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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Fun, funny fantasy. Brings to mind books like [b:Ella Enchanted|24337|Ella Enchanted|Gail Carson Levine|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338459167s/24337.jpg|2485462] and [b:Once Upon a Marigold|157055|Once Upon a Marigold (Upon a Marigold, #1)|Jean Ferris|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328875634s/157055.jpg|1787093].
This book is being published by Disney Hyperion and I received it from Bailey at IB Book Blogging, and so I have to thank for her giving me the chance to read this great book!
This book was absolutely precious. When I first hear about the book, there wasn't much information on it past that it was about a girl with poisons and an enchanted piglet. That alone sounded great, when I actually got to read the synopses, I got even more excited. I was so glad that this book lived up to everything that I wanted it to be.
I loved being thrown into this world that Zinn created. Even though I really don't like fantasy, I felt at home with these characters because Zinn didn't just throw her creations at you without explaining them. It was easy to follow her potions and her explanations. One of my favorite tricks was the different potions that Kyra had during the course of the book.
One of my favorite potions or powders that Kyra had gave her the ability to unlock doors. I loved how innocent this book was and how it didn't have adult overtures. Usually there tends to be something about sex or real relationships, but even though Arianna (her best friend) was meant to be married and so was Kyra, it didn't feel all that adult.
I loved how Zinn managed to make things both exciting and and surprising. There were a few twists in there that I did not se coming, mostly at the end. When the book came to a close, I was glad that everything was tied neatly at the end. It did feel like there could have been more, but it did have a neat ending that does leave you satisfied.
There were a lot of cute twists and turns and I absolutely loved her enchanted piglet! There was a lot to love in this book, and I can't wait to get my hardcover copy when it does hit shelves in March. Of note, this novel is a standalone before you ask if there is going to be a second one, sadly Bridget Zinn passed away in 2011.
This book was absolutely precious. When I first hear about the book, there wasn't much information on it past that it was about a girl with poisons and an enchanted piglet. That alone sounded great, when I actually got to read the synopses, I got even more excited. I was so glad that this book lived up to everything that I wanted it to be.
I loved being thrown into this world that Zinn created. Even though I really don't like fantasy, I felt at home with these characters because Zinn didn't just throw her creations at you without explaining them. It was easy to follow her potions and her explanations. One of my favorite tricks was the different potions that Kyra had during the course of the book.
One of my favorite potions or powders that Kyra had gave her the ability to unlock doors. I loved how innocent this book was and how it didn't have adult overtures. Usually there tends to be something about sex or real relationships, but even though Arianna (her best friend) was meant to be married and so was Kyra, it didn't feel all that adult.
I loved how Zinn managed to make things both exciting and and surprising. There were a few twists in there that I did not se coming, mostly at the end. When the book came to a close, I was glad that everything was tied neatly at the end. It did feel like there could have been more, but it did have a neat ending that does leave you satisfied.
There were a lot of cute twists and turns and I absolutely loved her enchanted piglet! There was a lot to love in this book, and I can't wait to get my hardcover copy when it does hit shelves in March. Of note, this novel is a standalone before you ask if there is going to be a second one, sadly Bridget Zinn passed away in 2011.
Super cutesy fun fantasy. Reminded me a tiny bit of Ella Enchanted in the fairy tale-like feel. Fred was fun and all but let's face it: Rosie steals the show. I cared about her more than any other character. I would never let anything happen to you, Rosie!!!!!
Some more words on this title PLUS we're giving away a copy at The Midnight Garden!
Some more words on this title PLUS we're giving away a copy at The Midnight Garden!
I had been reeeaaally looking forward to this one. In fact, it was one of my most anticipated spring releases. And after seeing many gushing reviews from friends and blogs I follow, I was sure I’d love it. I’m sad to say that I was highly disappointed. It probably also didn’t help that I had just read it after an amazing book (Eternity Cure). Either way, my expectations were just set far too high.
My first issue: The prose. It was very sophomoric, and felt more like Middle Grade than Young Adult. Because I didn’t care for the writing style (and also because it was in 3rd person), I couldn’t connect to anything at all. I didn’t give a crap about the characters or the story. It’s not that this book was bad, but for me it was just meh. I probably won’t remember anything about it in a week.
My next issue: Instalove. Yep. This was where it started to really annoy me. It became so cliche that I seriously thought about DNFing it. And cheesy:
It wasn’t just his stunning features, or the tight muscles across his stomach she glimpsed when his shirt rode up. She knew better than to get mixed up with good-looking men, and he was undeniably that. But he was so much more. When he wasn’t being completely infuriating (and sometimes even when he was), he radiated joy like a beam of light. She caught just a tiny bit of warmth when she was with him.
Okay, maybe that wouldn’t have been quite so bad if I wasn’t already annoyed with the book. But my BFF was over and I read this out loud to her in my ‘cheesy romance narrator’ voice, and we were both getting a good laugh at the book’s expense.
Then, THEN, enter love triangle. Like it couldn’t get any worse. I do have to say, it didn’t last. Thankfully. But still! I was like UGH, are you kidding me right now?!
I do admit that a revelation at the end did surprise me, but I feel like it didn’t really make sense. Wouldn’t there have been some clue about that in the beginning other than ‘I don’t talk to my parents?’ It came out of nowhere and wasn’t exactly logical. Also, Kyra’s reaction to her mother was just plain ridiculous. Kyra treated her like she was evil and out to get her. Sure, she was a bit strict, but come on. It’s your mother for crying out loud! Kyra was just a bit too immature for me.
Even with all the complaints, I still didn’t hate it – probably because the story line was actually good. And I have to grudgingly admit that there were a couple times I giggled. This book could have had great potential, but the delivery was lacking for me. If you could take away the cheesy, cliched romance and add more character growth, I might have really enjoyed this one. But as it was, there was a lot of sighing and eye rolling going on, and it irritated me too much in the beginning to give it a higher rating.
Would I recommend it? Only to a much younger audience.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing style: 1/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Characters: 1/5
World-building: 2/5
Pace: 3/5
Cover: 5/5
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 Stars
Kyra is a poisoner, a master potion maker. She is on the run because she tried to kill her best friend, who also happens to be the princess. Kyra wants to save her kingdom but she has a few secrets of her own. Together with a tracking pig, a friendly wolf and a strange traveler who makes her feel funny, they just might have a chance.
The world building was awesome. The idea of a poisoner was cool. The details about the world were good and I want more explanation. I liked Ari. One of my favorite scenes was were Kyra and Ari meet. the witches had potential.
I had a hard time getting into the book. Kyra wasn't connecting for me. I also got really tired of the "I must do this on my own, so I'm going to runaway" actions.If she had just told Fred. Or OMG her parents. Its not like they were evil. Her mom is practically the spymaster of the kingdom. and although Kyra might not have the best relationship with her mother (which more exploration would be great) she seems to get along with her father well. the pig was weird, cute but weird.
I want to like this book a lot. But I only just liked it.
Kyra is a poisoner, a master potion maker. She is on the run because she tried to kill her best friend, who also happens to be the princess. Kyra wants to save her kingdom but she has a few secrets of her own. Together with a tracking pig, a friendly wolf and a strange traveler who makes her feel funny, they just might have a chance.
The world building was awesome. The idea of a poisoner was cool. The details about the world were good and I want more explanation. I liked Ari. One of my favorite scenes was were Kyra and Ari meet. the witches had potential.
I had a hard time getting into the book. Kyra wasn't connecting for me. I also got really tired of the "I must do this on my own, so I'm going to runaway" actions.
I want to like this book a lot. But I only just liked it.
I absolutely adored Poison. The book had a fairy tale type of feel to it with the existence of magic and potions and creatures of all sorts. It was fun, quirky, adventurous, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Kyra was on the run after attempting to kill the princess, who was also her best friend. I loved how the story began and how I didn’t know the details of the assassination attempt or Kyra’s life because I was able to learn as I read. I immediately fell in love with Kyra because she was sharp and adventurous. Plus, she was scaling a building dressed in all black at the start of the book and I just can’t resist a good troublemaker. Bits of the story unraveled as Kyra found herself in various situations and I was able to piece together how Kyra ended up running from everyone she used to trust. It added a bit of mystery to an already adventurous plot.
Kyra was given a pig to track down the princess, which was hilarious. I never thought I’d enjoy seeing a pig in a fantasy novel, but I loved Rosie. And Fred was another awesome character. Kyra found herself wading in a river in her underpants holding Rosie above her head when she ran into Fred, which was also hilarious and amusing. But Poison was more than just a fun story. It was enchanting and I fell in love with the characters, romance, and adventure.
I highly recommend Poison. It has the perfect mixture of adventure, fun, romance, and magic. It was well written and fast paced with loveable characters. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough, but that is because I was loving it so much and speeding through it hungrily!
Kyra was on the run after attempting to kill the princess, who was also her best friend. I loved how the story began and how I didn’t know the details of the assassination attempt or Kyra’s life because I was able to learn as I read. I immediately fell in love with Kyra because she was sharp and adventurous. Plus, she was scaling a building dressed in all black at the start of the book and I just can’t resist a good troublemaker. Bits of the story unraveled as Kyra found herself in various situations and I was able to piece together how Kyra ended up running from everyone she used to trust. It added a bit of mystery to an already adventurous plot.
Kyra was given a pig to track down the princess, which was hilarious. I never thought I’d enjoy seeing a pig in a fantasy novel, but I loved Rosie. And Fred was another awesome character. Kyra found herself wading in a river in her underpants holding Rosie above her head when she ran into Fred, which was also hilarious and amusing. But Poison was more than just a fun story. It was enchanting and I fell in love with the characters, romance, and adventure.
I highly recommend Poison. It has the perfect mixture of adventure, fun, romance, and magic. It was well written and fast paced with loveable characters. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough, but that is because I was loving it so much and speeding through it hungrily!
When I picked up Poison, I did so almost reluctantly, for while I had only ever heard absolutely positive things about the novel, I was afraid for exactly what happened - I fell completely in love with it. Poison is an absolutely fantastically well-written middle-grade novel, whose only fault is that we will not get the chance to read more of the fabulous character's that Zinn created in its' pages. Filled to the brim with adorable characters you can't help but fall in love with (from Rosie the Pig, to the novel's leading lady Kyra, if you enjoy light-hearted fantasy romps, you will find yourself loving this.
Kyra is a potions master on the run, accused (and quite guilty of) attempting to kill the Princess, who just happens to be her best friend. Determined to finish what she started in an effort to save the kingdom, Kyra follows the lead of Rosie the tracking pig. Along the way Kyra meets Fred in quite possibly one of the most embarrassing ways possible. Lets just say that her nickname of 'kitty' is rather fitting as far as Fred is concerned. Kyra is a good, determined, and often quite unintentionally hilarious character, which is only made doubly so by the addition of Fred. Fred just happens to be wandering the wilderness with his dog when he comes across Kyra and is entirely accidentally pulled into the adventure. I found Fred to be witty, charming, and completely lovable. During the moments when Kyra is to 'dark', Fred is the perfect balance to her.
And that's only the first part of the book. Filled with witches, gypsies, and an ex-boyfriend, we get to see Kyra kick butt without the need of a hero to save her (even if she does keep accidentally running into someone who would certainly try), and Fred continuously be frustrated as Kyra tries to do what she believes is the right thing. I found the romance in Poison to be juusstt the right amount - not so much that it takes over the plot like many a YA novel, and not too little that it's completely forgotten about. My heart continuously felt for and cheered with right along Kyra's own.
Poison is the perfect read for a rainy Sunday - or just on the kind of days when you need a good pick-me-up. I know this will be going on my 'loved' bookshelf for a long, long time.
Kyra is a potions master on the run, accused (and quite guilty of) attempting to kill the Princess, who just happens to be her best friend. Determined to finish what she started in an effort to save the kingdom, Kyra follows the lead of Rosie the tracking pig. Along the way Kyra meets Fred in quite possibly one of the most embarrassing ways possible. Lets just say that her nickname of 'kitty' is rather fitting as far as Fred is concerned. Kyra is a good, determined, and often quite unintentionally hilarious character, which is only made doubly so by the addition of Fred. Fred just happens to be wandering the wilderness with his dog when he comes across Kyra and is entirely accidentally pulled into the adventure. I found Fred to be witty, charming, and completely lovable. During the moments when Kyra is to 'dark', Fred is the perfect balance to her.
And that's only the first part of the book. Filled with witches, gypsies, and an ex-boyfriend, we get to see Kyra kick butt without the need of a hero to save her (even if she does keep accidentally running into someone who would certainly try), and Fred continuously be frustrated as Kyra tries to do what she believes is the right thing. I found the romance in Poison to be juusstt the right amount - not so much that it takes over the plot like many a YA novel, and not too little that it's completely forgotten about. My heart continuously felt for and cheered with right along Kyra's own.
Poison is the perfect read for a rainy Sunday - or just on the kind of days when you need a good pick-me-up. I know this will be going on my 'loved' bookshelf for a long, long time.
This is a really fun and lighthearted fantasy adventure story. Definitely geared more towards 14-16 year olds, but it was a cute story with a great female friendship and some sweet romance thrown in the mix. Not necessarily the most brilliant read, but it's good for a rainy afternoon. It felt similar to a lighthearted Ella Enchanted.