True to her retelling style, Jennifer Donnelly doesn't give us a pretty, tamed version of the fairytale. In fact, she gave us the real ugly spin here: in 'Poisoned', the princess does get her heart cut out by the huntsman. But because fairytales are full of intricate magic, the princess lives on. By going against everything she was taught by her stepmother and her court, princess Sophie goes on a journey to save herself and the kingdom that she should rightfully govern.
I really wanted to enjoy 'Poisoned' as much as I did 'Stepsister', but it was written in the stars that I wouldn't.
Don't get me wrong. It is a nice book. The first 20% basically said "read this with stars in your eyes and a racing heart". It's just that comparing it with all of 'Stepsister's action, heartwarming characters and magical feeling, it seemed a bit dull.
Let's start with the main character. At the beginning of the book, she's complex, strong. But from around 30%, she gets really whiny and silly - there's a reason, but it really makes her not relatable and unlikeable.
Most of the other characters all seem a bit 2D, except for the queen (and I loved the seven brothers and their friends). But I still had this constant feeling that all of them were... rushed. The love interests are not very deep and the whole romance aspect seemed skimmed over. The ominous siblings were no replacement at all for Chance and Fate from Stepsister.
As for the plot, it was definitely not as compelling. There was less going on and Sophie's obliviousness regarding her plan made part of her journey frustrating. The beginning was very promising, but from about 20%, the story felt more Middle Grade than YA. And 'Poisoned' doesn't really radiate with the feminism that 'Stepsister' displayed (sorry if I keep comparing, but that's the sad reality of younger siblings.)
I was still captured by Donnelly's writing, though, and loved some of her world building and the premise. The pace was good (320 in two days, when I could definitely have binged it in one day if I didn't have essay deadlines). If the main character had been less silly, I think this would have been a four-star read.
I think fans of 'Cinderella Is Dead' would like this.
I really wanted to enjoy 'Poisoned' as much as I did 'Stepsister', but it was written in the stars that I wouldn't.
Don't get me wrong. It is a nice book. The first 20% basically said "read this with stars in your eyes and a racing heart". It's just that comparing it with all of 'Stepsister's action, heartwarming characters and magical feeling, it seemed a bit dull.
Let's start with the main character. At the beginning of the book, she's complex, strong. But from around 30%, she gets really whiny and silly - there's a reason, but it really makes her not relatable and unlikeable.
Most of the other characters all seem a bit 2D, except for the queen (and I loved the seven brothers and their friends). But I still had this constant feeling that all of them were... rushed. The love interests are not very deep and the whole romance aspect seemed skimmed over. The ominous siblings were no replacement at all for Chance and Fate from Stepsister.
As for the plot, it was definitely not as compelling. There was less going on and Sophie's obliviousness regarding her plan made part of her journey frustrating. The beginning was very promising, but from about 20%, the story felt more Middle Grade than YA. And 'Poisoned' doesn't really radiate with the feminism that 'Stepsister' displayed (sorry if I keep comparing, but that's the sad reality of younger siblings.)
I was still captured by Donnelly's writing, though, and loved some of her world building and the premise. The pace was good (320 in two days, when I could definitely have binged it in one day if I didn't have essay deadlines). If the main character had been less silly, I think this would have been a four-star read.
I think fans of 'Cinderella Is Dead' would like this.