Poisoned is a more adult take on a classic fairy tale, with a prologue that instantly gripped me. As this is very different to the genres I usually read, I was a little apprehensive as to whether I would like it and if the fairy tale narrative would work well. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this and the narrative was perfect, full of vivid descriptions where I could just immerse myself in what was going on.
Firstly the front cover definitely gives me Snow White vibes, but portrays the modern twist on it with the glass shards. I like the cover and think its perfect for the book, highlighting its genre while still looking contemporary.
I think it is an interesting concept that the story is being told by someone who is dead, and particularly liked the quote “The dead speak. With tongues blackened by time and regret. You can hear us if you listen.”
The descriptions of the wolf chase in Chapter 1 were so well written, I could just imagine the chase through the woods, the snarling wolf; the horses following, stamping their hooves; the dogs barking and the scenery surrounding them.
I liked Sophie’s character and how her personality differed dependent on the situation. It appears from what I read she sometimes exudes confidence which gave the appearance of her being fearless during the wolf chase, yet after acknowledged to herself that she wasn’t fearless, but just a normal girl with a heart.
I don’t particularly like the step-mother Adelaide but naturally she is the villain of the story, so she is meant to be unlikeable. I do however think that there is more to her character, especially with the ending of Chapter 4 where it seems that she is showing some emotion to the whipping of Tom. It would be interesting to read more and find out more to her character, her backstory and why she is the person she is, something that I think will be explored given the ending of Chapter 5, which coincidentally is the ending of the extract. I liked the descriptive, evocative language used in chapter 5. It gives the feeling of a story book tale (albeit more grown up), while building the suspense and adding almost a sense of horror.
I’m really intrigued to read more of this book as it is different to what I usually read but seems well written and has already gripped me in the extract I’ve read. Maybe this book would be a perfect October/spooky season read. I liked that, although it’s more of a fantasy style with the fairy tale narrative, it gives a sense of realism and I could just imagine this as a filmed series, leaving an episode on a cliff hanger of the bogs and the bones being pushed up through the mud.
I’m genuinely excited for this books release and to read a new genre and author. I’ll definitely be adding a copy to my bookshelf!
Firstly the front cover definitely gives me Snow White vibes, but portrays the modern twist on it with the glass shards. I like the cover and think its perfect for the book, highlighting its genre while still looking contemporary.
I think it is an interesting concept that the story is being told by someone who is dead, and particularly liked the quote “The dead speak. With tongues blackened by time and regret. You can hear us if you listen.”
The descriptions of the wolf chase in Chapter 1 were so well written, I could just imagine the chase through the woods, the snarling wolf; the horses following, stamping their hooves; the dogs barking and the scenery surrounding them.
I liked Sophie’s character and how her personality differed dependent on the situation. It appears from what I read she sometimes exudes confidence which gave the appearance of her being fearless during the wolf chase, yet after acknowledged to herself that she wasn’t fearless, but just a normal girl with a heart.
I don’t particularly like the step-mother Adelaide but naturally she is the villain of the story, so she is meant to be unlikeable. I do however think that there is more to her character, especially with the ending of Chapter 4 where it seems that she is showing some emotion to the whipping of Tom. It would be interesting to read more and find out more to her character, her backstory and why she is the person she is, something that I think will be explored given the ending of Chapter 5, which coincidentally is the ending of the extract. I liked the descriptive, evocative language used in chapter 5. It gives the feeling of a story book tale (albeit more grown up), while building the suspense and adding almost a sense of horror.
I’m really intrigued to read more of this book as it is different to what I usually read but seems well written and has already gripped me in the extract I’ve read. Maybe this book would be a perfect October/spooky season read. I liked that, although it’s more of a fantasy style with the fairy tale narrative, it gives a sense of realism and I could just imagine this as a filmed series, leaving an episode on a cliff hanger of the bogs and the bones being pushed up through the mud.
I’m genuinely excited for this books release and to read a new genre and author. I’ll definitely be adding a copy to my bookshelf!