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antimonium's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There was a lot going on in this book. I was listening to it on audio and if I zoned out for even a second I'd end up very confused. The world building was both too much (lots of exposition and telling) and too little (big gaps that should have been filled in). I wish the deviations had been explored more - still not sure what that was all about. The political machinations were very complex and somewhat hard to follow. The final villan reveal and twist didn't have much impact. I appreciate the coverage of many important topics that parallel our own world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death of parent, Death, Racism, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
frannook's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Racial slurs, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Racism, Alcohol, Gore, Murder, and Police brutality
miladyofscott's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Racism, Child death, Violence, and Blood
kingjk2002's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Animal death, Racism, Violence, Hate crime, Death, and Child death
smagzisreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Racism
jkreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5⭐️
I had really high hopes for this one which I probably should have tempered going into it, because it may have affected how I perceived the book overall. I was really drawn in at the start and it felt really promising, but I felt like there were too many characters and plot points going on towards the middle and end of the book which really impacted the author‘s ability to explore them all adequately.
The MC and the ensemble characters all showed great potential but I feel like we only got to know them on a surface level. Same with the world-building and magic system - it was interesting, with a lot of potential but the depth just wasn’t there.
I loved seeing a non-binary romantic interest, that’s something I’d love to see more representation for in YA fiction and just fiction in general!
I read this book on audio and would highly recommend doing that if you’re wanting to check this one out - the narration was great! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for books read by Lynnette R. Freeman in the future because her voice is gorgeous.
Overall this was a pretty solid YA fantasy, again I think if I hadn’t set my expectations so high I would have enjoyed it much more. This is definitely one I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a witchy YA read!
I had really high hopes for this one which I probably should have tempered going into it, because it may have affected how I perceived the book overall. I was really drawn in at the start and it felt really promising, but I felt like there were too many characters and plot points going on towards the middle and end of the book which really impacted the author‘s ability to explore them all adequately.
The MC and the ensemble characters all showed great potential but I feel like we only got to know them on a surface level. Same with the world-building and magic system - it was interesting, with a lot of potential but the depth just wasn’t there.
I loved seeing a non-binary romantic interest, that’s something I’d love to see more representation for in YA fiction and just fiction in general!
I read this book on audio and would highly recommend doing that if you’re wanting to check this one out - the narration was great! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for books read by Lynnette R. Freeman in the future because her voice is gorgeous.
Overall this was a pretty solid YA fantasy, again I think if I hadn’t set my expectations so high I would have enjoyed it much more. This is definitely one I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a witchy YA read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, Blood, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
bookswithbethx's review against another edition
DNF'd at 52%. I gave it a good go and had really high expectations for this book. Ultimately this book wasn't for me. I was quite bored while reading it, didn't gel with any of the characters (and this is a very character driven story), and felt the plot was all over the place and I didn't know what was happening from one page to the next. I also felt the magic systems within this were too complex and complicated, which didn't help with my enjoyment. However most people seem to love this so it's a me problem!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death, and Death of parent
gi_reads30's review
dark
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ok, so first and foremost, this book is a great debut. The story is very interesting, and some of the topics are EXTREMELY relevant to today's reality. I really liked how the cast was not only diverted but a "morally gray cast" that is not typical to YA books. The magic system was interesting and the characters were strong and some of them were likable.
My problem with this book is the pace. It was too much going on, a lot of characters, a lot of plot twists and turns that made it hard for me to follow. It might be a "me problem", but the information "dumping" became too much. I wish the book was actually a duology where the author allowed herself to make the plot flow more seamlessly. I think if this was divided into two books, it would've been way better for the magic system to be explained as well.
Other than that, it kept me entertained. Thanks to RB Media, Recorded Books and Netgallery for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
My problem with this book is the pace. It was too much going on, a lot of characters, a lot of plot twists and turns that made it hard for me to follow. It might be a "me problem", but the information "dumping" became too much. I wish the book was actually a duology where the author allowed herself to make the plot flow more seamlessly. I think if this was divided into two books, it would've been way better for the magic system to be explained as well.
Other than that, it kept me entertained. Thanks to RB Media, Recorded Books and Netgallery for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Racism, Death, War, and Violence
cneighbors36's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Bethany Baptiste's debut urban fantasy, "The Poisons We Drink," offers a unique take on the genre, blending intricate potion-based magic with contemporary social and political issues. While the story's beginning might feel a bit slow, patience is rewarded. The world-building is meticulous, carefully crafting a magic system where potions are not just concoctions but potent tools woven into the fabric of society. The magic system feels fresh and thought-provoking, from brewing emotional elixirs to concocting political influence brews. However, the true power of this debut lies in its ability to blend fantasy with reality seamlessly. The narrative tackles themes of social injustice and political corruption. While the pacing might initially feel sluggish, the story picks up around the 50% mark, where action sequences become more frequent and the plot thickens. Initially introduced gradually, the characters come alive as they navigate the complex web of magic and societal pressures. There are, however, some shortcomings. The slow start can be off-putting for some readers, and while the ending is satisfying, it leaves room for further exploration. Overall, "The Poisons We Drink" is a promising debut with a unique magic system and a relevant social commentary. While the pacing might need some fine-tuning, the world-building and thematic depth make it a worthwhile read for urban fantasy fans looking for something fresh. I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars, and I am interested to see if the author continues to build within the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence
readwithria's review against another edition
This was very much a case of a good book not finding the right reader. It was easy for me to put down and hard for me to pick up.
I think that the premise is interesting, the magic is unique, and the themes are important. I hope this book finds the readers it deserves.
I think that the premise is interesting, the magic is unique, and the themes are important. I hope this book finds the readers it deserves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Self harm, and Racism