I admit to being a mythology nerd, not the Percy Jackson variety but the tried and true old stories. I always liked that they were flawed, sometimes mean and petty but other times kind and loving, much like humans. This book captured all of that and the generational trauma that actions can have as Briseis goes on a hero’s journey to save her mother, but ultimately to hopefully release her family from that trauma and it’s burden. Full of a cast of characters right out of Greek Mythology and plants, so many glorious plants, this book is absolutely gorgeous. I LOVED this duo Livy and am so happy I got to read them back to back!

◦ This Wicked Fate
◦ Author Kalynn Bayron
◦ Magic



The book was simply beautiful. I love the relationship that develops between the characters. Marie and Bri are amazing together. I enjoyed this book very much, magic and new adventures.

Side note: The cover is so colorful and beautiful!

The story let you into the world with magic.
The garden and the overall fantasy of the story is breath taking.

I highly recommend this book. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC.

Thank you, Bloomsbury YA, for allowing me to read This Wicked Fate early!

Kalynn Bayron has built since her debut a remarkable group of supporters of her literary endeavors and I'm happy to state I'm among them 100%. Her sequel to This Poison Heart continues Briseis' story, re-establishing why Bayron is a force to be reckoned in matters of books and prose.

I absolutely loved this book! It was full of action and adventure which I really love in a book. The author did a great job keeping the plot moving and creating unique and interesting characters. This was such a fun read that I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

Excellent ending to this duology. The suspense and intrigue keep the reader engaged. There’s a good deal of rehashing book 1 making it easier for the reader to follow along and keep up without needing to reread the first book.

Reignited my love of Greek mythology. Also, a plus that though representative of diverse groups it is not focused on identity trauma.

I am writing this review while still recovering from Chapter 22 and let me tell you, those last few chapters will take your heart out, throw it to the wolves, place a band aid on it, and give you a cup of tea like you didn't suffer emotional damages by the hands of a YA novel.

So obviously. Everyone has to read it. This book was a fascinating mix of black girl magic, Greek mythology, familial trauma and healthy coping strategies/relationships that I have been craving. It's like every other ya book is fine, it's a McDonald's hamburger because you're hungry but you don't even like beef like that. But then you read this book and suddenly Gordan Ramsey himself is making you the best dang chicken alfredo you've ever had.

Bad metaphors aside, you and your friends will thank yourselves for picking up this series.

I thought the last book was fantastic. This author knows how to set a scene! I love the Greek mythology that is entwined into the story, as well. I do find it a little odd that there were only lesbian relationships throughout the duet, but in a refreshing way. I've never read anything like it, and they didn't really make a huge deal out of it. This would be a great teen YA book for any academic or school library. It is a step further to normalizing same sex relationships.