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nova42's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Slavery, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Kidnapping, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Sexual violence
booksanna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Poison Study was a beautifully written story of a traumatized woman struggling with staying alive in a world that seems to be against her. As she explores the castle and her new role as the doomed food taster, she starts to realize what really matters in her life.
Firstly, Yelena’s characterization was done very well. Her personality felt unique and realistic, and her humor has made me chuckle multiple times throughout the book. Her trauma and backstory felt very real and emotional, it added a great depth to the story and made me slightly concerned for the main heroine’s mental health. Her search for a friend and understanding amongst this madness made me root for her even more. And I loved how Yelena didn’t settle for a role of a damsel in distress and instead chose to repay the people that helped her. It made me so happy when she asked Ari and Janco to train. I just loved that it was her first thought to become independent .
Secondly, the world building was an interesting concept inspired by a militaristic society with a dictator with unusual traits typically not associated with powerful leaders. I actually enjoyed the backstory of the Commander and how he gained his power. It’s really interesting a country switch from a feudalist system to a totalitarian system. Now that I am thinking, the killing of the magical babies is loosely inspired by the Bible . I also felt it was interesting how the Commander retained all the power through respect and loyalty and of course murder which seems to be unavoidable in ya fantasy. I liked the different districts (which kinda reminded me of Hunger Games), and I thought the festivals were a nice touch to the story that added more intrigue. I also really appreciated the map that provided some guidance on the visual comprehension of the story. Love when books do that!
Thirdly, although I really enjoyed the story I have some bones to pick with it. The romance between the love interest and the MC seems to have sparked from nowhere. The buildup to the confession didn’t create tension or explain why the characters fell for each other. It seemed to have just happened for the sake of the story rather than the characters own actions. I also thought Valek having every job possible and still interacting with the MC and getting sleep was highly impossible. How is he doing all that ? Otherwise I enjoyes the story.
Firstly, Yelena’s characterization was done very well. Her personality felt unique and realistic, and her humor has made me chuckle multiple times throughout the book. Her trauma and backstory felt very real and emotional, it added a great depth to the story and made me slightly concerned for the main heroine’s mental health. Her search for a friend and understanding amongst this madness made me root for her even more. And I loved how Yelena didn’t settle for a role of a damsel in distress and instead chose to repay the people that helped her.
Secondly, the world building was an interesting concept inspired by a militaristic society with a dictator with unusual traits typically not associated with powerful leaders. I actually enjoyed the backstory of the Commander and how he gained his power. It’s really interesting a country switch from a feudalist system to a totalitarian system.
Thirdly, although I really enjoyed the story I have some bones to pick with it. The romance between the love interest and the MC seems to have sparked from nowhere. The buildup to the confession didn’t create tension or explain why the characters fell for each other. It seemed to have just happened for the sake of the story rather than the characters own actions. I also thought Valek having every job possible and still interacting with the MC and getting sleep was highly impossible. How is he doing all that ? Otherwise I enjoyes the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Rape, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Violence, Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
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