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Poison Study #1-3
Study Trilogy Collection: Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study
From condemned prisoner to food taster for the Commander of Ixia, from apprentice to a charismatic assassin to warrior with ever-evolving magical powers, Yelena is a remarkable heroine like none you've ever experienced. Follow her amazing journey through Maria V. Snyder's breathtaking fantasy series. Bundle includes Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study.
Box Set
First published January 1, 2008
235 people are currently reading
1894 people want to read
About the author
Maria V. Snyder
74 books17.4k followersWhen Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over twenty four novels and two short story collections later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
September 6, 2012
I have never had a favorite author. I have always read so many book so fast. I was always moving on and didn't usually read more that one series from the same author. But with Maria V. Snyder.. i was HOOKED.
I fell in love with her world of Sitia and Ixia, and magic, And Opal and Yelena.
I read Opals series first, the Glass series. I loved them so much, when i found out about her other series, i had to have them. Little did i know that the study series and the glass series were the same world. A surprise though.. a very pleasant and exciting surprise!
I love Maria V. Snyders depth of characters the world of magic that you get to know almost as well as your own world. I get serious book hangovers from her books and i feel unhappy living in this boring world we live in. Her books are action packed and mysterious, thrilling and romantic.
For the first time, I have a favorite author. And her name is Maria V. Snyder, because of her magic filled Sitia and Ixia world, made me think lower of any other books filled with magic. I feel like i dont want to read any books because i don't want to leave Maria V. Snyders world behind yet. After reading 6 books in that world, full of action and death, sadness, and complex situations, and full of hope and love, I definitely don't want them to end.
Throughout all the books though, i liked Valek and Yelenas love story better than Opal and Kaden/Devlen, but i liked the intense storyline better in Opals books. In the study series a bit of it felt like i was reviewing because of what i learned about opal and yelenas past in the the glass books, but of course more in depth and in yelenas point of view.
Anyways, these books were amazing, and on the top of my favorites list. I felt like they wern't too young, but they had all the complexity of the world and magic and characters that made you feel right at home.
I fell in love with her world of Sitia and Ixia, and magic, And Opal and Yelena.
I read Opals series first, the Glass series. I loved them so much, when i found out about her other series, i had to have them. Little did i know that the study series and the glass series were the same world. A surprise though.. a very pleasant and exciting surprise!
I love Maria V. Snyders depth of characters the world of magic that you get to know almost as well as your own world. I get serious book hangovers from her books and i feel unhappy living in this boring world we live in. Her books are action packed and mysterious, thrilling and romantic.
For the first time, I have a favorite author. And her name is Maria V. Snyder, because of her magic filled Sitia and Ixia world, made me think lower of any other books filled with magic. I feel like i dont want to read any books because i don't want to leave Maria V. Snyders world behind yet. After reading 6 books in that world, full of action and death, sadness, and complex situations, and full of hope and love, I definitely don't want them to end.
Throughout all the books though, i liked Valek and Yelenas love story better than Opal and Kaden/Devlen, but i liked the intense storyline better in Opals books. In the study series a bit of it felt like i was reviewing because of what i learned about opal and yelenas past in the the glass books, but of course more in depth and in yelenas point of view.
Anyways, these books were amazing, and on the top of my favorites list. I felt like they wern't too young, but they had all the complexity of the world and magic and characters that made you feel right at home.
January 17, 2012
In A Nutshell:
This series enchanted me. The world created by Maria V. Snyder inspired me to believe in magic, in love, and in destiny. The characters were interesting. I was left guessing who was good and who was not until the end of each novel. The stories were enthralling. I could not put these books down once I started them. I have loaned my books to a number of friends, and each of them has been as impressed as I with this series.
Review:
Yelena is given a choice. She committed a murder which means she faces an execution as required by the laws of Ixia. Or she can have a reprieve and serve as the food taster for the Commander to ensure that he is not poisoned. This reprieve comes with its own strings. In particular, she is given a poison that will kill her unless she takes the antidote daily.
This story opens the series, but the story continues to chronicle Yelena’s adventures to learn and understand her magical gifts. For that training, she must leave everything she knows and loves and travel to the land of her birth. Yelena’s training however will be very different from the norm. Her talents are unique within the magical community. For some people, that uniqueness inspires fear, anger, and hatred. But Yelena must use her unique gifts to save everyone from a crazy plan that would destroy everything that the citizens of Ixia and Sitia hold dear.
I found myself drawn to the characters of Yelena and Valek from the very beginning. I was rooting for them, hoping there would be a way for them to be together. The time they spent together was a highlight for me throughout the series. Whenever they had to separate, I read with anticipation to see them together again.
Maria V. Snyder created an interesting world where magic is honored in one country but feared and despised in another country. Yelena is stuck in the middle. Her heart, her memories, and in many ways her life is in Ixia but her magic is outlawed there. Hher family and her magical training are in Sitia; but her love is not welcome there. She has to figure out for herself where her place really is; where will she be happiest?
Poison Study is by far my favorite book in the series. The chemistry between Yelena and Valek is endearing. I agree with some of the reviews that I have read that claimed that Fire Study is the least enchanting of the series. There was one point in the Fire Study where I literally said aloud “you have to be kidding me!” I was so frustrated with the number of road blocks being put in their path—they could not catch a break at all. In the end, however, I was glad I read Fire Study. I wanted to see how Yelena and Valek’s story ended, but after so many road blocks I was very glad to see it finally come to the end.
This series enchanted me. The world created by Maria V. Snyder inspired me to believe in magic, in love, and in destiny. The characters were interesting. I was left guessing who was good and who was not until the end of each novel. The stories were enthralling. I could not put these books down once I started them. I have loaned my books to a number of friends, and each of them has been as impressed as I with this series.
Review:
Yelena is given a choice. She committed a murder which means she faces an execution as required by the laws of Ixia. Or she can have a reprieve and serve as the food taster for the Commander to ensure that he is not poisoned. This reprieve comes with its own strings. In particular, she is given a poison that will kill her unless she takes the antidote daily.
This story opens the series, but the story continues to chronicle Yelena’s adventures to learn and understand her magical gifts. For that training, she must leave everything she knows and loves and travel to the land of her birth. Yelena’s training however will be very different from the norm. Her talents are unique within the magical community. For some people, that uniqueness inspires fear, anger, and hatred. But Yelena must use her unique gifts to save everyone from a crazy plan that would destroy everything that the citizens of Ixia and Sitia hold dear.
I found myself drawn to the characters of Yelena and Valek from the very beginning. I was rooting for them, hoping there would be a way for them to be together. The time they spent together was a highlight for me throughout the series. Whenever they had to separate, I read with anticipation to see them together again.
Maria V. Snyder created an interesting world where magic is honored in one country but feared and despised in another country. Yelena is stuck in the middle. Her heart, her memories, and in many ways her life is in Ixia but her magic is outlawed there. Hher family and her magical training are in Sitia; but her love is not welcome there. She has to figure out for herself where her place really is; where will she be happiest?
Poison Study is by far my favorite book in the series. The chemistry between Yelena and Valek is endearing. I agree with some of the reviews that I have read that claimed that Fire Study is the least enchanting of the series. There was one point in the Fire Study where I literally said aloud “you have to be kidding me!” I was so frustrated with the number of road blocks being put in their path—they could not catch a break at all. In the end, however, I was glad I read Fire Study. I wanted to see how Yelena and Valek’s story ended, but after so many road blocks I was very glad to see it finally come to the end.
May 26, 2016
Actual rating 4.5
Almost perfect... Except for a slight hiccup in the third book, the series was quite amazing. Something I usually find it really annoying with books in this genre is a very whiny female MC. You Lena was anything but... And the girl had all kinds of things thrown at her. She never complain, she never threw a little pity party, she just kept going on, with strength and pride. Something I really enjoyed with the series was the magic and how it manifested itself, the pulling of it, super interesting. Also the politics were interesting, but not bogged down with too much information or an over telling of information.. That was actually what was perfect about every part of this, it was for lack of a better word simple. And in it simplicity it was perfect made for an interesting fun read that wasn't ever bog down with unnecessary information.. Definitely not going to be my last book or shall I say books by this author.
Almost perfect... Except for a slight hiccup in the third book, the series was quite amazing. Something I usually find it really annoying with books in this genre is a very whiny female MC. You Lena was anything but... And the girl had all kinds of things thrown at her. She never complain, she never threw a little pity party, she just kept going on, with strength and pride. Something I really enjoyed with the series was the magic and how it manifested itself, the pulling of it, super interesting. Also the politics were interesting, but not bogged down with too much information or an over telling of information.. That was actually what was perfect about every part of this, it was for lack of a better word simple. And in it simplicity it was perfect made for an interesting fun read that wasn't ever bog down with unnecessary information.. Definitely not going to be my last book or shall I say books by this author.
April 26, 2025
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Individual reviews :
1. Poison Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Magic Study ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Fire Study ⭐⭐⭐
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Individual reviews :
1. Poison Study ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Magic Study ⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Fire Study ⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
July 12, 2012
The first book was great...lots of mystery and a very interesting premise. I was eager to read the second installment, and it was not too disappointing. The final book was a total mess. It kind of sucks when feel like you're trudging through something to get to the end so you can put yourself out of your misery. It seemed like it would never end, there were way too many characters, too many places with weird names and too much traveling back and forth to those places. Also, I liked it the first time Valek called Yelena 'love'...after the four hundredth time I was ready to lose it. Love, I mean, come on, love, the least you can do is think of another pet name, love. The talking horses were a nice touch, though.
December 21, 2010
The Study Series begins with an interesting dilemma: how much are you willing to risk to delay death? For Yelena, a soon-to-be-executed murderess, the answer is everything. To prolong her life for an indeterminable time, she is willing to participate in a gamble: she will become the Commander's food taster. The prize? The possibility of living just one more day after each successful tasting. The stake? Her life and death by poison.
This series was fabulous! Once I started reading I could not put it down! Thank goodness this book is the first of a trilogy. The second book is Magic Study and the third is Fire Study. Since reading this book I have become a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder. While her second trilogy, which begins with Sea Glass, isn't as good, its still an interesting read. In the end, if you decide to pick up this book, I highly doubt that you will be disappointed! SO READ IT!!!!
This series was fabulous! Once I started reading I could not put it down! Thank goodness this book is the first of a trilogy. The second book is Magic Study and the third is Fire Study. Since reading this book I have become a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder. While her second trilogy, which begins with Sea Glass, isn't as good, its still an interesting read. In the end, if you decide to pick up this book, I highly doubt that you will be disappointed! SO READ IT!!!!
January 3, 2011
The Study Series begins with an interesting dilemma: how much are you willing to risk to delay death? For Yelena, a soon-to-be-executed murderess, the answer is everything. To prolong her life for an indeterminable time, she is willing to participate in a gamble: she will become the Commander's food taster. The prize? The possibility of living just one more day after each successful tasting. The stake? Her life and death by poison.
This series was fabulous! Once I started reading I could not put it down! Thank goodness this book is the first of a trilogy. The second book is Magic Study and the third is Fire Study. Since reading this book I have become a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder. While her second trilogy, which begins with Sea Glass, isn't as good, its still an interesting read. In the end, if you decide to pick up this book, I highly doubt that you will be disappointed! SO READ IT!!!!
This series was fabulous! Once I started reading I could not put it down! Thank goodness this book is the first of a trilogy. The second book is Magic Study and the third is Fire Study. Since reading this book I have become a huge fan of Maria V. Snyder. While her second trilogy, which begins with Sea Glass, isn't as good, its still an interesting read. In the end, if you decide to pick up this book, I highly doubt that you will be disappointed! SO READ IT!!!!
December 1, 2013
This is a bundle of the trilogy Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study. I found this fantasy series on a recommended reading list for those who love Tamora Pierce. They certainly harken to her Wild Mage series. I like the first book the best, but they were all eminently readable, featuring an intriguing world, a strong courageous main character, and a bittersweet love interest. This is one of the few fantasy series I've encountered that deals with a quazi-communist style military dictatorship, an intriguing political set up that reminded me a bit of the world building in the Hunger Games (although not sci-fi).
April 28, 2012
amazing.amazing.amaziiinnngggg! This series is worth the read! Once you start, you just can't stop! You just wanna keep going 'cause the story is full of twist and surprises! I almost imagined myself as Yelena beside Valek!
This book made me realize and ponder some thoughts about love, trust, and life! I almost believed in magic when I read this!This is really a must read! :)
This book made me realize and ponder some thoughts about love, trust, and life! I almost believed in magic when I read this!This is really a must read! :)
August 23, 2012
Probably one of my ALL TIME favorite series!!! I re-read these every so often because of how much I love them. I have always enjoyed a strong courageous heroine and these books deliver just that. The characters she writes are AMAZING and you quickly become attached and can't wait to see what happens next. I would recommend these to ANYONE. I know you'll like them!
March 14, 2018
It was alright therefore I have rated it 3 stars. The books are well written, but I got confused a couple of times, but I guess it is because the main character was confused And didn’t really know where she was, which I must say it brilliantly written by the author (when I’m think about it). But I actually missed some quiet scenes. It was a really classical magic/fantasy book. A lot happens in 2 years but you don’t get the sense that 2 years has gone by.
My only true grievance is that the author kept explaining who the characters are. If I had taken longer to read the books I’m sure it would have been nice to have a catch up on who the different people were... but not when you read them right after each other. But one good thing is the backstabbing happening in the third book, it definitely came as a surprise !!! And all the paranoia it was really an uncomfortable situation to find my self in.... alright I’m changing it to 4 stars 🙈😂
My only true grievance is that the author kept explaining who the characters are. If I had taken longer to read the books I’m sure it would have been nice to have a catch up on who the different people were... but not when you read them right after each other. But one good thing is the backstabbing happening in the third book, it definitely came as a surprise !!! And all the paranoia it was really an uncomfortable situation to find my self in.... alright I’m changing it to 4 stars 🙈😂
July 9, 2025
My favourite trilogy of all time. I have read this trilogy 3 times in my life (plus the spin-off trilogy once) and will likely read them again too.
The characters and story are compelling, and the romance is wonderfully built up.
The characters and story are compelling, and the romance is wonderfully built up.
January 28, 2016
What a wonderful series.
I honestly hadn’t expected to become so addicted. The first book had been sitting on my to-read shelf for quite some time, yet it never really moved up. I was interested in it, I wasn’t about to go out of my way to read it. Then I found out my housemate had the series – and I jumped right in. The only problem was, before I knew what was happening I was working my way through the books at an almost alarming rate.
Whilst the books are not perfect, they’re certainly more than worth the read. With interesting characters and great world building, you’ll be unable to put the books down.
I honestly hadn’t expected to become so addicted. The first book had been sitting on my to-read shelf for quite some time, yet it never really moved up. I was interested in it, I wasn’t about to go out of my way to read it. Then I found out my housemate had the series – and I jumped right in. The only problem was, before I knew what was happening I was working my way through the books at an almost alarming rate.
Whilst the books are not perfect, they’re certainly more than worth the read. With interesting characters and great world building, you’ll be unable to put the books down.
June 27, 2016
The good (-ish): The first book - fast and intriguing.
The bad: The second book - good ideas, underwhelming execution.
The ugly: The third book. DNF at 100 pages. I was bored out of my mind, the characterization was nonexistent, the plot was all over the place. Ugh.
Final verdict: Read the first if you're looking for a fast fantasy read with some romance thrown in. Avoid the rest.
The bad: The second book - good ideas, underwhelming execution.
The ugly: The third book. DNF at 100 pages. I was bored out of my mind, the characterization was nonexistent, the plot was all over the place. Ugh.
Final verdict: Read the first if you're looking for a fast fantasy read with some romance thrown in. Avoid the rest.
January 21, 2011
I enjoyed the whole series, very entertaining. One negative would be that some of the character interactions and outcomes were far fetched and under ...moreI enjoyed the whole series, very entertaining. One negative would be that some of the character interactions and outcomes were far fetched and under developed. Overall though a great book!!
July 11, 2012
Amazing trilogy. Very brutal and dark in areas, but the violence I never felt was glorified, but condemned as somethnig disgusting. I really appreciated that this series wasn't afraid to have such dark tones, especially since they were handled so well.
August 19, 2012
I got a kindle for my birthday so I decided to take advantage of all the Novellas out there that I haven't been able to read yet. Assassin Study was one of those. Figured if I was going to read it, I might as well read all 3 books again too!
August 3, 2012
One of my absolute favorite series. It was unique and exciting and I read it in 2 days. I have recommended it to so many people and no one has ever been disappointed. Must reread it again soon!
October 23, 2014
I have read and reread this trilogy so many times. It's my go to set when I can't sleep or aren't feeling well because it's such a nice easy read. Yelena, Valek , Ari, Janco <3 them all.
July 14, 2016
4.5 stars :)
December 8, 2016
Lizard: 4⋆.
Wombat: 5⋆.
Overall: 4.5⋆.
Wombat: 5⋆.
Overall: 4.5⋆.
December 30, 2010
WOW! Amazing series! Loved it!
April 16, 2024
These books are okay. The writing is somewhat bland, the relationships of all kinds lack chemistry, everything is just so mediocre that I got bored after book 2 and did not continue to book 3. Nothing bad about it, but also not enticing enough to continue.
Reviews of the single books:
Poison Study:
Poison study starts with Yelena, a girl that has been in prison for a year because she killed the son of a powerful man, both of which had tortured her, being selected to become the food taster of the Commander, Ixia's ruler, after the previous one had died.
She learns to recognise poisons and to defend herself, she makes some friends, falls in love, finds out she has magic, and gets involved in the country's politics.
Mostly, this book is okay. It's exactly what you'd expect from a YA Fantasy book, nothing less, nothing more. Nothing bad about it, but also nothing special about it.
All the relationships - both platonic and romantic - somewhat lack chemistry, but not to a degree that makes them unbelievable either.
I kept reading because it was an enjoyable enough read and I had no reason to stop, but planned not to continue with the sequel. Luckily, the end does pick up, and once we get to know more about the political plot brewing inside Ixia and Yelena gets involved in it, the plot did catch my interest.
The relationships didn't become any more interesting, though, but the dimension of their political allyship between Yelena and her love interest made me willing to overlook their lack of chemistry towards the end.
There is no way this series will become one of my favourites, but the glimpse we got into the magical and political landscape in Ixia and its neighbour Sitia towards the end, makes me think the series will probably turn out to be in overall an enjoyable, if mediocre, read after all.
Magic Study: I liked Magic Study better than Poison Study, but Magic Study is still as mediocre as its predecessor.
The story itself is quite nice, as is the political intrigue, but the writing style is quite bland and while the character relationships are a little livelier than in the first book, there's still not much more chemistry than before, especially in the romance.
Reviews of the single books:
Poison Study:
Poison study starts with Yelena, a girl that has been in prison for a year because she killed the son of a powerful man, both of which had tortured her, being selected to become the food taster of the Commander, Ixia's ruler, after the previous one had died.
She learns to recognise poisons and to defend herself, she makes some friends, falls in love, finds out she has magic, and gets involved in the country's politics.
Mostly, this book is okay. It's exactly what you'd expect from a YA Fantasy book, nothing less, nothing more. Nothing bad about it, but also nothing special about it.
All the relationships - both platonic and romantic - somewhat lack chemistry, but not to a degree that makes them unbelievable either.
I kept reading because it was an enjoyable enough read and I had no reason to stop, but planned not to continue with the sequel. Luckily, the end does pick up, and once we get to know more about the political plot brewing inside Ixia and Yelena gets involved in it, the plot did catch my interest.
The relationships didn't become any more interesting, though, but the dimension of their political allyship between Yelena and her love interest made me willing to overlook their lack of chemistry towards the end.
There is no way this series will become one of my favourites, but the glimpse we got into the magical and political landscape in Ixia and its neighbour Sitia towards the end, makes me think the series will probably turn out to be in overall an enjoyable, if mediocre, read after all.
Magic Study: I liked Magic Study better than Poison Study, but Magic Study is still as mediocre as its predecessor.
The story itself is quite nice, as is the political intrigue, but the writing style is quite bland and while the character relationships are a little livelier than in the first book, there's still not much more chemistry than before, especially in the romance.
December 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This is a boxset of the three main books and one of the short stories for the Study Series, which surrounds Yelena and all of her adventures. It is a young adult series with a focus on the fantasy adventures but there is a mostly quiet romance in the background, mostly in book one.
I enjoyed this series - well, the girl in me who loved YA fantasies did, the adult me is kind of meh on it - but it did slowly peter out for me the longer it went on and I felt the third book was the weakest of the three. It is clear it is going for the companion adventure fantasy stories I used to love but the relationships/emotional connections to the side characters is never quite there for most of the secondary and tertiary members.
I found book one the best of the three, and enjoyed the setting of the castle and the interesting characters of the Commander and Valek and just the whole poison-tasting plot. I was intrigued by the new setting and magic study plot that started in book two but Yelena never spent enough time there or on that to really delve into it.
So, anyway, a good YA fantasy series but not a great one. I enjoy the author's voice and will likely check out more going forward, after I enjoy some of my more usual fare for a bit.
This is a boxset of the three main books and one of the short stories for the Study Series, which surrounds Yelena and all of her adventures. It is a young adult series with a focus on the fantasy adventures but there is a mostly quiet romance in the background, mostly in book one.
I enjoyed this series - well, the girl in me who loved YA fantasies did, the adult me is kind of meh on it - but it did slowly peter out for me the longer it went on and I felt the third book was the weakest of the three. It is clear it is going for the companion adventure fantasy stories I used to love but the relationships/emotional connections to the side characters is never quite there for most of the secondary and tertiary members.
I found book one the best of the three, and enjoyed the setting of the castle and the interesting characters of the Commander and Valek and just the whole poison-tasting plot. I was intrigued by the new setting and magic study plot that started in book two but Yelena never spent enough time there or on that to really delve into it.
So, anyway, a good YA fantasy series but not a great one. I enjoy the author's voice and will likely check out more going forward, after I enjoy some of my more usual fare for a bit.
February 11, 2023
THE STUDY SERIES was the series that made me a lifetime fan of author Maria V. Snyder.
It has everything a reader could possibly want. There is intrigue, astounding world building, and characters who are simply unforgettable.
In fact, one of the character's names is Valek and it was a name I had neither seen nor heard from anyone else. I loved it so much that I named our scrappy stray kitten after him - VALEK. I have recommended this book to many, many people who have asked where I came up with the name Valek.
There is action, adventure, magic, and a romance that you will find yourself heavily invested in.
I had no choice but to rate this series as 5 out of 5 Stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
You can read more of my reviews on my blog at
http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Also, follow me on Instagram at
http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
It has everything a reader could possibly want. There is intrigue, astounding world building, and characters who are simply unforgettable.
In fact, one of the character's names is Valek and it was a name I had neither seen nor heard from anyone else. I loved it so much that I named our scrappy stray kitten after him - VALEK. I have recommended this book to many, many people who have asked where I came up with the name Valek.
There is action, adventure, magic, and a romance that you will find yourself heavily invested in.
I had no choice but to rate this series as 5 out of 5 Stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
You can read more of my reviews on my blog at
http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Also, follow me on Instagram at
http://www.instagram.com/Amiesbookrev...
August 26, 2024
Gave 3 stars on the strength of the first book in the trilogy. Interesting characters and world building.
Yelena is scrappy and smart and her interactions with Valek is fun to be along on the ride for.
But then the second book was a bit of a downward trend. Usually I find writers improve on their next books, but this was not the case with this series. Seems like too much telling and not showing. Some interesting new characters, and the horses made it better. But by the 3rd book it was even worse. Too many characters, too much exposition. Far too complicated and far too much traveling around for no apparent reason.
I am not sure I'll pick up any of the spinoff books. It was a slog to finish this series.
Stick with Poison Study and pretend there aren't any more books in the series and you'll be much happier.
Yelena is scrappy and smart and her interactions with Valek is fun to be along on the ride for.
But then the second book was a bit of a downward trend. Usually I find writers improve on their next books, but this was not the case with this series. Seems like too much telling and not showing. Some interesting new characters, and the horses made it better. But by the 3rd book it was even worse. Too many characters, too much exposition. Far too complicated and far too much traveling around for no apparent reason.
I am not sure I'll pick up any of the spinoff books. It was a slog to finish this series.
Stick with Poison Study and pretend there aren't any more books in the series and you'll be much happier.
November 28, 2020
I recall my friend buying the first book of this series at the store when we were young. Instead of her reading it right away, I happened to pick it up in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep and never put the book down. Later in life I read the first book multiple times and still enjoy it to this day. I will admit the lovers plot can be cliche at times, but Yelena's world and her character development are interesting to read. If you want to get lost in a world fantasy medieval world full of magic, then I suggest picking up this book.
January 21, 2018
It had been so many years since a series had hooked me in so hard! I read the Avry of Kazan first book and loved the style, thought it was a great book so decided to try the study series hoping it would live up, and it more than did and surpassed, such a great story with VERY loveable characters, Ari and Janco are jokes and the touch with Kiki is so beautifully done. It has a perfect balance of humor, seriousness, mystery and them heart aching emotional moments you don't forget.
February 10, 2019
I revisited this series after I read it a few years ago, and it was still an engaging read. Not only is Yelena, the main character, and strong and complex character, but the other side characters also have depth to them. I appreciate that even when characters make bad decisions, I don't feel like it's completely out of the blue. I really like that Yelena does not act helpless. She tries to find ways out of her predicament.
July 22, 2019
These three books are a great read for fantasy lovers. The plots of all three books are well-developed and interesting; the characters are far from flat and it's easy to fall in love with them. The books are very readable. I found it very easy to "escape" into the world that the author created. The love story was also nice, but it didn't overpower the stories, which was good. I would recommend this bundle to any fantasy fan.
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