Monday, January 14, 2013

Review: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole



Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Book One of the Arcana Chronicles
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Won a giveaway


(old review - original review posted HERE on October 21, 2012)

There was no doubt in my mind when I saw the cover of this book in March that I was going to buy it, without reading it or caring what the reviews said. I have never read anything by Ms. Cole, nor do I know much about the tarot, but I was willing to take a leap with this book. I must say, it paid off completely. This book was excellent, and beyond what I expected.



Summary (from Goodreads): 

She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side…


What I Liked: 

Well, there was not much I did not like in this book! I was very surprised by how quickly I read this book, even though I am generally a fast reader. I was completely invested in the plot of the book, and could not seem to put it down. I truly wanted to know more about the tarot and the other teenagers, about The Flash, and especially more about Jack and Evie.

I really like Jack. The guy is so rugged and cautious, yet he lets his guard down a little in order to save and protect Evie time after time. He has that dangerous, bad-boy quality, but it seems real, less flashy and hormone-driven, and more down-to-earth. Jack is not just a YA hottie. He is clever and protective, fierce and courageous.

And Evie is a wonderful character as well. I could truly see the character development that occurred. She is somewhat self-centered in the beginning of the book, only worrying about what others think she was doing during the summer (she was in an asylum). By the end of the book, she truly grows into her being, and accepts the world in which she was placed.

Speaking of the world, it was fantastically written. The post-apocalyptic setting, after The Flash, seemed real and powerful. I would never want to live there, because I completely understand the setting, and all of its barrenness and desolation. There was so much of this book that I enjoyed. You will just have to read it to see how much you like it.

The writing was very sophisticated, yet I could hear the young adult voice of Evie. I liked that it was in first person, even though I usually dislike first-person stories. This one seemed to fit the first-person narrative very well.


What I Did Not Like: 

This section will seem very scant, because there was not much that I did not like. I would have liked to know more about the Bagmen, and had more encounters with them. I understand what they are, and their appearance and whatnot, but I think another scene or two, with in-depth descriptions, would have served the readers well. Also, I really wish Evie could have admitted at some point that she speaks Cajun French as well! One tiny secret. Jack never asked for much. And that secret did not have much to do with the other world that Jack did not know about until the end. Other than those few things, I was very satisfied by this book.


Would I Recommend It: 

Yes! I truly loved this book! This is probably one of my favorites OR my favorite book of 2012 (I liked a few others very much, so it would be close). This book is very original, with the tarot, and I feel like as the series progresses, we as readers will see even more originality and creativity from Ms. Cole. This book is suitable for readers ages 15+ (Ms. Cole's older readers will definitely enjoy this book).


Rating: 

5 stars. Go read this book now!

I bought this book without reading it, or reading any reviews. I had expectations, but this book exceeded them and went beyond what I could have expected. I will eagerly and impatiently await the second book!

Author Blog | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

23 comments:

  1. I loved this book so much. I cant wait to read second book. :) Glad you enjoyed it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAYYY!!! Me too - I can't wait for Endless Knight! Thank you!!!

      Delete
  2. This sounds good. I have been drawn to the cover, and now the story.
    Happy reading,
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You shuld definitely check it out, Brandi! I think yo'd like it. Thank you!

      Delete
    2. All of those typos -.-
      Sorry! :)

      Delete
  3. I love the cover of this one and I've really wanted to read it based solely on that reason, lol. So I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, it sounds wonderful and I'm rather curious about the prophecy and her visions.
    Great review, I'm going to add this to my tbr.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I honestly did the same thing - judge it by its cover! And it's totally worth it. You should read it NOW! :D

      Delete
  4. I've read the first six chapters of this book and am glad to see that the total package is a winner!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love Kresley Cole's writing so I was already disposed to want to read this new book, but you're right the cover is captivating. The worldbuilding sounds creative and interesting so I look forward to reading it for myself.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really enjoyed this one, but it didn't look like it was going to be a favorite until the last couple of chapters. THEN it started blowing my mind! My issues were the pacing, which was sloooowww. And I just wasn't a fan of Evie until the last few chapters. BUT I have such high hopes for the second in the series!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you about the last part - I was enthralled! And yes, it was slowly-paced. But definitely worth it! :D

      Delete
  7. I can't wait to read this book, it sounds amazing! Thank you for the review on it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dying to read this one! Won an awesome hardcover that is sitting on my shelf and I vow to read it VERY soon! Thanks for your thoughts and making me want to read it more! Sounds like I'll love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats on the win! My hardcover copy was froma gveaway as well. Hope you enjoy! I have a feeling you will ;)

      Delete
  9. I'm about to start this one and very excited! I just fell in love with this cover :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I've read and loved her historical romance series about the MacCarrick brothers. I've heard a lot of rave reviews about this series, but I haven't picked it up yet. Have any of the other book in this series come out yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The second one, Endless Knight, will be out in October. And it features more of DEATH! I'm so excited, because this is where things get REALLY interesting :D

      I would definitely recommend this one! It was one of my top 10 (if I remember correctly) of 2012. I read it in October, but I posted my review really late lol ^_^

      Delete
  11. Ohhh Awesome review Alyssa I am telling you my TBR list is going to be really really long I'm loving all these awesome books you recommend I just can't wait to get them and read them all lol :D thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katiria, that makes me so happy, to read this comment! You are so sweet and absolutely fantastic. I hope you read and enjoy this one, and many, many other awesome books! <3

      Delete

I love comments! I will always try and reply to your comments, as well as leave some comment love on your blog! :)

Also, this an award and tag free blog. While I am flattered that you would think of me, I really do not have the time to follow up. Thank you!