Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Fantastic Fairytales - Poison by Brigid Zinn

 
Published: March 2013 
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 288
Copy: Library
Summary: 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.


Yet again I am stretching the definition of fairy tale, but Poison pretty much read like one - it had that kind of feel to it.  Poison was a wonderful read.  It was short, cute and funny with characters that were a joy to read about.  It's a medieval type fantasy adventure with magic in the form of potions and Kyra is a Master potions maker.  She was smart, pithy and sure of herself.  Willing to do whatever it takes for the good of the country, even if it means killing her best friend.  What I loved about her was that she didn't give up.  She made a mistake and instead of burying her head in the sand, she hides and tries to work out another way to achieve her goal.

Where Ms. Zinn came up with the idea of a search pig, I don't know, but it adds a lovely humourous touch to the narrative. Add to that a handsome adventurer with an air of mystery and the story really takes off., and there was a lovely twist or three towards the end that kept me guessing. I love it when a book keeps me smiling, don't you?  You know as a reader that the situations are unlikely, but you just don't care and keep reading because it's enjoyable.

 I read Poison in just over a day and I was thinking how much I would enjoy reading more by Ms. Zinn, when I discovered that she is no longer with us.   Poison was her first, and now only, book and I feel saddened by that fact.  Give yourself a quick, delicious treat and read Poison and then join with me in regretting that we won't see any more by Ms. Zinn.  A budding talent cut short, but I'm just glad I had a chance to read and discover her.

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