Poison by Bridget Zinn

Release Date: March 12, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 288
Series: n/a
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (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:
You wouldn’t think a book about a girl being wanted for attempting to murder her best friend, the princess, would be such a fun, whimsical book, but it completely was! The tone was generally light and airy, and the book is a real romp as Kyra goes on a journey to find the princess and finish what she started. Like I said, not a light subject matter, and yet once you find out the background of the story and get into the book it becomes quite a fun read. I also loved how it could almost equally be considered a tween book and for upper YAs. It has that adventure quality of a middle grade book, but the characters are older and the plot is detailed enough to keep the attention of older teens and adults.

I feel like there’s not much to say except that I just generally enjoyed this one. Kyra was adorable (though she probably wouldn’t enjoy being called that) and determined, and the mysterious Fred was all kinds of adorable himself. The banter-filled relationship that these two had really made the book for me. I would also be remiss not to mention the little pig, Rosie, because I especially enjoyed her. I absolutely adore books that feature an animal with a large personality, and that was definitely the case here.

If you’re looking for a lighter fantasy filled with crazy antics, potions, and other types of magic then look no further. ‘Poison’ is a fun read with twists and turns, and definitely a great pick-me-up read.

(As a side note, I found out via a review on Goodreads and through Bridget’s site that the author passed away from cancer in 2011. I obviously didn’t know the author, even from her online presence, but I am so bummed out that someone who must have had such a fun and joyous spirit was taken from her family and this world. I’m thankful that I was able to experience a little bit of her through this enjoyable read.)

The Cover:
It's a little middle grade-ish for my liking, but it's still cute. I love that ROSIE THE PIG is on it!

Rating:
[3.5/5]

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