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...

Perfectly average

The story was not entirely engaging but that’s okay.

Also the author took to over explaining a character’s motives even though they were pretty obvious.

All in all, I would say this is young adult fiction which could be good, but I think this missed the mark.

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!

I loved the book, but the narration...

Another fun book from Maria V. Snyder. I've loved the Study series since it's premiere and have followed every release and was happy to have this unique look back on the first book. My only complaint is the narrator, it took a while to get used to him and I feel like the voices used for the characters weren't unique enough.

Took My Breath Away!

I have loved every aspect of the Study series and I have been looking forward to this book since the announcement. Getting to experience the same story from Valek’s perspective and see what happened in the outside world beyond Yelena gives a different depth to the story and allows for the reader to feel the conflict that Valek went through coming to terms with his feelings for Yelena. I would love to continue the Valek experience in the next two novels with Raphael Corkhill.

Best $4.27 spent

Grabbed this daily special as seemed interesting, but not having read or listen to the other books was a bit concerned.

Turned out a great use of my money. I don't know how the other book is but this was well written and enjoyable. as this seems a to be a book to fill in blanks the primary book couldn't include, makes me want to get the book Poison Study read soon.

I could not stop listening!

5⭐️ 0🌶️ 4🎧

I can’t tell you how happy I was reading this book. The Chronicles of Ixia has been my comfort series for years. I have probably read Poison Study at least ten times since it released and to be back in this world was like getting a warm hug from old friends.

I loved seeing things through Valek’s POV. It was so much fun watching him fall in love with Yelena. I also loved his interactions with his corp and the Commander. Who knew the two of them were so funny together?

I can see myself reading Poison Study and The Study of Poisons back to back from now own. I really hope we get additional books from Valek’s POV. I don’t need each book but one or two more would make my heart so happy.

I listened to the audiobook and thought Raphael Corkhill was an amazing Valek. His female voices weren’t my favorite but his swoon worthy voice as Valek more than made up for it.

Another Slam Dunk by Maria V. Snyder

Like with Poison Study I couldnt believe it was over when I reached the end of the book... I guess I'll have to listen to the whole series again 😅