Finally got the chance to listen to this one.
Before I comment, let me hand Rachel a tarp. (She needs something to keep all the rotten fruit off... Honestly, have you seen what rotten fruit can do to your wardrobe? It can be really hard to wash it out at times.)
I will play dissenter and say that I enjoyed this story. As a writer of a story with another poisonous female (Li Chi in Run of the Fiery Horse) I realize that I am biased here. There is something about the theme of the poisonous girl that really appeals to me, especially when the author takes time to explore the character's feelings about being a literal poison to those you love. My reading of this story was pretty similar to Rachel's. Black Kerris is one messed up girl -- created as a weapon, deprived of touch, and always having to see a twin who gets the best of everything. Red Kerris was special, coveted, and had a claim of royal heritage. She had laughter, dancing, and companionship. Black Kerris only got the mere shadow of her sister's often resentful company. I totally bought that she would want revenge, but even more want one last night of touching and human contact.
However, even I thought that the whole "Let's break your hymen by killing a guy" thing was just awful. *Splotch!* (Sorry Rachel. I had to throw at least one rotten peach. But hey, I supplied the tarp. Remember that.)
And I won't throw a fruit over this, but I wish that the assassination attempt of the Ambassador/Governor/High Muckety-Muck had been done with more finesse. I wanted more subtlety and better planning for the assassination attempt.
Still, over all I liked this one.
Hmm
(Speaking for the Dissent)