Poison

By: Chris Wooding

Narrated by: Virginia Leishman

ALA Best Book for Teens recipient Chris Wooding delivers "a twisted fairytale fantasy" (Wooding) sprinkled with marvelous characters and seasoned with incredible plot twists. In the rotting stilt-village of Gull just above the foul-smelling Black Swamp, 16-year-old Poison vows to rescue her kidnapped sister from the phaeries. A wise friend reluctantly provides the money, directions, and ancient lore necessary for her journey. Poison soon encounters the treacherous phaerie lord, the terrifying bone witch, and the deceptive spider queen. But when her reality is completely upended, Poison questions whether she can save anyone.

©2003 Chris Wooding (P)2006 Recorded Books

A Hidden Classic

Poison revolves around a girl named Posion who must go to the faerie realm to save her stolen younger sister. Along the way, Poison is met with trial after trial with her friends, Bram, Peppercorn, and Anderson. Yet, what seemed liked a simple enough plot is somehow twisted into something Poison was not expecting, and she must figure out the ending to her tale before it’s too late.

The narration was done by Virginia Leishman. Leishman’s narration is by far some of my favorite because she enjoys what she reads, and it shows in the way she narrates.

Poison itself is a clever piece of meta fiction. I like how the plot is set up for the reader to go back to the beginning and catch little details that make sense after the first read through. This novel makes the reader think and masks itself underneath the guise of a fairy tale. From one story comes a story within stories within another story! My only gripe is that Poison is a standalone book. I would have liked to follow more of Poison and her friends in a trilogy or a series. Poison is a highly underrated novel that deserves to be seen with new eyes. I would argue that most of Chris Wooding’s YA selection such as The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray and Silver, need to be given a fresh new cover and reintroduced onto Barnes N’ Noble bookshelves because I think contemporary teens would enjoy Wooding’s unique writing style.

one of my all-time favorites

I've been reading and re-reading this book several times a year ever since I first discovered it over 10 years ago. definitely in my all time top 5 favorite books, it's disappointing that audible doesn't have more books from this author. the haunting of alaizabel cray and tales of the Ketty Jay are excellent books as well from this author.

Mixed Feelings

Overall I loved the idea of the story but I found the execution lacking. I think, had Poison's personality been a little more developed, this might have been a great book. Unfortunately, despite Poison sounding like an edgy character as assumed by the description of her contrary nature, she reads more like a milk toast Mary Sue and the actual telling of the tale was rather bland. It makes me sad to see such a wasted opportunity to explore a great idea, but such is life. Even still, I'm sure many will enjoy this so feel free to give it a try.

It really makes you think!

This is my favorite book that I have ever come across. This book has a certain way of making you face your fears and inner demons. It makes you want to take control of your life. The first time I ever heard the full book it left a imprint on me which I look back on for strength. It's amazing that a book could make you change your life in a positive way. Something I didn't expect was the way it made me really think about our role in life and how big it really is. If you think about it we are a tiny little thing in the never ending Universe. I actually tend to find it beautiful and humbling. It oureally is that good of a book.

unique

I loved this book! It was unique, well written, great characters and amazing story!

This is my favorite childhood book

I read Poison long ago as a kid and purchased the audiobook as something to listen to when I’m feeling nostalgic. The voice of the narrator was all wrong for this story. Didn’t suit the book at all in my opinion.

My favorite book!

This was one of my all time favorite books in high school! Itwas a joy to hear it again!