- Poison Study
Articleissues
unreferenced = February 2008
cleanup = February 2008
notability = February 2008infobox Book |
name = Poison Study
title_orig =
translator =
image_caption =
author =Maria V. Snyder
illustrator =
cover_artist =Erin Craig
country =United States
language = English
series =Study Series
genre =Fantasy
publisher = Mira
release_date = October 2005
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Hardcover, Paperback, andTrade Paperback
pages = 361
isbn = 0778324338
followed_by =Magic Study "Poison Study" is a 2005 fantasy novel written by
Maria V. Snyder , and the first book of a series.Poison Study is Book 1 of 3 (for now) by
Maria V. Snyder .Plot
"Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die--but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.
But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster--chosen to ensure that the Commander’s food is not poisoned--has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me--must be offered the position.
So now I must choose: a quick death… or slow poison…"
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. 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. As Yelena tries to escape her dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can't control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear! ----
Books----Book 1: Poison Study
Book 2:
Magic Study Book 3:
Fire Study Assassin Study can be read at http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1257&chapter=1Power Study can be read at http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstories.phpCharacters: ----Yelena - Main Heroine. Offered the choice of becoming the Commander's food taster or being executed for murder. She begins training as the food taster. Her life in her own words, "I was raised in an orphanage in the Territory of Ixia's Military District #5. General Brazell, the leader of MD-5 made sure the kids in the orphanage had everything we needed. In between our school lessons, I learned acrobatics, I hung out with my friends, May and Carra and competed in the annual Fire Festival. When I turned 16, I was invited to help the General and his son, Reyad with some important experiments! A dream job - the others in the orphanage were so jealous!
To make a long story short, the experiments didn't go well at all, and after two years of... well, I'll spare you the details, I ended up in the Commander of Ixia's dungeon awaiting execution for the murder of Reyad. After a year living in a rat-infested, dank cell, I was so ready to hang, but I was offered a choice instead. Become the Commander's new Food Taster or go to the gallows. I'm sure you can guess my answer. After all, I'm not a simpleton. And no matter how bad things get, there is always hope." Valek - Main Hero, a highly skilled Assassin whom is famous and feared for killing the former king, and being immune to magic. As the chief of security, Valek’s duties involve keeping the Territory of Ixia and the Commander safe. He’s in charge of a vast network of spies throughout Ixia and into the southern lands of Sitia. The work suits him as he enjoys putting together pieces of information and discovering plots and plans well before they’re initiated. Patience learned when he studied the assassin arts aids him when he does find an illegal activity in full swing. Watching and learning as much as he can, Valek will only pounce when he’s assured of catching all the culprits. He’s not only confident, but cocky as well.
Commander Ambrose - Secondary character. Powerful and focused, the Commander doesn’t suffer fools at all. Driven by his own code of behavior, the Commander detests opulence and excess, viewing it as a waste of time and money. He believes in simplicity and logic, and has set up a strict way of living that is very straightforward and without compromise. Uncorrupted by power, he lives the life he endorses, makes sure all his people are treated fairly, and all their needs are met. Advisors and officers are promoted based solely on intelligence and skill.
Ardenus (Ari for short) - Secondary character. Solid, strong and unflappable, Ari is a down to earth guy. His intelligence has helped him rise through the ranks of the Commander’s Army from Private to Captain. He is the complete opposite of his partner, Janco, who can drive him crazy at times but Ari won’t trust anyone else to protect his back.
Janco - Secondary character. Quick witted and fleet footed, Janco is a fast fighter and talker. He loves to duel with swords and sing rhymes to unnerve his opponents. Known as a jokester, Janco is frequently underestimated and has surprised many with his fighting skills. His views on life are rather odd and he enjoys embellishing a good story. His partner, Ari keeps him in line and grounds him. Janco’s constant bantering and bickering with others makes for either high entertainment or pure annoyance depending on who you are, but if anyone should threaten one of his friends, Janco turns deadly serious.
External Links----
* http://www.mariavsnyder.com/ Maria V. Snyder - Official homepage of the Author.
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