A review by thebookishgnome
Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston

challenging 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? Yes

3.25

 This was a thoroughly challenging book. I enjoyed it but the pacing was a tad slow for me and I kept moving to other books and then eventually coming back to this one to chew it up bit by slow bit. Awa and Djola were fantastic characters and I loved following their stories. The setting was original and the ever present danger of the poison sands kept you hoping that a solution to this worlds problems could be found. The inclusion of the shadowlands meant that there was always the opportunity for something magical to happen at every turn. I loved a lot of things about this book and would have given it a higher rating if it hadn't dragged for large portions of the pages.