{Review} Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole

Posted by Donna

Release Date: October 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 28th, 2018

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 

Source: Own

Format: Hardback 

Pages: 384
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US/ The Book Depo

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 it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Review: This was my first book by author Kresley Cole and honestly she couldn't have done it any better. She had me compelled from the very first page with her amazing talent for storytelling and also for her intense and incredible scenes. It's safe to say, Poison Princess is a gripping page turner! 

This story follows the life of teenager Evangeline 'Evie' Greene. She's a popular girl, with a loving boyfriend and awesome friends, but even though her life appears to be normal, it's anything but. Evie experiences hallucinations but mostly they are disturbing and horrifying. Not only that but Evie also gets visions of people that she's never met and they come with warnings. But soon it's to late for Evie to figure these warnings out because her hometown - including the rest of the world has been hit by an apocalyptic event called 'The Flash' where most people are wiped out. 

Evie is among the survivors and soon enough she finds out that the one person she hates is alive - Jackson. Evie needs answers about her visions and decides she needs to travel to see her grandmother - who she thinks is still alive. Jackson agrees to protect Evie on her mission but as her visions get worse, she soon comes across other people who have been having the same call, and she realizes she is not the only who is meant to play out their destiny. 

Let me tell you right now, this book is so unique! Twenty-two teens who all have special abilities based on their characteristics of their Tarot card so they can play their part in an ancient game made by the Gods and Goddesses. Honestly, I've not read anything like this book before and I'm still in awe with how brilliant it really is. 

Evie is a strong protagonist - one I instantly loved. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and still she tries to remain upbeat, happy and generally tries to stay sane. Even after the flash, she tries to remain the same even though as Jackson points out on a number of occasions, she can't hunt, start fires or protect herself - but you know there's something bubbling under the surface of Evie and it's just waiting to be unleashed. At time's my heart broke for her because whatever is happening to her, she has no control over and at times it is very scary. I'm glad she had a person like Jackson to lean on because without him, I think she would have struggled. 

Now Jackson, oh gosh, he's a complete bayou boy through and through. However, he can be so harsh and mean sometimes and yes, he does do stupid things but really, you can overlook everything because he's a total sweetheart at heart. It was pretty clear from the start that he was attracted to Evie - despite how he acts and even in the end, he'll always go to her. Their relationship is pretty intense and I was just waiting for something to happen. 

Then, that ending comes in and no sooner than you started....it's all finished...I could have cried. This book is simply unputdownable and I couldn't stop reading until I knew the how the book would end and it was absolutely breath-taking and heart-breaking all at the same time! 

Overall, Kresley Cole has leaped into the YA market by a storm and it's left me wanting more of her work. 

A Review for Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2) by Kresley Cole

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 1st, 2013
Finished Date: September 16th, 2013

Publishers: Simon & Schuster
Genre: YA Dystopian
Source: For review from author

Format: PDF
Pages: 336

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and its kill or be killed. 

Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history - one that Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.

The Review: "T'es pour moi, Evie. You're mine. Every part of you." He leaned down, took my lips once more. Between kisses, he said, "I told you once and I'll tell you again: there is nothing that can happen to you that we can't get past. Just five me a chance to get to you. Promise me."

You all know how nerve racking it can be to go into a sequel, the whole dreaded second book syndrome? Well, I for one was especially nervous to read Endless Knight because I absolutely loved Poison Princess, and I really didn't want the sequel to fall into that category. Well I can tell you....it doesn't! Endless Knight is just as good as it's predecessor, if not even better! 

In this instalment of the Arcana chronicles, we see Evie - who has now fully come into her full powers - finally take control. She knows who she once was and knows what's expected of her, however, Evie wants no part in the game. When Death's interest in Evie takes a drastic turn, she suddenly finds herself running from more than one bad thing that goes bump in the night, but running from Death himself. 

I love the Arcana Chronicles! Kresley Cole has created such a unique and spell-binding world and I honestly can't recall ever reading another series quiet like this. The way she's incorporated the tarot cards into this haunting dystopian world is so amazing. I'm completely captivated from start to finish and as much as such an enjoyable read, it's slightly heartbreaking too....but in a good way.

Evie has such a hard journey throughout this story. Even though she's come into her powers, she still struggles with so much. She's constantly weighed down by the other Arcana constantly looking to kill her, and the fact that Death's in her mind all the time isn't easy. I loved how Evie tried to take charge, she's very mesmerising when she becomes the Empress, and seeing her powers work is quiet fascinating. 

Death is a character that really grew on me, mainly because he's constantly telling Evie that he's going to kill her. It's clear him and Evie have a past but it's not one that were not fully aware of. While the story progresses it's impossible not to fall for death. He's gorgeous and probably one of the most broody characters I've read about, but he slowly comes out of his shell, leaving you torn who Evie should belong with. 

And Jack....sigh. I feel like I should warn that Chapter 10 and 14 are AMAZING! Talk about HOT! This hot tempted, sizzling and lovable Cajun - and although he's not perfect - he can melt anyone's heart. I absolutely love that he makes mistakes and has a hot temper. I love how devoted he is to Evie it's not until this one moment happens that I truly saw how devoted he really is to her; Jack was tensed against his shackles, muscles tight beneath his shirt. "You hurt her, and I'll kill you!" Blood poured from his wrists. "I swear to Christ, I'll gut you!" He has so many swoon-worthy quotes that I know you're all going to love, like this; "When I saw you that day alone in the school courtyard, in your cheer skirt....." His expression was smouldering. " I wanted to lay you back on that table and take you right there, Evangeline." *sigh*

I love how Kresley doesn't hold back with the sex talk in her books, although it's a YA book, she doesn't try to sugar coat things. It makes me enjoy this series even more. 

Now the love triangle, I know what your thinking, another love triangle....no!! However, hear me when I say, Endless Knight is a the perfect example of a love triangle done well. It did break my heart in parts because of the situations the characters found themselves in, but introducing Death's character, more in the sequel was done very well. The characters journeys are important and put together very cleverly that at no point did it feel forced or feel like a filler. It felt pretty real and I'm actually ashamed to admit that I even thought about switching team's from Jack to Death. No, I know, but it honestly can't be helped. In the end though, I'm a firm believer of true love and I believe that Jack will come out on top. ;)

The cliff-hanger was done so well and it was certainly something I wasn't prepared for. I thought the one to Poison Princess was bad, this is even worse. Prepare yourselves! But not only does the characters, the love triangle and the awesome cliff-hanger make this such a good book, it's the action packed scenes from the start, that leave you constantly gripped all the way through. There's definitely not a dull moment within this cracking sequel!

In all, Endless Knight is a sequel that certainly won't not disappoint you. It's such an emotional roller coaster that will really pull of your heart and really is a very entertaining read. Well done Kresley Cole! 

A Review for Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole

Posted by Donna

Release Date: October 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: September 24th, 2012

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 

Source: For Review

Format: Hardcopy

Pages: 384
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US/ The Book Depo

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 it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Review: “If you touch me like that again, Evangeline,” he began in a husky tone, dropping to his seat once more, “in the space of a heartbeat, I will have you off this bike and onto the closest horizontal surface. And I woan be picky, no.” 

Oh for the love of all things holy, this book is amazing! This was my first book by author Kresley Cole and honestly she couldn't have done it any better. She had me compelled from the very first page with her amazing talent for storytelling and also for her intense and incredible scenes. It's safe to say, Poison Princess is a gripping page turner! 

This story follows the life of teenager Evangeline 'Evie' Greene. She's a popular girl, with a loving boyfriend and awesome friends, but even though her life appears to be normal, it's anything but. Evie experiences hallucinations but mostly they are disturbing and horrifying. Not only that but Evie also gets visions of people that she's never met and they come with warnings. But soon it's to late for Evie to figure these warnings out because her hometown - including the rest of the world has been hit by an apocalyptic event called 'The Flash' where most people are wiped out. 

Evie is among the survivors and soon enough she finds out that the one person she hates is alive - Jackson. Evie needs answers about her visions and decides she needs to travel to see her grandmother - who she thinks is still alive. Jackson agrees to protect Evie on her mission but as her visions get worse, she soon comes across other people who have been having the same call, and she realises she is not the only who is meant to play out their destiny. 

Let me tell you right now, this book is so unique! Twenty two teens who all have special powers based on their characteristics of their Tarot card, so they can play their part in an ancient prophesy between good vs evil. Come on, tell me how unique that is?  Honestly, I've not read anything like this book before and I'm still in awe with how brilliant it really is. 

Evie is a strong protagonist - one I instantly loved. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and still she tries to remain upbeat, happy and generally tries to stay sane. Even after the flash, she tries to remain the same even though as Jackson points out on a number of occasions, she can't hunt, start fires or protect herself - but you know there's something bubbling under the surface of Evie and it's just waiting to be unleashed. At time's my heart broke for her because whatever is happening to her, she has no control over and at time's it's very scary. I'm glad she had a person like Jackson to lean on because without him, I think she would have struggled. 

Now Jackson, oh gosh, he's a complete bayou boy through and through and with him being Cajun French he has one hell of a sexy accent. However, he can be so harsh and mean sometimes and yes, he does do stupid things but really, you can over look everything because he's a total sweetheart at heart. It was pretty clear from the start that he was attracted to Evie - despite how he acts and even in the end, he'll always go to her. Their relationship is pretty intense, I was just waiting for something to happen. 

Then, that ending comes in and no sooner than you started....it's all finished...I could have cried. If this book wasn't unputdownable to start with, wait until you get to the last few chapters because it's even worse.  I couldn't stop reading until I knew the outcome and my god, I was not expecting what I got. It was absolutely breath-taking and heart-breaking all at the same time. I'm left with so many questions because of that ending...it really was a killer and I'm dying for more of this wonderful story. 

Overall, Kresley Cole has leaped into the YA market by a storm and it's left me wanting more of her work. I urge you guys to go buy this book but it's not one you want to miss out on. A must read of 2012! 

A big thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book.