Another Book Review from Caterwaul

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. Yelena has been tried and found guilty of murder. In her land (Ixia), anyone who murders is sentenced to death, regardless of cause. It doesn't matter that she was being abused by her victim for years before she finally killed him. Yelena, however, is offered a reprieve if she will consent to become the Commander's food taster. It will involve learning all about poisons (by tasting them all) and putting her life on the line to make sure none reaches the Commander. It also involves taking a poison called Butterfly's Dust for which she must drink an antidote every day. Rebels plot to take over Ixia, she discovers untamable magical powers within herself, and she develops a crush on her trainer and "keeper." Maybe she'd be better off running for a day or two of freedom before the Butterfly's Dust kills her? I found this to be an entertaining and fascinating new world.

Reviewed by Caterwaul, our lovely librarian from Linden!