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peachylite's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
honeyland's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I loved this book. The start was a little slow but once it got going, I really loved it. Family dynamics (both living and difficult), current politics cleverly wrapped up in a fantasy setting, a strong female main character (this is one of the few books that actually managed to make the main char cter be my favorite (besides Ty, of course)). But I also really enjoyed the side characters. I feel like all of them had important motivations and character development of their own that made them feel like they weren't just there to support the main character.
I also loved that this book was so casually queer, it was just part of the world, both for protagonists and antagonists.
The politics were super interesting, especially the last few chapters and it just felt so thought-through with many twists and intrigues that just...made sense. I kinda felt like Levi was a introduced a little late or at least didn't show up enough by the time he did for how much of an important role he played but I didn't mind too much. It made him feel a little bit like a late story scapegoat bc despite seeing the signs looking back, I think all of them were a little too subtle to actually make me think "ooh I should have figured that out!" But since I still enjoyed him as the antagonist he was, it doesn't make or break the boom to me.
I also just generally enjoyed the world this was set in, the way magic worked, the familiars and all that came with it. One of the books that again reminded me why I love reading fantasy novels.
I also loved that this book was so casually queer, it was just part of the world, both for protagonists and antagonists.
The politics were super interesting, especially the last few chapters and it just felt so thought-through with many twists and intrigues that just...made sense.
I also just generally enjoyed the world this was set in, the way magic worked, the familiars and all that came with it. One of the books that again reminded me why I love reading fantasy novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Police brutality, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer and Pregnancy
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Let me start by saying if you read this, I highly recommend the audiobook because the narrator is phenomenal. The way she does different voices throughout the book really pulls you into the story and the world that Baptiste has created. Great job all around!
The story itself is dark and twisty, with an interesting magic system set up in a modern society. There is a bit of a political intrigue, though I was more interested in the family dynamics and how those relationships played out in the book. I do think it is a little on the long side, but that might have been more of an editing choice.
If you like darker, urban fantasy with family drama and complicated politics, this is definitely the book for you! The plot twists will definitely keep you guessing up until the end.
The story itself is dark and twisty, with an interesting magic system set up in a modern society. There is a bit of a political intrigue, though I was more interested in the family dynamics and how those relationships played out in the book. I do think it is a little on the long side, but that might have been more of an editing choice.
If you like darker, urban fantasy with family drama and complicated politics, this is definitely the book for you! The plot twists will definitely keep you guessing up until the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Hate crime, and Vomit
vanessamariebooks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
Bookclub discussion: https://www.youtube.com/live/L0GNH8W7CAU?si=OG-rwimTPy_ZTpoE
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
antimonium's review against another edition
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: Death, Hate crime, Racism, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Child death
jasminedaria's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Definitely a 5-star read, and I am so excited we decided on this book for our book club. Characters were relatable and experienced development, though everyone may not have been likable. There were no loose threads in this story - every plotline had a resolution. The actual formatting of the chapters was so accessible and easy to read. Would highly recommend for readers who like YA/Sci-Fi, but also readers who enjoy reading about complicated family dynamics and social issues, power vs nature vs magic vs fate, friends to lovers storylines, diverse characters, and stories set in fictional versions of real places.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
kingjk2002's review against another edition
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: Animal death, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
bookcaptivated's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping and Murder
Minor: Hate crime, Sexual content, and Vomit
daniellestarredpages's review
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
3.5 Stars.
"The Poisons We Drink" by Bethany Baptiste was on my list of most anticipated releases of 2024 and I am glad to have read an ARC of it. I enjoyed the story and think this is a book that I could very easily recommend.
The magic system Baptise created for this story was well-crafted and a delight to read. I found the drawbacks to being a 'Witcher' in this world, whether it being the possibly deadly recoil of potion brewing or the pain of shapeshifting on your own, to be a great addition to the story as it not only added stakes and tension but it also does a job of reining in the magic so that it is not some all-powerful force Witchers possess.
I found it interesting that Baptiste wrote Witcher Stigma in the place of Racial Stigma, I was actually quite relieved at the fact that I didn't have to see the characters dealing with Racism AS WELL AS the discrimination due to their magic. The way it was handled however still made it obvious that the discrimination of Witchers was a critique and representation of real types of discrimination in the world. I am quite glad with how the characters fought back and took charge of their situations.
The relationships between the characters in this book were written well. The sibling relationships in particular felt very realistic, especially with how they cared for each other while being angry with each other. I found the dynamic between Venus and her mother to be particularly interesting and I love how it was written. I especially loved how even though Venus came to learn about how deeply her mother cared for her, her mother was not absolved of the things her mother did and the way she treated her and her sister Janus.
I do have to say though, while I was interested in the story from the very first page, I found myself just passively taking in the story until about 50% of the book, which is when I really started to love the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Poisons We Drink" by Bethany Baptiste was on my list of most anticipated releases of 2024 and I am glad to have read an ARC of it. I enjoyed the story and think this is a book that I could very easily recommend.
The magic system Baptise created for this story was well-crafted and a delight to read. I found the drawbacks to being a 'Witcher' in this world, whether it being the possibly deadly recoil of potion brewing or the pain of shapeshifting on your own, to be a great addition to the story as it not only added stakes and tension but it also does a job of reining in the magic so that it is not some all-powerful force Witchers possess.
I found it interesting that Baptiste wrote Witcher Stigma in the place of Racial Stigma, I was actually quite relieved at the fact that I didn't have to see the characters dealing with Racism AS WELL AS the discrimination due to their magic. The way it was handled however still made it obvious that the discrimination of Witchers was a critique and representation of real types of discrimination in the world. I am quite glad with how the characters fought back and took charge of their situations.
The relationships between the characters in this book were written well. The sibling relationships in particular felt very realistic, especially with how they cared for each other while being angry with each other. I found the dynamic between Venus and her mother to be particularly interesting and I love how it was written. I especially loved how even though Venus came to learn about how deeply her mother cared for her, her mother was not absolved of the things her mother did and the way she treated her and her sister Janus.
I do have to say though, while I was interested in the story from the very first page, I found myself just passively taking in the story until about 50% of the book, which is when I really started to love the story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Hate crime, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore and Gun violence
Minor: Child death and Stalking
mikaelabooks_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Venus Stoneheart: Witch of the 21st Century
This is excellent as an audiobook! The narration brings to life the black-girl magic that Baptiste writes so well. I am definitely a Venus instead of a Janice lol.
The Poisons We Drink is about an alternate 2023 where witches have been outed to society. And predictable as always, humans have responded by trying to repress, control and destabilize the witcher community. Venus is the daughter of two prolific witcher activists and has seen the toll that this persecution has taken. It's difficult enough to find a grocery store that is witcher friendly. Making a living is near impossible. So Venus takes up the magic of brewing potions to provide for her family. Brewers cannot practice other forms of magic because potions require too much of their own life force, which removes her from the normal witcher lifestyle that her sister and cousins exploit.
I loved the way that the author reveals each layer of this magical universe. Just as you start to grasp one repercussion, another is brought to light. By the end you have travelled through to the center of a rich and vibrant world and all you can think is: I'm ready for the next book! There's so much possibility! And Venus is a hero unlike any other. I related so much to her burdens as the eldest sister, the sole provider, the weight of her strict mother and the pain that is required to break free from limitations.
Though the premise is quiet different, I thought this was a worthy recommendation for fans of Crescent City. The writing style and story is just as vibrant with it's detailed magic and the way it sparks your imagination. Both share elements of Breaking Bad (tv) and a modern tone that is even more relevant here with the layering of Black and Witcher communities. I cannot recommend this enough!
Quote:
This is excellent as an audiobook! The narration brings to life the black-girl magic that Baptiste writes so well. I am definitely a Venus instead of a Janice lol.
The Poisons We Drink is about an alternate 2023 where witches have been outed to society. And predictable as always, humans have responded by trying to repress, control and destabilize the witcher community. Venus is the daughter of two prolific witcher activists and has seen the toll that this persecution has taken. It's difficult enough to find a grocery store that is witcher friendly. Making a living is near impossible. So Venus takes up the magic of brewing potions to provide for her family. Brewers cannot practice other forms of magic because potions require too much of their own life force, which removes her from the normal witcher lifestyle that her sister and cousins exploit.
I loved the way that the author reveals each layer of this magical universe. Just as you start to grasp one repercussion, another is brought to light. By the end you have travelled through to the center of a rich and vibrant world and all you can think is: I'm ready for the next book! There's so much possibility! And Venus is a hero unlike any other. I related so much to her burdens as the eldest sister, the sole provider, the weight of her strict mother and the pain that is required to break free from limitations.
Though the premise is quiet different, I thought this was a worthy recommendation for fans of Crescent City. The writing style and story is just as vibrant with it's detailed magic and the way it sparks your imagination. Both share elements of Breaking Bad (tv) and a modern tone that is even more relevant here with the layering of Black and Witcher communities. I cannot recommend this enough!
Quote:
"There are three sides to a revolution: the right side, the wrong side, and the sidelines. What side do you want us standing on?"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail