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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
There is only one way that Briseis can save her mother. She must find the final piece of the Absyrtus Heart, one of the most deadly things in the world. In order to find it, Briseis must learn about her family history. Turning to blood relatives that she's never met and learning about their secret powers is the only way that she can save her mom.
However, it turns out that Briseis and her family aren't the only one looking for the last piece of the heart. The fates spell out a journey, one that could lead to more tragedy. Will Briseis be able to harness her power and magic in time to save the ones that she loves?
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an advaced copy of this to review! I eagerly awaited this sequel after reading This Poison Heart, because how could you not with that ending? I had to know what was going to happen next, and I'm so glad this lived up to my expectations!
What I loved about these books is the way that Bayron plays with Greek mythology. It feels different than any other retelling that I've read before. This is truly where she excels in writing because even though you might be familiar with the story, there's unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing all throughout. If you're at all familiar with the myths here, you'll love the tiny easter eggs throughout.
And the characters! The combination of the world building, the magic, and the characters makes this a truly engrossing book. Despite a bit of a slow start, once the action picks up, it never lets go. You won't be able to get to the end fast enough. And then you'll be sad it's over.
It's definitely safe to say that Kalynn Bayron is a writer I will continually be watching for her amazing skill for retellings!
However, it turns out that Briseis and her family aren't the only one looking for the last piece of the heart. The fates spell out a journey, one that could lead to more tragedy. Will Briseis be able to harness her power and magic in time to save the ones that she loves?
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an advaced copy of this to review! I eagerly awaited this sequel after reading This Poison Heart, because how could you not with that ending? I had to know what was going to happen next, and I'm so glad this lived up to my expectations!
What I loved about these books is the way that Bayron plays with Greek mythology. It feels different than any other retelling that I've read before. This is truly where she excels in writing because even though you might be familiar with the story, there's unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing all throughout. If you're at all familiar with the myths here, you'll love the tiny easter eggs throughout.
And the characters! The combination of the world building, the magic, and the characters makes this a truly engrossing book. Despite a bit of a slow start, once the action picks up, it never lets go. You won't be able to get to the end fast enough. And then you'll be sad it's over.
It's definitely safe to say that Kalynn Bayron is a writer I will continually be watching for her amazing skill for retellings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Violence, Gore, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Vomit
antonique_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Death of parent, and Grief
alyssamayreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-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? No
5.0
This Wicked Fate is the EPIC follow-up to This Poison Heart, a series that centers on Briseis, a queer Black girl who hails from a long lineage of magical women. The family can control plants and have been guarding the deadly, poisonous Absyrtus Heart for centuries. In This Wicked Fate, we follow Briseis and her loved ones as they race against the clock to save her Mom, encountering new family members and enemies along the way. As the second book in the series, it differed a lot from the first, focusing more on the Greek mythology and grand adventure. Normally I’m turned off when a sequel is so different from the first book, but Bayron did it masterfully. This book is for lovers of Greek mythology, generational burdens and healing, and Black girl magic. What a spectacular sequel! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
Black Girl magic, sapphic, secret garden retelling and greek mythology all rolled into one epic conclusion !
Spoiler's ahead if you haven't read This Poison Heart...
We follow Bri and co as they have 28 days to save her mothers soul and bring her back from the underworld. To do so they must obtain all 6 pieces of Absyrtus's heart and put them back together, something that has never in history been done. But soon they realize that they aren't the only ones on the hunt for this final piece of the heart.
I loved how Bayron wove greek mythology along side our modern world, it was done so well. I especially loved how women empowering both books were. My favorite thing was the relationship between Bri's Mom's they honestly stole the show for me. With how much they loved her and each other, not only that but what they would give up for their family. Both women were such amazing strong bad asses. I also loved Maire, this all powerful immortal being who if you looked at Bri the wrong way would murder you with her eyes... and quite possibly literally. It was the exact energy I was looking for in a sapphic romance.
CW/TW
Death
Violence
Gore
Greif
Spoiler's ahead if you haven't read This Poison Heart...
We follow Bri and co as they have 28 days to save her mothers soul and bring her back from the underworld. To do so they must obtain all 6 pieces of Absyrtus's heart and put them back together, something that has never in history been done. But soon they realize that they aren't the only ones on the hunt for this final piece of the heart.
I loved how Bayron wove greek mythology along side our modern world, it was done so well. I especially loved how women empowering both books were. My favorite thing was the relationship between Bri's Mom's they honestly stole the show for me. With how much they loved her and each other, not only that but what they would give up for their family. Both women were such amazing strong bad asses. I also loved Maire, this all powerful immortal being who if you looked at Bri the wrong way would murder you with her eyes... and quite possibly literally. It was the exact energy I was looking for in a sapphic romance.
CW/TW
Death
Violence
Gore
Greif
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Death of parent
starrysteph's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This Wicked Fate was everything I wanted in a sequel. Kalynn Bayron continues to gift us with the best elements from This Poison Heart: a brilliantly creative spin on Greek mythology, a unique magic system, delightful flora descriptions and language, and some sapphic love (especially great to see between older characters!).
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
The pacing was much stronger here; we're gently reminded of where things left off in the first book and then the clock starts ticking.
There are touching descriptions of grief and loss, and Bri has such a wonderful support system of family and loved ones that allowed her to navigate her pain.
I don't think I've ever read a Greek mythology-inspired story quite like this. I don't want to spoil it by revealing who we run into ... but be ready for some fun surprises and to rethink old myths in a new light.
One big ick (as I mentioned in my review of This Poison Heart): the massive immortal/mortal age gap. This just makes me uncomfy. If Marie + Bri were really two teenagers, their relationship would be beyond charming and healthy and lovely. But Marie is 300+ years old and that imbalance of wisdom and power really rubs me the wrong way. She is depicted with the maturity level of a 17 year old, so it is relatively easy to forget ...
I love a well-rounded duology and this was such a fun + adventurous read that I'd recommend to teens and adults alike.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and Storygram tours for sending a copy my way. :)
CW: death/murder, death of a parent, grief, blood, gore, vomit, violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abuse & emotional abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Vomit, Blood, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Murder
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