The Study of Poisons

By: Maria V. Snyder

Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill

Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his.

As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last 15 years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena.

Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance?

A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!

©2023 Maria V. Snyder (P)2023 Maria V. Snyder

Excellent POV turn for this story

I was certain this would be a five star book all the way...I admire the original series enormously...and it is a really well-crafted book, in a multitude of ways. It's just that some things troubled me as the book went on, and I didn't enjoy some of the action and all of the cruelty. I'm very glad i read it and recommend it highly...just didn't sustain five stars for me. I found myself bothered by the age difference between Valek and Yelena, which is hypocritical of me, the scanty information on her form of magic, and the cruelty of some bothered me too much. But world-building, character development, plotting and dialogue are top-notch. Very talented writer! The narration is fantastic, too.

Absolutely loved it

Years and years and years of waiting, and it was definitely worth it. Now I was more...

A Wonderful Way to Revisit The Chronicles of Ixia

This story has been much anticipated for years. Now that it's here, I'm beyond thrilled. It was such a treat to get to experience it for the first time all over again. I thought the narration of Valek's perspective was very well done. I would have liked to hear Yelena with a more quiet strength, however. She's reticent, not timid. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the experience and hope we get more from Valek's perspective in the future. This fan is very happy.

Valek

Maria V Snyder has done it again. It was so nice to go back to Ixia and hear Valeks side of the story of how and why he chose Yelena as the food taster. I hope she does more Ixia stories in the future!

Intriguing and fun

A great story! The narrator gives the characters life and pulls you in. Looking forward to more stories.