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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
This book was difficult to read at times, but I don't believe it is because it is poorly written - more that my education & socialization has led me to expect a certain type of fantasy story. Not one that involves animal-people, talking drums, or themes of colonialism (or, if colonialism is present, the story is from the POV of the colonizers). So it was occasionally difficult to follow this story because of the cultural differences and my ignorance. HOWEVER I want more of that, that is how I learn. I also want so much more beautiful, powerful spiritual women who sleep with their enemies - hell yes. I also want more Native practice interwoven with my story lines. I also want more animal-people and chapters from POV of animals. All of it is incredible
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
slow-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:
Complicated
"No hope without change, no change without sacrifice."
The world of Master of Poisons is at once both stunning and horrifying. Magic abounds from the sprites who can talk to animals and the griots who can travel through Smokeland, a land of spirits and visions, but it is also slowly dying as a climate catastrophe known as the poison desert consumes the world. Djola, the Master of Poisons (so named because he has an antidote for everything) is frustrated by his inability to solve the crisis that plagues the world. The other masters look for cheap and easily solutions but Djola knows the only way to save what he loves is through hardwork and sacrifice but the other masters exile him rather than follow his lead. Now without resources or friends, Djola must still find someway to save the world.
What I think I love most about the book is the worldbuilding. Everything feels so alive and diverse and unique in this world from the chaotic magics to the various peoples with their internecine conflicts (it's stated outright that the primary means of alleviating wars in this world is marital diplomacy, marrying the enemy) which produces temporary peace but then leads to harsher fights against brothers in the future. In particular, Smokeland was a fascinating spirit world that I never got tired of glimpsing pieces of. The characters too are quite fascinating. Though I obviously dwelt a lot on Djola in my summary, I think he is only the second best character to the sprite Awa who who spends much of the book learning the sacred arts of a griot (something of a storyteller, bard, shaman, and historian all in one). Her chapters have a much slower tragedy that mirror's Djola's while still remaining distinct due to her more spiritual connection to the land (she is often our primary viewpoint character for entering Smokeland for much of the book). I also think this is a thematically rich work with plenty to say about how those in power choose to protect their lifestyles over making hard choices to save everyone (a theme that is, to put it mildly, super fucking timely).
Chapters are extremely short which can make them hit or miss. Sometimes actions happen just a little too quickly or the plot jumps forward unexpectedly when a more traditional fantasy novel would dwell on the events a bit longer which did occasionally result in me having to reread a few passages to make sure I hadn't missed anything. However, in other circumstances the short chapters wind up feeling punchy instead of choppy and manage to go for the jugular in 2 pages in a way books with 83 page chapters never quite manage. The abruptness with which Djola is cast out of his city and loses his friends is a surprisingly effective way of what it must feel like to lose everything. Some of the minor characters also felt a little underdeveloped which did make sense for how quickly this book moves (not every author can tell a story of this scope in just 400ish pages) but it did sometimes make the world feel smaller than it should have
Quite simply, this book is a marvel and I admire a lot about it. I imagine anyone looking for a standalone epic that delivers a satisfying story in a unique world will find a lot to love about this book as well even if the novel demands more attention than you might be expecting from it's deceptively short length.
4.5 stars
The world of Master of Poisons is at once both stunning and horrifying. Magic abounds from the sprites who can talk to animals and the griots who can travel through Smokeland, a land of spirits and visions, but it is also slowly dying as a climate catastrophe known as the poison desert consumes the world. Djola, the Master of Poisons (so named because he has an antidote for everything) is frustrated by his inability to solve the crisis that plagues the world. The other masters look for cheap and easily solutions but Djola knows the only way to save what he loves is through hardwork and sacrifice but the other masters exile him rather than follow his lead. Now without resources or friends, Djola must still find someway to save the world.
What I think I love most about the book is the worldbuilding. Everything feels so alive and diverse and unique in this world from the chaotic magics to the various peoples with their internecine conflicts (it's stated outright that the primary means of alleviating wars in this world is marital diplomacy, marrying the enemy) which produces temporary peace but then leads to harsher fights against brothers in the future. In particular, Smokeland was a fascinating spirit world that I never got tired of glimpsing pieces of. The characters too are quite fascinating. Though I obviously dwelt a lot on Djola in my summary, I think he is only the second best character to the sprite Awa who who spends much of the book learning the sacred arts of a griot (something of a storyteller, bard, shaman, and historian all in one). Her chapters have a much slower tragedy that mirror's Djola's while still remaining distinct due to her more spiritual connection to the land (she is often our primary viewpoint character for entering Smokeland for much of the book). I also think this is a thematically rich work with plenty to say about how those in power choose to protect their lifestyles over making hard choices to save everyone (a theme that is, to put it mildly, super fucking timely).
Chapters are extremely short which can make them hit or miss. Sometimes actions happen just a little too quickly or the plot jumps forward unexpectedly when a more traditional fantasy novel would dwell on the events a bit longer which did occasionally result in me having to reread a few passages to make sure I hadn't missed anything. However, in other circumstances the short chapters wind up feeling punchy instead of choppy and manage to go for the jugular in 2 pages in a way books with 83 page chapters never quite manage. The abruptness with which Djola is cast out of his city and loses his friends is a surprisingly effective way of what it must feel like to lose everything. Some of the minor characters also felt a little underdeveloped which did make sense for how quickly this book moves (not every author can tell a story of this scope in just 400ish pages) but it did sometimes make the world feel smaller than it should have
Quite simply, this book is a marvel and I admire a lot about it. I imagine anyone looking for a standalone epic that delivers a satisfying story in a unique world will find a lot to love about this book as well even if the novel demands more attention than you might be expecting from it's deceptively short length.
4.5 stars
DNF at 145 pages/28%
Master of Poisons has a super interesting premise and lyrical prose. I found the big time jumps frustrating as they seemed to happen just when I was starting to connect with the characters. If writing was my reader pathway, I think I would've really enjoyed Master of Poisons; as someone who gets sucked into a book by character and plot, this just didn't click for me.
Master of Poisons has a super interesting premise and lyrical prose. I found the big time jumps frustrating as they seemed to happen just when I was starting to connect with the characters. If writing was my reader pathway, I think I would've really enjoyed Master of Poisons; as someone who gets sucked into a book by character and plot, this just didn't click for me.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
nothing wrong with it, just wasn't in the mood for it at the moment
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Master of Poisons is epic fantasy on a grand scale -- many locations, many years passing, multiple dimensions even -- inspired by African Traditional Religions + folklore and following Djola, the title Master Of Poisons, as he attempts to save his homeland from dangers that are simultaneously environmental, political, and magical. I appreciate a lot about this book. The characters are diverse (lots of LGBTQ+ representation here), and even many of the secondary characters are well developed as complex + nuanced. The worldbuilding is fantastic -- Hairston's rich descriptions are vibrant and the setting feels entirely real -- and the writing beautiful. I did struggle with the pace at times: I actually really enjoyed the elements of the story that some other reviewers have described as 'slow burn' as strong character development really held my attention, but some of the more 'fast action' parts almost felt so abrupt that I had to backtrack and re-read to find my footing and fully know what was going on. All in all, a highly original fantasy with excellent characters and world-building; I'll be happy to read more of Hairston's work in the future.
Content warnings: violence, blood, slavery, kidnapping, torture, transphobic violence, mention of sexual violence
Content warnings: violence, blood, slavery, kidnapping, torture, transphobic violence, mention of sexual violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Torture, Transphobia, Kidnapping
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
'Master of Poisons' is a really interesting African fantasy, about an empire in the middle of ecological collapse after years of prosperity, and the few people trying to change it. The writing voice takes a bit of getting used to, but it's gorgeous and tragic and hopeful, and really worth taking a look at.
So Imagine a book way better than Game of Thrones set in Africa with magic, and this is the book. It is amazing and I loved it so much. This is definitely one of the best fantasy books I have devoured in awhile.
Djola is in trouble and needs to save his world and family. The only way he can do this is by finding a lost spell that can heal the land. Awa has been sold into training with special elders. She also has the ability to enter into this spirit land that many people cannot. She is safer with the elders than being a woman who can do what she does. Both Djola and Awa are faced with large quests and must work hard to achieve their goals.
This a very rich epic fantasy that is so well done. The world building is strong as is the writing. Switching between the characters and following them really adds to the story. Just the beautiful diversity of this story made me fall in love. It was amazing.
I am normally not a high fantasy fan, but this is one not to be missed.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor/Forge for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Djola is in trouble and needs to save his world and family. The only way he can do this is by finding a lost spell that can heal the land. Awa has been sold into training with special elders. She also has the ability to enter into this spirit land that many people cannot. She is safer with the elders than being a woman who can do what she does. Both Djola and Awa are faced with large quests and must work hard to achieve their goals.
This a very rich epic fantasy that is so well done. The world building is strong as is the writing. Switching between the characters and following them really adds to the story. Just the beautiful diversity of this story made me fall in love. It was amazing.
I am normally not a high fantasy fan, but this is one not to be missed.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor/Forge for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.