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eclecticreadsbyskye's review against another edition
5.0
The Study Series and Maria V Snyder are forever favorites of mine.
In Poison Study, we got to know Yelena, a woman who was awaiting execution for murder, who gets a reprieve with conditions.
Now, 18 years after Poison Study was released, we get the other side of the story.
Valek is the Chief of Security for the Commander of Ixia. He's head of security, poison master, assassin, and the number two person you don't want to cross (right behind Commander Ambrose, though really, I'd probably call it a tie). He has an ever-working mind, which has him trying to figure out the puzzle Yelena presents, because it isn't all adding up. Though she's set to be executed, instead he appoints her as the food taster for Commander Ambrose. So, while she won't be executed yet, the possibility of her succumbing to poison meant for the Commander is an everyday risk. Unfortunately, Yelena made an enemy of one of the Generals by murdering his son, so while Valek trains her on poisons and their effects, he also has to protect her. Plus, there's that whole thing of running the security of Ixia at the same time, while trying to uncover a concerning plot.
I absolutely loved this look in to Valek's mind and seeing the events of Poison Study play out from a different point of view, while getting a different look at favorite characters and delving more into others.
In Poison Study, we got to know Yelena, a woman who was awaiting execution for murder, who gets a reprieve with conditions.
Now, 18 years after Poison Study was released, we get the other side of the story.
Valek is the Chief of Security for the Commander of Ixia. He's head of security, poison master, assassin, and the number two person you don't want to cross (right behind Commander Ambrose, though really, I'd probably call it a tie). He has an ever-working mind, which has him trying to figure out the puzzle Yelena presents, because it isn't all adding up. Though she's set to be executed, instead he appoints her as the food taster for Commander Ambrose. So, while she won't be executed yet, the possibility of her succumbing to poison meant for the Commander is an everyday risk. Unfortunately, Yelena made an enemy of one of the Generals by murdering his son, so while Valek trains her on poisons and their effects, he also has to protect her. Plus, there's that whole thing of running the security of Ixia at the same time, while trying to uncover a concerning plot.
I absolutely loved this look in to Valek's mind and seeing the events of Poison Study play out from a different point of view, while getting a different look at favorite characters and delving more into others.
snezana90's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
franziii2000's review against another edition
5.0
Always gonna love Yelena and Valek. Especially enjoyed reading about what Valek got up to. This isn't simply a retelling from a different POV, but has got a couple of new and interesting side stories.
marie_reads_books's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lectora21's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
loserlew's review against another edition
5.0
Where to begin? This book was everything I had hoped it would be. Revisiting this world felt like coming home and viewing from Valek’s POV was such a treat. We get a more comprehensive view of the happenings in the castle that Yelena wasn’t privy to. I might have cried hearing “the end. Again”
bysarahalexander's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
lydiature's review against another edition
5.0
I truly would give this as many stars as possible. It was the best book I’ve read in a long time and absolutely lived up to the anticipation from the wait. Reading a story that I have read over and over from another’s point of view put so much into perspective. I loved it and I hope there will be more!
r0sie_the_read3r's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
r3ader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book with Valeks perspective was amazing! I would def recommend reading Poison Study first, but after reading Poison study this book is still not boring! The author did a great job introducing new plots to still make this one tense and interesting.
I also loved to see Valek being head over heels in love with Yelena, after him being very cold in Poison Study. I mean... him calling her "love" in his thoughts is just 🤌🤌😍
I also loved to see Valek being head over heels in love with Yelena, after him being very cold in Poison Study. I mean... him calling her "love" in his thoughts is just 🤌🤌😍
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape