Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Study of Poisons

Did this book REALLY deserve 5 stars? Based purely on this book alone and writing style, maybe not? But add in the anticipation that it wholeheartedly delivered on, the adorable cute scenes throughout, and the chance to peek inside my favorite love interest's head and how could I give it less?

I strongly suggest reading Poison Study first. The two books are very tightly woven and A Study of Poisons is clearly the companion. The pacing and details are much clearer in the original book from Yelena's point of view. That said, if you finish Poison Study and are craving more of our favorite Ixians, this book delivers everything you could ask for.

The story was adorable, it answered every curiosity I'd had after finishing Poison Study, and filled in some blanks I hadn't even realized bothered me the first time through this adventure.

A Study of Poisons does a fantastic job of rounding out some loveable side characters and introduces us to new ones. It left me wanting to reread Poison Study (again for the 3rd time in 2 years) and excited for the remaining Study books I haven't yet gotten my hands on.

I can't wait to reread this book and catch all the well-thought-out details you're likely to miss on a first read. I definitely made connections this time around that I didn't before, which always adds extra delight.

Content Warnings

bitterjewess's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A good example of an alternate POV from one of my most loved books. I do with we got a little more insight into both Valek and the Commander. At times, it feels like the author has reused portions of Poison Study instead of exploring the POV character’s inner world. However, I would reread this book along with my biennial rereads of the study series

Content Warnings

alilbitofmonica's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This companion novel is a wonderful addition to the Soulfinder world. I found myself not wanting to put the book down - even though I already knew what would happen, I already knew the outcome and resolution. But hearing from Valek’s perspective and being privy to insider information that we originally didn’t know was a special experience.

Finding out the background/details of the change in successor plot point was fascinating, and I really felt that it added an extra element of intrigue. And just in general being able to see the various conversations and missions that went on outside of Yelena’s original perspective was so fun and really shows how the world worked in so many ways.

Every single scene between Valek and Ambrose was wonderful and I found myself wanting more of their back and forth. As well as the private conversations between Valek and Ari (and sometimes Janco).

My one point of contention (and thus 4.5 instead of 5 stars) is that I was surprised by HOW infatuated with Yelena Valek was from the beginning. It was not how I had imagined him from the many times I’ve read Poison Study (and the rest). I had imagined his own feelings being more subtle, but he was fully in love right from the beginning. And there was very little explanation as to WHY other than Yelena just being the badass queen that she is.

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