Nonetheless, the individual adventures are fun, and Zinn really gets me on board with the book by adding a cute romance and some adorable animals. The seemingly unrelated episodes do come somewhat together at the end, which is nice, but the story does still feel choppy at points. Despite my fondness for actual medieval literature, which is itself episodic, this is not my favorite characteristic of modern-day novels. The pacing is a bit off in this regards, and I also found the story episodic. Readers generally have to take her word for it that it’s actually a good idea and the right thing to do. This is all quite dramatic, but I have to admit it’s ambiguous for the majority of the novel why Kyra feels she has to do this. The story is not necessarily about poisoning, though it certainly comes into play, but rather about Kyra’s quest to kill the princess she once loved-or else watch the kingdom be destroyed. It seems there is a poison to achieve just about anything, from camouflage to sleeping, if only someone can discover the correct formula. It’s a talent she relishes as being closer to science than to magic, but her unique proficiency shows there’s something of creativity and art needed to it, as well. Although Kyra is skilled at a number of arts, including actual physical fighting, her talent lies in her ability to mix poisons. The poisoner aspect adds a unique touch to the story. Poison may not be on my list of Greatest Fantasy Novels Ever, but it made me smile and look at the fantasy genre through fresh eyes. I love hyped, high, epic fantasy as much as the next person, but I also have a soft spot in my heart for solidly enjoyable fantasy that mixes my favorite tropes with a spark of creativity.

Poison is one of those delightfully fun and imaginative books that reminds me why I fell in love with fantasy as a child. “The Master Trio Potioners’ flat didn’t look impregnable.” 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? Review

She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. 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. 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.īut, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart. 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.

Poison by bridget zinn