Book Review : Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study (Study, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Mira; Original edition (December 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0778327116
• ISBN-13: 978-0778327110
• Available on Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace-- and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear....

I simply cannot express how much I love this masterpiece. Thrilling and suspenseful, this novel keeps readers guessing what will happen in the next chapter. It infuses me with anticipation and fear for the main character, Yelena, who seems to be facing a lot of trouble and perils, with herself at the center of them all. I prayed for her survival, and was curious how would she solve the problems.

Her handsome and strict mentor, Valek, is an assassin. Being a master of basic survival and combat, Valek possesses extraordinary wit and fighting skills. As the master-apprentice relationship between Yelena and Valek evolves into something more passionate, they also find out that one of the generals in the country is secretly planning a Coup d'état to overthrow the current leader of the country --- the Commander.

As the story goes on, secrets are unveiled and hidden pasts rediscovered. I'm in awe of the author's excellent storytelling skills and her creativity in weaving such a wonderful story filled with twists and turns. Trust me, you must read this book - it's awesome!

Pros: Everything about this book is good, I can't wait to read book 2!

Cons: None that I can think of.

Rating:

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria V. Snyder attended 12 years of catholic school before going to Penn State University to study Meteorology. Earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology, Maria discovered, much to her chagrin, that forecasting the weather wasn't one of her skills. She found employment in the environmental field as an air quality scientist, and it was during those years that she began writing. After writing many science fiction short stories, Maria started Poison Study, her first novel about a food taster.

Achievements of note for Poison Study include:

• Won the 2006 Compton Crook Award for best debut novel from the Baltimore Science Fiction Society
• Won the 2006 Reader's Choice Award from the Salt Lake County Library System
• Won Cover Cafe's 2007 Cover Art Contest (Trade paperback edition)
• Won Paperback of the Year from the Wirral Schools in the United Kingdom (wirral-libraries.net)

Kim Kardashian Upset With Her Nude Pictures on The Cover of W Magazine

The 30-year-old, Kim Kardashian, was very upset when she was shown a preview of her nude shoot for the front cover of W magazine, as she had been under the impression that the cover would be an arty photograph.

But when she saw it, she said it amounted to “full on porn”, as along with the cover, which featured her naked with a few strips of text covering her modesty, the inside pages, showed her completely nude slathered in silver paint.

“Oh my God, I’m more naked than I was in Playboy. I’m so mad right now. She promised I would be covered with artwork. You can see nipple,” the Daily Mail quoted her as sobbing to her sisters.

“The whole concept was sold to me that nothing would be seen. I feel so taken advantage of.

::Video:: Serato SL4

Due to release in March at some where around 1,100$ allows you to Rock 2 Dj's at once with on box! really dope i cant wait till the release.

Brittany Murphy’s House Set to Go Under the Hammer

Los Angeles - Late actress Brittany Murphy’s house, located at Hollywood Hills, is set to go under the hammer.

The house, where the ‘Clueless’ star and her husband Simon Monjack died, is 8,000 square feet in area. It has had a long history since Murphy passed away in December 2009. Back in March 2010, her mom Sharon put the home on the market with an asking price of $7.25 million, reports tmz.com.

Then in April 2010, Murphy’s mom decided to pull the house off the market. About seven weeks later, Monjack was found dead in the home. However, the house has once again been put on sale.

Photo of the Day: Two Female Icons, One Stage - Madison Square Garden Concert, 17/03/2010

38 Never Looked Better!

Gwenyth Paltrow continues to shock Fl@unt with her edgy sophistication and frankly poetic pose showcased in her latest photoshoot in the newest edition of Harper's Bazaar. Check these flawless photos:

Here's examples of other movie stars who seem to be resisting the age monster. Age Ain't Nothing But A Number for this lot...

RYAN PHILLIPE, AGE 36

ANGELINA JOLIE, AGE 35

PAUL WALKER, AGE 37

KATE MOSS, AGE 37

Generation Next

An array of pop sensations who burst into the music industry a decade ago and have upheld their career success ever since, have turned the big 3-0 in the past few months. Fl@unt fondly looks upon these stars as the 21ST CENTURY ICONIC MUSIC GENERATION.

To celebrate the benchmark birthdays of these stars Fl@unt investigates how far they have come...

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - turned 30 on 31st January

Famous for his successful transition from boy-band member to established urban solo artist, JT's unfading cheekily handsome looks keeps him solidly popular with female fans everywhere. In recent years, movies have become the Tennessee native's main focus and he's not half bad in the acting game. Having said this - bring back the music JT! Fl@unt misses your sexy vocals.

ALICIA KEYS - turned 30 on 25th January

 

An artist that started with no gimmicks, no distractions, just a simple honest vocal performance accompanied by her limitless piano skills. This New York lady introduced herself back in 2001 as she intended to remain - her own artist. Winning countless Grammys after her first year of success, we knew the best was yet to come. Now grown into a naturally beautiful graceful woman with husband and child, Ms Keys has come a long way.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA - turned 30 on 18th December 2010

This sassy singer sure has had a bumpy ride musically and personally in the last year. Her music success has been sustained through strong image - from dirty girl to glam queen to electro diva. This woman has portrayed every part there is to play but let this not distract us from her undeniable voice. Settling for a curvier classy look of the matured woman nowadays, Ms Aguilera has found and image comfortable and hopefully closer to the real Christina.

BEYONCE - turning 30 4th September 2011

Part of the biggest girlband in the world and now the most famous, admirable musician of this time - Beyonce has been rightly marked into iconic status due to her creative music ability. With a good business head and sensible life choices, this woman can not be stopped.

BRITNEY SPEARS - turning 30 2nd December 2011

We've seen her grow up, get married, have children and make some major mistakes along the way but she's only human. She remains iconic due to being the first solo artist leading the music scene at the beginning of the 21st century with two platinum albums and world tours under her belt before the decade had truly started - all at the tender age of 19. Ms Spears is the THE ultimate pop icon who paved the way for superstars previously mentioned to make their mark on music.

Rick Wreckin' Wheels

Poor things.

BMX Video Monday

Paris Hilton Exposed Her New Fuller Looks in Sao Paulo Fashion Week

Paris Hilton looked pompous, this weekend, as she showed off her stuff on the Sao Paulo Fashion Week. 

Paris Hilton, modelling for Brazilian brand Triton, the usually ultra slender heiress stole the show with her new rounded, curvy physique.  

The 30-year-old Paris Hilton, may have been doing a bit of weight training as her arms, shoulders and thighs all look a lot stronger. 

'Just finished walking in the @TritonLovers Runway Fashion Show. The show went amazing! The clothes were so beautiful! Loves it! Brazil rocks,' Paris tweeted.

Favorite Things: KMC Rustbuster 1/8th Chain

During November I start getting my winter bikes ready for the coming cold months. In many cases I haven't really ridden them much during the summer and their chains are the most common casualty of the neglect and prior year. My winter chain of choice is the KMC Rustbuster.

They are readily available for $11 or less, work with most 8 speed chain tools (unlike some other 1/8th chains), and as the name implies are extremely corrosion resistant thanks to their grey coating made of I have no idea what.


They do the job, last a whole winter no problem, and require minimal lubrication. One of the best values to be found in the bike world anywhere.

Dose of Awesome

Sunday

lazy weekend, great dinner, got a little carried away with the steak sauce

Enarson Vegas Weekend Away

When most people go to Las Vegas, they either black out or go home broke, Haro Pro Dennis Enarson rolled the dice a few times and came out on top.

Let the Vital comments speak for themselves and watch the video below!

Dennis Enarson in Las Vegas - More BMX Videos

::Video::Nicki Minaj on SNL

Nicki Minaj Breaks more boundaries... and kills SNL if you missed it here's the vidds. She Performs Moment 4 Life, Right Through Me, and features in two skits.

DVS X Cinelli Shoes

normally I spare you from all of the fixed gear fashion stuff, since A. it's not ususally anything I'm interested in and B. if you've ever met me in person it's clear that fashion (as it pertains to clothing anyway) is not my priority. These DVS X Cinelli Shoes though are looking really good. I want some bad.

Intense USA Factory Junior XL BMX Bike Limited Edition 2010

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#CHEAP United Recruit RN3 2011 Complete BMX Bike - Flat GoldUnited

United Recruit RN3 2011 Complete BMX Bike - Flat Gold

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United Recruit RN3 2011 Complete BMX Bike - Flat Gold Overview

Features:

• 20.5" TT Cr-Mo DT and CS
• 13.65 degree CS, 11.8 degree BB height, 75 degree HT angle, 8" standover
• Headtube - Integrated with gyro tab holes
• Brake Mounts - Welded 990
• Seat Clamping - Integrated welded
• Fork - Cr-Mo steerer, integrated bearing race, tapered legs, angled at bottom, 10mm slots 
• Handlebars - 1020 steel, 8" rise, 27" wide
• Stem - Front load alloy with cut outs
• Bar ends - nylon push in
• Headset - Sealed integrated with United lasre logo
• Front Brake - Basic caliper
• Rear Brake - Tektro U brake
• Brake Lever - Artek Alloy
• Sprocket - Stamped steel, United 25T
• Cranks - Tubular Cr-Mo 3pc 175mm 8 spline
• BB - sealed Mid - 19mm
• Chain - KMC Z-510
• Pedals - Eclat Surge PC
• Rear Hub - 14mm axle cassette hub with sealed 9T driver
• Front Hub - 10mm Cr-Mo axle, Slmline sealed bearings
• Front Rim - Single wall, 36H
• Rear Rim - Single Wall, 36H
• Front Tire - Innova 20x2.2"
• Rear Tire - Innova 20x2.2"
• Seat - United 2011 Pivotal slim 
• Post - Alloy pivotal
• Weight - 25 lbs.

**Note** All Complete Bikes are sold partially assembled. Final assembly should be performed by a qualified BMX mechanic.  Failure to have the bike assembled by a qualified mechanic may void the warranty

Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures vs Osasuna (30 Jan 2011) La liga

The day turns out to be a nightmare for Cristiano Ronaldo and the team, as they failed to bring home victory against Osasuna. Instead, they ended the match empty handed, with many regrets.

It was the second time Mourinho's squad lost in La liga match this season, which means they 3 more points behind rival Barcelona, who won on their last match over Hercules. Madrid stays with 51 points, while Barcelona climbs up with 58 points.

Here's some of the pictures that clearly showed his desperation on the pitch.

Animated Valentine Desktop Wallpaper