Review: The second installment of the Study Series is just as action packed as the first book. Yelena travels to Sitia to reunite with her long lost family, people who are complete strangers to her. After two weeks, she is to go to the Keep, an institution that will teach her how to control her power. Unlike the first book where the reader is acquainted with activities in court, the second book concentrates on familial relationships, loyalties, and the the different cultures of the kingdom. For example, Ixia is a place where one's intellect and talent are highly valued. Sitia, however, one does not immediately go into action but rather spends time consulting and collaborating with others.

   When I read Poison Study, I was curious to learn about Yelena's childhood and her family. The reader as well Yelena get a chance to learn about her past and to fill that void. I enjoyed reading about her family and its various members, especially her brother Leif, who I was conflicted to like at first. My main pleasure of reading this book is seeing how Yelena's struggles between balancing the two different customs and forging her own identity. People expect her to be someone with great and potentially dangerous power, but she is not sure of herself. Yelena can be courageous and smart, but she is also very impulsive and at times insecure. She continuously doubts her abilities and whether or not she will be successful, which makes her an approachable and relate-able character. It was also fun to meet other favorite characters from Ixia again as well as meet new ones in Sitia, and vicariously learn how to ride a horse. An excellent book that balances action, romance, and fantasy. Looks like I'll be up all night tonight to read Fire Study, but I don't mind one bit. :)