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clace_19's review against another edition
4.0
4.25!
I really enjoyed this one, it was a perfect combination of a plot driven and a character driven book. It had so many slightly spooky magical things and the characters were loveable, the twists tho predictable would still make you gasp and the awesome writing, the whimsical world building and the cute romance is to live for!
I only had a few problems with this book, though it had a short plot which suited it it kind of dragged a bit in the beginning like it was awfully slow, other than that I didn't quite understand the poisonous lake part it was down very late.
But all in all it was really fun to read.
I really enjoyed this one, it was a perfect combination of a plot driven and a character driven book. It had so many slightly spooky magical things and the characters were loveable, the twists tho predictable would still make you gasp and the awesome writing, the whimsical world building and the cute romance is to live for!
I only had a few problems with this book, though it had a short plot which suited it it kind of dragged a bit in the beginning like it was awfully slow, other than that I didn't quite understand the poisonous lake part it was down very late.
But all in all it was really fun to read.
justmegreading's review against another edition
5.0
Creepy forests and witchy vibes.
What more could you ask for?!
Highly recommend if you’re into any of those. There’s mystery and magic and an FMC that I think is awesome. She’s sweet and is a little innocent and naive but she’s also smart and stubborn and has a wonderful heart. The mmc is a kind hearted boy that is called to the island in search of.. something. And he falls for the girl that was supposed to kill him but chose to heal him instead. ✨
What more could you ask for?!
Highly recommend if you’re into any of those. There’s mystery and magic and an FMC that I think is awesome. She’s sweet and is a little innocent and naive but she’s also smart and stubborn and has a wonderful heart. The mmc is a kind hearted boy that is called to the island in search of.. something. And he falls for the girl that was supposed to kill him but chose to heal him instead. ✨
ohyouread's review against another edition
5.0
The Poison Season gave me all the feelings of M Night Shyamalan’s The Village, but with ✨MAGIC✨!!! I am in love with this world and can’t wait to reread/listen once the audiobook is released. I didn’t know I needed them, but give me Forest Sirens and I will always say YASSSS!!!
The inhabitants of Endla are surrounded by water that’s poisonous to the touch: no animal can land in it, no boat can cross it, no humans can get in… or out. That’s exactly the way the wandering forest likes it. The forest and humans that live among it have a symbiotic relationship. Endlans sing music that bring animals to the island and while some may be for them to survive, the rest are killed in sacrifice.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to never be able to leave the island. Told that if you do, the music inside of you will never be able to be released again. Their fear of outsiders really motivated this story. Anyone not of their people was to be IMMEDIATELY killed in sacrifice to suffice the blood hungry forest. That right there sounds like foreshadowing if I’ve ever read it!
There was definitely a build up throughout, knowing that a secret was going to be revealed the entire time. Something was off with all of the rules and stories, but did I expect what happened? Not in the least!!! Am I going to tell you anything that will spoil this? Also, not gonna happen!
The inhabitants of Endla are surrounded by water that’s poisonous to the touch: no animal can land in it, no boat can cross it, no humans can get in… or out. That’s exactly the way the wandering forest likes it. The forest and humans that live among it have a symbiotic relationship. Endlans sing music that bring animals to the island and while some may be for them to survive, the rest are killed in sacrifice.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to never be able to leave the island. Told that if you do, the music inside of you will never be able to be released again. Their fear of outsiders really motivated this story. Anyone not of their people was to be IMMEDIATELY killed in sacrifice to suffice the blood hungry forest. That right there sounds like foreshadowing if I’ve ever read it!
There was definitely a build up throughout, knowing that a secret was going to be revealed the entire time. Something was off with all of the rules and stories, but did I expect what happened? Not in the least!!! Am I going to tell you anything that will spoil this? Also, not gonna happen!
sehamilton02's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I loved this one! I loved the world building, the characters, the romance… yeah, pretty much everything about it.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I totally got swept away in the storyline and the only thing I wish was different was that it ended too soon. The story had really good pace but, when it came down to the final five chapters or so, suddenly everything started to happen at once. I know that every good book comes to an end, but I was just wishing that the ending was fleshed out a tiny bit more.
Also, I hated Sage. I tried to like her, honestly I did, but I hated her character and then felt like a bad person for wishing ill on her. But, I loved Leelo and Jaren. They were perfect.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I totally got swept away in the storyline and the only thing I wish was different was that it ended too soon. The story had really good pace but, when it came down to the final five chapters or so, suddenly everything started to happen at once. I know that every good book comes to an end, but I was just wishing that the ending was fleshed out a tiny bit more.
Also, I hated Sage. I tried to like her, honestly I did, but I hated her character and then felt like a bad person for wishing ill on her. But, I loved Leelo and Jaren. They were perfect.
shmadsie's review
3.0
This was fine, not really unique at all and read like standard YA fantasy to me. Though I did love that when Leelo found out that Tate had a different father than her she was like: yeah, so? And when Jaren found out he was adopted, he was like: well, my family is still very much my family. Because, yes, that is the only reaction that makes any sense. (And since I'm about to start A Fire Endless tomorrow, it just reminds me of how freaking idiotic A River Enchanted was on that point and makes me appreciate this all the more.)
alexalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
It's always difficult to write out review for books I liked but didn't love. Such is the case with The Poison Season. I was fully 'in' the reading experience whenever I picked it up, but it didn't end up leaving much of a lingering impression on me every time I put it down (including when I finally hit the end).
The plot is straightforward and simple, with additional color in the form of the world and lore (which took some darker-leaning turns). It leans into introspection, giving the reader a sense of something insular. And that works well in tandem with the more technical aspects (like structure and pacing) for the kind of story this is, one that feels like folklore or someone's personal history.
I wish I'd felt more connected to either (or both) of our main characters. It's not that there weren't aspects of their personalities that I liked; it's more that I wanted to be more emotionally invested in what happens to them. That being said, I did appreciate how the book explored the way these two were shaped by their relationships and environment, and how encountering an unknown entity inspires them to reexamine what truths they hold on to.
In conclusion, The Poison Season didn't quite tick all of my personal preference boxes. But it was still a generally well-constructed tale that had my curiosity piqued about how things would play out, so I'd say it's worth checking out if the premise at all interests you.
The plot is straightforward and simple, with additional color in the form of the world and lore (which took some darker-leaning turns). It leans into introspection, giving the reader a sense of something insular. And that works well in tandem with the more technical aspects (like structure and pacing) for the kind of story this is, one that feels like folklore or someone's personal history.
I wish I'd felt more connected to either (or both) of our main characters. It's not that there weren't aspects of their personalities that I liked; it's more that I wanted to be more emotionally invested in what happens to them. That being said, I did appreciate how the book explored the way these two were shaped by their relationships and environment, and how encountering an unknown entity inspires them to reexamine what truths they hold on to.
In conclusion, The Poison Season didn't quite tick all of my personal preference boxes. But it was still a generally well-constructed tale that had my curiosity piqued about how things would play out, so I'd say it's worth checking out if the premise at all interests you.
readingwithkirstyn's review against another edition
4.0
I think the Poison Season has true potential to be one of THE big books of the Winter. Immediately I was drawn in by the cover and synopsis, but I am incredibly glad that I did. This story is lush, vibrant, and incredibly original. The mystery and secrets keep you turning pages constantly wanting to know more. I hope to see more in this world.
venla_reads's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐ I liked this, but it wasn't too memorable. I loved the small island setting and the quiet, creepy atmosphere, but it wasn't creepy enough for my taste. The poisoned lake, the haunted forest, the islanders' magic - these all had great potential but they should've been explored more.
rhibeanreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
mybooksarenovel's review against another edition
5.0
Told in two perspectives. A secluded village on a remote island where the people live to appease the island and it's magic forest at any cost. It is surrounded by a poison lake and any living thing that enters it will die. Anyone born without magic is sent away at age twelve. But an outsider has been drawn to the island and Leelo wants to protect him, but knows the islanders won't abide him. It's only a matter of time before someone finds him and they sing the hunting or the drowning song.
This book was absolutely breathtaking in my opinion. The prose was patiently slow paced. It brilliantly painted atmosphere, mood, romance and nail-biting suspense. The secluded village cult and eerie singing to coincide with various ceremonies style of horror was written to perfection. The forbidden romance was so sweet. The complicated family conflict was fantastically difficult and complex. I personally loved everything about this!
My heart is still racing.
My hands are still shaking.
My lungs are burning from holding my breath.
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year!
Thank you Inkyard Press and Netgalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was absolutely breathtaking in my opinion. The prose was patiently slow paced. It brilliantly painted atmosphere, mood, romance and nail-biting suspense. The secluded village cult and eerie singing to coincide with various ceremonies style of horror was written to perfection. The forbidden romance was so sweet. The complicated family conflict was fantastically difficult and complex. I personally loved everything about this!
My heart is still racing.
My hands are still shaking.
My lungs are burning from holding my breath.
Definitely one of the best books I've read this year!
Thank you Inkyard Press and Netgalley for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!