Review: Poison Study

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*4.5*

Everyone makes choices in life. Some bad, some good. It's called living, and if you want to bow out, then go right ahead. But don't do it halfway. Don't linger in whiners limbo.

Really, really enjoyed this one! I'm still swooning over Valek here...

"What have I earned from you, Valek? Loyalty? Respect? Trust?"
"You have my attention. But give me what I want, and you can have everything."

This fantasy story follows headstrong Yelena who is rotting in a dungeon awaiting execution for the crime of murdering someone when one day her entire life gets turned around. She is taken out of her dungeon and instead of being executed, she is offered to become the Commander food taster. A highly dangerous job where she can die at any moment from the hand of whoever plans to assassinate the Commander. Obviously she agrees, and trains and learns all these different poisons from a super handsome assassin named Valek. There's magic, political intrigue, romance, and heart stopping action.

Trusting is hard. Knowing who to trust, even harder.

I absolutely loved Yelena. She was so badass and I loved her development throughout the book! She becomes to strong and so powerful and I loved watching her become this kickass warrior after everything she went through. She's funny, witty, and doesn't take crap from anyone. It was so fun to read! I loved watching her meet everyone in the castle and learn to defend herself and then open up her heart to Valek.

Poisoned, pursued, and living with a psychopath. Not what I would consider the good life. Death has it's perks.

I LOVED Valek! I love his slow burning relationship with Yelena but also how loyal he was to his cause. He was so LOYAL! He's one of those people that once you earn his trust, he will stand by you to the death. He's THAT passionate. He's also extremely badass and ridiculously gorgeous. Did I mention GORGEOUS? Like seriously this guys mirrors models in my mind and I'm still drooling. And he's so SMART. He reminded me a little bit of Dimitri from Vampire Academy with how badass he is, with the shoulder length hair and total warrior atmosphere he gives off. I was squealing at all of us his scenes with Yelena! I SHIP them so hard! The banter. The declarations! Them learning how to open their hearts to one another and start to trust and admire the other. There was no INSTA which I seriously appreciated! It was a slow burn but the right amount of intense slow burn to keep you reading more and more.

"Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considering trouble and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you." Valeks warm breath in my ear sent a shiver down my spine. "But you've slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart."

"That sounds more like a poison than a person," was all I could say. His confession had both shocked and thrilled me.

"Exactly," Valek replied. "You have poisoned me."

*clutches pillow* SHIP

The other aspect I really enjoyed was the magic involved. Their was a ton of actions and so many of the chapters ended in cliffhangers but I loved watching magic slowly edge it's way into the series. Then when the bomb shell hits, its awesome! I really liked the politics involved too. This world is fantasy but has a military vibe to it. Super cool and interesting! I really liked that mix and the characters in this world were wonderful. I really liked Yelenas friendship with Ari and Janco! I loved how protective they were of her!

Sieges weathered, fight together, friends forever.

The only issue I had was I felt that certain scenes were a little rushed. I would have liked to see all those scenes we overlooked! I get how it was particularly necessary but I still wanted more! The writing was very straight forwarded. And the ending was kind of rushed too. But overall this is an addicting, different, fun, and fast paced first book in what is sure to be, a great series. I'm excited to get to Magic Study! And read more of Valek and Yelena because OTP. Definitely recommend if you are looking for something unique, easy to understand, and extremely addicting.

"An execution order hasn't kept us apart before. There are ways to get around it. We will be together."
"Is that an order?"
"No a promise."

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