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olivialandryxo 's review for:
Poison's Kiss
by Breeana Shields
I have mixed feelings on this book. It was a quick, enjoyable read, but some things just didn't fit.
» Marinda was a really plain and overly sensitive lead, and an assassin that didn't do any killing. I don't mind sensitive characters, and assassin character arcs can be interesting. Marinda's just wasn't. And of course, she's Special, but doesn't know about it. Sorry, but I'm not here for that anymore, not unless it's executed well.
» The Indian representation was problematic. I can't say much on it because I personally am not Indian and don't know about the cultures, but this review explains it. http://www.xpressoreads.com/2016/12/poison-kiss-by-breeana-shields.html
» None of the relationships were good. Gopal, Deven, Iyla... I didn't like any of them. Gopal was manipulative and a liar. Deven was either completely observant or totally clueless, and the insta-love and constant shift of emotions didn't work for me. Iyla was all too prepared to put all the blame on Marinda, and only did what best served her interests. What kind of friend is that?
» Mani was the best part of this book, in my opinion. He was so sweet and smart beyond his 7 years, and honestly I think he deserved better than Marinda. She did so much to help him, and yet always had to save him from her own mistakes. He went through so much because of her and I just wanted to give him a hug, fruit, and keep him safe. Not even kidding.
» The story was unpredictable, but I think that was because Breeana tried to put in too many elements. There were a lot of surprise twists and betrayals crammed into the last 150 pages after the first half was mostly unremarkable. They made sense when explained, but to be quite honest I think it was just too busy.
It's a short book, so I'll stop there. It was good, mainly because of Mani and the interesting basis, but the characters and execution could've been improved. I also think it would've been better if only a few of the twists were chosen and then made more prominent.
I may or may not continue the series. If I do continue, the second book won't be a big priority.
» Marinda was a really plain and overly sensitive lead, and an assassin that didn't do any killing. I don't mind sensitive characters, and assassin character arcs can be interesting. Marinda's just wasn't. And of course, she's Special, but doesn't know about it. Sorry, but I'm not here for that anymore, not unless it's executed well.
» The Indian representation was problematic. I can't say much on it because I personally am not Indian and don't know about the cultures, but this review explains it. http://www.xpressoreads.com/2016/12/poison-kiss-by-breeana-shields.html
» None of the relationships were good. Gopal, Deven, Iyla... I didn't like any of them. Gopal was manipulative and a liar. Deven was either completely observant or totally clueless, and the insta-love and constant shift of emotions didn't work for me. Iyla was all too prepared to put all the blame on Marinda, and only did what best served her interests. What kind of friend is that?
» Mani was the best part of this book, in my opinion. He was so sweet and smart beyond his 7 years, and honestly I think he deserved better than Marinda. She did so much to help him, and yet always had to save him from her own mistakes. He went through so much because of her and I just wanted to give him a hug, fruit, and keep him safe. Not even kidding.
» The story was unpredictable, but I think that was because Breeana tried to put in too many elements. There were a lot of surprise twists and betrayals crammed into the last 150 pages after the first half was mostly unremarkable. They made sense when explained, but to be quite honest I think it was just too busy.
It's a short book, so I'll stop there. It was good, mainly because of Mani and the interesting basis, but the characters and execution could've been improved. I also think it would've been better if only a few of the twists were chosen and then made more prominent.
I may or may not continue the series. If I do continue, the second book won't be a big priority.