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!