Thursday, March 7, 2013

Review: Poison

Bridget Zinn
Young Adult/Fantasy
288 pages
Disney Hyperion
Available March 12th
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
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.


MY THOUGHTS
Poison, perhaps unsurprisingly given the publisher, is a lot like a Disney movie – sweet and fun with a nice balance of levity and seriousness to leave us with light hearts, smiles on our faces, and fond memories of the characters with whom we just spent a few hours. Kyra's world is easy to fall into despite some of its more fantastical elements, and the focus on potions and poisons as the trade of choice for our young heroine is more than unique enough to pique our interest from page one and hold it throughout. There's a lulling quality to this story, the way it progresses and unfolds almost effortless, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity even as Kyra finds herself in tight spot after tight spot.

Kyra herself is someone we want to know more about instantly, her assassination attempt on her best friend and heir to the throne something we're aware of from the first page, but we find ourselves completely in the dark for most of the book as to what motivated her to take such violent action. She's highly skilled at her chosen trade and has a cute sense of humor, though those positive attributes are tempered by an unfortunate tendency to cut and run from the deliciously handsome Fred and his adorable canine companion Langley, but overall she's an entertaining young woman to follow from one mini adventure to the next.

Those looking for a quick and light read with a nice mix of mystery, magic, romance and friendship, complete with unforgettable animal sidekicks, will thoroughly enjoy Ms. Zinn's debut novel, and will likely walk away from it warm and content with the experience. There's not a great deal of emotional intensity or heart-pounding conflict, Kyra's story instead reaching only a layer or two under surface level, but it's certainly the type of book to pick up for a little something fun and different.

Rating: 4/5

64 comments:

  1. Ah so this is a book we read after we spend some bad time with a few books that left us annoyed! Perfect!
    And yes I didn't expect anything else from a Disney book :)) How does it end? I think it was initially planned as a series but given the tragic death of the author?

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    1. It's nicely concluded! I think there would have been room for more if the author hadn't so suddenly passed, but she wrapped up this book nicely.

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  2. I just wish it did not look like the Snow White cover

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    1. It does look a lot like Snow White and the Huntsman doesn't it? The same artist(s) had to have done it:)

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  3. I keep seeing such high ratings for this one, which keeps surprising me because the cover doesn't draw me in at all! I'm so glad you enjoyed this, though, and I definitely have to check it out in between all the blogs extolling the virtues of this one! ;)

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    1. It's just a fun read Keertana! Doesn't take itself too seriously and is simply entertaining:)

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  4. I am very much in the mood for one such story. I don't have much time to read these days and I'm tired all the time, so a Disney adventure of any sort seems like a perfect choice. Kyra sounds lovely and I'm very curious about her reasons for the assassination attempt and I also can't wait to see how all those poisons are described. It all sounds so very exciting.
    As usual, fantastic review, Jenny.

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    1. This one was refreshing for me Maja. I'd been reading a lot of really dark books, so this was a bit of a relief. I just smiled the whole way through:)

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  5. Well, I do like Disney movies so that's awesome. Kyra sounds like a mc I could get on with, and I'm curious about the animal sidekick you mention! It's nice reading quick, light reads once in a while. Will definitely be checking this out. Lovely review, Jenny! :)

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    1. I like Disney movies too. Sometimes the cuteness just hits the spot:) Oh, and the sidekick is a pig. WIN!

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  6. I thought this story was adorable. I loved the lighthearted feel and the fantastic heroine -- reminded me a bit of the movie Tangled. I'm so sad that the author has passed and we won't hear any more from her!

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    1. Me too Mary. I got to the end and was all "I should contact her for an interview!" and then I saw the little bio on the last page. So sad. I'm really glad people will get to read her words for years and years to come though:)

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  7. Well this sounds perfect and fun...I think I need something quick and cute after the last turd I just read....:D

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    1. Hahahah I've been in a bit of a funk myself Tina. This one is just downright cute. There's really no other word for it. Magical pig = CUTE.

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  8. I completely agree with your review and as I was reading this book I thought how fun it would be for my middle school students. I am definitely putting this book in my classroom library. And you are so right....it could totally be a Disney movie!!

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    1. It would make a fabulous Disney movie! I'm ready to see that magical pig on film:)

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  9. Sounds like a book that would get me out of my reading funk. Nothing seems to be grabbing my attention lately. I really like the sound of this one and sometimes a fun, light read is just want you need. :)

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    1. Rummanah! I'm in a funk too! I've been in one for the past couple weeks and can't quite seem to shake it off. Part of it may have to do with the weather - winter just doesn't want to leave and that's only adding to the funk.

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  10. I liked reading this but I feel like something was missing although I can't quite put my finger on what. Really loved the sweet pig though!

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    1. I just had fun reading it. I wasn't super emotionally involved as I like to be, but I enjoyed it for what it was:)

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  11. This sounds FUN! And I can never resist an animal sidekick! :D

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    1. It's a pig Amanda! A tiny magical one. Awesome.

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  12. Wonderful review Jen, and despite being a light read, there is a little more depth then I originally expected, adding to my list!

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  13. Aww, I WANT this now, Jenny! Dammit all ... I do not have time for all these books!

    You totally sold me when you said it was (unsurprisingly) like a Disney movie. I LOVE Disney movies. I still regularly watch them - don't judge. I have an unhealthy Peter Pan obsession.

    Where was I?

    Oh, yeah. This book has been on my radar for a while now, but now I simply MUST HAVE IT. Thanks!

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  14. Sounds like fun. Disney movies often get maligned, but it's hard to beat their combination of levity and drama. While this book does kind of sound like other things I've read, I'm intrigued.

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  15. What can I say, I'm a sucker for feel good, Disney style fairy tales. Sometimes I just need that sort of book, especially after a long run of heavier reads. Poison sounds like a wonderful story, and I can't wait to meet Kyra and Fred! Though I'm very curious why she tried to assassinate her BFF. Hopefully it's a good reason? :-)

    Awesome review, Jenny, you've made me really excited to read this!

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  16. I keep seeing great reviews for this book lately, I admit it wasn't on my radar before, but it sounds like such a fun read! Especially when I'm in the mood for something which mixes mystery, friendship and romance! Lovely review Jenny! :)

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  17. Nice review! I have heard amazing things about this author. And I'm sad to hear I won't be able to read anything else by her. I have to read this soon.

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  18. Reads like a Disney movie?! This does sound fun and perfect for mood lift :)

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  19. Not always the hugest fan of Disney (although Pixar is another story... ) but you've convinced me that this one is something I need to pick up. I do like retellings and you know you had me at animal sidekicks. You know you did... you evil blogger you! ;) So, yes, you did make my wishlist bigger. BIGGER! I'm gonna need a beanstalk to reach the top.
    *cracks self up*
    *wonders why no one else is laughing*
    *slinks into the corner...*

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  20. Fun and Different is always good. I don't always need something below the surface :) I kind of like to drift away in Disney types of stories---it might be why I worked there for 3 years. There is just something magical about their stories!

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  21. I've been hearing so many good things about this book, Jenny. I was already excited for the release of this book, but knowing that it's a fun read has me even excited. I'm very much intrigued by the MC. I want to know her reason for trying to kill her best friend. And of course, I can't wait to meet the magical pig!
    Lovely review, Jenny! :)

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  22. Yours is the second review I've read that said about the same thing, light fun read. I feel like you said, when I read it I'll be watching a Disney movie! Still, there are always those days when you need one of these, right?
    Nice review, Jenny!

    Heather

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  23. When I read this I was relieved to not have such an emotional book. I needed something light and fun and it fit that bill perfectly! I'm glad you enjoyed this one too! Wasn't Fred just great?

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  24. Oh, I had been curious about this one! Honestly, I love Disney movies for all the reasons you say you enjoyed this one - a nice and familiar comfort read, cute humour, and animal sidekicks. I do prefer stories with a bit more substance, but I could see myself enjoying this one easily. Thanks for this review, Jenny!

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  25. I seeeeeriously can't wait for this one!! Thanks for the awesome review, dear <3

    Sierra @ Yearning to Read

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  26. Great review Jenny. Everything I have read so far is positive about this book, and who doesn't love a good Disney movie :) I will definitely have to check this out.

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  27. "Poison, perhaps unsurprisingly given the publisher, is a lot like a Disney movie – sweet and fun with a nice balance of levity and seriousness to leave us with light hearts, smiles on our faces, and fond memories of the characters with whom we just spent a few hours." Yes! I couldn't have said it better myself!

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  28. Ooh. Poisons, potions, magic and adventure. You had me sold on this and so much more. Sounds like a surprisingly light read = and the kind that would definitely go down well after reading a dark, angsty read. And Kyra sounds like the kind of heroine one can't help but root for.

    *waves*- finally getting to play catch up. Sigh* Hope you've been well Jenny?

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  29. I kinda want to read this book. I think I skipped over it every time I saw it because I am not the biggest fan of the cover, but I think you've sold me on it. I like light fun novels with good characters. This sounds like my kind of book.

    Thanks for the review,

    ~Sara @ Just Another Story

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