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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
imtashamonet's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
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
5.0
The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste is a contemporary young adult fantasy in which humans and witchers (people with various forms of magic) are divided. Venus Stoneheart, the main character, helps support her family by brewing illegal love potions. On top of the risk of her trade, both legally and to her body because brewing has painful side effects, she has a sentient dark magic inside of her that can cause devastation if unleashed. Venus's life is already complicated and then her mother is murdered, which breaks her world apart in ways she never expected.
I don't even know where to start with this book because I loved it so much. It's written so beautifully and the world is so rich and full. It is obvious the lore and history runs deeper than the focus of our story and those are the kinds of things I love about stories. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the world of this novel and when it was over, I felt like I lost something and I can't wait to get it back (there's a sequel, I think, and I can't wait for it if there is).
The thing I appreciated the most about this book is that Bethany Baptiste understands exactly how to add complications to the plot that aren't superficial. Every time I thought things couldn't get worse, they did and the tension it provided kept me reading. Additionally, the characters are emotionally rich and the emotional complications of the character arc were just as tense as the plot. I was surprised at every turn (which doesn't happen often because I can usually guess what's going to happen) and it was so refreshing to be on the edge of my seat.
Magic in The Poisons We Drink also comes at a price that can be steep. It doesn't solve everything and the problems that come into play in this story aren't easy to fix just because magic exists. This is only outshined by how compelling Venus is as the main character. I am always a fan of morally gray characters because their stories are more capitivating to me, and I was capitivated by Venus.
If you're a fan of lore, rich contemporary fantasy worlds, and morally gray characters, this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
themelleh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
I loved it. I wasn’t sure where it was going at times, but I absolutely loved it.
This world that Bethany has started building is so gorgeous and I am gagging to know more. More about the magic system, how it works, it’s just so delightfully fascinating!
Not sure if my favourite character is Patches, but, it is possible. We love a hard working and protective good boy. But then I also just loved the relationship between Venus and Janus and how they communicate at different stages through the book. Being a sister is hard and being the older sister is hard so we see you Venus!
I’ll just be sitting over in the corner hoping there’s a part 2 so we get more Venus and Presley. 😍
This world that Bethany has started building is so gorgeous and I am gagging to know more. More about the magic system, how it works, it’s just so delightfully fascinating!
Not sure if my favourite character is Patches, but, it is possible. We love a hard working and protective good boy. But then I also just loved the relationship between Venus and Janus and how they communicate at different stages through the book. Being a sister is hard and being the older sister is hard so we see you Venus!
I’ll just be sitting over in the corner hoping there’s a part 2 so we get more Venus and Presley. 😍
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
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
raikowlreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for giving me an advanced reader copy.
The story is about Venus, who makes money out of brewing illegal love potions. It's a dangerous business, and she gets in a lot of messed up situations after her mother get murdered. When the Grand Witcher, head of her coven, offers Venus the opportunity to avenge her mother's death, she must agree to a difficult demand: create harmful potions to control D.C.'s powerful politicians, all for the sake of justice.
Bethany knows how to write an emotion. The audiobook did a fantastic job of capturing these moments. Lynette R. Freeman knows how to voice act and drag you into the story, not letting you go. Her talent for voice acting truly brought the characters to life.
The Poisons we drink was high in my must-read list for 2024, and I was super honoured to see I got accepted for this copy. It exceeded all my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating owning a physical copy once payday rolls around. It took me a while to finish the book, pure because I lacked time, not because the book was slow paced. Furthermore, it was anything but slow paced. There are so many characters that you get to know. Some more likeable than others.
The story is about Venus, who makes money out of brewing illegal love potions. It's a dangerous business, and she gets in a lot of messed up situations after her mother get murdered. When the Grand Witcher, head of her coven, offers Venus the opportunity to avenge her mother's death, she must agree to a difficult demand: create harmful potions to control D.C.'s powerful politicians, all for the sake of justice.
Bethany knows how to write an emotion. The audiobook did a fantastic job of capturing these moments. Lynette R. Freeman knows how to voice act and drag you into the story, not letting you go. Her talent for voice acting truly brought the characters to life.
The Poisons we drink was high in my must-read list for 2024, and I was super honoured to see I got accepted for this copy. It exceeded all my expectations, leaving me eagerly anticipating owning a physical copy once payday rolls around. It took me a while to finish the book, pure because I lacked time, not because the book was slow paced. Furthermore, it was anything but slow paced. There are so many characters that you get to know. Some more likeable than others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
thebookkeepers's review against another edition
Stopping at 35%
I loved the premise of this book with Witchers (witches) and potion making of love spells with a twist (love of an idea etc). The familial connection of the sister’s & extended family was very interesting to me and I loved their personalities.
However, the decisions of our MC following the big loss, felt too reckless and naive. She obviously made THE WORST choices & was being manipulated without stopping and thinking anything through. This was super hard to sympathize with and gave the feel of younger YA that doesn’t work for me.
I also felt some of the story telling came across as disjointed and a little hard to follow from scene to scene. At times I forgot why we were at a location or when we had left for another.
My main reason for DNFing was the set up for the main conflict didn’t appeal to me along with the little forethought of our main character.
I loved the premise of this book with Witchers (witches) and potion making of love spells with a twist (love of an idea etc). The familial connection of the sister’s & extended family was very interesting to me and I loved their personalities.
However, the decisions of our MC following the big loss, felt too reckless and naive. She obviously made THE WORST choices & was being manipulated without stopping and thinking anything through. This was super hard to sympathize with and gave the feel of younger YA that doesn’t work for me.
I also felt some of the story telling came across as disjointed and a little hard to follow from scene to scene. At times I forgot why we were at a location or when we had left for another.
My main reason for DNFing was the set up for the main conflict didn’t appeal to me along with the little forethought of our main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
jkreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5⭐️
I had really high hopes for this one which I probably should have tempered going into it, because it may have affected how I perceived the book overall. I was really drawn in at the start and it felt really promising, but I felt like there were too many characters and plot points going on towards the middle and end of the book which really impacted the author‘s ability to explore them all adequately.
The MC and the ensemble characters all showed great potential but I feel like we only got to know them on a surface level. Same with the world-building and magic system - it was interesting, with a lot of potential but the depth just wasn’t there.
I loved seeing a non-binary romantic interest, that’s something I’d love to see more representation for in YA fiction and just fiction in general!
I read this book on audio and would highly recommend doing that if you’re wanting to check this one out - the narration was great! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for books read by Lynnette R. Freeman in the future because her voice is gorgeous.
Overall this was a pretty solid YA fantasy, again I think if I hadn’t set my expectations so high I would have enjoyed it much more. This is definitely one I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a witchy YA read!
I had really high hopes for this one which I probably should have tempered going into it, because it may have affected how I perceived the book overall. I was really drawn in at the start and it felt really promising, but I felt like there were too many characters and plot points going on towards the middle and end of the book which really impacted the author‘s ability to explore them all adequately.
The MC and the ensemble characters all showed great potential but I feel like we only got to know them on a surface level. Same with the world-building and magic system - it was interesting, with a lot of potential but the depth just wasn’t there.
I loved seeing a non-binary romantic interest, that’s something I’d love to see more representation for in YA fiction and just fiction in general!
I read this book on audio and would highly recommend doing that if you’re wanting to check this one out - the narration was great! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for books read by Lynnette R. Freeman in the future because her voice is gorgeous.
Overall this was a pretty solid YA fantasy, again I think if I hadn’t set my expectations so high I would have enjoyed it much more. This is definitely one I’ll recommend to anyone looking for a witchy YA read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Death and Death of parent