Crosspost from review of the audiobook - Didn't realise I had two versions to review

I really wanted to love this but in the end, I lost interest.

This was LONGGGG and to be honest, I could barely tell you what happened as it failed to keep my interest. I definitely missed out on any excitement of reveals as I'd not kept up with who was who and it just wasn't for me.

trigger warning
<spoiler> loss of a parent, gun violence, being poisoned, racism, xenophobia, animal death, blood and gore depiction, loss of autonomy due to magic, self harm (as byproduct of magic), trauma, grief, being held hostage, mention of slavery </spoiler>

When her mother is killed, Venus Genevieve is stuck with caring for her younger sister, Janus, who'd like nothing more than protest the racist and xenophobic politics in the country, at her own risk. It doesn't help that Venus herself is contacted to help with a dangerous plot.

First off, I could swear I had this as an arc but can't find it in my list of badly overdue reviews to write. As the ebook I had expired, I asked the library to buy this and they did.

I had a long run where I read and reviewed many arcs, but then had a big health problem that prompted some lifestyle changes and now I lack energy most days and my reading has gone down by a lot, so I have aforementioned pile of arcs I'd still like to get to and review them. So you can expect a lot of reviews for titles that have been out for a while.
Anyway, a side effect of that is that I find myself kinda over young adult at this point in time. The whole irrational decisions thing, and making problems for yourself instead of having open communication, and rash actions that one would expect from people with Borderline Personality Disorder <i>or</i> teens without fully developed brains is not something I have patience for right now. So there is a hesitance on my part to pick them up while being stubborn about having to pick them up.

This book is set in an alternate universe where magic-users are a thing, and they are a different species than humans. How that works I honestly can't tell you. We seem to have people with different ethnicities who can use magic, and thus are not human, so it is not a one-off thing.
Witchers, as they are called here, have different Disciplines and Callings. Our protagonist, Venus, is a potion brewer, and then her calling is that she is specialised on love potions. I really like that this is not only about physial attraction and romantic love, but familial emotions and platonic bonds are also included.

While this in an alternate universe, things reflect current politics in that the mainstream is going further and further towards the right, and marginalised people have to watch while their rights are dismantled piece by piece. The whole plot rests on this.
Vee's father died fighting for Witcher's rights, and her sister Janus endangers herself by using the family name for a good cause.

Sister Janus: Describes herself as aro ace. In her own words. And later in the book, when there is talk about family legacy, she tells her uncle that if he expects a new generation, he'll have to look to Vee.

Interesting thing about the names. Our protagonist's full name is Venus Genevive Stoneheart, and while we have a quote from her father about the first name - he wanted her to feel love, so let's use the name of the Roman goddess of love - nothing is said about her second name, and I kinda have the headcanon that her mom has a soft spot for Arthurian tales.

Anyway, the book. I did not get along with it. Venus constantly gets hurt so bad she goes beyond her bodies' capabilities and has to be healed. Once she is healed, within the next chapter you can bet she'll be back to it. It is very repetitive, and if I criticise Jim Butcher for his constant unreasonable wounds, it would be hypocritical to not mention it here, especially as it was quite a bit annoying.

The sisters have a blood tether between them, a thing that is revealed early on in the book and that Mrs. Stoneheart pressed on them when they were children, so the older can watch out for the younger. In the first half of the book, the author uses it when it is convenient, which also got on my nerves.

Then there is a deviation. Apparently, if a very traumatic thing happens to a magic user, their innate abilities can warp and that can be very dangerous. The protagonist and her non binary best friend had that happening to them, and it was probably the biggest source of my annoyance.
Her deviation <spoiler> speaks with her, seems to be a whole seperate person that lives inside her head, but does not get an own name. It is called <i>It</>, capital I, italics applied. It reads so edgy teenager fanfic. We never hear if every deviation is like that, or if it is only Venus', which does not really track for me. With the government up to no good like depicted here, and constant protests that often end violent, nearly every Witcher should have had enough trauma for that kind of shit. But no, only protagonist and best friend /love interest are special enough. </spoiler>

For a while, I looked forward to one specific thing: The birthday party of the familiar. Only to have <spoiler> Vee being too late and missing it all </spoiler>.

I would have liked more exploration of the different kinds of magic in this world, and maybe something about how it is in different countries. Of course, the focus in on America, I understand that. Some side sentences would have sufficed. They only mention Canada when it comes to possible other places to live. In general, the friend group we have here is - understandably! - very focused on themselves and their problems. Venus herself does not read the news, but her uncle Bram does. Would just have been nice to acknowledge that there is more to this world. It felt a bit flat restricted like this.

All in all, it was a fast read and I could imagine that the target audience enjoys it a lot. I am just not among that group anymore.

In Poisons We Drink, Bethany Baptiste delivers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that grips the reader from the first page. The novel delves into the complexities of trauma, resilience, and self-discovery, weaving these themes through the lives of its deeply human characters. The story revolves around the emotional and psychological effects of toxic relationships, both in personal lives and within societal structures, and how these "poisons" permeate our daily existence.
Baptiste’s prose is raw and evocative, painting vivid images of pain and healing. The characters are richly developed, with flaws that make them feel real and relatable, while also showing remarkable growth over the course of the novel. The pacing is well-constructed, keeping readers engaged as the layers of each character's life are slowly peeled away, revealing their vulnerabilities, secrets, and ultimately, their path to redemption.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of how individuals navigate personal histories marked by emotional and physical harm. Baptiste doesn’t shy away from the difficult and uncomfortable aspects of human experience, but she also provides a sense of hope, showing that healing is not only possible but also necessary for survival.
While Poisons We Drink can be emotionally heavy, it offers a sense of catharsis that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of personal transformation and growth. The novel invites readers to reflect on their own relationships, their own wounds, and how they might find the strength to break free from cycles of toxicity.
In conclusion, Poisons We Drink is a poignant and compelling novel that tackles deep issues with both grace and grit. Baptiste’s writing is heartfelt, her characters unforgettable, and the story will linger long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy literary fiction that tackles the complexities of the human experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing an e arc of this title.
This book by Bethany Baptiste is a witchy ya that has family drama, Political intrigue, and an interesting magic system. It has a family mystery at its heart with the main character having a love interest who is non binary. I really loved the inclusion of a non binary love interest, and a main character that identifies as aroace. I really appreciated the seemless use of the correct pronouns, showing how natural it could be if we let it be as simple as there are more than two ways to identify gender and sexuality.
The magic system in this book was super interesting and I would love to read more books with a magic system like this. What was special about it wasn't in the way the magic manifested but, in the way it was identified and was relevant to all types of love in society. It was interesting that the first scene showing the full range of the magic was a request for familial love and not a focus on romantic love.
With the family drama, it was really well thought out and felt very realistic. I also really liked that the mother was such a strong presence all the way through even after a particular event at the beginning. The intimacy was well done too. I felt it was done appropriately for the ya category and it also showed responsible behaviour regarding sex.
Overall, this was a good read. I actually requested this not noticing that it was ya. I do read ya, but it rarely gets more than a 3 star for me as I am just not the target audience and I rarely enjoy teenage angst. This is absolutely a me problem and should not put you off reading this book if you like witchy stories that are well written and have a both great characters and a good solid plot!

Recommend for all young fantasy readers - loved the main characters and the world building was so intricate!

Unfortunately The Poisons We Drink was a book that I did not finish. I thought the premise was really fascinating but I did not gel with the writing style so I found myself struggling to connect with the characters or really engage with the story. I think the cover is absolutely stunning and I imagine YA fantasy fans will absolutely adore this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
This was an amazing read 


The plot of the book is thrilling, surprising and had so many twists and turns. The set up for twists was amazing as the reveal was satisfing. Bethany Baptiste painted vivid scenery that was so impressive that I felt like I was moving with the characters within the story. I could not help but fall in love with all of the characters and thier relationships with one another. The relationship between Venus and her sister Janus was one that touched my heart and seeing the abs and flows of the relationship made the impact of some of the reveals hit a lot harder. I also loved how the magic system was built out and how it connects with everyone and how it has an impact on their relationships and their interactions with the world. This was an amazing read more than I have had in a long time. It is a beautifully written fantasy that explores themes of belonging, oppression, family and what it means to love and it explored in a fully flashed out way. If that is something that you are looking for when you will really enjoy this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The magical systems on this book were very intriguing and who does not love witches and some illegal brewing?
The world-building and the lore were also very well written!

It is just unfortunate that sometime the format of the eARC makes the reading experience worse as it can make it hard to follow

Really enjoyed the magic system in this book and thought the writing was really good. Thought it was great for a debut novel

I actually devoured this book! The magic system was so interesting I loved it, the writing was really immersive and the characters are complex but likable. This made me feel all the emotions and that always makes a book so great!

I enjoyed this book, really liked the world building and magic systems created around potions and magic. I thought the writing was smooth and for a debut there is lots to build on. The pacing in parts was inconsistent but the charm of the book won me over.

This is certainly a fun book with a nice mix of action and lore and leaves lots of little corners in the world to be explored as a wider universe.

The Poisons We Drink is Bethany Baptiste's debut novel and one that is filled with expressive world-building where people are divided between humans and witches and animosity between the two groups is high and has been for decades.

Venus Stoneheart, an eighteen-year-old Witcher is our protagonist and works hard doing all that she can to support her family. Laws have to be broken, and risks taken because survival in this world for Witchers is paramount. She's strong-willed, and fierce despite her fragile place in society because of who and what she is and I thought she was the perfectly written underdog.

The magical aspects are refreshing and one I've not seen that often, specifically the concept of brewing the potions that witchers can create which adds to making the book stand out. The author takes time to lay down the fabric of the magical aspects without dragging the raider down with too much lore which given the length of the book is ideal. There's a perfect balance between knowledge and plot that ensures you can understand the more fantasy elements.

Whilst it may seem that the book is somewhat slow at first because such lores need to be laid out? The Poisons We Drink is a book I didn't want to put down, I became eager to know just how Violet would manage to balance protecting her family and facing the dire situations that arose thanks to the antagonism between the humans and Witchers.

The racism that exists between the two (primarily human > Witcher) is written with the severity that is warranted and whilst yes, it's fantasy? Would easily be placed as an example of racial issues across the world today. Baptiste's writing is so good in this area, and you as the reader will find yourself wanting to scream at characters to do better to not be beyond cruel because you do end up walking alongside Violet throughout the book.

I can't wait to see what is next for this author.

How is this her DEBUT?! Oh wow. The worldbuilding, the character development, the magic system? So intrinsically sound, so beautifully done. Loads of representation, delightful quotes and just such gripping storytelling. I loved this!!

“There were many ways to brew love and each had the potential to kill you”

I ended up reading and listening to the audiobook and I really loved the book and definitely recommend listening to the audiobook.

Our MC, Venus, is a witch who sells illegal love potions which when brewing them leaves her with debilitating side effects. But getting caught can mean death.
But when her mother is killed and she’s given the chance to get revenge she has to decide to what lengths she will go.

This was such a great story with a brutal but unique magic system and I loved seeing how magic exists in the world.
Venus is a great complex character who is an eldest daughter and has a complicated relationship with her family. I also loved seeing the female rage and especially how it fuelled her to keep going. And there are some great discussions on grief, love & friendship.

The Poisons We Drink was an easy read (even with all the magic systems!)

Venus is a brewer who lost her father at a young age; her mother now shows no mercy, sharpening her and her sister in the hopes they will survive the world of SWIGs - but everything goes wrong. Her family - cousin Tyrell, Aunt Key, Uncle Bram, and ex-best-friend Presley - will all have to join together to beat not only the SWIGs, but a hidden enemy.

4.5 stars, rounded up!

Favorite quotes:
~ "Has history taught us nothing? Old worlds must be burned for new worlds to rise. You cannot want a revolution and fear its fire. Everything must burn."

~ " There's three sides to a revolution. The right side, the wrong side and the sidelines. Which side do you want us on?"

Woof, this one was a wild ride!

After seeing this beautiful cover, I couldn't resist requesting this book and I'm so glad I did!
You got to know something about, if there's witches, I am IN! I mean, seriously, witchcraft and badass women admist a political crisis? Sounds like it's written just for me!

I loved the magical system and the whole lore around it. It felt very original and I love that. I do feel like magical worlds tend to resemble one another, but here, it felt very different and fresh, which I definitely appreciate.
The characters were all very complex and very special. I loved following them all on their own paths to self determination, freedom, liberation and love.
The plot??? Jeez, I mean, it took a while for the whole wordlbuilding to settle, but once we had all the necessary info, it was BIM BAM BOOM, one twist after another and it was incredible. I did see some coming, which always fills me with immense satisfaction. But overall, I was definitely surprised throughout the book.
I loved that the intrigue took most the space, but the romance reader in me was extremely pleased we still had little love crumbs to follow.

It did take me a while to fully get into the story. But I do feel like it's a me problem. Once I switched up to the audiobook, everything flowed so easily and I couldn't get enough. The narrator was absolutely incredible and they managed to suck me in completely.

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I borrowed the audiobook from Libby. All views are my own.

I tried so so hard to continue with this book, but I just couldn't. It felt rushed and choppy. I managed to get to 43% before I called DNF. It just isn't for me unfortunately but I'm sure others will love it!

Respectfully, I think this just wasn't for me. I ended up not finishing it, so I can't give a fully realised review -- and I feel bad for it, because I requested this. I didn't connect with any of the characters and I thought the worldbuilding didn't quite work for me. There were some pacing issues that I didn't quite know what to do with: there always seemed to be something going on, but it felt a bit disjointed, a bit like it would hurry too much over some things and not let others marinate. I think ultimately it dragged too much for me and I ended up not finishing it. I'm not a YA reader anymore and maybe that's it? I hope this works for other people though! I think it will. It's interesting.

A captivating and action packed debut which will have my students on the edge of their seats. A very strong first novel from an exciting new author!

I love this genre and found this book almost came together but something was missing. Loved the creativity in building this magical world. with some fresh ideas and no shortage of action. But it didn't read smoothly for me, which meant there were times where I felt unengaged. Certain concepts needed more explaining and other scenes were too detailed. Neither did I feel connected to the characters, so I was less invested in their success. A brave attempt with some fresh ideas.