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A review by write_of_passages
Prince of Poison by Alice Winters
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Alice Winters is one of my favorite authors and this book is no exception! She has a wonderfully witty writing style that just borders on irreverent, so I know I'll always read exquisite characters, fast-paced and fascinating plots, and with a healthy dose of wit and snark that never fails to make me either laugh out loud or at least snort and grin. While Prince of Poison doesn't go as hard with the humor as some of her other books, I adored getting a fun dose of Alice Winters fantasy with this book! Silas and Callisto have such a weirdly wholesome relationship (another Alice Winters staple) and the plot was fast-paced and entertaining! Exactly what I needed.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As a personal preference, I find it impossible to not like her characters and Silas and Callisto are no exception. They have a perfectly balanced banter and are complex in a way that their humor makes sense to their characters as well. On one level is the "I hide trauma with humor" that they both share, which enables them to use the humor both to protect themselves, process that trauma, and ultimately heal. As a talented 'thief', Callisto doesn't truly realize the power he has (which is his journey) whereas Silas has a lot of magical power (quite specific and fascinating too!) and throughout this book he grapples with truly coming to terms with what that magic means about who he is. They're fae and human (mage?) and their relationship ends up being rather wonderfully balanced, even when there are clear areas that one excels more than the other. And, we must'nt forget the brilliant supporting cast, Dandelion and Madden and Titus. Truly wonderful whenever they're on the page!
PLOT: Ten years after two kingdoms were at war, something strange is happening in the court of Vermillion. Silas has given up his soldiering life and keeps to himself, but Callisto is a bright spark who could never be inconspicuous. And suddenly Callisto finds himself hunted by his uncle the King and he and Silas undertake the journey to discover what is going on and 'save the realm' as it were. Both a quest adventure and a mystery, the plot is fast-paced and truly entertaining, especially with how glorious the characters are.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2:5/low. Not all of her books have a lower intensity, but I found this standalone to be more of a light read and pure entertainment, though it did have some deeper themes. It felt more cozy than anything else.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I'm always wishing for more in that final climactic moment, and here is no different. However, we have our HEA and things are wrapped up quite well. This book gave me exactly what I needed it to, which was an entertaining read that took me away to a fantasy realm of pretty boys and adventure!
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Absolutely.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: As a personal preference, I find it impossible to not like her characters and Silas and Callisto are no exception. They have a perfectly balanced banter and are complex in a way that their humor makes sense to their characters as well. On one level is the "I hide trauma with humor" that they both share, which enables them to use the humor both to protect themselves, process that trauma, and ultimately heal. As a talented 'thief', Callisto doesn't truly realize the power he has (which is his journey) whereas Silas has a lot of magical power (quite specific and fascinating too!) and throughout this book he grapples with truly coming to terms with what that magic means about who he is. They're fae and human (mage?) and their relationship ends up being rather wonderfully balanced, even when there are clear areas that one excels more than the other. And, we must'nt forget the brilliant supporting cast, Dandelion and Madden and Titus. Truly wonderful whenever they're on the page!
PLOT: Ten years after two kingdoms were at war, something strange is happening in the court of Vermillion. Silas has given up his soldiering life and keeps to himself, but Callisto is a bright spark who could never be inconspicuous. And suddenly Callisto finds himself hunted by his uncle the King and he and Silas undertake the journey to discover what is going on and 'save the realm' as it were. Both a quest adventure and a mystery, the plot is fast-paced and truly entertaining, especially with how glorious the characters are.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2:5/low. Not all of her books have a lower intensity, but I found this standalone to be more of a light read and pure entertainment, though it did have some deeper themes. It felt more cozy than anything else.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
90%. I'm always wishing for more in that final climactic moment, and here is no different. However, we have our HEA and things are wrapped up quite well. This book gave me exactly what I needed it to, which was an entertaining read that took me away to a fantasy realm of pretty boys and adventure!