Poison Study
by Maria V. Snyder
While fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, I couldn’t resist the premise of Poison Study. A convicted murderess is on death row, but she gets a reprieve when one of the president’s advisors approaches her with a job opportunity to become the royal food taster. Every meal could be her last, if it’s poisoned, but it’s more of a chance to live than waiting in the dungeon for her execution.
Doesn’t that sound fantastic? I thought so, and at the end of the book, I still thought so. Poison Study was fast-paced, exciting, and engrossing. The characters were well-written, three-dimensional, and easy to root for. A strong heroine with nothing to lose can make some very interesting choices, and set amidst a world full of magic and interesting rules for the good of the society, she isn’t a rebel just for rebellion’s sake. Maria V. Snyder has a great imagination and ties in several social issues that are relevant today into her fantasy world. The general feel of this book, with a heroine who explores both magic and combat fighting, reminded me of Tamora Pierce’s “Alanna” books, which are among my sentimental favorites. If you liked Tamora Pierce’s fantasy world, you’ll love this one.
Doesn’t that sound fantastic? I thought so, and at the end of the book, I still thought so. Poison Study was fast-paced, exciting, and engrossing. The characters were well-written, three-dimensional, and easy to root for. A strong heroine with nothing to lose can make some very interesting choices, and set amidst a world full of magic and interesting rules for the good of the society, she isn’t a rebel just for rebellion’s sake. Maria V. Snyder has a great imagination and ties in several social issues that are relevant today into her fantasy world. The general feel of this book, with a heroine who explores both magic and combat fighting, reminded me of Tamora Pierce’s “Alanna” books, which are among my sentimental favorites. If you liked Tamora Pierce’s fantasy world, you’ll love this one.