therainbowshelf's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Gaslighting, Grief, Death, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Violence
Poisoninglovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
"This Poison Heart" follows a teenage girl named Bri. Bri has an extraordinary gift: she can manipulate plants and flowers. Her and her adoptive moms are really struggling to scrape by in their Brooklyn apartment, but it seems their luck is about to change because Bri finds out an aunt, she did not know about, has left Bri her estate. Now Bri and her moms are uprooting their lives to check out this new home, but they soon uncover that Bri's legacy has powers they had no idea about. Now Bri is in a new town, trying to uncover what her powers really are for, all while trying to keep her family safe.
This book was so atmospheric, and I had the best time reading about Bri and her plant power. The home she moves into is kind of abandoned and needs a little work because it is overrun with plants. This home and new town were so creepy but beautiful: the perfect vibe to get you into the spooky season spirit. I also really appreciated all of the diversity and representation in this book. I also really enjoyed seeing Bri explore all the different friendships she encountered in this story. She has some friends who seem to have a hard time accepting her, she has some friends who she wants to be more than friends, she has some friends that are endlessly supportive, and she has some sneaky friends who are trying to trick her. Navigating different friendships is difficult at any age, but it can be especially daunting in your teenage years. Kaylynn Brown is an immensely talented author, and you are doing yourself a disservice if you do not pick up something by her.
I cannot wait to pick up the sequel to this book, because that cliffhanger has me both angry and hopeful!
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Violence, Murder, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Torture, and Stalking
jazminnnnnnn's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Blood, Torture, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Stalking, Toxic friendship, Grief, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit
toffishay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Pregnancy
linesiunderline's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
The representation is phenomenal - never seeming forced, instead natural and real and nuanced.
The family dynamic between Briseis and her moms is so wonderful - loving and warm and open. Mo (one of Bri’s moms) is hilarious. What a strong and memorable character.
Bayron brings the mansion that Briseis inherits to life so evocatively. I could picture it in rich detail, which was what I had hoped for going in. I was not disappointed.
Plants. All the plants.
So much mythology.
It gets REALLY exciting towards the end. Oh, and talk about a cliffhanger. You’d better like cliffhangers.
My only hesitation here is the pacing. It was a slower start. I didn’t really mind because I felt immediately invested in the characters, but it was imbalanced compared to all of the action at the end, in my opinion.
I need to own this one. And I can’t wait for the follow up next year!
Graphic: Blood and Gore
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, Stalking, and Toxic relationship