Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study
Snyder, Maria V.
Mira Ink. 2013. 9781848452398

Summary

Yelena is a prisoner in the Commander’s dungeon, waiting to be executed for the murder of one of the generals’ only son. It does not matter that she had suffered years of abuse from the general and his son – the only punishment for murder in Ixia is death, even if the murder was done in self-defense. When Yelena is visited by the Commander’s commander Valek and offered to be the Commander’s food taster, Yelena jumps at the opportunity, even if it means a sure death later than sooner, for the job of a food taster is a dangerous one. Escape will be impossible too, as Valek gives Yelena a poison that will require a daily dose of antidote that only Valek can provide, and without which Yelena will die. Yelena, however, tries to make best of her situation, as she learns about poisons and makes unlikely allies in the Commander’s castle.

Critical Evaluation

Poison Study is a fantasy novel focused with plenty of political intrigue. Set in a fantasy world that is ruled by a military commander rather than a monarch, the novel’s focus is as much on its wonderful heroine as it is on political intrigue. Yelena is one of the best female characters in young adult novels – a survivor in its truest sense. An orphan held captive by a sadistic general and his even more sadistic son, Yelena realizes that her only way out is through violence, although she realizes the consequences of her actions. When she is given a chance at a new life, she wholeheartedly takes it, knowing that survival will be entirely in her hands, and will require great effort. She is a fascinating heroine that readers will immediately feel close to, which is one of the strengths of this novel.

Publishers Weekly compared the author to George R. R. Martin in her focus on political intrigue. The spare use of magic seems also comparable. There is a suggestion of more developed fantasy in the rest of the series, but the first novel does not put strong emphasis on magic. If the book had a more complex plot and better world-building, it could have been a great young adult fantasy novel. As it is, this is a good book but not a great one, with the promise of a more complete and complex series continuation, which are all currently out.

It seems like the book might have originally been published with an adult audience in mind, as there are some violent sexual themes in the book that might be more appropriate to older teen and young adult readers.

 

Reader’s Annotation

After killing a general’s son and awaiting a death sentence, Yelena is recruited to be the Commander’s food taster.

About the Author

Maria V. Snyder switched careers from meteorologist to novelist when she began writing the New York Times best-selling Study Series (POISON STUDY, MAGIC STUDY and FIRE STUDY) about a young woman who becomes a poison taster. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Maria dreamed of chasing tornados and even earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University. Unfortunately, she lacked the necessary forecasting skills. So she worked as an environmental meteorologist until boredom and children drove her to write down the stories that have been swirling around in her head. Writing, proved to be more enjoyable than meteorology, and Maria returned to school to earn a Master of Arts degree in fiction writing from Seton Hill University. Unable to part company with Seton Hill and its wonderful writing program, Maria is currently a teacher and mentor for the MFA program. – from the author’s website

Genre

Curriculum Ties N/A

Booktalking Ideas

1. Talk about Yelena’s predicament.
2. Discuss Yelena’s decision to become a poison taster despite the odds of her surviving her job.

Interest/Reading Level

Grade10+/ATOS 5.6

Challenge Issues: sexuality, rape

Challenge Defense Ideas:

1. Have a copy of the  American Library Association Library Bill of Rightsto show/give to patron.
2. In addition to, or in place of the above, explain library policy of inclusion of information that might be controversial. For example, Pasadena Public Library, Philosophy of Selection. Have a printed copy ready, with appropriate sections highlighted.
3. Explain the parental rights and responsibilities with their children’s library use. Explain the different card designations and the parents’ right to monitor or restrict borrowing of materials.
4. Depending on the library’s policy, either have  paperwork to fill out for formal challenges, or the contact information of those who handle challenges.
5. Give examples of book reviews from School Library Journal,  Library Journal, or BookList. Note any awards that the book received.

Reasons for Inclusion

Well-reviewed fantasy series.