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A review by ashtronomic
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
4.0
Just as enjoyable when re-reading after 10 years.
Like most teenagers, I read a lot of Young Adult novels when I was younger. However those in the romance genre didn't usually resonate with me to the same degree as other books... except, for Poison Study. Over the last 10 years I often found myself pining to re-read the novel, a feeling I experience incredibly rarely. In fact I can name only two novels that I have ever read more than once by choice. Revisiting it now in adulthood, I can distinctly recognise why this particular book had such an impact on my teen self.
Poison Study is a little gritty, a little dark and a little violent. The characters are not driven by love, but rather by their survival instincts and pre-existing allegiances; a refreshing outlook for a YA romance. My memory of the series, was that the love interests didn't even show mutual interest in each other until the second book. It isn't an all encompassing, whirlwind romance; it's slow, natural and allows time for the reader to understand the characters ambitions and drive.
All of the characters present are compelling and have great chemistry with each other. The protagonist, Yelena has good character development throughout the novel and the love interest is just *chefs kisses*. He is dismissive and dangerous, but also alluring - traits which too often are presented in romance novels as borderline (if not actually) abusive. Overall, compassion is a strong theme throughout the novel and it balances out the darker moments.
Highly recommended for readers looking for romance between characters who are actually capable of realising when there are bigger issues to deal with.
Like most teenagers, I read a lot of Young Adult novels when I was younger. However those in the romance genre didn't usually resonate with me to the same degree as other books... except, for Poison Study. Over the last 10 years I often found myself pining to re-read the novel, a feeling I experience incredibly rarely. In fact I can name only two novels that I have ever read more than once by choice. Revisiting it now in adulthood, I can distinctly recognise why this particular book had such an impact on my teen self.
Poison Study is a little gritty, a little dark and a little violent. The characters are not driven by love, but rather by their survival instincts and pre-existing allegiances; a refreshing outlook for a YA romance. My memory of the series, was that the love interests didn't even show mutual interest in each other until the second book. It isn't an all encompassing, whirlwind romance; it's slow, natural and allows time for the reader to understand the characters ambitions and drive.
All of the characters present are compelling and have great chemistry with each other. The protagonist, Yelena has good character development throughout the novel and the love interest is just *chefs kisses*. He is dismissive and dangerous, but also alluring - traits which too often are presented in romance novels as borderline (if not actually) abusive. Overall, compassion is a strong theme throughout the novel and it balances out the darker moments.
Highly recommended for readers looking for romance between characters who are actually capable of realising when there are bigger issues to deal with.