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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25 comments:

  1. QAugust 19, 2009 at 6:27 PM

    I love this series!

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  2. AmyAugust 20, 2009 at 2:32 AM

    This looks like a good series.

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  3. Lenore AppelhansAugust 20, 2009 at 2:58 AM

    I think this is just such a great premise!

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  4. HAugust 20, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    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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  5. JenAugust 20, 2009 at 6:56 PM

    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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  6. AnonymousAugust 24, 2009 at 5:28 PM

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

    --Sharry

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  7. JenAugust 25, 2009 at 10:19 AM

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

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  8. AnonymousAugust 25, 2009 at 5:21 PM

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

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  9. PriyaAugust 27, 2009 at 1:03 PM

    Wow. It sounds terrific.

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  10. vvb32 readsSeptember 15, 2009 at 1:14 PM

    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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  11. SadakoSeptember 30, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    Looks awesome!

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  12. Jenn (Books At Midnight)October 23, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    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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  13. AmyNovember 12, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    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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  14. Alyssa KirkNovember 20, 2009 at 10:30 PM

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

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  15. SadakoNovember 30, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Aw, no update? I miss your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  16. cleemckenzieFebruary 5, 2010 at 1:34 PM

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

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  17. MorganFebruary 16, 2010 at 6:47 PM

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

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  18. bookslandukMarch 3, 2010 at 8:46 AM

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

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  19. Sophia ChangJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    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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  20. web design perthSeptember 12, 2011 at 5:16 AM

    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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  21. Reno Carpet CleanersJanuary 27, 2012 at 3:02 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. freecallJanuary 27, 2012 at 5:08 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  23. mobile marketing for businessFebruary 17, 2012 at 1:30 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. Florida Bankruptcy LawsFebruary 21, 2012 at 5:20 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
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