Poison Study

 

Death comes in two options: Now or Later.

 

Yelena is standing at death's door when she's given a choice, become the Commander of Ixia's food taster or meet the hangman at the gallows. The choice is simple, but life as a part of the Commander's people not so much. With magical abilities she can't control and assassination attempts at every turn, choices must be made, but can she trust herself to make the right ones or will she finally meet her bitter end?

 

Review

 

Poison Study by Maria V.  Snyder was phenomenal. Yelena is a young woman kept in the Commander of Ixia's dungeon awaiting her execution for murder. A fact that though she fears she has excepted, that is until the Commander's right hand-man Valek gives her a choice, either become the Commander's latest food taster, the person charged with sampling food for poisons, or be executed for her crimes. Only a fool would refuse such an offer and Yelena is no fool. Yelena is attacked and betrayed at every turn, it's sad really, but despite it all Valek has her back. The things done to here in her past tore at me, this book is heavy, but saving it from being miserable was the loveable warrior Janco. With his witty rhymes and goofy big bother charm he kept this book from verging on depressing. He and Ari stole the spotlight every time they entered the room. This was an amazing first book to kick off a series with. I can't wait to read more.