Poison Princess: Arcana Chronicles, Book 1

I am a fan of Kresley Cole's work, so I did not think twice before purchasing this audio book. I was not disappointed!

Of course, this is not the usual adult fiction that you might expect from this author: this is obviously meant for teens (some romance, some 'heat' here and there, but markedly toned down in comparison with, say, the Immortals After Dark series).

I loved the story. The fantasy world woven throughout is captivating, the characters are interesting, and I could not predict most of what was going to happen in the story. The writing is excellent, and even though there are some 'teen story cliches' in a few places (some 'Twilight' flavor at the start), you forget it as the mysteries unfold. Kept me hooked from beginning to end!

Best of all with this audio book: the narrators. The novel is split into parts that are alternately narrated by the main character (Evelyne) and a vilain (Arthur). Each is read by a different narrator, and both do an AMAZING job of it! I am convinced that though reading this novel on paper would be great, the narrator performance makes this an audio must!

In short, I can't wait to read the sequel!!!!

WOW! I was a little nervous when I first heard Kresley Cole was taking a break from her IAD series to write a YA novel. But, I gave it a try and was NOT disappointed. I really LOVED this book. As always, Ms. Cole is amazing at story-telling and world building. She is brilliant at character development and her imagination is genius! Emma Galvin is a PERFECT narrator for YA books (she is one of my favorites).

It’s been a long time since I’ve been considered a “young adult” but I have to say I absolutely love this genre. (Dare I say I have a crush?)

This is definitely a credit worthy read, especially for fans of YA and/or Kresley Cole.

I have always loved kresley cole and she didn't fail to please me again. I am looking forward to more Cole on audio!!

Fans of Kresley Cole already know she is incredibly talented at spinning a tale, and is very good at paranormal romance and "bodice ripper" fiction. I think writing for a YA audience has truly unleashed her greatest talents. It is not just he lack of endless sex scenes, which, to be fair, she works well into her adult fiction, but which occasionally trump ( or at least direct) the story, that has made this a superior work. In this story she has focused her powers of plot, or weaving an amazing story, of real character development, of creating tension, mystery, motivations for her characters and their missions beyond finding some ultimate mate, as much of her ( and most paranormal romance adult fiction) focuses on. And wow, unleashing that is has truly set free her creativity and cleverness and ability to capture her audience in an adventure that truly will captivate.

I am such a sucker for apocalyptic stories, but this is so much more than that - and the world built is one that (though obviously incredibly fictional) somehow draws the reader in as plausible... Amazing stuff. It is a bit dark at times, but overall, that element makes sense and doesn't overwhelm the story at all, and fits in perfectly... Just give it some time. The mood of this book is incredible and the reader will feel deeply attached to all the main characters and their plight.

Of course, there is a hefty dose of romance, and having read her adult fiction, I have to say this is the very best developed relationship of all her work, the characters and their relationship are the most compelling, with little "love at first site, irresistible draw to each other" stuff going on, and rather an incredibly complex set of emotions and meaningful interactions, and a strong background in place, and a very well grounded, well developed, and real basis for deep caring and attraction and love... And the obstacles thrown in their path only strengthen the bond, and never feel like conveniences which will ultimately make the inevitable bedding in the next chapter seem more meaningful... This is on a new level.

So many other have already sung the praises of this book... I will only second all of that and interject that I believe Kresley Cole, who, though she has always been a very interesting and talented writer, has really found her niche here and that this is her best work, and I hope she will continue this path.

The narrators do a great job too!

I've been a fan of Kresley Cole for many years. When I saw she wrote a YA novel I wasn't sure I wanted to read it because YA is not my thing. But I decided to give it a chance and I LOVED THE BOOK! The story is amazing, intriguing, and left me wanting more. You won't be disappointed if you spend your credit on this book ;)

Poison Princess is a tale that completely captured my heart and soul. Capturing me from as soon as the prologue began... it kept me tangled in a frenzied web of wanting more and more. Even as I neared the last pages of the book I never wanted it to end. I needed to (and still need to) know more and I'd gladly devour another thousand pages of Evie, Jackson and The Arcana Chronicles.

The Arcana Chronicles proves to be a series that will take you on a wild ride with no limits and absolutely no hint of predictability. Poison Princess is brilliantly written from the plot, style, and cast of characters.

The array of characters who fill this novel are hard, compassionate, fierce, sneaky, but ultimately believable. Evie is plagued with hallucinations and terrible nightmares that leave her with a misconstrued view of reality. When her mind-boggling visions of the world's end comes true, as depicted in her drawings, Evie has to find a way to use her mysterious powers to survive. In the meantime, the smoking hot, bad-boy Cajun, Jack, comes around to protect her, even though he may not want to. Their differences and prejudices keep them apart for a good part of the novel, yet their toing-and-froing is tantalizing and definitely entertaining! I fell in love with Jackson Deveaux. I love the Cajun French.

I wish this book was a thousand page longer cause I could not put it down and I was so into the story. I highly recommend this book. The narrators are amazing in this book. Emma Galvin your narration was impecable. Kresley Cole you have done it again! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I am a huge Kresley Cole fan, and I thought I'd try this book, even though it is marketed for "teens." It is awesome. It has a lot of similarities to the Hunger Games, but in my opinion, much better and more interesting. The narrators are great and really bring the story to life. I could not stop listening. I think this is appropriate for high school girls, but adults will love it as well. The ending was great and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Emma is an amazing Narrator. She always makes the characters have depth as she reads. So far I have listened to 6 books she has performed by different authors and enjoyed everyone.

I did not read the print book but I think the audio would be better b/c of the accents and french words.

The ending :*

So many scenes I loved. I would have to say that Jackson talking are my favorites :)

When it appears the world has ended and you find your new beginning, how will you fair?

This story was AMAZING! I am a new Kresley Cole fan and I am HOOKED!

Loved it ! ...cant wait for the next book!
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time