Poison Study (Study #1) by Maria V Snyder -- Restarting October 2nd 2023

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 6: (view spoiler)[ So far I am enjoying this. It was easy to get into and I am interested in the plot. There are some similarities to other YA series that I have read. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Chapter 1-3: (view spoiler)[The introduction is great. I like Yelena, but I also like seeing evidence that time has passed and she's been in that cell for a lot time. This is not something you or your body can forget easiily.

Isn't it a bit foolish to start training a new food taster once the old one dies? And expecting them to start working the day after they're offered the job. It's too risky.

I like how they avoid food tasters to flee, but I do wonder if it's smart to tell them which poison they're using on them. Surely, it's effective, but I first I thought they would be administrating them different poisons, not the same one. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Anna wrote: "Chapter 1-3: The introduction is great. I like Yelena, but I also like seeing evidence that time has passed and she's been in that cell for a lot time. This is not something you or your body can fo..."

I think Valek is the backup food taster if they don't accept and I don't think he wants that job for long haha. Also, as to the name of the poison, I think Valek came up with it himself so it should be pretty impossible for people to know what it is. At least that's what I remember!

Hope you guys keep enjoying your reading. This is one of my favorite series!

[[deleted user]]

@Andrea (view spoiler)[I haven't thought about what you say regarding the name of the poison, but it makes sense! I hope it's how it is because Valek seems very clever, so he wouldn't be giving anything away that he shouldn't.

And about the job, I just think it would be safer if they were at least 2. Valek was surely happy to find another food taster so he could get out of it.

This is my first time reading it and I'm only at chapter 3, so maybe later on they explain it more. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Anna wrote: "@Andrea I haven't thought about what you say regarding the name of the poison, but it makes sense! I hope it's how it is because Valek seems very clever, so he wouldn't be giving anything away that..."

It would be way safer if they had two!

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Kirsty wrote: "Up to chapter 6: [spoilers removed]"

That's true. This was easy to get into because the plot is interesting.

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Anna wrote: "Chapter 1-3: The introduction is great. I like Yelena, but I also like seeing evidence that time has passed and she's been in that cell for a lot time. This is not something you or your body can fo..."

(view spoiler)[ I don't think they really care. The food tasters are supposed to be people that are about to executed. So if they survive the next day, then good, if they don't, then they were going to be executed anyway. I like that they did that to the food tasters actually. I think it gave us an idea of how strict and cruel Ixia's world is. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 11-15: (view spoiler)[I gotta admit. This is getting hard. I might have to just stop trying to make chapter comments and just answer the comments you guys make. I feel like I'm going to reveal a spoiler beyond the chapters I have read because I have read this book before. Anyway, they finally get to the fugitive drill and I loved this part. Mainly because my two favorite characters are about to make their entrance! (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Nicole wrote: "Chapter 11-15: [spoilers removed]"

Who are your favorite characters?

[[deleted user]]

Nicole wrote: "Anna wrote: "Chapter 1-3: The introduction is great. I like Yelena, but I also like seeing evidence that time has passed and she's been in that cell for a lot time. This is not something you or you..."

(view spoiler)[I meant it was not safe for any of them. The food taster's job is supposed to ensure the Commander's safety, and having only one person doing the job is not helping the Commander's odds because once that person, the food taster dies, the process and training starts again. By having at least two people, they could share tips and ensure that their knowledge about it lasts.
I was surprised that Yelena has no guards outside her door. I was expecting some surveillance. I guess the poison ensures that she won't run away, but that is a bit risky, and they don't really know her or what she would do. Maybe another person would take that opportunity to get to the Commander, as they probably would die anyway, so they are not afraid of their outcome.
I like the antidote thing, it's a clever idea to control them. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Anna wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Anna wrote: "Chapter 1-3: The introduction is great. I like Yelena, but I also like seeing evidence that time has passed and she's been in that cell for a lot time. This is not somet..."

That's true. (view spoiler)[ But I think it'd be harder to manage two food tasters. After all they were criminals before they became food tasters. I'm sure on some level, Valek has some way of surveying the food tasters. He seems to be the type to do that. Kind of like how he's known to test his food tasters. He also seems to be everywhere whenever Yelena gets in trouble, so I do think he surveys her somehow in the shadows. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Andrea wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Chapter 11-15: [spoilers removed]"

Who are your favorite characters?"

(view spoiler)[ Arin and Janco. I love those guys! (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 17: (view spoiler)[ How does Valek seem to know everything? I am interested to see what will happen with the magician. I wonder what particular powers Yelena has. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Nicole wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Chapter 11-15: [spoilers removed]"

Who are your favorite characters?"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ OMG I love them too!! Janco is too funny!! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ Not a lot has happened but I'm liking it a lot! I hate Margg but I'm thinking there's something else to explain her behaviour, or maybe it wasn't even her. Although I can't think of anyone else who could've been able to write in the dust or spread word about the fugitive thing. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 16-20: (view spoiler)[ I have so many thoughts for these chapters but I have no idea how to write them without revealing anything. So I'm just going to talk about Ari and Janco. I love them both. I love the brother-sister relationship they have with Yelena. I love how they push Yelena into learning how to defend herself and gain more survival skills. Now that I'm rereading this, I can't believe how many times she actually almost got killed. (hide spoiler)]

[Ace]

Ok so I've read the book (although haven't added it to goodreads, whoops) AND I LOVED it

[Kirsty]

Up to chapter 27: (view spoiler)[ I also really like the relationship between Ari, Janco and Yelena. It is good that she has people looking out for her. I also really like the relationship between Yelena and Valek, I'd predicted quite early on that there would be a bit of a romance between them. I hope we get to see more in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ashley wrote: "Chapter 10: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Margg is really just a jealous bitch, just saying. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Kirsty wrote: "Up to chapter 27: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I can tell you that the Yelena/Valek romance continues until at least book 5 (technically it's book 8 if you include Opal's trilogy). I need to read night study and I don't think the last one is out. But, I love their relationship so much, they're so cute and perfect for each other! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Up to chapter 10:

(view spoiler)[This is so interesting. I like that we're actually seeing the process of becoming a food taster, and some of the tests. (hide spoiler)]

Margg: (view spoiler)[She can't even pretend to be nice. I hate her so much! Like Ashley said, I want her to have some other intentions,but I'm just not sure. I like what Dilana did to her in the past.
We knew she wasn't nice but when Yelena discovers the message it's like discovering she's not just not fond of Yelena, which could happen, she's just mean. And even though I don't like her at all, I think that makes her more interesting. Or at least, easier to hate. (hide spoiler)]

Yelena: (view spoiler)[I like getting little pieces of her past here and there. I find her time with Reyad to be particularly interesting and I want to learn more. (hide spoiler)]

Valek: (view spoiler)[I'm not sure what to think of him. I like how clever and mysterious he is, but that's it for now. Also, I like how he sees Yelena's strenghts too. (hide spoiler)]

@Nicole (view spoiler)[I was thinking the same thing while reading. Some time passes, but everything that happens to her is bad. Let her enjoy life for a day at least. Let her go to the festival and have fun. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[ I can't help but think that the whole Butterfly's Dust thing isn't real. I noticed that when she gave her report to the Commander he didn't give her the antidote but I'm not sure if that was just an accidental plot hole. I want to know why Valek is immune, since he seems to be the only known person so far who is. (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsty]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing and I loved the plot. I can't wait to see how the story will progress in the next book. I am excited to see Yelena and Valek's relationship develop. I wish I had discovered this series sooner as I think it is only going to get better the more I read. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

Chapter 21-25: (view spoiler)[ This is probably why I love Yelena as a main character. She's always thinking ahead. Instead of wanting revenge on Nix, she'd rather use him to get to Brazell. Valek took care of Nix pretty fast. Yelena hasn't even left the infirmary yet and his men beat up Nix already. At this point, Valek definitely has feelings for Yelena and vice versa. Finally, Yelena tell Margg off. Took her long enough. Although Margg is loyal, I still don't like her. It's too bad about Rand. I really liked him but I remember I still predicted him to be the traitor even when I first read this. There were way too many signs especially at the festival. Wow she really can't hold her liquor down. The part about Oscove actually interests me. I don't remember ever getting confirmation on what happened with Oscove. I wonder if Valek actually killed him to get Yelena in line for the job. (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Joining!

[Ashley]

Chapter 23: (view spoiler)[ I think the magician in the room was the Commander. Also I find this romance brewing between Yelena and Valek to be a bit weird. I read somewhere that Yelena is estimated to be 19 and Valek 33 but I guess in the long run it doesn't matter that much. Yelena is amusing when drunk. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Chapter 31: (view spoiler)[ I knew the poison couldn't be real! I also suspected the bean things had something to do with the Criollo. Although this book has been pretty long with not a ton of action until now I've been enjoying it so far and I only have a little bit left. I'm curious about the direction this series will take after the events of this book. (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Starting this book tomorrow morning, so excited! ☺️

[Danii]

Up to chapter 2: (view spoiler)[I feel like everything is too good.. Like a false sense of security. But we shall see! I hope Yelena doesn't get too comfortable. (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Chapter 3-9: (view spoiler)[ Oh man.. I'm not sure how I feel about Valek yet. He seems like a good guy, but I feel like hes hiding something. I feel like hes going to poison Yelena on her first day. Or at least Brazell will.
I knew she would pass the tasting test, even with Valek trying to trick her! Not sure how I feel about the cook yet either. Valek says not to trust him, but he seemed like a great person. Hm.. Yelena better keep her eyes open, you don't know who you can trust yet.
Also, Margg is a bitch -_- (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Chapter 10-14: (view spoiler)[ THINGS GOT CRAZY FAST. I've decided I like Valek a lot, he's definitely a good guy! I can't believe those people tried to kill Yelena whaaaaaaaat! I can't wait to know why. This book is getting interesting now! (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole's Book Diaries]

@Danii (view spoiler)[Yeah. She's definitely on the high priority kill list for...well everyone. Good thing Valek seems to always be there. Yeah Valek grows on as the book goes on. If you think the book's interesting now, just wait till later on. Are you joining for the next book? (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

@Nicole (view spoiler)[ Yeah Valek is definitely growing on me! I'm glad Yelena has him as an ally in all of this! Things are definitely getting crazy though, it's a great book! Oh I would love to join for the second book buddy read! When is it? (: (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ Honestly, I think Yelena should have gone with the magician or at least found a way to contact her so she knows when they find a cure to the poison. I don't fully trust the magician yet, but I feel like it could be a good experience and adventure. Much better then being a food taster and waiting to be killed or captured by Brazzel. But I would feel bad for Valek and then he would have to kill her ): I really like Valek. For some reason I picture Little Finger from the Game of Thrones show. He reminds me of him so much, I even picture them looking the same as the actor. Lmao! (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Chapter 16-24: (view spoiler)[ RAND IS A SPY FOR STAR? VALEK SENSED YELENAS MAGIC? YELENA TOTALLY LIKES VALEK? THE COMMANDER MIGHT BE A GIRL? HE ALSO MIGHT BE MIND CONTROLLED BY BRAZELL? WTF IS HAPPENING (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Chapter 30: (view spoiler)[ IT WASNT POISON THAT SNEAKY VALEK. What a good tactic holy crap. But they're finally getting together omg I'm so happy <3 I love them together. I can't believe I'm almost done with the book! (hide spoiler)]

[Danii]

Finished: (view spoiler)[ AHHHH this book was crazy! Why did Valek and Yelena have to part right after they got together! Super glad she's meeting her family though. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

27%
(view spoiler)[ i feel like they will fall in love. and margg is a horrible person (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

I'm going to start rereading this tonight!

[Brooke]

80%
(view spoiler)[ i totally believe margg would throw her under the bus. hate her. i don't like that the cook was bad thou :/ and i want to see her perform! (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

93%
(view spoiler)[ random sex scene. always a favorite of mine.... (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

Ending Thoughts
(view spoiler)[ i may have read book 1 of the spin off series of this and i was a bit confused on what they were referencing to, so i was excited to finally get around to reading this. I really like the MC, she is smart and sassy and can handle taking care of herself, which is a big plus for me. I can't wait to see what trouble she gets into next! (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 2 (view spoiler)[ I'm remembering everything pretty well. The person she killed obviously deserved it. I want her to build up strength soon and stop looking like a corpse. The imagery creeps me out. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 8 (view spoiler)[ Was Valek surprised by the poison? I think someone is plotting in the castle. Margg might be a suspect. It looks like she wants her gone. The way the commander's rule was so easy makes me wonder... Yelena did feel uneasy when he looked at her. I remember one major thing about him that is revealed but nothing about magic. Maybe... (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 13 (view spoiler)[ Huh. Why would a magician want her killed? I don't trust that food that the commander is hoarding. It is from the evil general... I wonder what is up with Rand. He must be hiding something. I think he might be a spy... (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 22 (view spoiler)[ Oh shit! I thought Marrg would definitely be the betrayer. I do not remember most of this book apparently. I can't believe the gait... it's Rand. He must do it because of his mom. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 25 (view spoiler)[ I really like that the budding relationship of Valek and Yelena is happening. I want to see more affection from them both though. The commander is being controlled. I think the criolle or whatever is taking away the abilty or thought to fight against Brazell and his magician. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 29 (view spoiler)[ They don't even recognize her. Will their minds be empty if they help them or kill that magician? Valek looked at her in horrror. Was it the kids or something else like Reyed's toy chest? (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Ch. 32 (view spoiler)[ It's interesting that I don't like Yelena and Valeks relationship as much this time around. I hope Janco will be okay. (hide spoiler)]

[Adriana]

Done (view spoiler)[ So Yelena and Valek isn't very convincing love wise. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of people not happy with her returning. I want to know how her training goes! I hope Janco and Ari visit her very soon. (hide spoiler)]