I have to admit, Poison Study is my favourite book by far. Other than Valek, the obvious contender for your heart, Snyder introduces us to the power twins, Iris, Leif, and Fisk – all of whom you will feel ridiculously attached to by the end.

In fact, there is an entire host of characters that you’ll fall in love with. Ok, she despairs a little, but you’d allow her a moment of weakness too if you knew what she had been through! She is definitely not one of the modern day YA stars she does not whine, whinge, cry, or despair at her situation. What makes this series brilliant is the protagonist, Yelena. There is, however, danger, corruption, an unknown power, and a seriously tempting assassin… Come on, like there’s ever a YA fantasy without one! The book starts with our female protagonist about be executed for murdering her tormentor – it’s safe to say there are no rainbows and happy unicorns in this tale. I first encountered Poison Study as a teenager, it was the first fantasy I had read that had a dark side to it. Title: Poison Study / Magic Study / Fire Study / Shadow Study / Night Study

But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear… Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. 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.Īs Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace-and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.Īnd so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. Synopsis: About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve.

Magic study by maria v snyder