Hi readers, friends, and stoppers-by! Some of you may recognize
Bridget Zinn, above, and know her story. Bridget Zinn was a vital, beautiful, talented, book-loving librarian and writer who
passed away from cancer in 2011 at the age of 33. Some time before this happened, Bridget had sold her debut novel to Hyperion, and during her lengthy cancer treatment, she worked on revisions when she could. It seems maybe a footnote to the tragedy of her loss that her book had not yet been published at the time of her death; of course, of all the things that suck about Bridget dying so young, that's a lesser suck, but a suck it is. It would've been cool if Bridget could have seen people holding her book, and heard how much they loved it.
Well. Poison is finally coming out this week, and it would be absolutely lovely if you would help spread the word about it, and of course, read it! If you are in or near Portland, it would be exceptionally lovely if you would come and celebrate its release with a number of Bridget's writer friends, myself included, at
A Children's Place this Saturday, March 16, at 6 pm.
But first, a little about the book!
Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.
But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart…misses.
Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?
Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she's the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.
Kirkus Reviews says, "Don't let the title or cover fool you! No grimdark teen fantasy or angst-y heroines here; just a frothy confection of a fairy tale featuring poisoners, princesses, perfumers and pigs, none of whom are exactly what they appear (except maybe the pigs)…. Good silly fun—a refreshing antidote to a genre overflowing with grit and gloom."
"A frothy confection of a fairy tale featuring poisoners, princesses, perfumers, and pigs!"
Doesn't that sound wonderful? It is. It's a light-hearted adventure-fantasy-romance that's suitable for younger teens, but also really fun for adults. I first read it when the ARC came out last year, and have been rereading it, and enjoying it so much!
If you'd like to order it, you can do so at your local bookstore (or library), or:
Or, best option: contact
A Children's Place to pre-order a copy signed by some Portland-area YA writers, including me, who will be reading and signing in Bridget's place! They can take phone orders and ship. Better yet, of course if you can come in person! There will even be cupcakes!
Read more about the book and Bridget
here, and please help spread the word! Sincerest thanks. XO.