Tehreem: Poison by Bridget Zinn

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?

To say Poison is amazing would be completely absurd. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe this marvelous escapade of a novel. Everything - including the characters - was so immersing! The world building was very powerful and realistic, but you still got just the right touch of fantasy, intrigue, and (of course) romance.

Kyra is a young potioneer who has a lot to deal with. First, her best friend seems to have gone mental, and is sure to destroy their beloved kingdom. Second, she tried to kill said best friend and failed quite miserably. Third, she is now on the run from everyone she trusts and those who once trusted her. And last off, she can't seem to get the irksome - and all too handsome - adventurer Fred off her mind. Or off her trail for that matter.

Kyra is dying to get a second chance at murder. However, she knows that killing the princess - who was now probably under heavy security - would be no easy task. But that isn't even her main problem. The real issue at hand is finding the good-princess-gone-bad in the first place. And Kyra has no idea where to even start looking.

Hopeless, Kyra is forced to seek help from the "King of Crime" himself, Arlo Abbaduto. While she decides to search him out, his dark-eyed minions find her first and bring her back to his lair. Convinced that Kyra and himself have similar interests in seeing the kingdom fall, Arlo accepts the exchange that Kyra proposed; Kyra will give him ownership of her potioneer coins - coins that always find their way back into their owner's pocket - and he in turn will give her something to aid her in her quest to maim Princess Ariana.

Arlo gives Kyra a piglet. Not just any piglet though. This piglet has the incredible power to track down anyone so long as the scent of the person is given. Now armed with what she needs, Kyra starts her daunting trip, dead set on full-filling her quest.

Journeying with an adorable pig and a handsome, dark-haired, green-gold eyed traveler proves to be more than she bargained for. Through much toil and strife - including witches, obeekas, and a deadly army - Kyra becomes increasingly unsure of herself. Will she be able to terminate the princess? Can she manage to keep her feelings in check? Is she falling for the infuriating Fred? Will she live to tell her story?

Does she even want to?

Bridget Zinn really did create and eye-opening novel about adventure. It's a crime that she didn't get to see this sensation reach shelves. I only hope that everyone sees what an insightful story Zinn crafted. Such beauty shouldn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. I'm truly speechless.

My rating:

Five out of Five Stars!