Maria V. Snyder, Poison Study

Poison Study starts out with a prisoner. And a choice. Yelena Zaltana has been convicted of murder. She has killed a General's son. But Valek, the chief of security offers a way out. She can become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. She agrees and commences training. But the training seems even more difficult then the actual job. Especially when Valek forces her to taste a deadly poison. And when her victim's father, General Brazell, send men after her to kill her.

The writing is excellent. The novel flows exciting event to event. And I have to admit that as soon as I read this book I immmediately started reading the second book. It's just that addicting.

Poison Study

Maria V. Snyder

Luna, Oct 2005, $13.99, 350 pp.

ISBN 0373802307

Yelena has been locked in the dungeon under deplorable conditions for almost a year, waiting for her execution. Even though she killed Reyad in self-defense, the Code of Behavior punishes the murderer even though there is cause for the crime to be committed. When Yelena is brought before Valek the Commanders chief spymaster and assassin, he gives her a chance since she is the next prisoner due to be executed. An opening for a taste tester for the Commander is available and Yelena eagerly accepts the position.

Valek has poisoned her and she must take the antidote each day thus preventing her escape. Reyads father, General Brazell wants Yelena dead but Valek prevents numerous attempts on her life. Meanwhile Brazell sends candy to the commander that he eats several times a day; over time Valek and Yelena notice a change come over their leader but are unable to find any evidence that Brazell is poisoning or enchanting the Commander. When they travel to Brazells home, a trap is sprung and the outcome will determine who rules the realm. Yelena, now aware of her magical abilities, must fight a trained magician who has had time to strengthen his position and see his plans come to completion.

The heroine, an orphan who doesnt know her heritage, is a strong willed person able to take the pain life throws at her and remains a good hearted person giving love and loyalty to those who deserve it. POISON STUDY is rich in character development and action scenes and many of the battles take place in the magical arena. Valek is an interesting character, more so then Yelena, because he hides behind a mask so that readers wonder what motivates him while Yelena wears her heart on her sleeve. Maria V. Snyder makes readers believe in her world and the characters she creates, a writers form of magic.

Harriet Klausner