Title: Poison Princess

The Arcana Chronicles #1

Author: Kresley Cole

Pages: 369

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Format: Audio

Rating: 5 Cows

Goodreads Description:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.

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…

My Thoughts:

Kresley Cole’s novel, POISON PRINCESS, is a remarkable YA debut. Cole takes what could have been just another post-apocalyptic book, adds her own special twist and what we end up with is one of my favorite books!

I listened to POISON PRINCESS on audio and in the beginning I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the narrator. The book begins being narrated by a guy and let me tell you the prologue was creepy! I mean seriously creepy! I’m not a fan of horror and while I wouldn’t consider this book horror the narrator in the prologue definitely had the hair on the back of my neck standing up. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to keep going but I made it through it and couldn’t be happier that I did.

Most of the book is told from Evie’s point of view and is narrated by Emma Galvin. There are a few chapters and the prologue that is told from Arthur’s point of view and are narrated by Keith Dobbs. I felt both narrators did an excellent job. Keith nails the dark sadist in the character of Arthur and Emma does a fantastic job with all of the different voices and the Cajun French.

I really loved the characters in POISON PRINCESS. Evie undergoes a complete transformation during the course of the book. She goes from a spoiled, pampered girl to a girl that has experienced death and loss and that has learned how to be strong on her own. Jack was both a help and a hindrance to her growth. Jack teaches her a lot of things about survival but he also allows her to use him as her crutch for most of the book. Jack was probably one of my favorite characters. He is rugged, damaged, and ultimately flawed but still you can see the good in him. He cares for Evie and would protect her till the end. Plus, Jack is wickedly gorgeous and he speaks French. Well, Cajun French anyway. How sexy is that! I loved how he always called Evie “Peekon”.

There was a lot of miscommunication between Jack and Evie. They both struggled with understanding one another. They came from very different worlds so neither of them was sure how to treat the other. It was frustrating at times that Jack always assumed that Evie didn’t want to be with him because he was poor. And at the same time, I was frustrated with Evie for being so naive. However, the sexual tension between these two was  undeniable!

I loved the inclusion of the Tarot cards. I didn’t know anything about them so it was fun to learn something new. It really added to the story and made it that much more entertaining.

POISON PRINCESS never had a dull moment. The story was fast paced and action packed.  I loved the story from beginning to end and can’t wait to read book 2. Finally, a post-apocalyptic story that’s original and utterly captivating! Well done, Kresley Cole, well done!