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Poisoned Arrow
“How can you call what I have—what I did—a gift?”
“There’s a reason for your power. You’ll never fully control your magic until you embrace it.”
Cold fear gripped her stomach.
“I know you’re scared. But I trust you.”
Raised in solitude to protect her from the world—or is it the other way around?—Iris is fated to save Fleuris from a power-hungry priest. A spirit from the afterworld sends a legendary magician who teaches Iris to master the devastating power lining her veins.
Backed by her best friend Auran, Iris struggles to accept her destiny. But when their hiding place is pierced with poisonous arrows shot from the past, she must choose whether to listen to her heart or turn her curse into a gift. Will she find the strength within?
“There’s a reason for your power. You’ll never fully control your magic until you embrace it.”
Cold fear gripped her stomach.
“I know you’re scared. But I trust you.”
Raised in solitude to protect her from the world—or is it the other way around?—Iris is fated to save Fleuris from a power-hungry priest. A spirit from the afterworld sends a legendary magician who teaches Iris to master the devastating power lining her veins.
Backed by her best friend Auran, Iris struggles to accept her destiny. But when their hiding place is pierced with poisonous arrows shot from the past, she must choose whether to listen to her heart or turn her curse into a gift. Will she find the strength within?
410 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2018
3 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Iris van Ooyen
2 books49 followersIris van Ooyen is a creative entrepreneur and the creator of the SWEET POWER approach to personal and career development, growth, and self-care. An MBA with a background in corporate marketing, Iris combines her extensive business experience with her renowned razor-sharp intuitive insights in order to support thousands of clients in living fuller, healthier lives.
In addition to RADIANT, Iris wrote her YA Fantasy novel Poisoned Arrow—because it was too much fun not to.
In addition to RADIANT, Iris wrote her YA Fantasy novel Poisoned Arrow—because it was too much fun not to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 24, 2018
I enjoyed Poisoned Arrow on so many levels. Yes, a wild ride on a rip-roaring fantasy adventure, but so much more: stirrings of ancient memories and nudges to past lives had me enchanted. Treat yourself to a magical journey out of the day-to-day and into the world of mystery.
September 24, 2018
Iris has managed to create a unique post-apocalyptic world with its own rules and wonderful characters and rituals. Her main hero is a strong female character with a heavy burden to carry. Slowly we get to know her past while the story unfolds. Set in a cave a small group of humans are waiting for a strong confrontation with the leadership. It is the feeling of the silence before the storm. This creates a somehow strangely peaceful setting with daily rituals. I felt more and more drawn to go back to this strange world. As if it had become a part of me. Iris has great imagination and uses her extensive knowledge of herbs as well in the book, giving the characters an air of authority over what they are doing. She has created a reality that I cannot compare with anything else I have read. I really want to read more and cannot wait for the sequel to find out how the story unfolds!
September 28, 2018
Poisoned Arrow is a suspenseful great read. Iris's character is amazing, and everyone's rooting for her. Every chapter a surprise, the fantasy land something to dream about, the subtle love story, the importance of family and wellbeing, and long story short, can't wait for the sequel to find out more about Iris and her friends!
October 2, 2018
You can judge this book by its cover! It’s full of deep educational ideas about energy delivered in a yummy fun story. You’ll learn without even trying! :-)
I think it’s great for children to be able learn the basics of energy without all the Harry Potter magic formulas and commands that make it seem “unreal”. But it’s also a fun way for adults to get a different, more realistic perspective on how real “magic” might work – how we are so inter-connected with the world around us. But that sounds so serious – and the book is also just a great, fun story! Read it. Now. Share it with your kids over dinner
I think it’s great for children to be able learn the basics of energy without all the Harry Potter magic formulas and commands that make it seem “unreal”. But it’s also a fun way for adults to get a different, more realistic perspective on how real “magic” might work – how we are so inter-connected with the world around us. But that sounds so serious – and the book is also just a great, fun story! Read it. Now. Share it with your kids over dinner
March 3, 2019
Imagine a world without electricity, commerce, and love. Welcome to Iris van Ooyen’s post-apocalyptic world. I rooted for the heroine, Iris, as she tiptoed through a world seemed destined to destroy her. The writing is clear, accessible, and at sometimes, more than you can bear.
I loved watching Iris as she gained control over her own destiny. This book is a page turner that you will be sad to finish. Please write faster, Ms. Van Ooyen, so that I can find out what happens next.
A classic good vs. evil tale that had me reading late into the night.
I loved watching Iris as she gained control over her own destiny. This book is a page turner that you will be sad to finish. Please write faster, Ms. Van Ooyen, so that I can find out what happens next.
A classic good vs. evil tale that had me reading late into the night.
January 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this! Can not wait to find out how the rest of the story goes, I’m invested in these people 🙌🏻
August 17, 2019
Poisoned Arrow is a fantasy novel from Iris van Ooyen. The author named the main character after herself, which was kind of fun. It always makes me wonder how much of the character's personality traits belong to the author.
The Iris in the book spends her childhood secluded because of her magic. We're in a mystical world, but there's a hint it might be a far future society where electricity has destroyed the world and been banned. A middle ages type of society, the land of this book is perilous. Magic has been purged from the countryside by an evil magician who controls the queen.
The future of the entire kingdom turns on Iris and how she learns to master her magic. She's tutored by a reformed magician and supported by childhood friends who have grown into warriors, one in particular who make her feel things she doesn't expect.
What I loved about this book:
Iris is a well developed character and you really feel her anguish as she works to learn to master her magic, loses loved ones and holds fast to her friendships.
Several of the secondary characters are also well developed and the author captures their conflicts in a way that connects you with them.
The world-building is strong and sprinkled through out in just the right ways.
Poisoned Arrow starts in the middle of the action, which is usually good, but it took me a minute to realize I hadn't missed a sequel. You get a lot of the history in flashbacks through out the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy, complex character relationships and action. The book leaves you hanging on for the next one!
The Iris in the book spends her childhood secluded because of her magic. We're in a mystical world, but there's a hint it might be a far future society where electricity has destroyed the world and been banned. A middle ages type of society, the land of this book is perilous. Magic has been purged from the countryside by an evil magician who controls the queen.
The future of the entire kingdom turns on Iris and how she learns to master her magic. She's tutored by a reformed magician and supported by childhood friends who have grown into warriors, one in particular who make her feel things she doesn't expect.
What I loved about this book:
Iris is a well developed character and you really feel her anguish as she works to learn to master her magic, loses loved ones and holds fast to her friendships.
Several of the secondary characters are also well developed and the author captures their conflicts in a way that connects you with them.
The world-building is strong and sprinkled through out in just the right ways.
Poisoned Arrow starts in the middle of the action, which is usually good, but it took me a minute to realize I hadn't missed a sequel. You get a lot of the history in flashbacks through out the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and can recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy, complex character relationships and action. The book leaves you hanging on for the next one!
October 28, 2018
My familiarity with fantasy books reaches out only till Harry Potter and Lord of The Rings, thanks to my children. So I was curieus to read this English fantasy book. Poisoned Arrow pulls the reader in a world full of challanges a gifted girl has to perish. Together with her friends she prepares herself to meet her final opponent. Thanks to her way of writing (short chapters, flasbacks, changes in different dimensions) Iris van Ooyen grasps the reader to keep on turning pages. Poisoned Arrow is “easy reading”.
November 6, 2018
What a book. From the opening pages I was entranced in a world that was full of power and beauty and magic. I could see how it was "fiction" with a deeper meaning as the forces at play in the "story" are truly forces at play in the world and every day life if we tune in. I shared this book with my 12 year old and we have had some wonderful conversations around it. The arrow is striking its mark and opening up vistas. I highly recommend for book clubs, and holiday gifts for generations to read together and share.
October 4, 2018
When I started reading, I found it very hard to put the book down....even when I wanted to just read a few pages before bed, I kept thinking “Just one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep....and another one....and another one”
Iris is a very compelling heroine, who slowly learns how to use her power, instead of being used up by it. Her journey is hard, but very intriguing!
October 11, 2018
Poisoned arrow is fast paced and a thrilling story. An attractive boek for fantasy lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it (though I usually do not read fantasy) and kept waiting to know what would-be happen next.
July 5, 2019
Poisoned Arrow chronicles the bildungsroman of its protagonist, Iris, as she navigates the worlds of her burgeoning magical powers with the help of her friend, Auran, and her mentor Merlow. Set in a series of post-apocalyptic landscapes—absent commerce, electricity and modern ‘conveniences’—she quickly learns to deal with the loss of her family inner circle, and in so doing, draws the reader into the vortex of a succession of dilemmas confronting good and evil, as we alternately cheer her from the ‘sidelines’ whilst all the time [secretly] marvelling at her ability in controlling and strengthening her powers.
A masterful first novel of young adult fantasy, author van Ooyen alternately surprises and delights, never shy about sharing the deep mysteries of another, simpler age. The fast paced story is supported by short, often breathless chapters, urging the reader to enjoy the ‘being and becomings’ of the heroine. Kudos!
Micheal Sullivan, July 2019
A masterful first novel of young adult fantasy, author van Ooyen alternately surprises and delights, never shy about sharing the deep mysteries of another, simpler age. The fast paced story is supported by short, often breathless chapters, urging the reader to enjoy the ‘being and becomings’ of the heroine. Kudos!
Micheal Sullivan, July 2019
September 26, 2018
It's been a very long time since I've enjoyed a book as much I have this one. Beautifully written, absorbing, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s a fantasy adventure with a good story and nice characters.
Recommend highly!
Recommend highly!
September 30, 2018
Intruiging bright story. You want to know what is going to happen but also what has happened in this mysterious world. Some parts might happen actually in the next 30-50 years. Wanting for the next episode.
October 2, 2018
Poisoned Arrow is my first Fantasy novel. I really love the story about the strong female Iris and her friends. It is very nice written, te story brings you to a total different world.A world full of energie en magic.
May 22, 2019
Review: May 21, 2019.
Poisoned Arrow, by Iris Van Ooyen
2018
Five stars!
Poisoned Arrow, Iris Van Ooyen’s debut novel, is a well written fantasy that brings the reader to the mythical land of Fleuris. From the town of Yarden to the Kaale Mountains to Arbres – the home of the antagonist Apex – courtesy of the spy Sourni, and back again, the author creates a literary map of the growth, trials and travels of the main character. Poisonous arrows shot from the past add a creative twist that readers will have never seen before.
In the beginning Iris is a young child and we experience her life as she grows and attempts to harness her magic, which is often lethal. Slowly with the help of Merlow, her mentor, Iris' powers become controlled and strengthened. Merlow, who may be from the underworld, has as many twists and turns in his life that are as fascinating as Iris’ life.
But the question the reader is focused on is: Can Iris develop into a leader, with the help of her friends, to save Fleuris?
It is so hoped because life in Fleuris, under Apex and Thorn, is to live in a very difficult environment.
Do Apex and Thorn find her location and penetrate her shields? One wonders if she will ever be fully developed?
In this fantasy Iris must confront her weaknesses, and in so doing, dances with the Faeries. Does she leave Fleuris and enter Faerieland?
Anyone living in the 21st Century knows full well surviving in difficult environments is not easy. Selling one’s soul or one’s freedom becomes a strategy to stay alive. Van Ooyen uses fantasy and it’s magic to address difficult rulers, such as Apex – a despotic priest with magical powers and Thorn, his amoral sidekick also with powerful magic. Does the amoral magic of Apex & Thorn conquer the moral magic of Iris?
And that’s not all! There’s magic from another dimension to contend with.
But through all the twists and turns the reader will become increasingly convinced of one thing: The potential of Iris’s magic may very well be overshadowed by the creativity of its author. This is an exceptionally well written fantasy that I recommend to all young adults and adults.
Poisoned Arrow, by Iris Van Ooyen
2018
Five stars!
Poisoned Arrow, Iris Van Ooyen’s debut novel, is a well written fantasy that brings the reader to the mythical land of Fleuris. From the town of Yarden to the Kaale Mountains to Arbres – the home of the antagonist Apex – courtesy of the spy Sourni, and back again, the author creates a literary map of the growth, trials and travels of the main character. Poisonous arrows shot from the past add a creative twist that readers will have never seen before.
In the beginning Iris is a young child and we experience her life as she grows and attempts to harness her magic, which is often lethal. Slowly with the help of Merlow, her mentor, Iris' powers become controlled and strengthened. Merlow, who may be from the underworld, has as many twists and turns in his life that are as fascinating as Iris’ life.
But the question the reader is focused on is: Can Iris develop into a leader, with the help of her friends, to save Fleuris?
It is so hoped because life in Fleuris, under Apex and Thorn, is to live in a very difficult environment.
Do Apex and Thorn find her location and penetrate her shields? One wonders if she will ever be fully developed?
In this fantasy Iris must confront her weaknesses, and in so doing, dances with the Faeries. Does she leave Fleuris and enter Faerieland?
Anyone living in the 21st Century knows full well surviving in difficult environments is not easy. Selling one’s soul or one’s freedom becomes a strategy to stay alive. Van Ooyen uses fantasy and it’s magic to address difficult rulers, such as Apex – a despotic priest with magical powers and Thorn, his amoral sidekick also with powerful magic. Does the amoral magic of Apex & Thorn conquer the moral magic of Iris?
And that’s not all! There’s magic from another dimension to contend with.
But through all the twists and turns the reader will become increasingly convinced of one thing: The potential of Iris’s magic may very well be overshadowed by the creativity of its author. This is an exceptionally well written fantasy that I recommend to all young adults and adults.
March 5, 2019
A compelling fantasy!
When you like fantasy then the unexpected world of
Poisoned Arrow is your book. The story is intriguing and surprising. Like
poisoned arrows shot twenty years ago that suddenly threaten everyone's
life. Iris is a strong but lovable character, communicating through
mindlinking with the people that are close to her. The author really knows
how to paint a picture, it feels as if you are right there...
I enjoyed being carried away by this irresistible story and really loved the
fascinating world of Poisoned arrow!
When you like fantasy then the unexpected world of
Poisoned Arrow is your book. The story is intriguing and surprising. Like
poisoned arrows shot twenty years ago that suddenly threaten everyone's
life. Iris is a strong but lovable character, communicating through
mindlinking with the people that are close to her. The author really knows
how to paint a picture, it feels as if you are right there...
I enjoyed being carried away by this irresistible story and really loved the
fascinating world of Poisoned arrow!
May 10, 2019
I enjoyed this story! It had a lot of threads to it, which I sometimes found difficult to keep track of, but the characters were wonderful and the world clearly deeply thought out. I always enjoy when fantasy brings realistic elements/consequences in to the use of magic, as was done in an interesting way in this story. There were points at which the almost scientific language felt a little at odds with the fantasy setting, but I think it was a very intriguing premise.
Some truly beautiful descriptive work, and characters that leap off the page - I'll be keeping an eye out for book 2!
Some truly beautiful descriptive work, and characters that leap off the page - I'll be keeping an eye out for book 2!
December 7, 2018
It lasted a bit before I started with the book, but after that no way I could stop. The adventure of a young girl with special gifts in a very hostile world regarding her gifts... Extraordinary gifts is a magical world and I can imagine partly being possible in our world. I sense some parallels with our own world. I look very much forward to the other parts of the Trilogy!
December 13, 2018
"I wasn't expecting to be hooked to a fantasy novel, but I sure was! As I read it I feel I'm in the movie of it. The author really knows how to paint a picture. This book is a hybrid of vision, wisdom, and cinematic views giving you time and space to look and inquiry about your own powers. An energetic vacation!"
March 16, 2019
I really liked this book. Its does not remind me of any other book, which is a good thing. The characters are well thought out and the world setting is very original. Although it took me a little while to understand the setting, in the end i liked that because you learn along side the characters what is going on. Definitely going to pick up the second book.
July 3, 2019
I was drawn into the story from the start and wanted to know what would happen next throughout the book. And when I reached the last page, I wanted more NOW!
Poisoned Arrow is a fantasy, an adventure, a heroic tale (with a strong woman as the heroine, hurray!) and a spiritual book all wrapped in one. A book I highly recommend to anyone looking for an exciting read!
Poisoned Arrow is a fantasy, an adventure, a heroic tale (with a strong woman as the heroine, hurray!) and a spiritual book all wrapped in one. A book I highly recommend to anyone looking for an exciting read!
November 27, 2018
It’s a very cool book and I loved reading it! It’s well thought out, good structure and very easy/quick to read. The development of the plot was surprising, and it was what made me want to continue reading. I can’t wait for book two, Iris van Ooyen!
February 14, 2019
What a story and what a fantasy! I couldn’t wait to find out what happens to Iris or Auran. And when I got at the end... ;) I’m looking forward to reading the next one. I got goosebumps from this sentence: “Her fate is to lose those she loves.”
dnf
January 4, 2020DNF at 50%
Let me just start with another new years resolution: "DONT COVERBUY BOOKS"
The story had so much potential, but it wasn't delivered.
It felt like there was a lot of introduction but not a lot of plot. Some things felt over explained and some under.
There were also a lot of sudden time jumps. I couldn't tell you their ages in any of the chapters.
But overall I think i will read more of van Ooyen if she publishes something.
Let me just start with another new years resolution: "DONT COVERBUY BOOKS"
The story had so much potential, but it wasn't delivered.
It felt like there was a lot of introduction but not a lot of plot. Some things felt over explained and some under.
There were also a lot of sudden time jumps. I couldn't tell you their ages in any of the chapters.
But overall I think i will read more of van Ooyen if she publishes something.
January 1, 2023
Absolutely loved it! What an amazing journey through this book. I liked the past-present structure, and oh I loved the character development! When reading this book there was a constant excitement coming for me to keep reading, curious about where it would go.
Thank you for your amazing book! Iris van Ooyen can you please hurry up with part 2!
Thank you for your amazing book! Iris van Ooyen can you please hurry up with part 2!
May 14, 2019
As soon as you start reading in Poisoned Arrow you are part of the life of bright-eyed Iris, her friend Auran and the old magician Merlow. The magic, the protecting shields, their knowledge of herbs, also used in drinks for healing, you get involved in their adventures and want to know what is going to happen on the next pages. The book was surprising and kept me on my toes. And when you have finished the book you wonder what part two will bring for Iris and how she will cope. I already look forward to the sequel!
May 25, 2019
Poisened Arrow was very surprising to me because I am not familiar with the genre. The book is fascinating from the first to the last page because the main character Iris keeps you busy and intrigues. There are a number of striking passages in the book, the confrontations with the opposing party, which are written very sharply. This forces you to continue reading. The (provisional) end is again unexpected, which makes you very curious about the next part. Good and surprising book. You must have read it.
July 27, 2020
I was especially keen to read a debut author, as I am only a fledgling one myself. I loved Iris’s use of language and her description of a world that felt like a merging of future and the past, with a flavour all of its own. Iris has a section at the back about her writing of this book and that was the first thing I read. But now, lets look at the character Iris. This girl grows through the chapters: which are signposts to aide the reader where you are in the time line and locations. Iris has (just like a certain vampire slayer) a calling, a purpose and like the slayer she has to fight on a daily basis. Not external daemons this time but the power that defines her. There were a couple of violent scenes which I am not good with but I read on and I am glad I did. After those episodes (which have their purpose) the plot quickens and expands. I can tell Iris (the author) has now assembled her crew and launched their adventures for the future instalments. There will be be a lot of people waiting for what comes next. I will be one of them.
M
M
December 22, 2019
What a debut!
When you read this book it is the author’s extraordinary imagination that continues to amaze you. She has created a unique world where so many unexpected things take place. Time and place seem irrelevant in this world because they just use mindlinks to communicate directly with someone, no matter where they are located.
I loved the arrows and the unexpected twists and turns that provided. It also gives you an insight into the basis of energy in an original way.
This is a unique book in a very pleasant readable style, with smooth dialogues so the book reads like you're there. This keeps you reading and wanting to turn the page and learn more about the characters and their world of magic.
It’s a fun story and you can definitely judge this book by its cover! If you like a good fantasy novel I highly recommend Poisoned Arrow.
When you read this book it is the author’s extraordinary imagination that continues to amaze you. She has created a unique world where so many unexpected things take place. Time and place seem irrelevant in this world because they just use mindlinks to communicate directly with someone, no matter where they are located.
I loved the arrows and the unexpected twists and turns that provided. It also gives you an insight into the basis of energy in an original way.
This is a unique book in a very pleasant readable style, with smooth dialogues so the book reads like you're there. This keeps you reading and wanting to turn the page and learn more about the characters and their world of magic.
It’s a fun story and you can definitely judge this book by its cover! If you like a good fantasy novel I highly recommend Poisoned Arrow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews