
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Overall, I am impressed with Maria Snyder's first novel, Poison Study. It was well written and the main characters are likeable, complex, and engaging. The characters of the "supporting staff" are also well done. The dialogue is realistic and the writing style is pleasant and unpretentious. The pace is quick, there is political intrigue, spying, treachery, fighting, forgiveness, personal growth, and romance (although the single love scene was confusing and a bit corny).
However, the plot was somewhat predictable and there were few surprises. Also, the setting of the story is confusing. Chamber pots, swords, and castles with dungeons suggest a medieval setting, but then there are factories, camouflage, disinfectants, briefcases, pills, and dialogue that doesn't seem to fit that setting.
I was also slightly disappointed with the ending. Among a... Read More