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sunflowerfoxglove's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
I will be utterly honest and say I discovered this book due to the book twitter drama but as soon as I had then read the synopsis I was more than excited about it. I can honestly say that The Poisons We Drink is a debut that will not quickly be forgotten. First I want to acknowledge that I am not a POC but I honestly believe that Baptist as created a speculative urban fantasy that holds up a mirror present day, particularly the United States, and the prejudices and hate POC are facing on the day to the day basis.
The is so much offered in The Poisons We Drink, including mystery and politics but beyond the fantastic plot, wonderful world building and general story the characters really shine. Venus was a joy of a protagonist. I loved how she acted, how real she was. She dealt with some issues that are so true to real life and honestly she acted better than I would have expected.
The plot itself is tightly woven and I loved the twists and turns. This is perfect for fans of urban fantasy and speculative fiction. It is also important for mirroring the current political and prejudice that people are facing right now.
The is so much offered in The Poisons We Drink, including mystery and politics but beyond the fantastic plot, wonderful world building and general story the characters really shine. Venus was a joy of a protagonist. I loved how she acted, how real she was. She dealt with some issues that are so true to real life and honestly she acted better than I would have expected.
The plot itself is tightly woven and I loved the twists and turns. This is perfect for fans of urban fantasy and speculative fiction. It is also important for mirroring the current political and prejudice that people are facing right now.
xanmarie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
3.75
timeforgsopinion's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
radina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really wanted to like this book - the premise is interesting, and I liked that the author wrote it as a response and reaction to, and protest of, anti-Black racism in the US, especially since 2016. The story itself is fine, although there are some irritating plot holes (eg, Venus noticing something weird and just ignoring it for ages).
My main issue, though, is that the writing is just ... not my style at all. I hesitate to say it's *bad*, but it feels quite juvenile. The narration is extremely melodramatic and overwrought. Venus is constantly being overcome by rage, pain, or sadness; falling on the floor, vomiting, crying, or yelling. She goes through so much extreme physical trauma that we are told should kill her and it just - doesn't. Also, the word choices are often strange in a way where it feels like the author just used a thesaurus to pick a more interesting word (and sometimes, IMO, a word that doesn't mean what she meant it to!)
It's a shame, because I loved the setting (DC!), the magic system, and the premise. But the writing was pretty painful for me, so unfortunately I have to give this a low rating, even though I admire the book and author's goals!
My main issue, though, is that the writing is just ... not my style at all. I hesitate to say it's *bad*, but it feels quite juvenile. The narration is extremely melodramatic and overwrought. Venus is constantly being overcome by rage, pain, or sadness; falling on the floor, vomiting, crying, or yelling. She goes through so much extreme physical trauma that we are told should kill her and it just - doesn't. Also, the word choices are often strange in a way where it feels like the author just used a thesaurus to pick a more interesting word (and sometimes, IMO, a word that doesn't mean what she meant it to!)
It's a shame, because I loved the setting (DC!), the magic system, and the premise. But the writing was pretty painful for me, so unfortunately I have to give this a low rating, even though I admire the book and author's goals!
frannook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Racial slurs, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Racism, Alcohol, Gore, Murder, and Police brutality
wwrlad's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5