Poison by Bridget Zinn
3.5/5 stars
Hyperion, 2013
276 pages
YA Fantasy Humor
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everything about this book seemed like something I'd love: publisher I associate with humorous books; a poisoner; a sweet pig; a kickass heroine. So I entered this novel with pretty high expectations. I fully anticipated loving this book unreservedly. While for the most part I had fun, I found myself wanting something extra to take it to the next level.
Kyra is a young but incredibly talented potion master who, on a quest to save her kingdom, attempted to assassinate the princess, who was also her best friend. Now on the run, Kyra must use her wits to unravel a tangled plot along with the aid of a sweet pig and the bumbling but oh so charming Fred.
Upon reflection, probably the biggest element for concern for me was that although this has been marketed as a YA novel (from what I can discern), it felt younger, falling in-between middle-grade and YA. The characters were a bit old and had some more adult concerns (like marriage) for MG but the danger and intensity I tend to associate with YA was most definitely lacking. I also felt like some challenges were oh-so-conveniently handled when more struggle would have given Kyra more depth.
Saying that, I did really have fun reading this especially once the SPOILER (see below) was disclosed. Everything after that part was a delight. I really liked Kyra who is very determined and smart. She's a fast thinker and although she gets in some ridiculous situations, she is able to quickly formulate a plan to get herself out of that trouble. I also must cite the pig, Rosie, just for being adorable. The romance (because of course there is) is very clean and cute.
Overall: I consider this very fairy-tale-esque in the best way and I think there will be a lot of fans of it.
Other Opinions:
In which Ems reviews books
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
Supernatural Snark
SPOILER DISCUSSION
This made so much sense once it was revealed but it wasn't something I had figured out on my own: that Kyra was the cousin to Arianna and thus the daughter of the scary Duchess. This twist made me so happy and love their relationship even more. Everything that followed that revelation was great to me-it just took a while to get there.
I agree that this had a younger feel than most YA I read. Once I adjusted to that, I really enjoyed it. And that twist also took me by surprise -- in a good way.
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
I loved that twist so much-learning that information gave the book a spin and just made me so happy!
DeleteI'm glad you loved this one for the most part! I agree it definitely had an almost MG feel to it the way certain things were wrapped up easily, but it was just a fun read I though. Oh, and you aren't alone on not making the daughter connection - that came right out and slapped me in the face, I had no clue:)
ReplyDeleteGlad to learn someone else was caught by surprise! I bet some people guessed but I'm hoping most were surprised like us.
DeleteEvery review of this book has loved it for it's light heartedness and fun. I have a copy on order, I just can't pass it up.
ReplyDeleteHeather
This could definitely be a palate cleanser in between more intense reads just to give you a nice pick-me-up!
DeleteThis sounds so cute-- and the piggy on the cover!! I hate when everything is just easily resolved. It definitely makes me thing MG, but I read some MG, so it's okay. This just doesn't sound like it particularly grabbed you, though. Great review, girly! (:
ReplyDeleteLoves,
Megan@The Book Babe
The pig was so adorable-an absolute sweetheart! Made me think of an animated pig in a movie.
DeleteGreat review. We've been hearing about how Ms. Zinn passed away before she could see her book come out -- how heartbreaking! -- so it's lovely to know that it's a good read. We hope many people will enjoy her work.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad backstory but it's been nice to see her friends and family come out in support of her book-I wish it all the best!
DeleteI've read a review where the reader thought the book felt a little young in places too. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it and that it was fairy-tale-esque! I'm going to have to try this one out! :)
ReplyDeleteThe fairy tale-esque parts made me so happy. I was expecting a more intense read (it is about poisons after all!)
DeleteI've heard good things about this one but I'm very grateful you say it reads more like a middle grade book. I think I'll pass on it.
ReplyDeleteI thought it would be a bit older but I still had fun-could be a quick read in between heavy dystopias or fantasies...
DeleteI was very surprised by that twist too!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said but for me it wasn't a negative. I liked that it was so light and never really felt terribly intense. It had serious situations but really just felt fun.
I'm glad you liked it!
I still can't quite get over the twist-it just kicked me in the butt and gave the whole book a new pep.
DeleteThis is one that I really enjoyed. Kyra was fantastic. :) I'm glad you did end up liking this. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
Kyra is a great heroine-I loved spending time with her (and getting to meet Rosie :)
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this one, even if it was a bit youngish. It's good to know that going in for sure. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteI wish it had been a bit more on the adult side but it happens sometimes and now I got to warn you so you're reading when you read this.
DeleteWell, bummer. I wanted to read this one, but after reading your honest review, I realize it probably wouldn't be something I'd like. I've been reading a lot of books like this lately. I'm noticing I really need more depth....
ReplyDeleteI feel kind of bad now-I hope you've seen some other reviews of this too as I almost always hope people will try a book for themselves. But sometimes it just seems like a book won't work for you...
Delete