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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
What I wanted from this book was a no holds barred, kick-ass potion wielding heroine who would take me on a journey unlike any other I've read before and that is exactly what I got. Kyra is a strong character who faces a choice between her home and her best friend. She chose her home and all the people who live in it and tried but failed to kill her best friend who happens to be the princess. Only one thing drives her now - to complete her mission and save the kingdom but what happens when a handsome young traveler named Fred and a small and lovable pig start inching their way into her heart? Will Kyra be able to save the kingdom or is it destined to be destroyed?
You've got a poison maker, a charming companion, and two animals that fall for each other. All are a recipe for a great fantasy, adventure read. Kyra was exactly who I wanted and more out of a protagonist. She had resolve and heart. The "flashbacks" to her childhood with her best friend Ariana really gave me a sense of the impact and seriousness of what she attempted to do and what she still plans to do. You get to know her well and know who Kyra is as a person. But, when I thought I knew her I got a big shock in the end so there's a little room for twists in this story. Her friendship with Fred could be pretty funny sometimes because Fred was such a charmer but without going to the dark side of being an overly confident jerk. No, that's reserved for her ex who was a potionist just like her. Fred was the complete opposite of him. He basically had no faults. I would have preferred not so many references about how handsome he was made by Kyra but if I were standing next to a hot guy I may be repeating those words in my head too.
I really liked that Kyra was a fully developed character and I got to know about her so well. I love that she makes poisons and that she keeps them in needles and throws them at people. Don't worry it's to put people after her to sleep but, she does have access to other deadlier poisons as well. So the poison making was amazing and I'm happy that it was mentioned so much because who wouldn't want to read about poisons or potions being made? I also really liked that we got to see Kyra let people in. Well, one person and one adorable pig. I didn't get the mention of a pig in the summary, on the cover, and in other reviews. What is the reason for the pig I wondered? She actually makes perfect sense once you get into the story thank goodness because I was so worried about this pig ruining everything. I don't know why I just imagined it being introduced in a not so well thought out way.
Towards the end or when around more than half the book had gone by the story seemed a bit rushed in some places. I would have liked a bit slower pace and not such a nicely presented wrap up. Although, I feel like this book was meant to be a series. I found out while reading the authors bio when I was later into the story that Zinn passed away in 2011 (later found out it was because of colon cancer) which is so sad because she made such a great story and characters and of course because of the family that were left behind. Poison had fully developed, strong, and likable characters with a great adventure to boot. If you are a fantasy book lover or you like the idea of a kick ass heroine I would give this one a try.
You've got a poison maker, a charming companion, and two animals that fall for each other. All are a recipe for a great fantasy, adventure read. Kyra was exactly who I wanted and more out of a protagonist. She had resolve and heart. The "flashbacks" to her childhood with her best friend Ariana really gave me a sense of the impact and seriousness of what she attempted to do and what she still plans to do. You get to know her well and know who Kyra is as a person. But, when I thought I knew her I got a big shock in the end so there's a little room for twists in this story. Her friendship with Fred could be pretty funny sometimes because Fred was such a charmer but without going to the dark side of being an overly confident jerk. No, that's reserved for her ex who was a potionist just like her. Fred was the complete opposite of him. He basically had no faults. I would have preferred not so many references about how handsome he was made by Kyra but if I were standing next to a hot guy I may be repeating those words in my head too.
I really liked that Kyra was a fully developed character and I got to know about her so well. I love that she makes poisons and that she keeps them in needles and throws them at people. Don't worry it's to put people after her to sleep but, she does have access to other deadlier poisons as well. So the poison making was amazing and I'm happy that it was mentioned so much because who wouldn't want to read about poisons or potions being made? I also really liked that we got to see Kyra let people in. Well, one person and one adorable pig. I didn't get the mention of a pig in the summary, on the cover, and in other reviews. What is the reason for the pig I wondered? She actually makes perfect sense once you get into the story thank goodness because I was so worried about this pig ruining everything. I don't know why I just imagined it being introduced in a not so well thought out way.
Towards the end or when around more than half the book had gone by the story seemed a bit rushed in some places. I would have liked a bit slower pace and not such a nicely presented wrap up. Although, I feel like this book was meant to be a series. I found out while reading the authors bio when I was later into the story that Zinn passed away in 2011 (later found out it was because of colon cancer) which is so sad because she made such a great story and characters and of course because of the family that were left behind. Poison had fully developed, strong, and likable characters with a great adventure to boot. If you are a fantasy book lover or you like the idea of a kick ass heroine I would give this one a try.
This review originally appeared on my blog, My Life is a Notebook.
When I realized that I was doing female assassins for my thesis, I bought this one basically without thinking about it. I’d wanted it for a while, and it seemed PERFECT. This synopsis looked A+ on par, everything I wanted, going to be the best thing ever. While I don’t regret buying the paperback … I was wrong.
In concept, this book was everything I could have wanted. There was an engaging plot line, strong female friendships, hilarious anti-trope situations and action. It had all the right parts, and Zinn’s storytelling ability is the most hilarious fun I’ve had in a while. The sass is beautiful and I was honestly laughing out loud as the book progressed. When the book started out, I never expected in a million years to have a final rating of two stars.
But then the romance happens and the book forgets that it has any of those other parts that made it so amazing.
Kyra is a really amazing character. Let me make that clear. She knows what she wants, is passionate and good at her job, but also isn’t afraid to make the hard choices for what she thinks is the greater good. This girl tries to kill her best friend. KILL HER. She’s fearless to the point of pigheadedness (pun intended) and determined to save the day at whatever cost.
So why is so much of this book lost to romance?
It’s not even really good romance, I’m going to be honest. It’s one of those cliche, “guy shows up and he’s kind of funny and she likes him but she tries to get rid of him but he keeps showing back up” and yadda yadda yadda. From there the cliches–which it seemed at first this book was actively fighting against–just kept piling up. I don’t want to spoil anything, but let me tell you … by the time the ending rolled around, I wanted to hit myself in the head with the book over and over.
I still can’t even comprehend how such a short book technically had all the components it promised and still had this much romance. It boggles my mind. The story line about her ex-boyfriend? Priceless. Her strong friendship with her best friend who she’s trying to kill? Amazing. The inner turmoil you find that she’s facing? Well done. But, because of the romance, these plot points got shrunk so much that it feels as though they’re barely there.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. In terms of my thesis, this book will actually work out really well for me but as a reader … I am sad. It was a amusing ride and a well written one, but all the promise that it showed stalled and floundered. Hence, two stars.
When I realized that I was doing female assassins for my thesis, I bought this one basically without thinking about it. I’d wanted it for a while, and it seemed PERFECT. This synopsis looked A+ on par, everything I wanted, going to be the best thing ever. While I don’t regret buying the paperback … I was wrong.
In concept, this book was everything I could have wanted. There was an engaging plot line, strong female friendships, hilarious anti-trope situations and action. It had all the right parts, and Zinn’s storytelling ability is the most hilarious fun I’ve had in a while. The sass is beautiful and I was honestly laughing out loud as the book progressed. When the book started out, I never expected in a million years to have a final rating of two stars.
But then the romance happens and the book forgets that it has any of those other parts that made it so amazing.
Kyra is a really amazing character. Let me make that clear. She knows what she wants, is passionate and good at her job, but also isn’t afraid to make the hard choices for what she thinks is the greater good. This girl tries to kill her best friend. KILL HER. She’s fearless to the point of pigheadedness (pun intended) and determined to save the day at whatever cost.
So why is so much of this book lost to romance?
It’s not even really good romance, I’m going to be honest. It’s one of those cliche, “guy shows up and he’s kind of funny and she likes him but she tries to get rid of him but he keeps showing back up” and yadda yadda yadda. From there the cliches–which it seemed at first this book was actively fighting against–just kept piling up. I don’t want to spoil anything, but let me tell you … by the time the ending rolled around, I wanted to hit myself in the head with the book over and over.
I still can’t even comprehend how such a short book technically had all the components it promised and still had this much romance. It boggles my mind. The story line about her ex-boyfriend? Priceless. Her strong friendship with her best friend who she’s trying to kill? Amazing. The inner turmoil you find that she’s facing? Well done. But, because of the romance, these plot points got shrunk so much that it feels as though they’re barely there.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. In terms of my thesis, this book will actually work out really well for me but as a reader … I am sad. It was a amusing ride and a well written one, but all the promise that it showed stalled and floundered. Hence, two stars.
Kyra is on the run...from her two business partners. And her former weapons teacher. And pretty much the rest of the kingdom. It wouldn't be this way if Kyra's best friend had kept her promise not the get married. And if Kyra hadn't tried to kill her. You know, minor detail. Kyra's only hope is the find the princess and figure out what changed her mind before she's captured.
I was extremely shocked and disappointed to finish the book, turn to the back flap and find out that the author had passed away and that this book was published posthumously. It explains a little of the lack of detail that would be present in a fully fleshed out, edited book, but it was disappointing nonetheless. Kyra, Ariana and Fred were interesting characters, not fully round, but quirky. The set-up of conflict between science focused potioners and magic wielding witches was unique in a fantasy novel. I wasn't fully satisfied with the end or with quality of the romance, but that could be explained by the fact that the book maybe wasn't totally polished and it's a junior/YA novel. Poison would be a great book for those in-between tween and teen readers who love Dianna Wynne Jones and Tamora Pierce.
I was extremely shocked and disappointed to finish the book, turn to the back flap and find out that the author had passed away and that this book was published posthumously. It explains a little of the lack of detail that would be present in a fully fleshed out, edited book, but it was disappointing nonetheless. Kyra, Ariana and Fred were interesting characters, not fully round, but quirky. The set-up of conflict between science focused potioners and magic wielding witches was unique in a fantasy novel. I wasn't fully satisfied with the end or with quality of the romance, but that could be explained by the fact that the book maybe wasn't totally polished and it's a junior/YA novel. Poison would be a great book for those in-between tween and teen readers who love Dianna Wynne Jones and Tamora Pierce.
Overall, I liked Poison. It's a quick, light read - fantasy fans of the 10 to 13 age range would probably really enjoy it. A fun PG romp through a medieval forest. That said, it was also a bit of a let-down; more than a little predictable and at times, quite a bit dull.
Although, credit where credit is due, it certainly kept me turning the page. Props to Kyra's strength of character (what up female-assassin-with-poison-darts-trying-to-save-her-kingdom-by-murdering-her-best-friend!) and an engaging plot. Even if it felt hastily done at times.
I feel that there was so much potential for the world of Poison, but most of it was squandered by a constant barrage of 'everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-itis'. I mean, in a book of less than 300 pages, we were assaulted by potion-makers, witches, gypsies, magical pigs, goblins, tomboy princesses, warlords, wayward princes, wolves, guards, and trackers, not to mention the obligatory magical-world rules that comes with a fantasy novel. I'm not kidding when I say that Poison is pretty heavy handed.
I did admire Kyra's pragmatic and cool protagonist nature. I will give it that.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Although, credit where credit is due, it certainly kept me turning the page. Props to Kyra's strength of character (what up female-assassin-with-poison-darts-trying-to-save-her-kingdom-by-murdering-her-best-friend!) and an engaging plot. Even if it felt hastily done at times.
I feel that there was so much potential for the world of Poison, but most of it was squandered by a constant barrage of 'everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-itis'. I mean, in a book of less than 300 pages, we were assaulted by potion-makers, witches, gypsies, magical pigs, goblins, tomboy princesses, warlords, wayward princes, wolves, guards, and trackers, not to mention the obligatory magical-world rules that comes with a fantasy novel. I'm not kidding when I say that Poison is pretty heavy handed.
I did admire Kyra's pragmatic and cool protagonist nature. I will give it that.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Yayyyyyy! I am SO glad that Debby forced me to read this book. Though I think it was on my to-read list anyway, I’m not certain I would ever have found the time to get to it, because there are an absurd number of books on my to-read shelf and I ALSO love rereading. I actually remember when this book was coming up, because I kept adding and removing it from my to-read shelf, because the reviews were ALL over the place, and I kept being convinced one way and then another, like a giant tug of war. The winner of that tug of war was Debby. *doffs hat to Debby*
Though I truly delighted in every page of Poison, I can see where it might not be everybody’s cup of cocoa. It’s all going to depend on your expectations and what you’re into. Thankfully, I went in with fairly low expectations and a feeling that the book would be flufftastic. It IS. There is NOTHING wrong with some well done fluff, and I had a big grin on my face the whole way through, so what is better than that?
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
Though I truly delighted in every page of Poison, I can see where it might not be everybody’s cup of cocoa. It’s all going to depend on your expectations and what you’re into. Thankfully, I went in with fairly low expectations and a feeling that the book would be flufftastic. It IS. There is NOTHING wrong with some well done fluff, and I had a big grin on my face the whole way through, so what is better than that?
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
I wanted to get this post done last Friday, but the book got lost in the mail somewhere and didn’t come in until yesterday. (In case anyone was wondering, the cover really is more beautiful in person.) Anyway, I hadn’t planned on picking it up until I finished the book I was reading, but I had about ten minutes until I was going to go to bed, and I wanted something lighthearted and fun.
I would advise not starting this book right before going to bed. This is more of a devour-in-one-sitting book, even if you have to pull an all-nighter to do it.
I loved Kyra. She was the now-popular strong, I’m-responsible-for-everything heroine … except not. She had more of a lighter, un-broody (if that’s a word) feel to her. Her potions skills made her awesome, her foibles made her human, and her takes on things made her just plain fun. She is absolutely hands-down the best human fantasy heroine I’ve read in ages.
Fred was also completely awesome. He was clueless sometimes, very distractable, and had definite quirks. He was also laid-back, not easily riled up, and laugh-out-loud funny. He wasn’t exactly the dreamy romance type (unless you go for goofy guys), but he would have been a fantastic big brother.
I thought the basic plot would be pretty simple – the princess is evil, kill the princess, along with Kyra’s emotional arc with killing her best friend. And that’s how it started. And then we meet the pig. And Fred. And learn some secrets about Kyra. And get a hint that all is not what it seems with the princess. (Half the fun of this story is finding out the details bit by bit, so I’m trying my best to avoid spoilers.) The plot took so many hairpin turns and loop-the-loops that I totally did not know where it was going. And the big reveals – about Fred, about what was up with the princess, even a major secret about Kyra that was brilliantly hidden until the end – took me completely by surprise. And I loved every second of it.
This is not a book to read late into the night if you have a roommate. I share a room with my sister, and kept her up half the night cracking up. Poison is full of one-liners and off-hand comments that made me not only laugh hysterically, but go back and read it two or three more times and laughing hysterically again because it was just that funny.
I considered donating this book to my local library. But I honestly don’t think I can part with it, I love it that much (which is saying something. Out of all the hundreds of books I’ve read, I’ve only found a dozen – now thirteen – good enough to own). Maybe I’ll buy the library its own copy. Because Poison is too fantastic not to share.
I am going to leave this book unrated because it is just not fair.
Why is it unfair, because this work is clearly unfinished. The Author died two whole years before it was published. A lot of revisions and edit could have been done. Yes, she died of cancer, and its very sad.
I would say however a much younger audience would enjoy this. But for me, it was just okay. There was a huge plot hole...like why did she have to kill the princess and the instalove with Fred. But I can not hate it because the author died two years before it just feels unfinished.
Why is it unfair, because this work is clearly unfinished. The Author died two whole years before it was published. A lot of revisions and edit could have been done. Yes, she died of cancer, and its very sad.
I would say however a much younger audience would enjoy this. But for me, it was just okay. There was a huge plot hole...like why did she have to kill the princess and the instalove with Fred. But I can not hate it because the author died two years before it just feels unfinished.
I'm neither here nor there on Poison. It kept me reading, though I grew frustrated with the MC quite a few times. It was cute and fun and I loved the pig, Rosie. I think I've become jaded with so many fairytails out there having such a similar thread to follow, but this one had enough unique elements to make me perfectly happy to go along for the ride!
Honestly, it is an adorable, great story. I just probably shouldn't have started it immediately after finishing Gillian Flynn's GONE GIRL.
Honestly, it is an adorable, great story. I just probably shouldn't have started it immediately after finishing Gillian Flynn's GONE GIRL.
you know a book is good when it makes me squeek. This book is all of my favorite things.