A Review for Poison Study (Study #1) by Maria V.Synder

Posted by Donna
Release Date: June 7th, 2013
Finished Date: June 25th, 2013

Publishers: Mira Ink
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 409

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Choose: A quick death or slow poison ... 

On the eve of her execution for murder, Yelena Zaltana is offered an incredible reprieve - on the condition that she becomes the food taster for the military leader of Ixia, Commander Ambrose.

Avoiding poison is the least of her troubles, however ... General Brazell, father of the man she killed, has vowed bloody revenge; she's beginning to have feelings for her captor, Valek; and someone is plotting the downfall of the current regime.

In a desperate race against time, Yelena must learn to control the growing magical talent within her and master the demons of her past. The Commander's life, the future of Ixia and all those she loves depend on it ...

The Review: “Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considerable trouble and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you...but you slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.” 

Ever since I read Maria's Healer series, I've been wanting to try her Study series, mainly because everyone adores the series and I'm so pleased now that I do too. 

In Poison Study, we meet Yelena Zaltana who is about to be executed for being found guilty of murder. However, Yelena is offered a way out and that's to become the Commander's new food taster. I loved this storyline! It's fresh and unique idea - one I've not heard of before. Maybe that's down to the fact I don't read many fantasy stories but hey, a girls got to start somewhere. 

I can see a pattern with Maria's female protagonists. She writes strong, independent and smart characters that always stand up for what they believe in. I love characters like this because you can't go wrong with them. Yelena is a fantastic honourable protagonist and Maria wrote her perfectly. And then of course we have Valek - sigh - I love him! It's hard not too. Yelena and Valek bring so many qualities to this story and I was completely absorbed in their relationship, even though it was completely non-existent up until the last 50 pages. It was the suspense of knowing that something would happen with them that kept me enthralled all the way through. The secondary characters provided great entertainment too - Janco and Ari were full of humour and provided quiet a few funny moments. 

In all, Poison Study is a well-written fantasy novel with a touch of romance and one that's highly addictive! I loved it and I'm excited to see what Magic Study brings.