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A review by dogoodwithbooks
The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste
dark
emotional
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
In this YA urban fantasy debut set in an alternate universe Washington D.C., humans and witchchers have been at odds for decades. At the heart of our story features Venus Stoneheart, a witcher love brewer, who is thrust into a world of D.C. politics to stop an anti-witcher law from being passed, while also looking to avenge her mother’s murder.
The Poisons We Drink is such an engaging read with parallels to current issues facing society today, as shown in Baptiste’s world-building for this book. I felt that Baptiste did a good job highlighting the various aspects of the withcher world and how that intersects in the human world (though it is considered an alternate universe). Additionally, I liked the character development in this book, especially when we get to see the conflicting values facing our characters, especially for Venus, as they try to decide what’s worth fighting for and the blurry lines that comes with power. Yet, at the focal point of the story, Baptiste illustrates the power of love as a call to action.
Overall, I can see a successful career for Baptiste after reading The Poisons We Drink. If you want a YA fantasy with a morally grey MC and their complicated family relationships, political intrigue, and how love influences our actions, I definitely recommend checking out this book.
The Poisons We Drink is such an engaging read with parallels to current issues facing society today, as shown in Baptiste’s world-building for this book. I felt that Baptiste did a good job highlighting the various aspects of the withcher world and how that intersects in the human world (though it is considered an alternate universe). Additionally, I liked the character development in this book, especially when we get to see the conflicting values facing our characters, especially for Venus, as they try to decide what’s worth fighting for and the blurry lines that comes with power. Yet, at the focal point of the story, Baptiste illustrates the power of love as a call to action.
Overall, I can see a successful career for Baptiste after reading The Poisons We Drink. If you want a YA fantasy with a morally grey MC and their complicated family relationships, political intrigue, and how love influences our actions, I definitely recommend checking out this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Police brutality, and Murder
Minor: Child death and Vomit