Kalynn Bayron’s much-anticipated next book has officially arrived, and it’s not to be missed.

Briseis Greene has an affinity for caring for plants – as in, she can grow them from seeds to lush and vibrant blooms simply by touching them. When Bri’s aunt dies and leaves Bri her estate in a rural part of New York, Briseis and her parents decide to head up there for the summer. Surrounded by plants and flowers of all kinds, Briseis hopes to learn to control her gift better, but she soon discovers that her lineage holds more secrets than she could possibly imagine.

One of the most standout aspects about the book is the overarching air of mystery, primarily regarding Bri’s ancestry. The mystery begins after Briseis learns about her aunt and only builds from there. Bayron steadily builds the suspense and intrigue, allowing the story to unfold at a carefully devised pace. Like Briseis, readers will want to learn everything about her family tree. But the beauty lies in how Bayron takes her time to offer answers. Along the way, she drops important tidbits that return later in the story. She doesn’t talk down to readers, but she also doesn’t withhold too much information. She provides all the clues so that readers can make their own predictions and enjoy the ride along the way.

Along with an intriguing mystery, Bayron creates an alluring cast of characters. As the story is told in first person through Bri’s point-of-view, readers learn more deeply about her mindset, her relationship with her parents, and the effect her powers have on her self-image (in both positive and negative ways). The people Briseis meets in Rhinebeck continue to up the ante. Bayron writes characters who both stir up more questions and answer existing ones. Briseis forms new and important relationships that keep the story interesting, especially through Karter and Marie.

'This Poison Heart' is nothing short of spellbinding. Readers will quickly devour it. Bayron imbues her story with Greek mythology while bringing her own unique and clever twist. She offers a contemporary fantasy that will appeal to readers who love the genre and readers looking to dip their toes in for the first time. Through Briseis, Bayron reminds readers to embrace their own inner power (though maybe not quite in the same way as Bri). The book is steeped in literal queer Black girl magic. We can’t think of anything more enchanting than that.

I enjoyed everything about this summer-gothic-magic book, from the worldbuilding to the characters. A must-read for fans of YA and/or fantasy, the biggest problem is wanting to read the next book in the series immediately.

I didn’t read the synopsis of this book before diving in, so it kept surprising me, which was incredibly fun. I thought Briseis’s gift of growing plants (though that description feels too simple for what she does) felt fresh and unusual, and I absolutely loved the ties to mythology. Bayron’s story is inventive and smart, and creates a compelling narrative without losing sight of writing fantastic characters. I don’t LOVE horror, but this had just enough elements to keep me invested without turning me off. Most of all, I could not wait to find out what happens next.

Well. This was everything I could have wanted.

I loved Briseis. She’s smart and powerful and is trying to navigate being a teenager with a sort of magic. Her moms are the legit best and I could have done with a million more scenes of them.

Plot wise, it was so good. The setting and the plants are described so vividly, it’s like I was there. There’s a gentle build up of mystery while the story unfolds and it’s absolutely maddening and delicious at the same time. I loved second guessing what was happening and sweet sparkling pandas, that ending…

Overall, I would have happily read 100 more pages of this story and can’t wait for the next book because I definitely need more of these characters.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

This was such a fabulous read! Chock full of magic and fantasy! A fabulous YA read for the summer! I cannot wait to get everyone I know a copy! A fabulous plot and character development throughout the whole novel!

I feel like I have a new amazing author that i can’t get enough of. Bayron has a unique and captivating way of incorporating elements of queer representation, fantasy and folklore, you’re thrown in at the start of the book to a story you just can’t stop reading..,I honestly was in a reading slump and didn’t even realize it until I sat and read this one in a day.

She had me thinking that I figured a couple things out and while there was one element that was easy to guess, everything else just came as a surprise. Things were weaving seamlessly together and the plot flowed; while character development could be expanded on a little bit more for some of the side characters, this may be intentional since this is book 1, and I’m sure we are going to get more in the follow up. (But I’m reading the wait till 2022).

I must also mention, the queer rep was done superbly, never pausing to interject explanation in a way that felt out of place, everything felt normal and inclusive.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sending me an advanced copy of this to review! I loved Cinderella Is Dead last summer, so I was super excited to get to this one. It definitely lived up to the hype for me! A little bit of mythology, a little bit of magic, and a little bit of mystery. It’s the perfect summer read.

The most enjoyable thing about this book is its take on Greek mythology. It’s a retelling that pulls other elements into it, making it a unique reading experience. This is based on a myth I don’t know a lot about, but it pulls a lot of different elements into it to make the story incredibly engaging. Plus, Bri’s voice as a narrator adds to the engaging nature of the story. She’s spunky and fights for what she loves.

While the main premise of this is fantasy, there is quite a bit of mystery in it as well. Specifically, a family mystery. By the end, it gets pretty suspenseful, and leaves off on a cliffhanger! Bayron is also a master of description. It really draws you into this house that Bri has inherited, adding to the mystery. It’s almost as if the plants are characters of their own, always reaching for Bri. Overall, it’s so atmospheric and makes you want to keep reading stories in this world.

The only reason this isn’t getting five stars from me is that there were a few elements that were a bit predictable to me. There were plot elements that I could see coming from the beginning. However, they didn’t take away from the overall mystery behind the plot. Also, there was some insta-love, which isn’t always my favorite, either.

All in all, this is a unique, engaging story that will definitely leave you wanting more!

I really wanted to *love* this book. I did enjoy it, it was a fun read. It just took a really long time for me to get into it. About 40% of the way into the book I wanted to give up. I'm glad I stuck with it because I absolutely devoured the ending but it took a long time for me to click with the characters and mystery. 3.5/5.

I loved the way the author combined the mystery and magic system in this book. At first Briseis's powers seem pretty straight forward but as the mystery unfolds and we learn more about the garden and her family the magic becomes more amplified too. The way the family history is entwined with Greek mythology is also wonderfully done. The characters are well written, I love Briseis's family and how supportive they are of each other. The townspeople are great too and bring a lot of the gothic elements to life. On the surface the town seems like a fairly normal small town but the townspeople really show the hidden side of things. All around I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I am so excited to read the next book.

Fabulous YA fantasy. I love the premise of the girl who connects with plants and is immune to poison. Mix that with creepy gothic old-house vibes and the Greek mythology connections and you have an immersive world that has you yearning to know more. The plot was fast-paced, with lots of intrigue and interesting twists and turns. Briseis is a character you really root for. Can't wait for the next installment in the series!

Briseis has always been different, never feeling as though she fit in, largely due to the fact that she harbors a secret. Bri has the power to make plants grow, a power that she and her Moms protected fiercely. When an unexpected visitor arrives at the family’s cramped Brooklyn apartment Bri learns that she has just inherited a large estate in Upstate New York. This is the perfect opportunity for the family to start over, but nothing is quite as it appears…strangers begin to arrive sharing cryptic messages with Bri about her powers and her family’s lineage. As Bri begins to discover more about her family’s history she quickly learns she must harness her power to protect everything she loves, including herself, against a century old curse.

Wow, where to start…I absolutely adored this book. I have to preface my review by stating that I don’t do plants, I think most plants whither just being in my presence, and I didn’t know how much I would enjoy a book about “plant magic” something I had never read before. Bayron changed my mind about that very quickly! I’ll start with highlighting what I loved:
-The family relationships, they were so rich and you really feel the love the characters have for one another.
-The magic! It was such a unique form of magic that literally grew with the progression of the book.
-Greek mythology! I was not expecting to be sucked in to a lesser known tale of ancient Gods, which just added to the beauty and mystery of the book.
-Speaking of mystery…this book kept me on my toes, twists and turns abound! I audibly gasped “Oh my God” and that cliff hanger ending.
-The representation in this book is fantastic, both for the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community.
There was not much I did not enjoy about this novel, there were times I was frustrated with a character’s choices and the ending felt a bit rushed to me, however, I assume the second novel will allow the reader to jump right into the action!
If you’ve been on the fence, I would not hesitate to read this book! It is a quick read that packs an amazing punch! Bravo Kalynn Bayron! This book is pure magic.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

//REVIEW// *ARC provided by @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.*

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

// ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

// Contemporary YA Fantasy

Briseis has the enchanting ability to influence and communicate with the plants and flowers around her. When a relative of hers dies she comes to inherit an estate that has more in store for her than she could imagine including an apothecary, hints to her lineage and her abilities and a walled garden filled with deadly plants. She also finds herself the target of a of a group looking to gain access to a rare immortality elixir that only she can provide them. Bri must use her abilities and new found knowledge to protect herself and her family.

I don't give out five stars easily but within the first 50 pages I knew this would be a five star read for me. I loved the writing, the suspense, all the fantastical elements, the diversity and the characters. This book was so much fun to read and as someone who at one point could have been described as Little Shop of Horrors obsessed I just couldn't get enough of the similar vibes this book was giving me.

Perfect for fans of Little Shop of Horrors and Cinderella is Dead.

// Release Date: 6/29/2021

Who is pre-ordering? I just did because I need a physical copy for my shelves.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc to me. I want to start off by saying I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! It’s been a while since I have admired a young adult novel. This story is perfect for people who enjoy plants, Greek mythology, and mystery.

This Poison Heart follows an adopted daughter, Briseis, who has the unique ability to control plants. Briseis and her parents visit a small town where she tries to put the puzzle together about her abilities, why she is immune to poison, and her birth family’s past. All while very strange things keep happening around her.

In addition to an intriguing and mysterious storyline, this book has a positive and healthy display of an LGBTQ+ family and a realistic family dynamic between parents and a teenager, which I appreciated reading in a young adult book. It also has a great atmosphere with detailed descriptions. It even made me a better plant mom. While reading this book, I was eager to tend to my own plant babies! I am really looking forward to reading book two!

4.5/5

This Poison Heart was such a fun blend of secrets, ancient family lineages, and Greek Myths. I sped through this book, and had such a fun time reading it and learning about all the secrets the Colchis family had, and being able to connect all the dots with Briseis, the main character.
It was fun to revisit some of Greek mythology, and to learn more about Medea, and a few versions of her story. This Poison Heart did feel pretty short, and most of it was setting up for the following books, but I am so excited to find what happens next!

I never expected to find myself in a world of poisonous plants and ancient witchcraft, but Kalynn Bayron has crafted a world so real that no one has to look far to find themselves.

This Poison Heart introduces us to Briseis, a girl whose life has never had enough answers, but she’s about to be introduced to many more questions. As if her ability to magically grow and handle strange plants isn’t enough to tackle, she inherits land which has secrets beyond what anyone on this Earth would expect to find. The world around her is changing with every turned key and new encounter, but what is it that only she seems to be able to uncover?


The book has everything that I love! LGBTQ+ representation, BIPOC own voices stories, relevant and topical references, and of course, Greek mythology. With so many elements to tackle, Bayron ensured that each had its place, and wove them together so seamlessly that you feel completely immersed. I very fondly compare this book to being inserted into a video game - the world unfolding around you, the main character uncovering secrets, and being confronted with dangers when getting too close. The author did lose me a bit on the technical terms of many of the plants, which sometimes failed to provide a clear mental picture unless you’re familiar with the species, but the setting oozes Gothic vibes that, juxtaposed with the vibrant characters, truly embrace both the darkness and the hope of the story.

One of the strongest points is the characters. With so much to tackle in terms of world-building and fantasy elements, it’s easy for the characters themselves to become other-wordly as well. But Bri and her moms are so down to earth and real that they ground the whole story and fill it with love. This is a book where sexual identity is never put into question, and while Bayron makes sure to tackle the complexities of being Black in modern America, she allows the queer characters to be themselves without any pressure on who they love. Besides the family, Bri’s journey to Rhinebeck is ultimately a journey of coming into one’s self, and the hard truth of leaving people behind who are not willing to accept the real you. In having Karter and Marie in Bri’s new world, not only are the characters well established in their roles (Karter is a friend, Marie the love interest), but they show just how important the people around you are to your growth.

I have high hopes for the sequel, to which the author so amazingly set up. By the end of this books, the stakes have been set, the pressure is on, and I’m hoping we don’t miss a beat between that last line and the next book.

The metaphor might be obvious as this is a “plant-based” novel, but growth is the main driving force. Whether it be whatever’s growing behind that mysterious locked door, or that Bri herself describes the freedom of being yourself, growing and thriving in all senses of the word are what make this a stellar read.

I knew I’d enjoy this book when I read the dedication page (proud plant mom here🙋🏾‍♀️). It’s a lighthearted and fun YA fantasy novel. I loved the fantasy elements, the friends Briseis made, and her own self growth over the book. There is plenty Black and LGBTQ+ representation in this story. Bayron added commentary on race and societal issues that added depth to the characters and plot. The ending will leave you wanting more. I seriously can’t wait for the sequel!

Synopsis: Briseis is a girl with a unique and deadly power: she can grow plants from tiny seeds with a single touch. When Briseis’s aunt dies she inherits a creepy, mysterious estate in rural NY. Briseis find instructions, an apothecary, and a hidden garden with the deadliest plants. Over the summer, living in this estate, she finds out many secrets about her family that has lived long before her.

This book was absolutely AMAZING!!! One of the best YA novels I’ve read in a long time. I’m so happy #Netgalley gave me the honor of being able to read it early, now the only thing I can do is read it over and wait impatiently for the sequel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of Greek mythology, and just Black Girl Magic in general. If it’s not clear from this review, let me just say that I loved this book and would buy it for all of my friends.

#ThisPoisonHeart #NetGalley

This book's a little bit witchy, a little bit eerie, and all kinds of mysterious. Briseis has always had something more than a green thumb. It's led to her love of botany, but it also causes her to keep friends at arm's length to protect her secret. Her life is turned upside down when she finds out she has inherited an estate from her birth family. She and her moms go to stay the summer at the old house, complete with secrets in the turret, poisons in the garden, a fully stocked apothecary, and more than one hidden door. Briseis will uncover the story of her gift and dig into a whole new world waiting just out of sight.

What I loved about this one: the family dynamic, first and foremost. Bri's moms are supportive and protective with a side of goofy muchness. Second, the house's mysteries were enticing. The discovery of each new door or key had my mind whirring with the possibilities. The infusion of myth, magic, and botany was clever and fleshed out. Also, the story takes place in a community where they are in the process of defunding the police. I loved the window into what that might look like and all the people it could benefit.

What didn't work for me: there's an instalove-ish plot, which is a personal pet peeve. Also, Briseis' investigation of family/town mysteries was fun, but the conclusion of it all felt a bit rushed and lacked punch in comparison. After the buildup of clues, the flurry of final reveals left me unsure how to feel about the situation or how to invest in the glaring cliffhanger.

I recommend this to ya fantasy fans looking for something mysterious and mythological in a modern setting. It also features two sapphic relationships, which is always a plus. Thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book! It's out next week on 6/29.

Not all gifts are welcome. Briseis is bright and determined and if keeping herself in check didn’t require so much of her energy, she’d be an excellent student. But as it is, trying to stop plants – flowers, trees, grass – from reacting to her presence takes a lot of focus. Furthermore, when you’re hiding who you are, it’s hard to keep your friends or make new ones. So when Briseis learns that her birth sister’s mother willed her a property in the countryside, Briseis and her mothers decide to leave Brooklyn and their flower shop for a while and spend the summer in the house the teenager inherited. Despite her fear of being overwhelmed when surrounded by plants, Briseis finds herself able to relax in a brand new way. She also realises there’s more to what she inherited than an old house and a garden. Her birth family’s history goes back a very long time and her ability to make plants grow is only the tip of the iceberg. The safe part of the iceberg.

The main character, Briseis, is relatable despite her incredible gift, her two moms – Mom and Mo – are wonderful, all three are complex and flawed but full of love and trust. I loved the moms, the relationship between them and their relationship with their daughter.

When the three of them first arrive in the small town near which the estate is located, Briseis and her parents worry that everyone seems so white, and Briseis brings up the movie Get Out and jokes that she doesn’t want a white woman living in her body. With a few words here and there, Bayron inserts social commentary in a way that feels so natural it almost seems inadvertent. Very efficient, however.

Because they’re new to the area, Briseis and her parents meet the secondary characters at the same time as the reader. We have the same information about the people they come across. We trust who they trust, dislike who they’re wary of. Not all are who they seem to be and those who apparently are might reveal themselves not to be in the next book. Whatever happens, I hope we get to see more of Marie, the gorgeous young woman who pikes Briseis’s interest, and her unusual bodyguard Nyx, as well as Mama Lucille, Dr Grant and her father the alchemist, and others.

I enjoyed Kalynn Bayron’s debut novel Cinderella is Dead a lot last summer, and was looking forward to her second book. I’m happy to say that I liked it even more and that the issues I had with the writing of the first book aren’t a problem with this one. This Poison Heart feels like The Little Shop of Horrors meets Percy Jackson, with Greek mythology mixed with killer plants and Black girl magic.

Bayron sets the atmosphere cleverly, slowly, quietly, until it becomes stifling and thrilling towards the end. Speaking of which, This Poison Heart is the first book in a series and ends on a stunning cliffhanger. I don’t know when the next installment is planned and I hope we won’t have to wait too long to find out what happens next.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of This Poison Heart!

I absolutely loved Cinderella is Dead, and so I was extremely excited to read another YA fantasy from Kalynn Bayron. Although this story is almost entirely different from Cinderella is Dead in all ways, I loved it at least as much, if not even more. I love that the main character is a Black girl from Brooklyn, and I connected with her life in the city and her family's struggles to make enough money to be able to live comfortably and run their florist shop. I also love all of the references to Greek mythology and the ways that Briseis and her family connect with those ancient myths. The plant magic that Briseis has is well crafted and the theme of protecting the earth and helping the plants flourish really spoke to me. The world-building is great, and I love the ways that the real-world pieces connect with the magical elements. The supporting characters in the book are also well-developed and interesting, and I especially loved reading about Briseis's relationship with her two moms. I really appreciate this kind of LGBTQ rep, where it isn't necessarily a major theme of the story but is just part of everyday existence. I absolutely loved everything about this book, and I am already super excited for a sequel!!! Highly recommend!!