Poison Study

Yelena is about to be executed for murder and is offered an alternative: food taster to the king. She herself is poisoned and must appear for her daily antidote or die a painful death. What she does with the hand dealt her is fantastic. She is a capable, educated heroine who takes responsibility for her own actions, and plans ahead the moment she begins to see options opening up, then works hard for her future. Watching her grow from desperate orphan into a competent, deadly fighter was fantastic, and strong character development anchors Yelena and Valek into your soul as you weave your way through this magic combo of assassins, spies, and intrigue. I love that romance took a seat in the background and let us focus on the action at hand. Themes of mortality, freedom of choice, and tests of loyalty predominate and make it more than just a fun read.

Books in Study Series (5)

Booklists having this book

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Other books by Snyder, Maria V.

Poison Study

Yelena is about to be executed for murder and is offered an alternative: food taster to the king. She herself is poisoned and must appear for her daily antidote or... Read more

Magic Study

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured... Read more

Fire Study

The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun. Read more

Shadow Study

Former poison taster Yelena has become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in... Read more

Night Study

"Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana's life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her... Read more

Study

Poison Study is another novel that toes the line between young adult and mature. It opens with an incredible hook and drags you all the way through the story on... Read more