My Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Title: The Poison Season
Author: Mara Rutherford
Format: eBook (NetGalley)
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 12/6/22
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Thank you to Inkyard Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.
Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.
When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.
Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.
Content Warning:
This one is a DNF for me. I love the cover and I enjoyed some other books from this author but this one just wasn’t doing it for me. Here’s what I thought:
+ Interesting concept, was intrigued about the Forest and mysterious island.
~ I felt no connection to the characters and kept wondering what is happening and wishing the story would move faster.
~ I think it would appeal to teen readers. For me, I just wanted more. I was bored and didn’t want to struggle to finish it.
Tropes: secret island
Why you should read it:
- you like the author’s other works
- interesting concept – mysterious island, a poison lake, magic through singing
Why you might not want to read it:
- too slow and wasn’t keeping my attention
My Thoughts:
I tried many times to finish this book but I think it was clear I was just not interested and it wasn’t for me. I think this will still appeal to young adult fantasy fans though.
Book Links:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Past Midnight Book Reviews & More 
I’m glad I’m not the only one who had a hard time with this one. I didn’t feel a connection with the characters either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah this one definitely wasn’t for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person