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eponineeurydice's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm. I'm conflictied about this one. It was not at all what I expected, but at the same time, exactly what I should've expected, if that makes any sense. The summary really drew me in. A magic system based on music? Enchanted forests? Mysterious boys? Count me in! But it kinda went in a direction I didn't foresee, and not in a good way if you know what I mean. It's your standard YA fantasy with Dystopian vibes. You have cheesy dialogue, vaguely likeable characters and a plot that sometimes felt like it forgot what it was trying to achieve. But! It was a fun time. So. What can I say? My younger self might have enjoyed this more. I can't tell if I'm just in a massive never-ending reading slump or just my cynical teenager phase. Or maybe this book truly just didn't work out for me. Either way, I don't really like it lol. This is not to say there weren't things I liked about it! It was a fairly engaging book that was quite easy to read! And the worldbuilding was mildly interesting! And it had a cool-ish ending? I'm not selling it the best, but I don't hate this book by any means. It just didn't quite land for me. I would still recommend it for younger teens (that's so weird! I'm not a younger teen anymore!) Anyway, I was very hyped to read this and it didn't quite live up to the image I had in my head. But that's not the book's fault! So, moving along to a different read.
rc_jam's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
youngling80's review against another edition
4.0
What a lovely read. While the cover sold me on this book initially (I mean look at that cover art!), this is more than just a pretty book. Having added it to my TBR and then to my hardback collection, I waited several weeks before starting on this one. It worked out perfectly as I've been on a bit of a burnout from some heavy reads last month. This was the perfect breath of fresh air - a lighter, sweet YA fantasy ... a little bit of mystery, a little bit of magic, a little bit of romance ... it was perfect read for the moment. (And another one that I think my daughter will enjoy.)
treblemakeranna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Murder, War, and Death
sarahp85's review against another edition
4.0
I love Mara Rutherfords writing. I really do. And I also really like that this is a standalone
As much as the story could definately go on longer I think keeping it as 1 book holds the magic within ❤️
As much as the story could definately go on longer I think keeping it as 1 book holds the magic within ❤️
novelty_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really whimsical and dreamy read that was very immersive.
The Poison Season follows Leelo who lives on an island far away from the outsiders on the other side of the poisonous lake. Those with magic are the only ones allowed to stay on the island, those without are cast out of their society to find their own way in the world. When Leelo discovers a boy her age on the island who came from outside, Leelo is forced to reconsider everything she thought she knew about the dangerous 'outsiders'.
I think the characters were the strongest part of the book. I really liked Leelo and I thought the way she approached the world around her was very unique. I liked Jaren's chapters too, he was such a sweet character. There were times I thought the relationship between him and Leelo felt like a bit much, but overall, I didn't mind it. This book was easy to get through, one that could easily be read in one sitting.
The only negative I really had was with the magical, dangerous forest. We knew it was a dangerous place and yet the tension, the danger was lacking a little in the book. There weren't many times when I felt scared of it, despite the main character saying how terrible and cursed it was. I also wished we got more information about the singing magic used by the islanders. It seemed like a cool concept but it wasn't talked about much.
All in all, a pretty good read. I enjoyed this one.
This was a really whimsical and dreamy read that was very immersive.
The Poison Season follows Leelo who lives on an island far away from the outsiders on the other side of the poisonous lake. Those with magic are the only ones allowed to stay on the island, those without are cast out of their society to find their own way in the world. When Leelo discovers a boy her age on the island who came from outside, Leelo is forced to reconsider everything she thought she knew about the dangerous 'outsiders'.
I think the characters were the strongest part of the book. I really liked Leelo and I thought the way she approached the world around her was very unique. I liked Jaren's chapters too, he was such a sweet character. There were times I thought the relationship between him and Leelo felt like a bit much, but overall, I didn't mind it. This book was easy to get through, one that could easily be read in one sitting.
The only negative I really had was with the magical, dangerous forest. We knew it was a dangerous place and yet the tension, the danger was lacking a little in the book. There weren't many times when I felt scared of it, despite the main character saying how terrible and cursed it was. I also wished we got more information about the singing magic used by the islanders. It seemed like a cool concept but it wasn't talked about much.
All in all, a pretty good read. I enjoyed this one.
nicolecaryl12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Actually had to physically move it away from me I couldn’t stop reading it. Super wholesome love story GOD I love a classic one like this. Interesting family dynamics and plot twists. Little sprinkles of spooky magic and a creepy bloodthirsty forest. Happy ending
shadeslayer327's review against another edition
4.0
Kinda disappointed a certain character (well, certain two characters) weren't slapped and shoved into the lake.
tacolinz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0