Poison Princess

Arcana Chronicles, Book 1

By: Kresley Cole

Narrated by: Emma Galvin, Keith Nobbs

22 Arcana cards. 22 young assassins. May the best hand live. Introducing The Arcana Chronicles from number one New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole.

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 ii's not always clear who is on which side....

©2012 Kresley Cole (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc

AMAZING SERIES

Do not let the YA RATING fool you! this book series is perfect for adults too!!

This is my second read through of this series. I am floored how much I picked up on that I missed the first time through. This series is absolutely phenomenal. The whole concept is just mind-blowing. You have to read it to fully understand this. The narrator does such an amazing job with all the characters. Each person has their own voice. this makes it so easy to picture the story playing out like a movie in my head.

More, More, More!

What made the experience of listening to Poison Princess the most enjoyable?

Not losing interest or being able to find a good stopping place because it just kept drawing me in without yawn breaks.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Poison Princess?

The near end...for spoiler purposes, I'll leave it at that.

Which character – as performed by Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs – was your favorite?

Jack

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I split it in two days though.

Any additional comments?

One of the best YA books I've ever read/listened to. I am eager to see where this series goes! Definitely not the same take on other common post-apocalyptic storylines. Refreshing in that sense and just very well written and performed!

Absolute favorite!

I love this book so much!! I read it years ago and I still recommend it to everyone! This is the first time I have listened to the story and I really liked it. The author has so many twists and turns in the plot that are simply amazing. She also has a great big reveal at the end that just makes the book glorious!!! 🤩
Buy it! Read it! You will love it! I promise!

Favorite YA book EVER

Kresley Cole does an amazing job keeping her readers on their toes. You really don't expect what events are going to take place. I've been following this series since it first came out and I still enjoy it even as an adult. If you're into supernatural recordings of a powerful heroine's journey to fight against, not just foes, but also herself... this is a book for you!

Love the Cajun Accent

I am revisiting this one, in preparation for reading The Dark Calling, which was just released. It has been fun to listen to this on audio, since I read it in print the first time. The audio has characters with Cajun accents, which is appropriate to the story and appreciated.

I still love this confusing, mystical world (I should be clear here and say that this story isn't confusing--just the complexity of the tarot card details and the 22 Major Arcana can sometimes overwhelm me. I am intrigued by all the minor details, which I really don't have to remember to appreciate the story, yet I still wish I could keep them all straight.)

Kresley Cole writes stories that are unique, a bit dramatic, rather dangerous, often racy, full of characters with special powers, and occasionally funny. It's a good combination, and the suspense always makes me want to turn the next page. Since this book is in the YA realm, it falls significantly harder towards the fantasy genre, and the thread of romance is just a fun side vacation on an extreme journey.

Freaking Amazing!

Love Kresley.. her stories are awesome and engaging. I make a habit of stalking her book lists.

Best when narration is sped up to 1.25-1.5 x speed

If you could sum up Poison Princess in three words, what would they be?

An epic adventure.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well aside from our lead female character, I'd actually like Finn. In light of everything, his character remains comical and rolls with each situation by easing the whole "End of Everything Good" to a continued read. If not, the bleak out look of their lives would seem tragic and pointless to continue to the next book.

Which character – as performed by Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs – was your favorite?

Keith Nobbs wasn't bad but Emma Galvin's ability to incorporate several different characters leaves them all equally favoritable. Cajan (sp) French - Jack, Irish- Joules, Cali surfer dude - Finn, Aric the old Hungarian (or was that Romanian?), and even Evie our Louisianna fille are some of the accents she does well.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

From book to T.V., Arcana Chronicals comes to the big screen.

Any additional comments?

Although talanted Emma Galvin is good, she's slower on the delivery (but can you really blame her-multi accented characters. Best listened to at higher speeds. I enjoy listening to this at either 1.25 or 1.50 x speeds.

Wow.

What did you love best about Poison Princess?

I loved the spot on narration, which perfectly suited the incredible story. I have been rechecking regularly for book two. The two narrators , Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs, gave me shivers with their ability to draw me into the book. I felt like I was there, watching the story unfold before my mind's eye.

What did you like best about this story?

I couldn't guess what was coming, which is my litmus test for a good book.

What about Emma Galvin and Keith Nobbs ’s performance did you like?

ALL OF IT! Amazing!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself listening with the lights on...parts of it really had me goosed. Really. I got goosebumps and chills, but also found myself laughing out loud and wanting to cheer.

Any additional comments?

Kresley Cole has become my favorite author. With this book, I consider her one of the most incredible character creators out there. Such imagination. Thanks for taking my mind on that journey!

Solid start to the series. Slow beginning though.

The world building is everything!! It's what makes this story feel so real and I really enjoy it. The complexity of the characters, the depth of the back story and the angst is fenomenal. Also, the narration is stellar overall! Emma Galvin is pure unadulterated perfection! I'm starting book 2 ASAP!

Love it!!

I didn't think I was a fan of any YA books, so I never gave these books a chance, even though Kresley Cole is my all time favorite author. I have been so thirsty for any of her books, that I finally gave in and started this series. And dang if it hasn't been some of the best books I have devoured in a long time!!! I highly recommend these fantastic books! Don't sleep on them. Experience the magic of another brilliant KC book series! Thanks Kresley!!! I can't wait for the last book!!!