The Study Trilogy (beginning with Poison Study) by Maria V. Snyder is a high-stakes YA fantasy that follows Yelena Zaltana, a condemned murderer given a chance to avoid execution by becoming the official Food Taster for the Commander of Ixia. Forced to consume lethal poisons daily to build immunity and test the Commander's meals, Yelena must navigate deadly court intrigues and assassins under the watchful eye of Valek, the formidable head of intelligence. As mysterious magic begins to awaken within her in a realm where sorcery is strictly forbidden and punishable by death, Yelena must master her dangerous new powers and uncover a treasonous conspiracy before her secret is revealed.
