[#18] Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison

by Bridget Zinn

Synopsis

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.

Review

Poison... Wow. That. Was. Awesome!!! And here just minutes after I'd finished reading it, and I want to read it again.

It was a quick read for a book that deserved a trilogy, though I was pretty glad that Zinn made this a single one. It reminded me of a book by Snyder, Scent of Magic which I loved too. I picked this book for I know that it just going to be a quick one, and now here I am wishing that it would be longer and have more elaborate ending. But no, because Zinn just made enough and satisfying book.

The plot was really nice. Friendship tone, made me realize that I have to go out of my cave and spend some time with my friends =) Adventure. Trust. Love. Mystery. Humor. And the revelation part on the last parts was quite unexpected and entertaining. It actually made me laugh countless times.

The characters were so jolly. It's hard concentrating on the dilemma when even they were not taking it seriously. Kyra brought the balance to that. She's the lead, loved her with her bravery, determination and sweetness. The same goes with Ariana, with a little level up on sweetness and down on the other two. And Fred *cough* my Fred *cough*, he was just so funny and lovable!

I was really glad that it didn't turn out to be some love triangle. The romance part was clean and cute. Though, teenage love was on a different level in the old times. Marriage at 16 O.o

I definitely enjoyed this book. I might read it again sometime soon. And I'm so gonna fish some other work of Zinn ^^

How much I loved it?

5.0 Hearts

[#15] Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite

  (The Selection #2)

by Kiera Cass

Synopsis

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Review

The Elite… This series definitely gave life to the girlish part of me that hadn’t been roused for a really long time. I loved it!

I rated The Selection with perfect five while I rated this one four because I think that the first one’s much better. I rate a series according to its development from the first one. While The Elite definitely roused me, The Selection gave me sparks and all.

I also like the blue cover more that the red one. Though, I really approved of both covers for they sort of described the characters too. In the first book, America was innocent and confused which gave blue aura (blue:calm). The second one with America being stronger and a little fiercer gave red aura. That’s just the way I view things though.

Charaters. I still think that Aspen was a jeck. No competition for the prince then. Maxon, he still has that charming, manly and really lovable self. I was a little shock with his revelation on what was happening with him and his dad. I understand the weigh of his responsibilities and his every action. His womanizing, I don’t even want to talk about that (you got the idea, right?). America, loved her so much. I liked her character now more than the other one. She was stronger and more that ready to stand up for the things and persons that needed her. I admired those qualities of her. Maxon and her lovelife had been a little blur with all that happened but I still have my bet on him.

Events. There’s less focus on love thing on this book than the other one. The rebels were really disturbing. The palace was not much of desirable place now with all that happened and issues with the royal family. The events shifted with the characters. It’s great how Cass had done it all.

Overall, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next series, and it has its official title now! The One. I loved this book and I’m sure that I will love it too. Another thumbs up for Cass =D

How much I loved it?

4.0 Hearts

[#5] Book Review: Fortress of Mist by Sigmund Brouwer

Fortress of Mist 

(Merlin's Immortals #2)

by Sigmund Brouwer

Synopsis

Following Thomas' conquest of Magnus, the young ruler must now lead his people into a new era - one which is sure to reveal dark forces at work behind the evil undercurrent that controlled Thomas' kingdom for so long. Who will stand with Thomas to fight against the mysterious Druids? After being abandoned by Sir William, of his remaining "adopted family," who can he trust? Can he trust either Katherine or Isabelle with his secrets-or his heart?

Review

Fortress of Mist… It is the second novel in Brouwer’s Merlin’s Immortals Series. This book was classified as YA, though I would recommend it with younger teens. I think it would be fun to read this if you like calm, mystery and a little romance.

Honestly, these are not the type of books I would usually enjoy for I am more of a YA dystopian and paranormal reader. I’m not used to very calm sound of this book, though I liked it for it was a breath of fresh air after reading consecutive thrilling genres.

There was mystery, romance, deceit, betrayal and wisdom implied in this novel. The mystery evolved around the main character: Thomas. The events was narrated by a third person so the readers knows what’s going on, the mystery was only on the characters. The romance was nothing mushy. Deceit and betrayal, the supporting characters seem to deceit the main. Thomas seems to have a fight against the worlds. He has had those wisdoms that the reader could take time to think about. It could be a good way to connect with a book like this, though not everything was relatable for it’s mostly about warfare. Faith was also seen in this novel. Thomas has question about God that could give readers some insights.

Overall I found Fortress of Mist to be an interesting yet a quick calming read. The revelation on this book did its magic for me to keep interested on the coming events.

I received this novel for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Press in exchange for this review.

How much I loved it?

3.5 Hearts