This book was extremely fascinating! I was hooked from page one, and was so impressed by that fact alone. This book was an absolute page-turner, and left enough open ends to anticipate the next book in the series. Despite the fact it was narrated by a female, I really admired how the author kept cheesy romance to a minimum, which made me appreciate the relationships in the book all that much more. The poison-plot was so original that I couldn't help but be engrossed. Great book, I highly recommend it!

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Easy read with lots of detail without going overboard. Characters are well developed although not intensely so. All in all, a book that's fun, bright, easy going and engaging.

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This was an excellent book. I couldn't wait to finish it. I found it to be a fresh, well-plotted book. The main character, Yelena, could have been a living and breathing person. In fact, I enjoyed the characterizations of all of the players in this story. Maria Snyder did an excellent job plotting this book and developing her characters. This is my favorite read of 2007! I've read Magic Study, the second in the trilogy, and while it wasn't in my opinion as good as Poison Study, it was still highly enjoyable, and I look forward to the third book, Fire Study, coming out in the spring of 2008. Bravo to Maria Snyder!!!!

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I was hooked from the book description alone ... which I found interesting because that usually doesn't happen to me, I am usually turned onto a book from a recommendation from someone else. Then I just COULD NOT put this book down. I read it in a day and a half and then went in search of the sequel, Magic Study. It was an original plot line, and I was shocked to find out this is classed as a teen novel. The chapters were left with you wanting more and having to read on (reminded me of how James Patterson leaves you hanging ... ) and the ending was perfect to continue on to the next book (and I was so glad that I didn't have to wait for it). This was a book that I will keep on my bookshelf and would make a great movie.

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Choose: A quick death... Or a slow poison...

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

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 Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

My Rating: A+

I absolutely adored this book! The characters are all deep and amazing, the writing is beautiful and descriptive. I felt like a whole new world was opening up in front of my eyes. This is one of those books that you have to be careful because time flies while your lost in this wonderful story.

I did feel that there were certain aspects of the story that were at times too easy to figure out, but nothing that took away from the overall product.

I highly recommend it and can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

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I loved this book! It is the beginning of a series of trilogies by Maria V. Snyder that has such a unique take on magic. As the series progresses, I have come to love her descriptions of this world and its people.

The first book, however, centers on the military-ship of Ixia and the Commander's new food taster, Yelena. It was very easy to relate to Yelena, because though she had been through such pain and torture (literally) she was always planning and devising ways to stay alive. I admire her constant vigilance.

This book is great introduction into this world and just the tip of the iceberg of the obstacles Yelena will eventually face. Five stars :)

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This book was a little hard for me to get into at first but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. It was a great read and I can't wait to read the next two books.

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If you like a book with strong female characters, a fully realized fantasy world, and a little political intrigue, then I highly recommend this book! I loved it so much I will definitely read it again! Bonus: First book in a series of three (Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study)

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I enjoyed this book. It was certainly written on a different premise. It had a lot of action. As the main character faced challenge after challenged, I wondered how she would get out of yet another situation. Well plotted and well written. I borrowed the book from my public library. I have requested the next book in the series, Magic Study.

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I became quite engrossed with the story. It had unusual twists and storyline. The ending was rushed, so the story gets a 4 and not a 5. Looking forward to book 2.

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Fascinating story, loved it! Looking forward to reading next book in series.

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Oh, my! I just loved this thrilling adventure! It reminded me of the types of fantasy books that I loved to read when I was young - and while that made ma bit melancholy at first (that I had missed the best age to read this for the first time), as the story progressed, becoming more and more interesting, I just enjoyed it more and more. I am so glad that I have the entire trilogy to read and I will certainly read anything else that she publishes! The main character was great and even if the book overall was a bit predictable, it was just such a fast, fun, joy to read. I can't wait to start reading the next one!

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I had met this author at a convention 3 years ago. She was very sweet. I decided to get her book and read it. At first it was depressing. It ended up being a great read. I cant wait to get the next one.

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