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Jo's Reviews > Poison Study
Poison Study (Study, #1)
by
by
"It's a dirty way to fight, but I'm late for lunch."
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I think I’m broken� why didn’t I love this one?
High Points.
The premise. Poisons. The setting. The baddies. The magic. Valek. Close combat. Acrobatics. Fire festivals. Valek without his shirt on. Ari. Janco. Maren. Tree climbing. Chocolate. Delicious food. Kick ass ladies. Secret Valek without his shirt…in a pile of hay.
Low Points.
The narration. I know Yelena is supposed to be educated but I found it difficult to believe she would casually throw words like “mucilaginous� into conversation� I don’t know. The found the dialogue jarring and inconsistent. One minute we’d be all britches and monarchy and then the next we’d be in “funks�.
Yelena� we’re not in AFP waters, not at all. But� well meh� see heroine.
Bad haircuts. Come on� there’s only so much my imagination can handle. Black, shoulder length ringlets? A shaved head� except the fringe? NOOOOO.
Heroine.
Oh Yelena, what am I going to do with you? I’m not sure what it was� because on paper you are brilliant. You have a past and you don’t go on and on about it. You can hold your own in a world run by men.You show restraint by not immediately disrobing when Valek glides into the room. You have a strong stomach. You can do acrobatics. You get your Katniss on while you’re scrambling around in trees.
But I just didn’t connect. I’m sorry. I wanted to be best friends and I thought we would be.
Maybe it’s just me.
And even though I know it didn’t work out between us, I want you to know that I care about your well-being. Which is why I’m suggesting you should go and get yourself checked out because, to my knowledge, girls should not buzz like a bumble bee.
Love Interest.
Now we’re talking.
Valek.
Mmmmhmmm.
A cheeky haircut and you would be perfect.
Strong and silent and artistic� oh and yeah, an assassin.
It’s like Ms Snyder read my diary or something.
I was tempted to place you in a ‘Hero� section, Valek, but I stopped myself because at the moment you are still in the love interest zone.
I would like to have had more interactions between you and Yelena, because there was definitely more room for swooning. Yeah, you had some moments (flutterbies� aww) but other than that I was kind of underwhelmed.
Baddies.
I’m pretty sure the baddies in this were sponsored by Hamlet.
And would definitely be placed in Slytherin if they attended Hogwarts. They already have the uniform.
Theme Tune.
I always find it difficult to find songs for historical fiction� because they never seem to fit with the subject matter.
EXCEPT THIS ONE.
What?!
If you disagree� imagine it sung by an artist such as Agnes Obel or Laura Marling.
If you agree� rave on, my dears, rave on like it’s 1995. As I am doing right now.
Sadness Scale.
5/10. There were some sections that were extremely harrowing and I loved how Snyder dealt with these with subtlety because it really left a lasting impression, especially concerning Yelena’s past.
Sorry for the vagueness� spoilers ‘n� all.
Recommended For.
People who love historical/fantasy fiction. People who would quite happily munch chocolate all day� even if there was a risk of dying an agonising death. People who wish Laura Marling would cover every Prodigy song.
You can read this review and lots of other stuff on my blog
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I think I’m broken� why didn’t I love this one?
High Points.
The premise. Poisons. The setting. The baddies. The magic. Valek. Close combat. Acrobatics. Fire festivals. Valek without his shirt on. Ari. Janco. Maren. Tree climbing. Chocolate. Delicious food. Kick ass ladies. Secret Valek without his shirt…in a pile of hay.
Low Points.
The narration. I know Yelena is supposed to be educated but I found it difficult to believe she would casually throw words like “mucilaginous� into conversation� I don’t know. The found the dialogue jarring and inconsistent. One minute we’d be all britches and monarchy and then the next we’d be in “funks�.
Yelena� we’re not in AFP waters, not at all. But� well meh� see heroine.
Bad haircuts. Come on� there’s only so much my imagination can handle. Black, shoulder length ringlets? A shaved head� except the fringe? NOOOOO.
Heroine.
Oh Yelena, what am I going to do with you? I’m not sure what it was� because on paper you are brilliant. You have a past and you don’t go on and on about it. You can hold your own in a world run by men.
But I just didn’t connect. I’m sorry. I wanted to be best friends and I thought we would be.
Maybe it’s just me.
And even though I know it didn’t work out between us, I want you to know that I care about your well-being. Which is why I’m suggesting you should go and get yourself checked out because, to my knowledge, girls should not buzz like a bumble bee.
Love Interest.
Now we’re talking.
Valek.
Mmmmhmmm.
A cheeky haircut and you would be perfect.
Strong and silent and artistic� oh and yeah, an assassin.
It’s like Ms Snyder read my diary or something.
I was tempted to place you in a ‘Hero� section, Valek, but I stopped myself because at the moment you are still in the love interest zone.
I would like to have had more interactions between you and Yelena, because there was definitely more room for swooning. Yeah, you had some moments (flutterbies� aww) but other than that I was kind of underwhelmed.
Baddies.
I’m pretty sure the baddies in this were sponsored by Hamlet.
And would definitely be placed in Slytherin if they attended Hogwarts. They already have the uniform.
Theme Tune.
I always find it difficult to find songs for historical fiction� because they never seem to fit with the subject matter.
EXCEPT THIS ONE.
What?!
If you disagree� imagine it sung by an artist such as Agnes Obel or Laura Marling.
If you agree� rave on, my dears, rave on like it’s 1995. As I am doing right now.
Sadness Scale.
5/10. There were some sections that were extremely harrowing and I loved how Snyder dealt with these with subtlety because it really left a lasting impression, especially concerning Yelena’s past.
Sorry for the vagueness� spoilers ‘n� all.
Recommended For.
People who love historical/fantasy fiction. People who would quite happily munch chocolate all day� even if there was a risk of dying an agonising death. People who wish Laura Marling would cover every Prodigy song.
You can read this review and lots of other stuff on my blog
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Poison Study.
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Reading Progress
September 20, 2011
– Shelved
October 1, 2011
–
16.63%
"I'm about 73% sure that this Valek chap is on some kind of hoverboard with all the gliding he's doing."
page
71
Started Reading
October 2, 2011
–
76.58%
"IT'S CHOCOLATE, YOU LOSERS. Sigh. I have a leaflet about it from Cadbury's world if you want to borrow it... :-|"
page
327
October 2, 2011
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 66 (66 new)
Yes, I am!I'm just waiting on Wendy to get her copy then we're going to do a readalong.
I bet we'll finish it in a day, won't we?
I'll read this with you Jo Jo :) (sorry if I've inadvertently stepped into nick names but tis my nature ;)
Haha, oh man, if I got offended by nicknames I would be offended all the time.Seriously, there is something about the name Joanne that makes people want to shorten it. (Which I don't mind because only middle-aged women are called Joanne)
I get Jo, Josie (My sister... I have no idea.), Joey, Joey-O, J-Ho, etc etc etc.
But YAY, Trin. I'd love to read this one with you. I'm not sure when I'll start it. Maybe this weekend?
I'll let you know.
And Catie, WOAH. Strong words. I'm so excited. I haven't read a single negative/mediocre review of it. And you didn't really like Chaos Walking did you?
I think (excluded Marchetta books, because, well just because) they are my favourite books this year.. thus far.
I enjoy the parts where we don't actually talk about the book just post pictures of cute boys ;)
Valek better remind me of someone sexy so I can WHATEVER WITH YOUR JUDGMENT.
And yes, Catie. We really do. I think Trin and I are relatively new on the YA scene so all the books everyone loves we're just like... :-| Um, yeah. We've read that.
I think you're our honorary readalong member
You're from The United States of America division.
Oh you guys, I'm looking out of the window and it's so ridiculous warm and it's only 8.30 (when I say ridiculously warm I mean like... 24C but considering normally it's about 12 here.. if that). I'm just eyeing the sunbeams with horror because I just know I'll be resembling a lobster soon.
Like a vampire.
HEY... you know who else is a vampire?!
and
BOOM.
And it starts....
Vampire? Why yes I have a response for that.
That reminds me that I still need to watch the final ep of Being Human.
It's true Jo we are noobs.
That reminds me that I still need to watch the final ep of Being Human.
It's true Jo we are noobs.
Also whats the deal with your you don't understand hot heatwave? Hello the world is ending.
Ooh I know I read Nics review ;)
LOL @ boobs Catie hilarious
LOL @ boobs Catie hilarious
Oh Catie we went playpen shopping today, she's so quick! We've been maddly ripping all our DVDs to the computer so we can keep them safe haha.
I'm off to bed now......Jo why so absent?
Here's what I thinks going down
(view spoiler)
And in the book...
(view spoiler)
When are the swoons Catie?
I'm off to bed now......Jo why so absent?
Here's what I thinks going down
(view spoiler)
And in the book...
(view spoiler)
When are the swoons Catie?
ALRIGHT LADIES.Ganging up on me.
I've not actually started this yet. I went to visit my grandma and
And WHO on EARTH is THAT? He is SMOKIN' and makes me DO weird THINGS with my CAPSLOCK.
That scar... schwing.
Also.. Sedrick. NO. No boy who wears plather will ever become my amour.... even in secret. Also he used to have WAIST LENGTH hair.
WTF.
Anyway... I'm starting....NOW.
Also Catie, you love the boobs.
Um OK, GUYS.No one told me that this Valek chap had 'shoulder length' black RINGLETS.
Mentally snipping away as I read.
[image error]Or a Blue Foot Boobie.
OK, I'm at about page 67. I suspect Also... These M-5 guys with their green diamonds and black cloaks. They're Slytherins, right?
Margg (I just want to lop off that extra 'g' with a machete by the by) is a relation of Mrs Danvers... right?
All is forgiven for grandma visits :)
The eye rolling is huge in this book but it is making me paranoid *sips coffee slowly*
The eye rolling is huge in this book but it is making me paranoid *sips coffee slowly*
It's the language that bothers me the most. It's so off putting because it seems so simple and childlike and then she uses words like "mucilaginous" ummmmm. What?But yes. I'm not Yelena's biggest fan to be honest. Things have just started picking up @48% with (view spoiler)
I think reading with Jo makes me more snarky....
It's lunchtime-ish I think you wake up when I go to bed...that seems almost poetic...
Ninight Catie dear x
Ninight Catie dear x
Your comment section of this book has been my source of entertainment!! <3 to you three!
Guys should I keep going?? I'm fearing an abandon :(
MORNING LADIES.And gentlemen, obviously.
You guys... I'm really not liking (71% btw) (view spoiler)
Also, what is it with Ms Snyder and her horrendous haircuts? Shaved head except a big fringe?! I'm actually stricken. Why can't boys have normal hair and eyes?!
I don't think it's asking for much.
The story is still great.. but I'm not loving this as much as I thought I would. :(
Thanks choco, welcome to the party!
AND HEY, TRIN.Don't blame me for your snark.
Maybe you bring it out of me.
*smiles sweetly*
There was a boy in my class in year 4 that had a haircut like that...the joke was that he had a fight with a lawn mower and won by a fringe...
I think I'm going to quit I can't get past 30%...I know I know poor form on my part. Or 'my bad', as the kids would say.
Let's read a really good book next ;) ...... Sorry Catie, still friends?
I think I'm going to quit I can't get past 30%...I know I know poor form on my part. Or 'my bad', as the kids would say.
Let's read a really good book next ;) ...... Sorry Catie, still friends?
Oh no, I didn't think you weren't liking it THAT much! :(I think it's a solid 3 stars from me so far unless the ending shatters my soul with how amazing it is or makes me want to fling my kindle out of the window.
I've come up with the most ridiculous/innapropriate/perfect theme thune for this book.
LOLOLOLOL.
*looks mischevious*
But yes, let's.
How about The Swan Kingdom? It's supposed to be supercute and it'll be a quick read. :)
It's not a hate it's just a whole lot of meh.
Yes that would be lovely :)
Then let's read a hilariously bad one just so we can be all snarky again.
Yes that would be lovely :)
Then let's read a hilariously bad one just so we can be all snarky again.
YES.Well, I'll probably finish this one today and then I need to do some RL stuff but I'll pick Ms Marriott up this evening.
I have no idea when that is for you.
It is a bit meh, isn't it? I found Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin, Book 1 a lot better. It's a very similar story but there's so much more going on.
Trinity wrote: "There was a boy in my class in year 4 that had a haircut like that...the joke was that he had a fight with a lawn mower and won by a fringe..."LOL Seriously!
Lol I'm gonna consult the world clock ;)
Cant wait for your theme song
Cant wait for your theme song
@choco yes and I'm 70% sure it was a teacher who said it first
I always think it's worse when they have a little bit of long hair that comes out from the back and snakes down the nape of their neck. Urgh.
Trinity wrote: "@choco yes and I'm 70% sure it was a teacher who said it first"I bet the boy's scarred for life and had never the hairstyle again. It's just gold!
That's what we call a rats tail....a whole load of yuck
Why would you ever think it's a good idea?!
We also called him chicken cos he was short.....I hope he's ok
Jo wrote: "I always think it's worse when they have a little bit of long hair that comes out from the back and snakes down the nape of their neck. Urgh."
I hate that one too. I believe there is a website dedicated to that hairstyle (people post the pictures of those they've witnessed from all over the world), and the whole purpose of it is to mock them.
Oh my gosh, what website is that?!I'm going to favourite it.
Trinity, you are CRUEL. I hope he's some sort of Bill Gates figure now and sits in his palace made of diamonds laughing to himself... because he's psychologically damaged. :(
I just went with the crowd...I'm 95% sure it was that same teacher that started that...I actually had a huge crush on him in year 3
The boy not the teacher.
The teacher went with us onthe blue mountains trip in year 5 told us all urban legends on the bus, I was so scared I had to sleep in the teachers cabin....so embarrassing.
The teacher went with us onthe blue mountains trip in year 5 told us all urban legends on the bus, I was so scared I had to sleep in the teachers cabin....so embarrassing.
See... if you'd only been nice to the boy with the atrocious hair you could be in a diamond palace now.But nooooo.
Haha, I always get a crush on the weirdos. :)
Haha it would make me feel special that I liked the strange ones like I had all this depth ;)
I went to talk to my partner cos he's the one who used to show me the website, and he says it was shut down because they were taking people's pictures without their permission. What a teacher you had, Trinity!!
And poor boy. I hope that built his character, not beaten him down.
Talking about a hairstyle, I don't like mullet either.
Haha, I just have mental taste in guys. :-pI think seeing as I'm the only one reading this I'm just going to blather on to myself.
This whole poison called 'My Love' isn't very subtle is it?
Also: "A soft bed was preferable to lying in a pool of my own vomit."
Each to their own, Y.
Oh sweet bejesus.I don't think I could take anyone seriously with a mullet.
*jumps into commenting frenzy*I wish I knew you guys were reading this together, I'd loved to have joined in! I have it sitting here somewhere... lol. Looking forward to your review!
Oh no, Brooke! I'm sorry! To be honest, Trinity gave up on it pretty soon and I'm not overly smitten. But loads of people love it, so you should definitely give it a go :)We should start advertising our up and coming readalongs, Trin.
Haha quick rent a space for swan kingdom :)
If I don't like it... I know who to blame. ;-)
Not sure when I'll be starting this. Possibly soon.
*throws TBR list into the wind*