Book Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Release Date: September 2007
Publisher: MIRA
Price: (English Pounds): £6.99
Genre: YA, historical fantasy
No. Pages:409

Poison Study is an intriguing fantasy story, which could possibly be one of the best books I have ever came across. With a unique storyline and characters Maria V. Snyder sure reaches full potential with this novel, the first in the Yelena Zaltana trilogy.



Yelena lives in Ixia, a nation ruled by it's zero tolerance, Code of Behaviour, which massively effects Yelena, after killing one of the nations most powerful generals sons, Yelena is sent to be executed. But the day after before Yelena faces her execution she is given the choice, to be expected or to become the Commander's (the ruler of all of Ixia) food taster, where she could slowly die from poison at almost anytime.



She is put in the care of Valek, who knows that she is likely to try and escape, so he laces her food with a poison called Butterfly Dust, which is known for the torture it creates on the victim before dying, of course the only way for Yelena to avoid the painful death is to report to Valek every moening for the antidote. But as time goes by Yelena and Valek gain a deep and meaningful relationship.



General Brazell is furious that his sons death has not be avenged, and begin to take matters into his own hands, and constantly attempts to capture and kill Yelena.



I wasn't so sure about this book once I came across it, but I decided to give it a chance and am so glas I did. I had never expected myself to be in anyway intrested in a book based around the adventures of a food taster, but I just can't get over how amazing and brilliant it is, without a doubt this book is my second favourite book all time.


I would definately recommend this book to anyone, especially if you enjoy historical and fantasy type books.

I give this book