Title: The Poison Season
Author: Mara Rutherford
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 394
Release Date: 6 December 2022 (US), 8 December 2022 (UK)
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I'm sharing my review for Mara Rutherford's newest book, The Poison Season. An atmospherically lush and whimsically ethereal fantasy that stole my heart and took my breath away with it gorgeously dream-like world building and utterly immersive prose.
Synopsis
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.
Review
This was such a lush and gorgeously atmospheric read, I loved the dark and deliciously foreboding tone that surrounds the mysterious island of Endla, with it’s deadly forest, poisoned lake and the intriguing community of magical people who inhabit it.
I loved the world building, which was spectacularly crafted and beautifully immersive, the level of detail was fantastic and the folksy, fairytale-esque imagery really brought Endla to life.
Given how insular the setting is (it takes place almost entirely on Endla with only a handful of characters) the underlying tension conveyed in every interaction Leelo makes (particularly with her family) and the emotional, slow-burn intensity in those scenes really had me on edge.
There was also some strong cult-like, Midsommar vibes which had me dreading something awful was gonna happen at any moment—but with such an intriguing mystery and compelling protagonists in Leelo and Jaren, I just couldn’t look away.
I absolutely loved both Leelo and Jaren who were such endearing characters. Leelo was a sweet (though at times a little naive) protagonist but I genuinely enjoyed how protective she was of the people she loved most. It was also interesting to see the juxtaposition between Leelo’s familial relationships and Jaren’s which I felt really showcases just how stifling and emotionally damaging a society entrenched in intolerance and narrow-mindedness can be.
The blossoming romance between the pair was also absolutely perfect, if a teensy bit Insta-lovey and deftly blends the star-crossed,enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes to a satisfyingly swoon-worthy conclusion that I didn’t want to end.
I was also intrigued by the Jaren’s sister Story and her own blossoming romance with an Incantu called Grimm and would love to see more of them at some point in the future.
Overall, a delicately crafted and atmospheric YA fantasy with beautifully lush and engaging prose that fans of Margaret Rogerson and Erin.A.Craig don’t want to miss.
Also a huge thank you to Harper360YA and Inkyard press for this stunning proof.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
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