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dand14's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Grea idea. Romance lacked depth, main character lacked character, plot was not paced well.
fiona_gs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bluehound's review
3.0
I liked the story and characters but the writing was just so-so. I gave it 3 stars because of the enjoyment factor. There was just something missing. Also the dialogue was too contemporary and will date this book in about 10 years. Probably won't continue reading the series.
prettyangel98's review
3.0
The language was so easy to understand and it was so easy to flow through the pages. The story was interesting and very different from anything I've ever read, but it felt rushed and almost like the author tried quickly to finish the book. The plot was not very exciting but I still was engaged enough to finish reading. I still don't have a a clear image of what Yelena and Valek look like.
pawprintedpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Rape, Violence, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse and Torture
Minor: Kidnapping
acesarrows's review
3.0
This had a slooooow start. I was over halfway through the book before the story really started to coalesce. And, of course, the end was far too abrupt and neatly wrapped up.
Considering that this was written to be a series, I think that the story could have taken longer to come to the conclusion and really give us more insight into what was going on. I liked Yelena, but I didn't love her. I'm still not sure about her. I like Valek, but am still unsure about him.
This would have been better with a hint of a love affair between the two, instead of a full-blown melding of souls.
I can see where Snyder was going with this story, but it's marred by poor characterizations, somewhat mediocre writing, too much telling, not enough showing, and a main character.
I tend to compare all first-person fantasy novels against the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, which is one of my all-time favourites. In [b:Assassin's Apprentice|45107|Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)|Robin Hobb|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320339497s/45107.jpg|171715] we meet FitzChivalry, who has a shitty childhood, and gets used, abused, and generally beaten on by just about everyone. There are some interesting parallels between Fitz and Yelena, yet she doesn't seem to have the PTSD hangups I think she should have after her life experiences, plus a whole year in a dungeon.
But, what the hell, I enjoyed this book anyway ;)
Considering that this was written to be a series, I think that the story could have taken longer to come to the conclusion and really give us more insight into what was going on. I liked Yelena, but I didn't love her. I'm still not sure about her. I like Valek, but am still unsure about him.
Spoiler
AND, WHERE DID THE LOVE STORY COME FROM???? That was completely unnecessary. Utterly out of left-field, and not at all believable. Yelena has just come to terms with her past, and is suddenly in love with an older man who is in a position of authority over her? Somewhat Stockholm-like. Where did we ever see any evidence of Valek falling in love with Yelena? What, that he didn't kill her? Come on.This would have been better with a hint of a love affair between the two, instead of a full-blown melding of souls.
I can see where Snyder was going with this story, but it's marred by poor characterizations, somewhat mediocre writing, too much telling, not enough showing, and a main character
Spoiler
who is a dishrag for the first half of the novel, and then morphs into ninja-magic-love-wizard for the last quarterI tend to compare all first-person fantasy novels against the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, which is one of my all-time favourites. In [b:Assassin's Apprentice|45107|Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)|Robin Hobb|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320339497s/45107.jpg|171715] we meet FitzChivalry, who has a shitty childhood, and gets used, abused, and generally beaten on by just about everyone. There are some interesting parallels between Fitz and Yelena, yet she doesn't seem to have the PTSD hangups I think she should have after her life experiences, plus a whole year in a dungeon.
But, what the hell, I enjoyed this book anyway ;)
paramour's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
reydeam's review
4.0
Full Review at: Mom-Musings
From the first sentence all the way to the last, Poison Study had my heart pounding. I was drawn into the world of Yelena and did not want to put to the book down until the very end. Even at that, when Poison Study ended…I wanted more.
The storyline had twists and turns that provided action, intrigue, hopefulness and many heart-thumping moments. There were a few predictable moments but overall, the story moved seamless so that any predictable moments were readily forgiven. While there is a romance, it is subtle as it is not the center of the story. The author did an amazing job in detailing the surroundings and atmosphere of Yelena’s world.
The ending was not what I expected but it was very satisfying.
Poison Study is a page-turner that kept me in suspense while I cared and worried about Yelena. It was a fabulous fantasy read of action, suspense and a dab of romance all mixed in with some impressive evil villains.
From the first sentence all the way to the last, Poison Study had my heart pounding. I was drawn into the world of Yelena and did not want to put to the book down until the very end. Even at that, when Poison Study ended…I wanted more.
The storyline had twists and turns that provided action, intrigue, hopefulness and many heart-thumping moments. There were a few predictable moments but overall, the story moved seamless so that any predictable moments were readily forgiven. While there is a romance, it is subtle as it is not the center of the story. The author did an amazing job in detailing the surroundings and atmosphere of Yelena’s world.
The ending was not what I expected but it was very satisfying.
Poison Study is a page-turner that kept me in suspense while I cared and worried about Yelena. It was a fabulous fantasy read of action, suspense and a dab of romance all mixed in with some impressive evil villains.
myrtleturtle613's review
5.0
Found this book ages ago at a airport books store and have read a half a dozen times. Its a great story. Highly recommend