Reviews

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

mochiliebling's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

nathyvhb's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mhought's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape

charlmax's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

bobbiejowoo's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

I mostly liked this book- it was a unique and beautiful take on the Medusa myth. The author is upfront in the note to the reader that this one heavily centers around Sexual Assault. And that it VERY true. It makes up a HUGE portion of this story, to the point where I felt like every man in this book EXCEPT Pratyush wanted to harm women and prove that they were less than. While important to the story it felt, at times very heavy handed. There was just so much SA in this one. 

I thought the writing was great the characters were developed nicely and the world, magic and monsters were imaginative and engaging. 

The audio narrator was fantastic!

jennderqueer's review against another edition

5.0

An India inspired Medusa retelling. Fantastic. Manisha is a Nagin, one of the snake people, and Pratyush is a slayer of monsters. When the unthinkable occurs, they find themselves pitted against each other in a fight for their lives.

TW for on-page non-graphic rape. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

breezyjean's review

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

librarylandlisa's review against another edition

3.0

2.5 stars. Overhyped. This will do well because of Riordan's fan base and media overhype. Not recommended to middle school teens due to the massive amount of sexual violence in the book. I think this is heavy-handed and could have been better edited. The instant love between the MCs was bleh and the action was poor as every character is overpowered and she gets her power after being raped and attempted murder? There are so many more fiercely feminist ways to do this and for the intended audience, I am not a fan which is surprising because I LOVE THE LORE and rep in this book.

shksprsis's review against another edition

challenging emotional 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

4.25

agooding's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Feminist retelling of Medusa’s story?! Yes please. Manisha is a badass. I loved her growth and self discovery and finally getting her due. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, War, Death, Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, and Rape

Minor: Pregnancy