Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Yelena has committed the ultimate sin and for that, she has been sentenced to die by hanging. Yet when she faces the man who will send her to the noose, She is surprised when he offers her a chance to live instead. There is a catch though. Yelena is to take on the duty of the duty of food taster. Poisoning is the favored way to take out the Commander (ruler of Ixia) and since the last food taster had just recently died, Yelena is next in line for the job. Thinking the she could escape this duty, she takes the job. Valek, the Commandder's cheif of security and second in command, expects this and as a precaution slips her the world's most rare and deadliest poison, Butterfly Dust. Now she is forced to report to him everyday for the antidote, which is the only way to survive the poison for Yelena and a sure way to ensure that she doesn't run off for Valek.

But as Yelena begins and perfects her new poison detecting skills, she still has to deal with the general, the father of the man she killed who wants her dead. As if this isn't enough, her powers which manifested slowly long ago, is now at it's full potential, and she must learn to control them or she'll be in even more trouble than she ever needed. And if that isn't enoguh, she has stummbled upon a plot to kill the Commander, and if she doesn't gather the evidence to proove the conspiracy the land of Ixia will be in grave danger.

I had such an adrenaline rush after reading this book. It's crazy the abuse this girl went through: mental, physical, verbal, emotional, and possibly sexual. If I had to go through this I'd probably off myself. Sad but true. Yelena is a pillar of strength though, I truly admire her for that. This was an awesome read. It was one of those books that leave you very energized after you've read it. There is so much suspense in this book, and surprises at every corner. I really, really love this book I think I'll head out to the library to get book two: Magic Study ASAP.