Part fantasy and part romance, Snyder's book was much better than I expected. It's the story of a woman about to be executed who's given the chance to live -- as long as she's willing to be a food taster. Except that's not where the story ends, in fact it's where it begins. Snyder sets the book up to lure us in to read the rest of the series, but even so, Poison Study is a good stand alone. ( )

Excellent book. The characters and storyline suck you in. I highly recommend it. It's downfall, for me, was that it was portrayed as a romance but had almost no romance to speak of until the very end. Still, well written and captivating book. ( )

The literary equivalent of a soap opera, in that romance is a major (yet shallow) component, and that we're always told exactly what our protagonist is thinking. Reminded me of those close-ups on Days of Our Lives where John Black furrows his brow while the voiceover tells us what's going on in his head.Not that I've watched a lot of Days or anything. I've just heard, you know, stuff. ( )

I was a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed this story - I've rated very few books with 5 stars recently. The characters were well developed; the plot was interesting and complex; it wasn't overly predictable. The dust jacket summary didn't accurately summarize the story. I will actively look for the second and third books in the series. I would also recommend this as a good read to others. ( )

A couple months ago I had a Borders Gift Card burning a hole in my pocket and as luck would have it, there's a big fat Borders store a short walk from where I work. So I was browsing again and came across this title. I'm much better about impulse buys than I used to be so I checked out the comments on Amazon before snagging it. Well, as of this writing it's rated 4 and a half stars out of 5 from over 200 reviews. And sure enough, I was hooked by the second page. The plot concerns a young woman named Yelena sentenced to be executed for murder. But she's given an option: die by execution, or become the Commander's food taster, a life-long position (which is currently available since the last food taster died from poisoning.) Yelena chooses not to die and then gets caught up in the political intrigue surrounding the land known as Ixia. It's a breeze to read and the pace rarely flags although the rest of the story is not as strong as the first third. This book can stand alone but there are two more "Study" books featuring Yelena. They're on my list. 4 stars. ( )

Quite an enjoyable book. The characters were good and the story was very interesting. It is about a girl who is sentenced to be executed but is given a reprieve because she agrees to be the "Commander's" food taster. This book reminds me a little of [The Mistress of the Art of Death], but with some more fantasy aspects. (The world is imaginary. There is magic involved.) ( )

This is a book about a young lady that believes she was orphaned who is doomed to die. She is the next person in line for execution for murder. A murder she committed in self defense. Yelena is willing to except her fate, but is given a second chance. She can become the food taster for the leader of her country. Yelena trains with the kings assassin Valek to learn what the different poisons taste like. To keep her from escaping she is given a poison for which she must be given an antidote in order to keep from dying. At first it is a hard life but better than being in the dungeon cells or being executed.

Yelena is given an assignment to help to train the soldiers how to track someone. They know that she is a safe choice because she will not run away needing her antidote. She manages to elude her pursuers and make friends with two of them in a round about way that I won;t spoil for you. She ends up helping them and Yelena sets out to learn from them how to never be a victim again.

She is a strong willed young woman who is a very likable heroine. I could go on but I fear that I would totally give the story away. I kind of had to laugh because I went to get the second book and I couldn't find it so I went to the help desk. The reason I couldn't find it was because it was with the romances. Not where I would put it. ( )

The best book I have read this year. The way it was crafted and how the plot continued to thicken and there was always something going on made it a must read. I can't think of any negative feedback for this book. I can not wait till I read Magic Study and any other books Maria has written. ( )

This book unexpectedly gripped me and wouldn't let me go I am currently reading book 3 in the trilogy having read this one and the next in the last two days. A really good yarn. ( )

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a 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 dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can't control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear!

I loved, loved, loved this book. The main characters are sympathetic, the story is riveting, the world is exquisitely build. It all just fits. It's also a fresh story, with an unusual premise. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and Yelena's feelings and emotions felt real to me. I higly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series. ( )

First off, Ms. Snyder has an amazing talent at weaving a story together. The writing, the characters, everything that made Poison Study possible is amazingly done. Word choice, structure, descriptions, everything that makes this story more than just a story, but actually seem like a real world, one that the readers will wish to jump right into! And what better way to start off a fantasy novel than with painting a perfect picture for the readers, and making them wish to dive right in?

As a last chance to save herself from being hung for murder, Yelena agrees to take up the duty of food taster for the Commander. Who wouldn't want to stand around all day eating the finest foods for your betters, right? Except the job of a food taster is very.... deadly. Literally. Poison, of which is given to you the very first day in order to keep you from running off (without the daily antidote, it's said you will die a slow and painful death...), becomes an every day thing for you. Sounds like a wonderful job...

...But it's made better by her tasting mentor, Valek, who's trying so hard to not fall for the one girl that he knows he shouldn't have... That's right, on top of the amazing fantasy story and writing, there's also a nice dose of romance in it as well! Valek is a great hero, and the perfect match for strong willed Yelena. I enjoyed watching their interaction play out, and I cannot wait to read the following books in this series in order to see where their relationship goes.

As for the rest of the characters, they all left their impressions-- from Janco and Ari, who had me laughing a few times, to the mean old housekeeper, who, though evil, did provide us with someone to hate. All in all, a great batch, and I'm anxious to read more about them all, not just Yelena and Valek!

4.5 STARS! Amazingly written, perfectly told, Poison Study is a spell-binding first book in a series that promises romance, fantasy, magic, suspense, and action all bundled together in one lush package, waiting for you to unwrap and enjoy! ( )

Don’t be fooled by the Luna insignia on the spine, Poison Study is not a romance thinly disguised as a fantasy novel. When Yelena, a convicted murderer, is given a stay of execution in return for becoming the Commander’s new food taster, she has no idea how complicated her life is about to become. Yelena faces death from all sides, from the General whose son she killed, the southern magicians who fear her uncontrolled hidden magic, and the poison in her body, used as a means of keeping her from escaping. Her frantic attempts to survive, told in Snyder’s entertaining first person narration, will keep you turning pages and leave you reaching for the sequel.

Snyder has contrived an original, interesting world full of magic, intrigue and danger -- everything that a good fantasy story needs. Yelena is an interesting protagonist who captures attention, doesn't allow the other characters to overshadow her, and the concept of telling a story from the point of view of one who could die at any given spoonful is clever.

The composition is not on a high level and (certainly apart from the revelation a certain person's true sex) the story is somewhat predictable. That aside, "Poison Study" is entertaining and enjoyable. There is humor, romance and adventure that allows the book's faults to be largely ignored. I look forward to revisiting Yelena and her world. ( )

Choose A quick death or slow poison
what would you chose? this is a great book, that a get you running out to buy the next book 'magic study'. i love the slow burn of the romance.
the world maria v. snyder created is detailed and vivid and you get swept away into yelena's world. i highly recomend this book ( )

Poison Study is such a wonderful series opener that by the end I was dying to run out and buy Magic Study. Yelena, a young woman up for execution for murder, is given a second chance at life on the condition that she become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. It's a job this is only offered to those who are slated to die, since it will likely kill them anyway. Everyone quickly learns that Yelena is intelligent, resourceful, and difficult to dislike- which works both for and against her.
There is enough action and intrigue to keep the book interesting throughout, and the supporting characters are amazing. Janco and Ari are particular favorites of mine. I wasn't expecting this book to be a romance, and it's not really, but the one that develops is perfect. I can't wait to see if it's explored further in the next book!
They had this book in 3 different sections at my local bookstore- Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, and YA. To me, it's mostly fantasy since there is an element of Magic, but I can see how it would appeal to older teens and romantics as well! This book is definitely a solid A! ( )

This book was highly unexpected and well written. The story was absorbing and I found myself unable to put the book down. ( )

this book is so great. it made me laugh cry be mad be happy and cringe...

Slated for execution because of murder, Yelena is offered a choice: train to become the Commander’s next food taster, or face the noose. Yelena chooses the former, even though both are unappealing prospects. She is trained in the subtle arts of poison identification by the renowned assassin Valek, the Commander’s most loyal and talented spymaster.

However, danger does not lurk only in the Commander’s food for Yelena. Many do not trust her because of the blood she has shed, although her painful history gave her reason to do so. Political troubles are stirring as power-hungry Generals plot to overthrow the Commander. Yelena spends most of her free time training in self-defense and trying to ignore her growing feelings for Valek.

But try as she might, Yelena cannot deny the fact that she has more influence and power than she could’ve imagined, and that the fate of her country might rest in her food-tasting hands.

“This book is absolutely fantastic” may seem like a plebeian statement to make about a book you love—but when that book is perfect from beginning to end, sometimes the ability to express how I feel about it is beyond my abilities. In short, POISON STUDY is every reader’s dream book, with an intricate plot, lush fantasy world, plucky heroine, and unforgettable romance.

Yelena is ranked among my all-time favorite protagonists, right up there with Katniss of The Hunger Games. She is resourceful, intelligent, and unafraid of action. A weaker person would’ve cracked under all the pressure that Yelena faces—from her always imminent death to the ghosts of her past to the perils of her interactions with others—but Yelena is no ordinary heroine. Even in her weakest, most vulnerable moments, she is strong, and in a good mood she brightens up the story with her humor.

POISON STUDY contains only the best elements of an unputdownable fantasy read. Snyder’s creation of Yelena’s world is complete: it is engaging and has its own set of unfaltering rules, sturdiness that makes the story appealing. The romance is poignant (indeed, Valek is now one of my favorite love interests), yet does not suffocate the rest of the story. All elements of POISON STUDY complement one another perfectly, unforgettably.

If you’re one of the 12098563224 people in the world who read and loved The Hunger Games, then POISON STUDY is the book for you. This story of Yelena’s mental and physical struggles to overcome her obstacles, perfectly balanced with the greater political intrigue, makes POISON STUDY literally one of the best books ever written. You’d be loathe to miss your chance to jump into Yelena’s world. ( )

My Rating: A+

I absolutely adored this book! The characters are all deep and amazing, the writing is beautiful and descriptive. I felt like a whole new world was opening up in front of my eyes. This is one of those books that you have to be careful because time flies while your lost in this wonderful story.

I did feel that there were certain aspects of the story that were at times too easy to figure out, but nothing that took away from the overall product.

I highly recommend it and can't wait to get my hands on the next one! ( )

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I love the strong character of Yelena and how she overcomes her obstacles to make herself even stronger. I also enjoy the relationship that builds between herself and her jailer. ( )

Just before her scheduled execution for murder, Yelena is offered the option of being the food taster to the nation's ruler. While tasters never survive for long, she accepts the offer as her only choice and with the hope of escape, which she soon finds is not an option. As the story unfolds, Yelena struggles with whom she can trust, especially with the secret of why she murdered the son of her supposed benefactor, and fights for her life, using new and old talents, obtained at great price. ( )

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.

Yelena, you see, has been chosen to be the Commander's new food taster. And the Commander has so very many enemies. As does Yelena...

Poison Study is the first in a trio of novels by Maria Snyder, telling the story of Yelena. Set in a fantasy kingdom which has recently been taken over in a puritanical military dictatorship which reminded me of Cromwell's England. Yelena's crime, the murder of one of the sons of the military officers, is not easily forgiven by the grieving father. In addition, that father has plans of his own for the future of Ixia. And what of the strange abilities that Yelena is slowly starting to manifest?

Poison Study is definitely a character driven book, focusing on the motivations, character, and growth of Yelena. As such, Snyder creates a complex, three dimensional protagonists with strengths, flaws, hopes and dreams that grows and changes throughout the novel. There are hints of some interesting world building going on here, too.

Its a solid, good novel, and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series. ( )

Yelena has been convicted of murdering General Brazell’s only son Reyad and she awaits her execution by hanging. With only hours left until her death Yelena is offered a stop to her execution, but only if she agrees to become the food taster for Commander Ambrose. Thinking that escape may be possible, she agrees.It would seem that being a food taster would be an improvement to Yelena’s former life locked in a dark, dreary, rat infested dungeon but there are different ways to be held captive. She might be living in the palace and eating wondrous meals, but she is once again held prisoner by Butterfly’s Dust. Shortly after her acceptance to be food taster she is feed the poison, now her only way to survive is to have a daily antidote otherwise she will die an agonizing death. It’s not as easy to escape as she thought.Unfortunately for Yelena, General Brazell still wants her dead. Now she always seems to be in death’s path. It is present everyday when she must test the Commander’s food for hidden poisons, and as well the thugs and killers hired by Brazell that seem to be lurking around every corner. When it seems it can’t get any worse Yelena discovers that a powerful magician is also trying to kill her and Yelena herself realizes that she also posses magic. Which in Ixia, where Yelena lives, anyone possessing magical qualities is sentenced to death!When a conspiracy against the Commander comes to light, Yelena must once again face the demons that have haunted her memories. All her life she has been trying to run away, but when the chance comes will she be able to take it?Yelena is one of those characters that you can’t help but instantly like. The moment she is given a choice to save her life she doesn’t look back, even though it seems like she’s only landed herself into another prison. She posses a strength that is unwavering! She is ruthless and very smart. She’s is everything a leading character should be.Of course the story itself is amazing, I was captivated by the first few pages, and I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading. Maria V. Snyder paints a vivid picture of her new world and yet, the world she created is completely convincing. I loved all the characters, especially Valek, which at first look would seem to be somewhat sinister but ended up surprising me. Poison Study isn’t only a spellbinding fantasy it is also a riveting love story! Snyder is very talented story-teller and I can’t wait to join Yelena once again in the sequel to Poison Study, entitled Magic Study. ( )

Very pleasantly surprised by this novel and was thrilled to discover there's a sequel.

This was a pretty good novel. It doesn't quite fit into a genre—not really fantasy, not really romance. There's some decent worldbuilding, nothing amazing, and the romance isn't too cliché. I would have liked a bit more depth, though. WHY do Yelena and Valek fall in love?? Just because they're there? It felt a little lazy on the part of the author. Oh, the two main characters have to fall in love, right? I went with it, and it's fine. Hopefully the other two books in the series provide a bit more oomph, though. ( )