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pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
Poison Kiss by Ana Mardoll is the first Earthside book. It's a queer urban fantasy set in Texas. While there is romance and the most adorable polyamorous trio ever, it's mostly about the types of families you make for yourself
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comments_08/poison_kiss.html
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comments_08/poison_kiss.html
madeline_the_terrible's review against another edition
5.0
A romance fantasy novel with a pansexual polyamorous lead and multiple genderqueer characters? YES! It's so nice to read a normal book with multiple queer characters. Balm for my soul.
accovino's review against another edition
4.0
Probably more of a 3.5 because while it was enjoyable and the characters were sympathetic, I had some issues with he pacing and would've liked more conflict? I'm not sure exactly but I'll think more on it.
misssleepless's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
anaulin's review
3.0
This was a fun read, with a fast-paced story and likable characters. I enjoyed it, but found it somewhat forgettable. Still, I might read the next Earthside book.
I liked seeing the representation of non-cis and non-straight identities (although as a cis straight person myself, can't speak to how respectful or accurate it was; some other reviews here on Goodreads expand more on that). Only the main two characters, Rose and Lavender, feel truly developed, despite others playing a crucial role in the story. There is a main male character that felt a little bit overly "straight girl's dream cardboard cutout" to me, he doesn't feel very real. A fun romp overall.
I liked seeing the representation of non-cis and non-straight identities (although as a cis straight person myself, can't speak to how respectful or accurate it was; some other reviews here on Goodreads expand more on that). Only the main two characters, Rose and Lavender, feel truly developed, despite others playing a crucial role in the story. There is a main male character that felt a little bit overly "straight girl's dream cardboard cutout" to me, he doesn't feel very real. A fun romp overall.
hstone's review
5.0
At a time when a lot of fantasy is grim and obsessed with entropy, this story of recovery and healing was a blast of fresh air. I'm not sure I've read a paranormal urban fantasy recently that was more sincere in its diversity. Mardoll writes a believable cast of POC and QUILTBAG characters, each one treated with empathy.
Additionally, I love how the sexuality of the main characters is presented as a strength, and while this was my first time reading a story about a polyamorous relationship, I found Rose, Lavender, and Clarent's blossoming love extremely touching and sweet. (No pun intended.)
If you're looking to combat the negativity of our current political climate with a comforting, romantic read that offers characters who accept one another for who they are, this is the book for you.
Additionally, I love how the sexuality of the main characters is presented as a strength, and while this was my first time reading a story about a polyamorous relationship, I found Rose, Lavender, and Clarent's blossoming love extremely touching and sweet. (No pun intended.)
If you're looking to combat the negativity of our current political climate with a comforting, romantic read that offers characters who accept one another for who they are, this is the book for you.
buknerd's review
5.0
Completely brilliant. The entire thing. I almost didn't read this. It's been sitting on my To Read list for a long time and after failing to find it in both my county and statewide library systems I nearly removed it. But I'm glad I splurged and bought the ebook.
claudiearseneault's review
3.0
OK, here we go. This might yet be the most difficult review I've yet to do.
I came into this book ready to LOVE it. And gosh did it start well! At 25-30%, I was in love with just about everyone, rolling in the happiness of what had everything to be an awesome, action-packed, queer-ensemble fantasy story.
And then, and then it... floundered, I guess. Part of this is because the pacing in the middle feels way off, with the story spinning about in a long and somewhat repetitive circle before dumping everything (which could have been great things!... if they'd had the space not to feel like a rushed infodump in order to open the door to a quick, new solution) at the end. If it stopped there, this review would still have 4 stars, and I would heartily be recommending this book around.
Finally, and more importantly, because, well... despite an advertised Word of God aro-ace character, it's been a long time since I read something where I felt so thoroughly invisibled and unsafe. I'll talk way more about this in a post on my blog, but this story is a minefield of implied microaggressions with nothing to counterbalance them. If being told repeatedly how absolutely vital to one's happiness kissing and sex is might bring you back into a back headspace, fellow ace, skip this one.
Don't get me wrong. In general, this is a solidly written book with beautiful rep for bisexual and polyamorous folks. It has writing flaws, but nothing that can't be overlooked. Absolutely go for it if you want to read about queer people sticking together to heal--or, well, no, make that hot allosexual queer people. The ones who don't have sex are the grouchy old ladies everyone avoids ~
(yes, for the record, I am bitter. Bitter and hurt).
I came into this book ready to LOVE it. And gosh did it start well! At 25-30%, I was in love with just about everyone, rolling in the happiness of what had everything to be an awesome, action-packed, queer-ensemble fantasy story.
And then, and then it... floundered, I guess. Part of this is because the pacing in the middle feels way off, with the story spinning about in a long and somewhat repetitive circle before dumping everything (which could have been great things!... if they'd had the space not to feel like a rushed infodump in order to open the door to a quick, new solution) at the end. If it stopped there, this review would still have 4 stars, and I would heartily be recommending this book around.
Finally, and more importantly, because, well... despite an advertised Word of God aro-ace character, it's been a long time since I read something where I felt so thoroughly invisibled and unsafe. I'll talk way more about this in a post on my blog, but this story is a minefield of implied microaggressions with nothing to counterbalance them. If being told repeatedly how absolutely vital to one's happiness kissing and sex is might bring you back into a back headspace, fellow ace, skip this one.
Don't get me wrong. In general, this is a solidly written book with beautiful rep for bisexual and polyamorous folks. It has writing flaws, but nothing that can't be overlooked. Absolutely go for it if you want to read about queer people sticking together to heal--or, well, no, make that hot allosexual queer people. The ones who don't have sex are the grouchy old ladies everyone avoids ~
(yes, for the record, I am bitter. Bitter and hurt).
librolauren's review
4.0
3.5
I liked the story and world they author created, but some of the dialogue was awkward. One of the downfalls of audiobooks is that becomes a little more apparent when hearing the story out loud.
I liked the story and world they author created, but some of the dialogue was awkward. One of the downfalls of audiobooks is that becomes a little more apparent when hearing the story out loud.
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