15 March 2013

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison by Bridget Zinn
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Source: Publisher (NetGalley)
Goodreads Stars: 3
Rating: Enjoyable

Buy the Book: Amazon UK

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

I was more impressed by Poison than I thought I was going to be. I wasn't expecting too much from it, because lately I have been reading fairly average or not-good reads. However, I did end up enjoying Poison, especially the world it was set in and Bridget Zinn's writing style.

What initially drew me to the novel was the fact that the main character, Kyra, worked with potions and poisons. It reminded me a little of Poison Study, and I was very interested in the potion/poison aspect, as well as Kyra having to kill her ex-best friend.

The twists weren't anything amazing. I thought it was pretty clear from the beginning as to who was bad, who was good, and what was going to happen. But still, it didn't keep me from enjoying the story. It was kind of like a road trip adventure, just sans a modern road and with a pig. A pig that I have only just noticed is on the cover of the novel, by the way. Rosie is so cute!

My favourite parts of the story were the characters. Kyra was absolutely badass. I really connected with her as she went on a mission to kill the princess, her former best friend. I don't know what it was, but her frustration and determination just really hit me. I also loved how good she was with the potions, and how she was able to create and use so many different ones. She also went through some great character development as she discovered more about herself and learnt to accept who she was as the novel progressed.

I adored the love interest, Fred. I thought he was freakin' adorable! And so, so funny. He and Kyra shared some witty banter, and at times I was laughing out loud at Fred's lines. I would have definitely been charmed by Fred if I was Kyra!

Poison isn't the greatest novel, but it's great if you're looking for an interesting fantasy adventure with awesome main characters. I would compare it slightly to Poison Study by Maria V Snyder, and also to Graceling by Kristin Cashore, because it had the same sort of feel even if I didn't adore it like I did those two.

28 comments:

  1. I just got Poison, and I'm really looking forward to reading it. I love great world building. I'm excited to hear the main characters are awesome, too.

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  2. Hmm. I saw this one, but I was like 'meh' when I read the blurb. I would read it for enjoyment, but it is not something I would prioritize.

    Despite that, I can definitely appreciate the fact that a strong heroine is present. I always look forward to that. Also, the whole pig thing is so cute. It has been a while since I have read a fantasy with the lead having an animal companion. I also am intrigued because I would love to know what happened between Kyra and her ex-best friend. Hmmmm...

    Thanks for sharing! :D

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    1. Yup, it's definitely enjoyable. Hehe, it's interesting. You might be surprised by the twist!

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  3. I thought this was a really cute read and I loved the character of Fred, too! I definitely want to put a copy of this in my classroom library. I loved Rosie, the pig. I only wish Bridget were still alive to write a sequel. So sad. :( Nevertheless, it was definitely a fun novel--much like a Disney movie!

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    1. EEEEP! Fred was AAWESOME. I'm sure Bridget would have been so proud of this!

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  4. I'm excited to read this one, looking forward to the lighter fairytale feel. Kyra sounds awesome, and I'm already sure I will adore Fred!

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    1. Dude, you will LOVE Fred! If you don't then I will question your tastes XD

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  5. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds exactly like my cup of tea :D Kyra sounds great and I love the fact that there is an enchanted pig :D

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  6. Haven't read this one yet, but I love badass heroines and strong writing. You've piqued my interest with your review.

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    1. Yay! I hope you end up picking it up, and if you do I hope you enjoy it :) It's a great light read.

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  7. I really enjoyed this one, and Rosie the pig was so adorable. Wasn't Fred just amazing? :D Great review.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  8. I loved Kyra and Fred and their animal friends. Rosie was such a sweetie. This was a fun, light adventure, along the lines of Princess Bride, I thought. Glad you enjoyed it, too!

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    1. Totally agree! I've actually never seen Princess Bride, but I think I must correct that ASAP.

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  9. I love witty and fun banter between romantic leads And Little Miss Becky likening it to The Princess Bride? That's my favourite book and movie. I'll be checking this one out.

    Great review :)

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    1. Oh, The Princess Bride a book as well? I have to get on that!

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  10. I read this as an ARC. I am honored that I had the chance. It wasn't the best fantasy, but it really was cute. I loved Rosie!

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    1. I agree, so cute! Rosie will be my favourite animal companion for a while, I'm sure of it :D

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  11. Based on various review, I probably wouldn't pick this up in a hurry. Like you pointed out, the plot is fairly predictable, which is one of the problems I tend to have with fantasy novels.

    The pig does sound really quirky, though!

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    1. Rosie is adorable :) I agree, a lot of fantasy novels seem to be very similar. Eh.

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  12. I think this book sounds completely adorable, and I love pigs so I can't wait to read this one!

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

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  13. "It was kind of like a road trip adventure, just sans a modern road and with a pig." HAHAHA what? Predictability isn't an issue for me, because I usually have no idea what's going to happen :) It definitely sounds interesting, and I'm excited to read it!

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  14. This sounds like a pretty and fun-intense read- I heard about it ages ago and I think briefly considered reading it, but ended up deciding against it and forgetting it, but I'm starting to think I ought to read it after your review. I think it might be a good idea to read something light, with a pig called Rosie and a girl on a mission to kill her ex-best friend, because it sounds intriguing, fun (again with the fun, apparently!) and get not heavy at all.
    Excellent review- you've got me sold!

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    1. I hope you enjoy it! It's great if you're looking for a light fantasy read. Or a cute animal sidekick.

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