This Poison Heart

By: Kalynn Bayron

Narrated by: Jordan Cobb

Bloomsbury presents This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron, read by Jordan Cobb.

Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron’s new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power.

Briseis has a gift: with a single touch she can grow plants from tiny seeds to rich blooms.

When Briseis’s aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York, Bri and her parents hope that surrounded by plants and flowers, she will finally learn to control her gift. But their new home is sinister in ways they never expected—it comes with a mysterious set of instructions, a walled garden filled with the deadliest botanicals in the world, and generations of secrets. There is more to Bri’s sudden inheritance than she could have imagined, and she is determined to uncover it.

From the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead comes an enchanting story about a young woman with the power to conquer the dark forces descending around her.©2021 Kalynn Bayron (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Critic reviews

Kalynn Bayron's writing is alchemy itself, blending contemporary fantasy with a dose of haunting mystery and a dropper of gothic fiction. An intoxicating tale about the power of about Black motherhood and daughterhood, and family bonds that can't be broken. Like the poisonous plants Briseis tends to, This Poison Heart is mesmerizing and beautiful.

A verdant read as rich as the greenery within it, This Poison Heart will wrap its vines around you and never let go.

Bayron takes an old story, turns it on its head, and makes it her own with a stunning display of pacing, character, and legacy.

Thrilling and magnetic, This Poison Heart pulses with true Black girl magic and endless mystery.

Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale . . . She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after.

Bayron weaves science and Greek mythology into a captivating lore that lends weight to this fantastical contemporary story. She conjures entertaining and realistic dialogue and attentive characterization, while incisive descriptions and sumptuous prose evoke a wonderfully gothic atmosphere.

This Poison Heart masterfully weaves a unique story grounded in the depths of Greek mythology and Black girlhood, ideal for lovers of folklore or those who enjoy the thrill of a well-paced and unanticipated adventure.

Bayron strikes just the right balance of mystical and modern, bringing elements of mythology and spirituality to Bri’s family roots while situating her securely in a relatable adolescence.

Bayron conjures a world filled with magic and mystery. Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre.

I’m a big fan of tropes and love seeing how marginalized authors take them in new and interesting directions, something Bayron does very well here, and a big part of that is due to how well-developed her characters are. . . . . It’s a fast-paced mystery with a clever twist on the myth of Medea. The story is full of queer Black girl magic, and I can’t wait to see where Kalynn Bayron takes it.

The twists and turns of this fantasy tale will keep readers engaged . . . . Readers will be inspired.

Flipping the Cinderella tale on its head, Bayron’s take challenges patriarchy with kick-butt heroines and a counter-story that will forever change how readers perceive fairy tales.

Readers looking for dystopia, queer romance, LGBTQ inclusiveness, and women sticking it to the patriarchy will be pleased.

A queer dystopian fantasy that questions written history and societal expectations.

Bayron’s deconstructive reimagining of the classic fairy tale is ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone.

Terrific book

Every time I think I might be done with YA, a book like *This Poison Heart* comes along and pulls me right back in. Kalynn Bayron’s novel is a delightful blend of *The Secret Garden* meets *Little Shop of Horrors*, with a fascinating layer of Greek mythology on top—a concept so fun and unique that it’s impossible not to love.

*This Poison Heart* centers around Briseis, a teenage girl with the extraordinary ability to control plants and an immunity to poison. When she inherits a mysterious estate surrounded by poisonous plants, Briseis finds herself unraveling a deep family history and the dangerous responsibilities that come with her powers.

While the premise alone is enough to hook any reader, it’s the execution that truly makes this book shine. Briseis is an incredibly well-rounded character. She’s funny, intelligent, and deeply loving, qualities that make her not just a compelling protagonist, but a person you genuinely root for. I appreciated how reasonable and level-headed she remained despite the wild circumstances she found herself in—holding people accountable and making thoughtful decisions. In a genre sometimes criticized for immature or oblivious protagonists, Briseis stands out as a refreshing exception.

The real strength of this book, however, lies in its relationships. The dynamic between Briseis and her two moms is heartwarming and beautifully portrayed, filled with easy banter and a fierce, protective love that drives the story forward. The book also explores the unique connections Briseis forms with the few other Black people she encounters in the mostly white rural town, adding layers of depth to her interactions.

While romance takes a backseat to the more immediate dangers Briseis faces, there’s clear chemistry between her and the mysterious Marie. The subtle romantic tension adds an extra layer of intrigue, and it’s exciting to think about how this relationship might develop in the sequel.

Admittedly, some parts of the plot felt a bit predictable to me, but I recognize that I’m not the target audience anymore. The true test for me was whether Briseis, with the information she had, reacted in a way that made sense. She approached her situation with a balanced mix of suspicion and trust, making her decisions and realizations feel natural and justified. Even when I thought I was ahead of her, I never felt frustrated waiting for her to catch up.

Overall, *This Poison Heart* was an absolute delight to read. It’s fun, engaging, and filled with both heart and suspense. I can’t wait to dive into the sequel when it’s released.

What took me so long

I don’t know what took me so long to finally read this book but I am so glad I did. I knew from about halfway thru that it was going to be five stars. It didn’t disappoint at all!!!!

This Poison Heart

The whole book was great from start to finish. I am glad there is a second part because I didn't want the story to end. It was a pure good read without the overbearing sex and love details.

Awesome!

Couldn't put this down! I highly recommend! Loved this book and will probably listen again.

The story plot and character building.

The characters and the build up of the story. It was suspenseful, magical, mysterious, and just perfect! What a great book!