Monday, August 17, 2009

Poison Study by Maria V Snyder

Title: Poison Study


Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: The Study Series


Summary: Yelena has spent the last year in the Commander's dungeons awaiting execution for murder, and it looks like she is finally next in line, until the commander's food tester dies. The Code dictates the position goes to the next in the line for execution and she has two choice; either be executed or undertake training that might kill her. She will learn under Valek the most feared man in Ixia, a country that is set to stomp out any magic. Magic like the stuff that the General who's son she killed might be dabbling in as he tries to get revenge on Yelena.


Thoughts: Snyder's debut novel is at the height of excellence. The imaginary country, government and society is all well constructed. As are the characters with Yelena and Valek being both clever and interesting. Although Valek tends to pop up and save her a little too often for my liking, regardless Yelena manages to hold her own against some super-evil villains. The Commander also was interesting managing to set up a military dictatorship, a strict legal code, and having the determination to follow said code and live like all the civilians. He is an wonderful leader despite his shocking secret. The novel was a complete story yet also did a fabulous job setting up for the rest of the series. Readers will become truly invested in the fate of all the characters.

Cover: The original cover is nice, but the spiffy one pictured is the YA cover. The leaves are kind of transparently shiny, making it gorgeous!


Rating: 4.5 stars


PS: Look out for her lovely new book Sea Glass out this fall!
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34 comments:

  3. This looks like a good series.

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  4. I think this is just such a great premise!

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  5. I love this book so much. It's far better than the sequel imo. I like the YA cover but actually I prefer the UK one. It's a bit grittier I think.

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  6. Amy: Yeah its fabulous!

    Lenore: It was pretty impressive.

    H: I liked the other covers better initially, but then I had to order this one, and theres really neat trasparent bits that you can only see handling it.

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  7. I really enjoyed this book too! Have you read the other books in the series yet?

    --Sharry

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  8. Yeah, Ive read the Yelena series and the first two Opal books! They're great!

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  9. I really enjoyed the first and second installment of this series. Glad you liked it!

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  11. the covers for this series are so eye-catching along with interesting storyline. will have to give them a try.
    BTW: you've just been awarded...
    http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2009/09/who-loves-you-baby-award.html

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  13. Following! I love the books you read. :)
    And, uh, I TOTALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I still have a hard time believing it was a debut book. But, anyways, glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  14. I'm strange I guess, b/c i just don't see the appeal of the series. It just didn't grab me, but glad you liked it!
    -amy

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  15. Sounds good. I liked her Storm glass series. Thanks!

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  16. Aw, no update? I miss your blog.

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  17. Hi Jen

    I can't find an email address for you, so please forgive me intruding on your comment wall. I’d like to invite you to write about your favorite books at www.bookdrum.com, where you can add information, images, video, music and links to illustrate and explore the books.

    Right now, we're running a $3,000 Tournament and we'll be offering contract work to the best entries.

    Best wishes

    Hector Macdonald
    Editor, Book Drum

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  18. Love the story line. Have to put in on my spring book list. Thanks.

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  19. I've been wanting to read this one. Sounds great and I also love the cover.

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  20. Fabulous, catchy, Impressing.. Am searching for words. the book is really damn enjoying. and good writing too.

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  27. God I loved this book; it started me on my Maria Snyder worship. It's got perfect structure and an addictive, well, everything.

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  28. I love this book so much. It's far better than the sequel imo. I like the YA cover but actually I prefer the UK one. It's a bit grittier I think.

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  29. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked.

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  30. Youre so right. Im there with you. Your blog is unquestionably worth a read if anybody comes across it. Im lucky I did because now Ive acquired a whole new view of this. I didnt realise that this issue was so important and so universal. You surely put it in perspective for me.

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  31. The novel was a complete story yet also did a fabulous job setting up for the rest of the series.

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  32. I finished this book on Friday, and I took all weekend to decide what I wanted to say in my review.

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