Review ~ "Poison" by Bridget Zinn

Poison by Bridget Zinn
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley

Ages 12 and up

Book description: 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.

Colleen's Thoughts:  This was an entertaining story which seemed to be set during the medieval time period.  However, the dialogue is riddled with modern phrases that made the story less than believable.  The twists in the plot were enjoyable and sometimes unexpected.  The personalities of the characters, and even the animals, were easy to relate to and fun to read about.  The dialogue between Fred and Kyra at the very end is nothing short of ridiculous.  I wish it were written differently, but the point is clear even if the dialogue is silly.  There is some very mild swearing and an occasional mention of kissing.  I recommend it for readers 12 and up.