bek_p87'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
4.5
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent and Gaslighting
booksalacarte's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This book has a really interesting magic system and great background work in mythology and plants. I really enjoyed Bri and her relationship with her parents. I almost wish it was just those 3 saving this magic world.
There were a LOT of pop culture references. Like a lot. For a fantasy, it was a little interruptive.
I found the pacing in the first half of the book to be very slow and drawn out without the context to back up the pace. I felt like some dialogue was very forced and stilted, making the continued line broken and feeling like you flipped two pages instead of one.
The other thing that made me pause was the age gap romance. I don’t know why the age gap is an issue here for me.
This is a lgbtqia+ YA book. Be aware of language and other trigger warnings. I would recommend it for a 15+yo.
Minor: Murder, Death of parent, Cursing, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Gaslighting
mtnest's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Gaslighting, Violence, and Cursing
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
Poisoningtheoceanrose'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: Death, Gaslighting, Murder, and Violence
bubothereader'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
3.5
I appreciated how Bayron also mulled on gender divides. Like, how mythology about women is likely displayed in the manner it is because men wrote their stories. This is something we as women still face today in the way men write us vs how women write us. It’s a completely skewed lens.
The characters are some of my favorite parts. I enjoy that Briseis is a botanist, but isn’t an overall nerd. The parent relationship was VERY present in the novel and they were lesbians. I appreciate when authors include parents in books about teens and I LOVE the representation.
Dropping a full star for the 300-year old plus love interest. Have we learned nothing from Twilight?
This book was magic. I adored every second of reading it. Can’t wait to add it to my To-Keep shelf and get my hands on the sequel.
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Toxic friendship
decembermagpie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Self harm, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Stalking, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, and Violence
cerilouisereads'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, Death, Death of parent, and Body horror
Moderate: Gaslighting, Medical content, and Violence
kayladaila'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
5.0
Everything about This Poison Heart is right. The characters come from diverse backgrounds and there are all types of queer representation. The story seamlessly references Greek mythology with nods to the Victorian gothic and musical theater. I am required to share that there is a reference to Hamilton and two references to Hadestown. I simultaneously couldn’t put The Poison Heart down and tried to savor it because I never wanted it to end. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Medical content, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Gaslighting, Gore, Kidnapping, and Torture
Minor: Bullying and Stalking