This Poison Heart

I don't remember when I but I think I bought this one a few months ago. I had read the author's debut Cinderella is Dead and thought it was solid, but I guess I just never got around to this one. I very rarely do this but I went into this not knowing much except plant magic and poisons and I think that was a great decision on my part.

I'm not much of a fan of contemporary books these days, even if they are in my beloved SFF genres. Maybe I wouldn't have picked this up if I realized it before. But once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The author's writing hooks you in right at the get go, first with the gorgeous descriptions of flowers and then with the heroine's magic in general. I have to confess, I'm not much of a nature lover and have no interest in gardening but the way the author describes the main character's relationship with plants, how the magic works, and both the little sweet and tense moments with the poisonous vines - it's all very stunning and made me appreciate this kind of magic for the first time.

We also have a house (or an estate) which is a character in itself, revealing its truths slowly and giving very gothic vibes; and how can I forget the Beauty and the Beast style library. I could almost imagine the musty old books, all the gorgeous plant art in one of them and just the feeling of being in such a place. And if that's not all, the author unravels one secret after another that we can't put the book down, takes us down memory lane across hundreds of generations, and throws some mythology and alchemy and nature medicine for good measure and we have a very captivating story in our hands.

Briseis is a compelling character to follow. She has this power which she doesn't completely understand but which she feels called towards, but it has also led to a fearful and lonely existence. So, when she gets a chance at a life where she would be able to let go and understand what all she is able to do, she is finally relieved. She does get frustrated sometimes because she always feels like she is a step behind and there are many secrets she needs to find out, she is diligent in her care for her plants (poisonous and otherwise) and also in finding out more about her birth family's history and legacy. I could say more but I don't wanna spoil at all, but the unveiling of this legacy and all the history behind it is one of my favorite parts of the novel.

She is ably supported by her two adoptive mothers who may be scared for her, very protective, and also not leave any chance of embarrassing her in front of her friends, but they are also extremely understanding of the situation she is in and try to make her feel as loved as possible. We also meet a whole host of eccentric characters in the small town of Rhinebeck and I had a very interesting time figuring out the good and the bad guys among them, but I truly couldn't guess everything. It always feels nice to be surprised.

When I started reading this, I didn't think I will fall in love with this story and writing so much. But it's very enchanting that pulls you in with its gorgeous prose, very empathetic characters and a plot that takes very unexpected and thrilling turns. And the way it ends, I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel because I badly wanna know what happens next.

Wow! So much happened in this one. The ‘twist' didn't surprise me, but I didn't need it to because it was well written. The relationships between Briesas and the others in the story were compelling. There were times that the pacing felt slow, but in the end, I think that was on purpose. So I am glad I kept going to the end of the book and now I can't wait to read the next one.

I had really high hopes for this book but I just didn't love it, I barely liked it. It goes at a very slow place, I just remember wishing something entertaining would happen but the writing is just so slow. I was happy that it had queer representation (as seen with the main characters two mothers). The relationship the main character ends up having herself has no depth, it's really unfortunate. I plan on reading the sequel because towards the end of the book things picked up and became more interesting,

This book sucked in me in so quickly. Loved the characters and the family dynamic. Loved the fantasy and magic and level of mystery. The steady uncovering of Bri's family history as it relates to Greek mythology was super unique and interesting. The ending seemed a bit abrupt but over all very enjoyable ready.

I reall enjoyed this one. I was so, so excited to finally read it and I gotta say, I wanted it mostly because I kept seeing that gorgeous cover around bookstagram. Was it a cover buy? You could say that, but I also read the blurb and I was fascinated by the idea. It's a very unique book!

There are a lot of things happening in this book and I loved how fast-paced it was, there are some nice plot twists and revelations that made me want to read the next book as well!

I wanted to like this book so badly... Finally, a bi poc main character in a fantasy, but it lacked the addictive quality that you expect from YA Fantasy and being kept in the dark about what is actually happening for 70% of the book just didn't work for me. The real letdown was the romantic aspect. They haven't really said anything to each other or had any sort of flirting, but they want each other so bad. There was no romance or anything. No meet-cute. No meaningful interactions. Just that they were both beautiful. I need a squee moment. Just one. Convince me that they are attracted to each other just a little bit please! And why was Briseis' mom so weak? She didn't say anything or try to fight back or comfort her daughter and then just died. Like...for what? This whole book happened in the last 3 chapters and cuts off right before an actual story seems like it's going to start. I feel like I'm being tricked into reading a sequel. I liked the Greek mythology, specifically the tie in to Hecate and Medea and Circe. Three women vilified throughout history. Everything was just too convenient at the end and it just wasn't enough. I hope the second one is better conceptualized, but idk if I'll even pick it up.

Mostly audiobook review- Clearly I’m in the minority of negative opinions about this book, but I do think that folks looking for own-voices Black-American YA fantasy fiction, positive adoption rep or queer family rep might want to check this out.

City kid Briseis is a teenager who can help plants grow. Her moms (plant shop owners) know, but she has strained relationships with her friends who don’t understand her and want her to distance herself from the world of plants. While she’s thinking about applying for college, she learns she’s inherited a mysterious mansion and ultimately finds it has secrets.

Oooookay, my issues. I found the plot to be slow and it takes so long to build on the gothic atmosphere, mysteries, and stakes. There’s a fair bit of repetitive and one-dimensional writing, dialogue, and characters — and it doesn’t translate well on audio IMO. I mean there’s just so many times you can listen to “I said,” over and over again (my point was 81% when I switched to e-book). If the writing was better OR the book’s plot and characters tightened up this could have been at least 3-stars from me - I think it just needed more editing. There’s more griping I could add, but I’ll just say I face-palmed myself SO many times and the romance was only based on “she’s so pretty,” (spoiler below)

even when Briseis learns about the age gap — vomit.

This book is bloomin' marvellous!

I got this from the library and immediately bought myself a copy.

The plot is well paced. Hints of things surface at the start and progress throughout the story. As it continues the pace picks up till the final climactic showdown.

People are and aren't who they appear to be. Twists and turns abound.

The characters, dynamics and relationships are so well created that it was an absolute joy to step into their world with them.

Throw in a hefty dose of queer rep, magic, mystery and family drama and you've got a page turner.