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Poison Study #1.5, 3.5, 3.6
The Poison Study Short Story Collection: Assassin Study, Power Study, Ice Study
Audio version of three short stories from Maria V. Snyder's Study series.
Assassin Study
Yelena, the heroine of Maria V. Snyder's stunning debut novel Poison Study, is on her way to her ancestral homeland of Sitia to be reunited with her family and to learn more about her magical powers. An order of execution hangs over her head should she ever return to Ixia. But her true love, Valek, quickly learns that an assassin has taken it upon himself to make sure Yelena doesn't reach her destination.
As Ixia's chief of security, and a highly skilled assassin himself, can Valek track down the killer in time to save Yelena's life?
Power Study
Ari and Janco deal with a Sandseed Story Weaver and a cocky young soldier while Valek is off helping Yelena.
Ice Study
After the events of Fire Study, Yelena and Valek's sabattical is cut short when they become entangled in a plot to prevent the Ice Moon from falling into the hands of a rogue magician.
An unabridged recording (3 hours, 42 minutes).
Assassin Study
Yelena, the heroine of Maria V. Snyder's stunning debut novel Poison Study, is on her way to her ancestral homeland of Sitia to be reunited with her family and to learn more about her magical powers. An order of execution hangs over her head should she ever return to Ixia. But her true love, Valek, quickly learns that an assassin has taken it upon himself to make sure Yelena doesn't reach her destination.
As Ixia's chief of security, and a highly skilled assassin himself, can Valek track down the killer in time to save Yelena's life?
Power Study
Ari and Janco deal with a Sandseed Story Weaver and a cocky young soldier while Valek is off helping Yelena.
Ice Study
After the events of Fire Study, Yelena and Valek's sabattical is cut short when they become entangled in a plot to prevent the Ice Moon from falling into the hands of a rogue magician.
An unabridged recording (3 hours, 42 minutes).
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 20, 2015
9 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Maria V. Snyder
77 books17.4k followersWhen Maria V. Snyder was younger, she aspired to be a storm chaser in the American Midwest so she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Much to her chagrin, forecasting the weather wasn’t in her skill set so she spent a number of years as an environmental meteorologist, which is not exciting...at all. Bored at work and needing a creative outlet, she started writing fantasy and science fiction stories. Over twenty four novels and two short story collections later, Maria’s learned a thing or three about writing. She’s been on the New York Times bestseller list, won a dozen awards, and has earned her Masters of Arts degree in Writing from Seton Hill University, where she is now a faculty member.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
Her favorite color is red. She loves dogs, but is allergic, instead she has a big black tom cat named…Kitty (apparently naming cats isn’t in her skill set either). Maria also has a husband and two children who are an inspiration for her writing when they aren't being a distraction. Note: She mentions her cat before her family.
When she's not writing she's either playing pickleball, traveling, or taking pictures. Being a writer, though is a ton of fun. Where else can you take fencing lessons, learn how to ride a horse, study marital arts, learn how to pick a lock, take glass blowing classes and attend Astronomy Camp and call it research? Maria will be the first one to tell you it's not working as a meteorologist.
Readers are welcome to check out her website for book excerpts, free short stories, maps, blog, and her schedule at http://www.MariaVSnyder.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 3, 2016
These three short stories are available as an audio collection. Read by the super talented Gabra Zackman, it's a fun collection and I just listened to it - gotta love Janco :). Of course I'm biased as I'm the author. Also these stories are available on my website for FREE! Read them here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/shortstor...
March 1, 2023
This book contains 3 short stories set in the Study world. You can either read them after Fire Study, or after the Opal Cowan - Glass series. As long as you read them before Shadow Study, because if you don't, you won't have a clue what is going on in Shadow Study.
I enjoyed all 3 short stories. They all add to the world building of the series as a whole. You also get to dive deeper into some of your favourite characters like, Valik, Ari, Jenko, and Leaf.
I enjoyed all 3 short stories. They all add to the world building of the series as a whole. You also get to dive deeper into some of your favourite characters like, Valik, Ari, Jenko, and Leaf.
August 8, 2022
3.5 stars
I shopped Audible’s shorts sale and listened to three of them on my road trip. This was the third. I had previously read Ice Study in installments from Maria’s newsletter, but that was a long time ago.
Assassin Study is an adventure of Valek’s that takes place between Poison Study and Magic Study. Power Study is an Ari/Janco adventure. Ice Study features Yelena and Valek that takes place around Fire Study, I think.
Each story is character-driven as the main series can be read without these stories. They’re fun.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Vaguely implied
Violence: hand-to-hand combat mostly; not too graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
I shopped Audible’s shorts sale and listened to three of them on my road trip. This was the third. I had previously read Ice Study in installments from Maria’s newsletter, but that was a long time ago.
Assassin Study is an adventure of Valek’s that takes place between Poison Study and Magic Study. Power Study is an Ari/Janco adventure. Ice Study features Yelena and Valek that takes place around Fire Study, I think.
Each story is character-driven as the main series can be read without these stories. They’re fun.
Language: Mild
Sexual Content: Vaguely implied
Violence: hand-to-hand combat mostly; not too graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
November 11, 2022
I am glad the author wrote these short stories, all of them added something to the main plot and I enjoyed reading them between the main series!
August 5, 2020
This was a fun audiobook, and I enjoyed all these bonus stories. Some of the character voices didn't quite work for me, probably because there were so many male characters in these stories, all being voiced by a female narrator. But that was a small issue in what was overall an enjoyable listen.
June 11, 2024
Literally don’t know anything that happened bxz I was listening to the audiobook while working but I DO know that the writing was so cozy and nice hehehe
March 13, 2017
Assassin Study (Study #1.5)
Assassin Study by Maria V SnyderThis free short story which is available on Ms Snyder's website is a fun, short glimpse back into the Study world. It shows us the importance of Yelena to Valek and what he would do to ensure her safety, even when she is unaware of it.
I really enjoyed this small glimpse back into the world. It was a great refresher for me since it's been a while since I've read the series.
The interesting thing about this story too is the fact that each chapter is reader driven. I'm assuming at some point Ms Snyder released each chapter separately and asked at the end of each chapter what Valek should do and then wrote the next chapter accordingly. This was fun. I reminded me of my younger days when they used to publish those "make your own story" books where you get to choose where each story goes.
This certainly whets my appetite for continuing with Yelena and Valek's story.
Power Study (Study #3.5)
Power Study by Maria V SnyderWhat a fun short story! Again, this is a short story which is available to read from Ms Snyder's website. Simply head on over there to read it online.
I loved this story because it gave me a little adventure with Ari and Janco. I had forgotten what fun these two were and how they complemented each other.
The best part was Janco. It's always a bit of a mystery trying to predict what will come out of his mouth and what craziness will ensue. He's such a character. So much fun.
This is a short adventure of a young man with an enchanted blade on a quest for revenge. He leaves a path of blood behind him as he works towards his ultimate goal. Ari and Janco, suspicious after encountering him for the first time set off after him. Mayhem ensues ... well, you know Janco!
It's another great installment for a glimpse into the Study world and a reminder of its characters.
Some of my favorite moments in the story includes a comment from Ari about Janco:
Ari sighed. "Just what I need. A variable-speed genius."
... which by the way, describes Janco to a "T".
And Janco complaining about Valek:
"That's not fair," Janco said. ... "Valek gets everything. Immunity to magic, Yelena, super assassin skills_"
... Yeah, Valek rocks!
If you haven't yet, do read these short stories. They are hella fun.
Ice Study (Study #3.6)
Ice Study by Maria V SnyderThis is a free short story which is available on Ms Synder's website.
Once again, I love the small glimpse back into the Study world and most of all the connection between Valek and Yelena and how important she is to him. The glimpses to the intimacy and depth of their relationship are short but meaningful. Any fan of Valek and Yelena would appreciate the connection.
In this story, Valek and Yelena are once against separated as Yelena is forced to do something against her will as her brother is hold hostage for her good behavior. Valek races to help Yelena in any way he can while distance and lack of communication does him no favors.
This is another fun adventure for the reader and certainly a good snippet to keep the reader going until the next book comes out.
See more from Deanna's World
Assassin Study by Maria V SnyderThis free short story which is available on Ms Snyder's website is a fun, short glimpse back into the Study world. It shows us the importance of Yelena to Valek and what he would do to ensure her safety, even when she is unaware of it.
I really enjoyed this small glimpse back into the world. It was a great refresher for me since it's been a while since I've read the series.
The interesting thing about this story too is the fact that each chapter is reader driven. I'm assuming at some point Ms Snyder released each chapter separately and asked at the end of each chapter what Valek should do and then wrote the next chapter accordingly. This was fun. I reminded me of my younger days when they used to publish those "make your own story" books where you get to choose where each story goes.
This certainly whets my appetite for continuing with Yelena and Valek's story.
Power Study (Study #3.5)
Power Study by Maria V SnyderWhat a fun short story! Again, this is a short story which is available to read from Ms Snyder's website. Simply head on over there to read it online.
I loved this story because it gave me a little adventure with Ari and Janco. I had forgotten what fun these two were and how they complemented each other.
The best part was Janco. It's always a bit of a mystery trying to predict what will come out of his mouth and what craziness will ensue. He's such a character. So much fun.
This is a short adventure of a young man with an enchanted blade on a quest for revenge. He leaves a path of blood behind him as he works towards his ultimate goal. Ari and Janco, suspicious after encountering him for the first time set off after him. Mayhem ensues ... well, you know Janco!
It's another great installment for a glimpse into the Study world and a reminder of its characters.
Some of my favorite moments in the story includes a comment from Ari about Janco:
Ari sighed. "Just what I need. A variable-speed genius."
... which by the way, describes Janco to a "T".
And Janco complaining about Valek:
"That's not fair," Janco said. ... "Valek gets everything. Immunity to magic, Yelena, super assassin skills_"
... Yeah, Valek rocks!
If you haven't yet, do read these short stories. They are hella fun.
Ice Study (Study #3.6)
Ice Study by Maria V SnyderThis is a free short story which is available on Ms Synder's website.
Once again, I love the small glimpse back into the Study world and most of all the connection between Valek and Yelena and how important she is to him. The glimpses to the intimacy and depth of their relationship are short but meaningful. Any fan of Valek and Yelena would appreciate the connection.
In this story, Valek and Yelena are once against separated as Yelena is forced to do something against her will as her brother is hold hostage for her good behavior. Valek races to help Yelena in any way he can while distance and lack of communication does him no favors.
This is another fun adventure for the reader and certainly a good snippet to keep the reader going until the next book comes out.
See more from Deanna's World
November 9, 2017
October 21-23, 2017
Cute! I mostly read these before starting Shadow Study... but now I'm wondering if I should read the GLASS series again...... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Feb 6, 2017
I actually only listened to the first story, since the other two happen after book 3 in the series. I'm not there yet. But I'm looking forward to them!
I wish this story had ACTUALLY had Yelena in it, but I also thought it was really interesting to see that while Yelena is la-la-la traipsing back to her birth family, she doesn't even realize that her life is in danger and Valek is racing around trying to keep an assassin from killing her! CRAZY! :) 3.5 stars
Cute! I mostly read these before starting Shadow Study... but now I'm wondering if I should read the GLASS series again...... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Feb 6, 2017
I actually only listened to the first story, since the other two happen after book 3 in the series. I'm not there yet. But I'm looking forward to them!
I wish this story had ACTUALLY had Yelena in it, but I also thought it was really interesting to see that while Yelena is la-la-la traipsing back to her birth family, she doesn't even realize that her life is in danger and Valek is racing around trying to keep an assassin from killing her! CRAZY! :) 3.5 stars
September 18, 2019
I love when authors put together a collection of short stories. They always help fill in the gaps in between books or to help you understand a character better. I love her writing and each of these short stories.
March 20, 2025
Reading the spinoff books from Valek’s POV made me want to revisit the original series, and this was the only audiobook the library had. Funnily enough, most of it is from Valek’s POV.
Most of it takes places alongside the main books, not so much between but there are exceptions. I had read all of these previously, but it’s been nearly a decade so a reread was well past due.
Assassin Study felt like a snippet of The Study of Poisons, where all this is expounded.
Power Study: look, you can never go wrong with and Ari and Janco adventure. I think in audio format their bantering is even more fun.
Ice Study: I wish I had reread this one sooner, because I could not for the life of me remember the woman character who appears in here, and she was relevant in a later Valek book when the woman he owns a favour to reappears. I think it would have had more impact on me if I had this beginning in memory banks beforehand.
Most of it takes places alongside the main books, not so much between but there are exceptions. I had read all of these previously, but it’s been nearly a decade so a reread was well past due.
Assassin Study felt like a snippet of The Study of Poisons, where all this is expounded.
Power Study: look, you can never go wrong with and Ari and Janco adventure. I think in audio format their bantering is even more fun.
Ice Study: I wish I had reread this one sooner, because I could not for the life of me remember the woman character who appears in here, and she was relevant in a later Valek book when the woman he owns a favour to reappears. I think it would have had more impact on me if I had this beginning in memory banks beforehand.
March 26, 2023
"Poison Study" by Maria V. Snyder . Book one in the Study Series.
Before I start rambling about the book I would like to save your time and tell you that just go and add this book in you tbr. It is definitely worth a 5 🌟.
That being said now I will try to share how adventurous experience this whole book was.
It started of slow and it actually took me 2 to 3 attempts to get past first 4 chapters , but I didn't give up cuz fantasy novels have always been my fav kind of books and from experience I know I shouldn't give up on the book before I have read atleast 20% of it, which is exactly what I did and It was sooooo worth it.
Yelena our female lead has a strong character who took a stand of herself and killed the son of her "caretaker". As a punishment for murder she is thrown into the dungeons , after spending almost an year in that shithole she was given an opportunity to become the food taster for Mr. Commander and is trained by Valek in all kinds of poisons.
Stuck with a life dependent on an antidote, she craves for her freedom and keeps working on being self sufficient so that when the time comes she can again fight for herself.
All the while she is still haunted by her past , she is confused with her present and future seems to be full of darkness.
So I would say, pick up the book, have patience and you will find out about all the amazing events of this story which I certainly can't share without giving away spoilers !
Before I start rambling about the book I would like to save your time and tell you that just go and add this book in you tbr. It is definitely worth a 5 🌟.
That being said now I will try to share how adventurous experience this whole book was.
It started of slow and it actually took me 2 to 3 attempts to get past first 4 chapters , but I didn't give up cuz fantasy novels have always been my fav kind of books and from experience I know I shouldn't give up on the book before I have read atleast 20% of it, which is exactly what I did and It was sooooo worth it.
Yelena our female lead has a strong character who took a stand of herself and killed the son of her "caretaker". As a punishment for murder she is thrown into the dungeons , after spending almost an year in that shithole she was given an opportunity to become the food taster for Mr. Commander and is trained by Valek in all kinds of poisons.
Stuck with a life dependent on an antidote, she craves for her freedom and keeps working on being self sufficient so that when the time comes she can again fight for herself.
All the while she is still haunted by her past , she is confused with her present and future seems to be full of darkness.
So I would say, pick up the book, have patience and you will find out about all the amazing events of this story which I certainly can't share without giving away spoilers !
February 12, 2017
The Poison Study series quickly found a place in my heart once my reading started. I began tentative, only to find myself working through everything related to the series in as little time as possible. I needed it all. I needed every tiny detail. Thus, I jumped at these short stories.
They’re great short stories, but they are not as mind-blowing as I had been hoping for. They add more to the story, yet they are not necessities to understand all that is going on. Oh, I certainly recommend reading them – but it is not the end of the world if you opt not to.
In short, worth a read if you’re a fan.
They’re great short stories, but they are not as mind-blowing as I had been hoping for. They add more to the story, yet they are not necessities to understand all that is going on. Oh, I certainly recommend reading them – but it is not the end of the world if you opt not to.
In short, worth a read if you’re a fan.
April 12, 2025
I made the mistake thinking that while having not read the series I could read these short stories without too much trouble. Nope, wrong! I had no idea who the characters were, but was able to get a handle on the world system quickly. Definitely read the series first before these stories.
My rating system:
5 stars: The best I've read in a while & for sure will re-read in the future. Definitely recommending to friends.
4 stars: Still a great book, and will re-read in the future. Would possibly recommend.
3 stars: Good book, but probably too predictable.
2 stars: Finished the book, but didn't like it.
1 star: Hated it; wouldn't even finish it.
My rating system:
5 stars: The best I've read in a while & for sure will re-read in the future. Definitely recommending to friends.
4 stars: Still a great book, and will re-read in the future. Would possibly recommend.
3 stars: Good book, but probably too predictable.
2 stars: Finished the book, but didn't like it.
1 star: Hated it; wouldn't even finish it.
February 12, 2020
Assassin study 4/5
We follow my favorite character in this novella. Yes, I loved it.
Power study 1/5
It’s about Ari and Janko. I liked those two sidekicks. They are like two big brothers that you can rely on. However, they were one dimensional, so I didn’t really connect with them enough to want to read an entire novella about them.
Ice study 4/5
This one is about Yelena and Valek. Full of magic. I liked it.
Average rating is 3/5
We follow my favorite character in this novella. Yes, I loved it.
Power study 1/5
It’s about Ari and Janko. I liked those two sidekicks. They are like two big brothers that you can rely on. However, they were one dimensional, so I didn’t really connect with them enough to want to read an entire novella about them.
Ice study 4/5
This one is about Yelena and Valek. Full of magic. I liked it.
Average rating is 3/5
August 25, 2020
Very boring, super annoying narrator. Audio books give the narrator a lot of ways to fill in/interpret characters and when you have created a certain image of characters, this spoils it a lot.
Also I’m not sure what these stories added to the “original” books. No new information. I have to admit that I listened to around 70%. I just couldn’t finish it. That was already super hard.
Don’t recommend it.
Also I’m not sure what these stories added to the “original” books. No new information. I have to admit that I listened to around 70%. I just couldn’t finish it. That was already super hard.
Don’t recommend it.
August 5, 2022
This short story collection was my first introduction to this author and this world she has created. I am so pleased to have found it!
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. She has built solid characters that I was excited to see in each of the short stories. She has given you enough story in this shortened format to entice you to go out and read more.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. She has built solid characters that I was excited to see in each of the short stories. She has given you enough story in this shortened format to entice you to go out and read more.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
January 10, 2019
I listened to this on audio. The narrator was okay, but could have been better. I just couldn’t get into the story. The writing was okay, so I guess it was more me then her. I just wasn’t into the world she created. I actually didn’t finish Ice Study. Depends on the type of fantasy you are looking for is whether you will like it.
June 16, 2020
Not a huge fan of some of the voice choices made by the narrator, but overall good stories that added to the series. You definitely need to read/listen to this before moving on to Shadow Study. I started Shadow Study first, but was completely lost by reference to events that happened during the second two stories of this compilation.
December 30, 2024
I have to say that these were very interesting short stories. I loved getting into the minds and feelings of the friends and family of Yelena because we don't get to know what those characters are thinking in the main books. I really did enjoy these, but I did not like the narrator. These are not necessarily a must read if you're going to read the main series, but they are a recommended read.
November 12, 2020
Assassin's Study I did enjoy reading from Valek's point of view but it isn't a necessary read.
Power Study I didn't enjoy as much, the normal comedic duo just didn't do it for me to have a story only centred on them.
Ice study I also enjoyed as it begins to set up the new series and for those going to read Shadow Study, this book is a must or you will be lost with the introduction of new characters.
Power Study I didn't enjoy as much, the normal comedic duo just didn't do it for me to have a story only centred on them.
Ice study I also enjoyed as it begins to set up the new series and for those going to read Shadow Study, this book is a must or you will be lost with the introduction of new characters.
February 20, 2023
I fun compilation of the three novellas in the Poison Study series. I listened to it on audiobook as a refresher to get back in the mood for A Study of Poisons, from Valek's POV. I'm really thrilled for the upcoming release and it was nice to touch base with the entire crew.
Quick, fun read :)
Quick, fun read :)
October 30, 2020
Really enjoyed this on audiobook, this collection has convinced me to read the full series 😁
Read
May 20, 2021The world seemed interesting but some of the writing style choices bugged me and took me out of the story so I probably won't be looking into the full novels.
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never-read
November 7, 2022[ read the first book in the series, 'Poison Study' and didn't enjoy, so will not continue with the series ]
March 23, 2023
I always forget how good this series is! I need to reread!
March 25, 2025
Individual stories reviewed
March 26, 2025
Not for me.
June 24, 2025
These were quite dull stories that were the kind of fantasy middle ages bullshit that I hate.
October 22, 2017
This is a collection of three short stories from the Study series. After being disappointed with the spin off series about Opal, it was good to get back to the characters I love from the original books.
The first two stories were fun, but really too short to have much depth and therefore not all that memorable.
Ice Study was a step up. Partly because it was longer and a more rounded story, but also because YELENA. Valek, Ari, and Janco are great, but I loved being back inside Yelena's head. And I missed her kick ass soulfinder magic. I'm really looking forward to reading more about her in the new series!
I think one of the reasons I connected so much more to Yelena than the other POV characters is the writing. Maria V. Snyder seems to do this thing where, even though the POV's change throughout a book/series, only one of the perspectives is in first person and the rest are 3rd. She did this in her Healer books and again here. I guess that style just doesn't quite work for me.
The first two stories were fun, but really too short to have much depth and therefore not all that memorable.
Ice Study was a step up. Partly because it was longer and a more rounded story, but also because YELENA. Valek, Ari, and Janco are great, but I loved being back inside Yelena's head. And I missed her kick ass soulfinder magic. I'm really looking forward to reading more about her in the new series!
I think one of the reasons I connected so much more to Yelena than the other POV characters is the writing. Maria V. Snyder seems to do this thing where, even though the POV's change throughout a book/series, only one of the perspectives is in first person and the rest are 3rd. She did this in her Healer books and again here. I guess that style just doesn't quite work for me.
May 10, 2023
If I had known before I bought this that it was a collection of *free* short stories from the author's website, I might not have bothered buying it. But, as it was that I already had started listening to it when I found out, I thought I would listen to them in the order they are supposedly written. So, after book 1, I listened to the first story, and now that I have just finished book 3, I am going to listen to the next two short stories. Here's hoping that they take place before the glass series starts, so that I can hear the stories in order.
These are fun little stories that bring a little depth to some characters.
In 2023, this collection is no longer available on audible. Not sure why they discontinued it. I bought a copy on Raksbooks.com It is the audible version. Odd that I had to buy it again. It was $5 for a lifetime download. But that's what I thought Audible was. Fingers crossed.
These are fun little stories that bring a little depth to some characters.
In 2023, this collection is no longer available on audible. Not sure why they discontinued it. I bought a copy on Raksbooks.com It is the audible version. Odd that I had to buy it again. It was $5 for a lifetime download. But that's what I thought Audible was. Fingers crossed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews