Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder Series: Poison Study #1
Published by Mira on August 15, 2012
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 431
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Murder, mayhem and magic…
Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.
But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.
This time of year calls out for comfort food. What better way to enjoy the season, than to pull out my comfort reads and enjoy them all over again. Poison Study is one of my go-to rereads and it never fails to disappoint. This is a beautifully written gem that stuns you with its originality and adds a twist on the common tropes of multiple genres. Poison Study, the first book in The Chronicles of Ixia, has a cross-genre appeal that make it difficult to categorize. The political landscape and the general cold desolation of Ixia leads one to feel as if one is reading a dystopian novel. However, included is a magical element that unfolds over the course of the story that lands it in the realm of fantasy.
In the land of Ixia, when the Commander’s food taster dies, the next convict in line for execution is granted a stay in exchange for stepping into the role. Yelena, a convicted murderess, trades the noose for the chance to live, even if it means living under a sword of Damocles. She begins a crash course in poisons and toxicology under the tutelage of Valek, master of Ixia’s intelligence network, in order to perform her duties for the Commander. However, there are greater dangers afoot, and together with newfound allies, Yelena must confront the unspeakable darkness of her past and the looming threats of the present in order to safeguard Ixia.
The country of Ixia itself fascinates me. Ixia is divided into districts and led by the Commander (read: Supreme Dictator). Slight infractions are punished harshly and magic is punishable by death. However no one goes hungry, people are prosperous and they love the Commander. The Laws of Conduct are followed by everyone, high and low. Order and justice prevail, but freedoms, art and expression are limited. I appreciate the juxtaposition of the militarized state, quite communist in its nature, against the previous monarchy. Ms. Snyder creates a society where things are not so black and white, and it is up to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
The cast of characters is richly drawn, with layers of complexity making them interesting to read. Yelena, generally despised by the Ixians for killing the son of a national hero, appears to be a sulky, disgruntled citizen, bitter, but resigned to her fate. However, her work ethic and her determination to succeed as the poison taster, thereby keeping the Commander safe, win her friends and unexpected allies. I appreciated the comic relief provided by Yelena’s guard friends. I was thankful she found allies in Ari and Janco, and wish I had two veterans to train me in the art of combat. While I sometimes find flawless, uber-capable heroes annoying, that was certainly not the case here. It was impossible not to fall in love with the intelligent and enigmatic Valek.
This story is subtle, but not slow. Maria V. Snyder deftly moves the plot forward with ample foreshadowing, action, and a looming sense of danger. She manages to paint a vivid image of the characters and setting without bogging the story down with ponderous descriptions. Poison Study unfolds gradually and builds to an exciting conclusion.
About Maria V. Snyder
When Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting…at all.
Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over a dozen novels and numerous short stories later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a half-dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren’t being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she’s not writing she’s either playing volleyball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it’s not working as a meteorologist.
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I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
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subtle can be very effective and i do love an exciting conclusion
sherry @ fundinmental
I ‘ve had this one on my list forever. I bought the ebook and now the audio is in audible Escape which I have a trial so I need to try to get to it! Wonderful review!
I enjoyed this series as well.
I love to reread some of my favorites. Especially when I get into a book slump.
I like your description of this being a lot of things. Like a dystopian, a fantasy a political intrigue since it is all of those.
Great review! I added this to my TBR.
I really need to push this one up to the top of my TBR pile . . .
I have most of the books in this series and have wanted to read it for years but it keeps getting passed over for one reason or another. It sounds like a great book and I am so happy you enjoyed your re-read.
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