JCPL Teens

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder is one of my favorite trilogies.  I love the concept of the book.  Yelena is sentenced to death for murder.  On the day of her execution she is given the choice to die or become the food tester for the palace and potentially die by poison another day.  The other twist to the story is that Yelena has the ability to do magic, something that is strictly forbidden in the kingdom of Ixia.  This trilogy has a fast plot filled with palace intrigue, a strong main character and a touch of romance.  Will Yelena be able to outwit the palace security and escape or will she face a gruesome death by poison?