#156 Book Review: Poison Princess [ARC]

Poison Princess [ARC]
Release Date: October 1st 2012
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia

More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

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….

Cover:

Wow, it's AMAZING! The girl and the guy really represents Evie and Jack! The fire burning in the background represents what the world is like after the Apocalypse. I really like the cover!

Story:

At the world's end, an Empress will rise to save the world...or destroy it.

By the time I finished this book, I think my jaw literally dropped. Well, actually no. But I was just that amazed and surprised because I still could not believe the book ended that way. While I haven't read Kresley Cole's adult series although I heard great things about them, I was intrigued by her first Young Adult series. I wanted to know what her writing is like, especially when it's aimed for younger audience. After finishing the book, now I understood how many people really enjoyed Kresley's books. Poison Princess is simply put; magnifique!

The first chapter of the book is brilliant as it was very hooking and  made me really intrigued with the story. I won't spoil you what the first chapter is like but books that hooked me from the very first page are what I really love! The world Cole has created her is very interesting. The 'apocalypse' happened and the world is at ruins. However, Evie is awakening her powers which can help save the world or destroy it. The book switches from present to flashbacks which leads to the present. Before the apocalypse, the story features Evie's average high school life although she is a popular girl who has the 'perfect' boyfriend. She also meets the 'bad boy' Jack Deveaux who speaks Cajun French. Mais yeah, he's awesome. Everytime 'Jack Daniels' speaks French, I think my heart melted a little. I just love French! The romance between Jack and Evie was sizzling it could fry sausages! (well, that is a bad joke) The tension and the clear attraction between them two was really enjoyable to read about. The story of survival in this book is strong and well-executed by the author. As I read about Jack and Evie's story, I found myself learning how to survive in the world after the Apocalypse like both of them. The ending felt a bit too abrupt for me and I'm not even sure if it's a cliffhanger but I am definitely desperate for the sequel!

Characters:

I have to admit, I did not like Evie in the beginning. She acts just like a typical popular high school girl; arrogant with her beauty and thinks that she has the most perfect boy friend in the world. However, she's not your typical high school girl since she has hallucinations which actually are a sign of the world's end! Although, as the story develops, I find myself liking her because she becomes stronger as survival becomes important. 

Here's the bit I'm really excited to talk about: Jack! His full name is Jackson Deveaux but you can call him 'Jack' if you're friends with him, or Jack Daniels. Bad boys are always awesome to read about and this includes Jack too! Even though he acts like a bad boy, he actually cares for Evie and decides to help her when she is all alone. He speaks Cajun French too. Enough said, right?

The other characters besides Evie and Jack are very interesting! They have powers, like Evie although unlike the summary that says twenty-two teens, we haven't actually been introduced to all the teenagers with different powers. Nevertheless, the characters are really well-written!

Overall:

Can you imagine living in the world after the Apocalypse? What happens when you're destined to save the world....or destroy it? Poison Princess is the first breath-taking book in the Arcana Chronicles, introducing you to a post-apocalyptic world where people are gifted with different powers. With a perfect combination of enticing romance, actions and a story of survival, Poison Princess is definitely a 2012 book you don't want to miss!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Poison Princess!

Thank you Simon & Schuster Australia for the review copy!