Customer Reviews
Can't wait for more! - By: Ostara, 06 Jan 2009 
I won't go into details about the plot - other reviewers have done that already. I will just say that I think this is a brilliant start to the trilogy & I hope the author will continue to release books setin this world.
I have read Posion Study & Magic Study & found both to be gripping, entertaining & fascinating (probably lots of other 'ings' as well!) The characters are very real, mostly likeable & well-rounded - you find yourself caring about what happens to them, which I think is the mark of a good writer.
To summarise, a fabulous fantasy novel which ticks all the boxes for me!
Excellent Book - By: G. Cook, 28 Nov 2008 
I was downloading e-books for my sony reader when I came upon this book. I downloaded it, not expecting it to be great but possibly interesting. Once I started reading it I was hooked; it is very good. I shan't ruin the plot, as some reviews do, but shall tell you it is good for all ages & sexes.
Brilliant! - By: J. Cave, 16 Nov 2008 I loved this book- I've read the sequel, Magic Study, & eagerly await the thirdin the series, Fire Study. Both books are really engaging, & are very good distractions when you're supposed to be doing A-Level work!
Very well written - By: Amy T, 16 Jul 2008 Yelena was convicted of murdering a General's son & was sentenced to death. As she is walking to her death she is redirected to Valek's (chief of security) office where she is offered a choice: the noose or becoming the food taster for the Commander. Only the next convict sent to their death after the predecessor has died can become the new food taster as it is a death sentence anyway. Yelena accepts Valek's offer but she is not onlyin danger from possible poisonsin the Commander's food but her life is threatened by the grieving General whose son she killed.
When Yelena was convicted no one knew her motive for the murder so everyone believes she is a cold-blooded killer, though Valek rightly begins to suspect otherwise. In this society any unnatural death is murder & therefore the punishment is always execution.
I was intrigued by the political structurein this society. The monarchy was overthrown by the current Commander & a new military structure was put into place. It seems like a very communist society for example, every child at age 12 is assigned a job based on their skills & is entered into training & every person must wear a uniform according to their political & social standing. This is very different to most of the fantasy books I have read.
Yelena was very well written she is a victim to begin with, she would run away at the first sign of trouble but as she is putin more & more danger she decides to find people to teach her some fighting skills. She becomes more confident & stands up to those that are bullying her.
This is a very easy to read fantasy with plenty of action & adventure as well as a slow burning romance. A brilliant start to the Study series
Strong female - By: A. Simao, 05 Jul 2008 It's been a while since i've devoured a book. This happened with poison study. This female character has fire, power & courage, as well as habilities. But what I like the most is that she does't just have the strenghts & uses it, like we seein so many books, she has to work them. She struggles through life as a girl & developes skills that slowly makes her a powerful woman. Even the romance that eventually happens isn't too lame. A nice story, that ends as good as it starts.
NO SPOILERS HERE.
