Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder — book slip

Yelena, imprisoned for murder, is offered a choice: execution or becoming the food taster for the Commander of Ixia.

Opting for the latter, she faces daily threats from potential assassins and is deliberately poisoned with Butterfly's Dust by the chief of security, requiring her to return daily for the antidote.

As she navigates palace politics, Yelena discovers she possesses uncontrollable magical abilities, a dangerous trait in a land where magic is forbidden.

Her journey involves unraveling secrets from her past, confronting rebels plotting against Ixia, and forging complex relationships within the palace.

⚠️ Content note: Themes of abuse and murder.