

From Goodreads: About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape 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...

My Thoughts: This was my first book by Maria V. Snyder and it will definitely not be my last! Poison Study was amazing! It was also one of my first real "High Fantasy" novels, and I have to say, I loved it! It completely sucked me in. Yelena was a kick-ass heroine and the other characters were just as intriguing (such as Valek, Ari, and Janco).

Set in a militant society, Poison Study tells the story of twenty year old, Yelena, who has been imprisoned for the past year for the murder of her foster father's (who happens to be a General in Ixia) only son. Unfortunately for Yelena, the country of Ixia has a no tolerance policy for murder during a time of peace- not even if it's in self defense. On the day of Yelena's execution  however, she is given an out: to become The Commander's food taster. Under the guidance of the Chief of Security, Valek, Yelena learns all about the different types of poisons available in her country, quickly becomming one of the commanders best food tasters to date.

However, not everyone is pleased to see Yelena alive. Constantly attacked Yelena must learn how to defend herself, and quickly if she wants to stay alive. She soon discovers though that she may have abilities far beyond what she could ever dream- abilities that include magic. Which would be really awesome... IF magicians weren't excuted on the spot per The Commander's oders.

This first novel was filled with everything a reader could want: adventure, romance, and a good curvy plot! This is one series that you will definitely wan to add to your TBR shelf!

My Rating: