The world building surrounding a sacred island where people worship nature was the book's strength and what ultimately drew me into the story. Rutherford made the island alive through the descriptions of the flowers, trees, animals, and the water. The connection between Leelo and Jaren was instant love, but I enjoyed Leelo's character transformation as she questioned everything about the island and what the elders had taught her. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

A fantastical blend of romance, action, fantasy, and hidden truths, which threaten to tear apart one island community. The premise was intriguing and I liked much of the mystery surrounding everything. But while I enjoyed some of the tension and this new mysterious world (not to mention the fact that this book has parents alive and well), I struggled with staying interested in the plot. It was too predictable at times. BUT that makes The Poison Season a good comfort read for those in need of a guaranteed happy ending with no surprise twists to gut you.

The Poison Season was a un-put-downable read for me. From the second it started I was hooked.

The mysterious island that is hidden away and forbidden full of people with magical powers was super interesting. It gave me The Grace Year vibes a little bit because of their ceremonies and children being sent away. It was eerie and heartbreaking at times.

The main characters were fantastic. Leelo is a fun loving girl with a big heart that just isn't "cut out" for the world she lives in. Seeing the world through her eyes makes you really want more for her and the author really pulled through.

I loved the family mystery that slowly unravels throughout and seeing Leelo following in her mothers footsteps was a great way to tie in the past storyline!

The ending was also perfect and I loved it most of all :)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I loved how intriguing the world building was and the details sprinkled throughout were so good. There's a perfect mixture of romance, action, and mystery that had me hooked from the start. I also enjoyed how the ending was left open-ended. I did however find the pacing to be slow and dragged out at times, but overall a really nice read!

Rating: 3.5/5

This story gave me major M. Night Shyamalan's The Village meets fantasy fairytale vibes - an isolated island village, adults with closely guarded secrets, younger people questioning what they have been taught their whole life, and interesting magical abilities that are connected a mysterious and possibly malevolent forest.

I enjoyed the dual POV narrative and found the overall mystery and conflict to be intriguing, but overall the story itself fell a little flat for me (however, this could be due to the fact that I am not exactly the intended audience for this YA fantasy, so keep that into consideration). There were aspects of the story that felt rushed, reveals that didn't fully make sense to me, and some of the relationships that I wished were better developed.

I do think most young adult readers will enjoy this standalone story, but as an adult who reads YA, this was just okay for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Young Adult
Content: one closed-door scene

I loved the gorgeous cover, the plot seemed intriguing, and I loved the world building. Unfortunately it was very slow and didn't keep my attention.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was really excited for this book! It sounded so whimsical and gave me the best vibes. The world is very interesting and I really liked all the small details the author put into the story.

Once I hit the halfway mark I felt it hard to finish the book though because it felt too long and found myself getting bored and wanting the book to get it over with. I really wish I loved this more because I thought the lore and characters in this story were complex and different.

4.5/5
The Poison Season takes place on Endla, where a small community of people is isolated from the rest of the world. Leelo is one of the people on Endla, and even though she cares deeply for her community, there are some things she can’t agree with, like having to exile her brother because he lacks the magic in singing that makes the people of Endla who they are. Already struggling with the actions she has to take, Leelo sees a young outsider about to die in the poisonous lake separating Endla from the rest of the world. Unable to just look, she makes the impulsive decision of helping him. A decision that will be full of consequences... because, the more she gets to know Jaren, the outsider, the more she starts questioning everything around her. What if all she’s ever known was wrong?

I’m really mad at myself for waiting so long before starting this one cause it was so so good! This book is the perfect mix of mystery, fantasy and romance. The whole world building is so well done, so atmospheric, spooky, really captivating. Leelo and Jaren are the most wonderful characters. I loved seeing them together, learning to trust each other in this difficult world they’re stuck in. The plot explored lots of interesting subjects, and got me questioning myself as to what I would do in similar situations. The fact that all is happening in such a closed community was very refreshing. I feel like most fantasy reads have lots of traveling, exploring, etc. but this one was different from the start and I loved that! So really, don’t sleep on that one, it was a fabulous read!

I bet you see me coming with this final comment but: THE COVER. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!

Thanks to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a unique and creepy tale with definite cultish vibes. The writing was vivid, and the world building was done well. Endla is an island where the last wandering forest survives; this forest survives and thrives off of blood. The closest village shares tales of the island’s people luring men and children into the poison lake with their songs. But all is not what it seems. When Leelo falls for an outsider, both her family and the island’s secrets start to unravel. This is my first experience with this author, and I wasn’t disappointed!

I have been so excited about The Poison Season's release and the premise sounded so like a fun mix between The Grace Year and a little bit of Three Dark Crowns. Unfortunately I feel like a crazy person reading through everyone's raving reviews because I don't think I cared for this book at all. The world building was intriguing with the environmental magic at play but that is where I stopped for me. Until the 85% mark I swear nothing actually happened in this book....at all. While the characters could have really shined to make up the difference they fell so flat and seemed petty and unaware most of the time. It seemed like their character growth hinged on love more than anything else and that just doesn't feel like enough anymore in the YA fantasy sphere. This could have been exciting and full of intrigue but instead it was simply boring with a good premise and a stunning cover.

After spending her entire life on Endla, an island surrounded by endless deadly forests and a poisonous lake, Leelo is beginning to wonder what else is out beyond the borders of the community she works so hard to care for and protect. This is made much more difficult by the fact that soon, her beloved younger brother will be exiled beyond the community unless he gains his magical gifts. But when Leelo betrays her duty to her community to save an outsider, he choice could lead to devastating and unthinkable consequences.
The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford was a rather unusual novel, but still an enthralling one that pulled on my heartstrings. It was a beautiful fairytale that blended romance with fantasy and danger and had me hooked from page to page. The unique magic system and eerie setting was thrilling and atmospheric, and the writing was absorbing, with dazzling and complex characters that come to life off the page. This haunting story delicately wove a tale that warns of danger not always being “the outsider” and sometimes coming from within what you already know.

An interesting read and one that I suppose I have mixed feelings about. This novel is about a magical wandering forest and the people who protect it, or are they protected by it? Perhaps prisoners of it? These people are cut off from the rest of the world by a poisonous lake. They ensure outsiders are kept off the island by singing songs that lure them to their death. They also send any children away who don’t show signs of having the magical singing gift by age 12. The only time the water can be crossed safely is when it is either frozen in winter, or with a singular boat that is protected from the poison. One young girl begins to question what is really happening in the island and in her questioning she also finds love and possibly escape. The limits of love and loyalty are surely tested throughout this story.

The issue I take with the writing in general is that the first half of the book is confusing and slow. I really had to force myself to continue reading it. I did enjoy the last 1/4 of it the best though and was happy I stuck it out. This would be a great junior high or early high school read, I think. My younger self would have been over the moon for it.

This was an interesting YA novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Leelo lives on Endala, an island surrounded by poisoned water that is also home to the Wandering Forest, a forest that can protect individuals as easily as it can kill them. Residents of Endala rely on the magic that comes from their singing to hunt and to survive. Sadly not everyone has magic within their singing, and those that don’t are sent away across the poisoned waters. Leelo’s brother’s singing lacks this enchanting quality, leading to a sad goodbye when he is exiled. Leelo has barely had the chance to process this loss when she sees an outsider about to succumb to the poison of the lake, and is forced to make a difficult decision. Should she allow the lake to protect Endala and take this outsider, or should save the man and betray Endala?

I flew through this novel! The narrative itself is gripping and intriguing. The story jumps between two viewpoints, which I always enjoy; I liked experiencing the events through the eyes of Leelo and Jaren. The fact that The Poison Season centers around nature was a plus. The characters are relatable and sympathetic. There are so many strong, independent female characters, but they all have their flaws, making them realistic as well. The ending pulled everything together so well while also letting some mystery remain.

Thank you NetGalley and Inkyard press for this ARC! This story is all about a girl named Leelo, a boy named Jaren, and their families. Leelo is from a small forest called Endla. There’s a whole community that thrives on the island in exchange for songs and sacrifices. Along the forest there’s a lake thats poisonous. Villagers from the opposite side of Endla try to pass for the fun of it, or are lured by the Endlans singing. One step into the lake and one immediately disintegrates. But what happens when an outsider — unintentionally stays on Endla for while?
This story was giving all the fantasy, magic, cottage core vibes. I enjoyed the point of views between Leelo and Jaren. In Leelo’s perspective we get to hear about her loving mother, her brother who doesn’t posses the magic of Endlans, her very strict and often times cold aunt, and her cousin. Although I found the cousin to be VERY problematic (she is very faithful to Endlan views, meanwhile Leelo not so much), their bond in the story was great to read. For Jaren it was interesting to read how he was kind of the only person who wasn’t affected by Endlans singing. And how he was living out his short time on Endla. I love the language throughout the story. The usage of different plants and the descriptions of the outfits for festivals. The whole endlan lore was very intriguing. I think the last half of the book is where you cannot put it down. There was a few plot twist I didn’t see coming. I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop reading, but was sad it was almost over.

I really enjoyed this one. It was darker than I was expecting, but it fit perfectly with the story. I really hated Kerry, and it was sad that Sage was being *poisoned* by her mother’s point of view.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the ending, but in a good way because it makes sense for some things to be a little bit open-ended.

While very creative, unfortunately, I could not connect to this book. 2.5 stars, but rounding up

The plot was a bit too slow for me, and I predicted many things within the story. It was atmospheric and had a gothic vibe, but the writing didn't hold my attention.
I don't think this was for me; it happens sometimes. I appreciate the chance to read this arc, and I already know friends who will and do this book, so I'm glad it found its audience there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for this ARC of The Poison Season. The Poison Season comes out on December 6th 2022. In Exchange for the ARC I have a 100% honest review of this book.

I have never read anything by Mara Rutherford and I’m starting to question why because I loved this book. It did take me a bit to get into but only like 30 pages max and once I hit that point I couldn’t put this book down.

This story follows Leelo during her Watcher year at the age of 17 on the island of The Wondering Forest. This forest has magic in it and has protected Leelos people for many generations along with the poison lake that surrounds the island. But if you are not born with the magic to sing the songs of the island then you are cast out and have to hope to survive the Journey across the lake.

This is such a perfect stand alone and honestly reminded me that shorter books can still be really good and have great character development. While I do wish we had just a bit more cause some of the characters seemed one note it didn’t distract from anything. I really loved the romance in this and this book is definitely a good winter read. The book doesn’t take place in one season but the hush tones on the book reminds me of winter if that makes any sense. Mara has said that this book might get a novella which I think is a fantastic idea. I highly recommend this book.

This was such a fun, magical fantasy that I think a lot of different age groups will be able to enjoy. It has a unique magic system, an enchanted forest and poisonous lake, and some great characters. There's also the matter of a budding, forbidden romance. Definitely something for everyone.

Leelo is our main female lead and she lives on a secluded island with her people, surrounded by a poisonous lake to protect them from outsiders. There's also a creepy, enchanted forest that must be fed animals in order to keep protecting the inhabitants. The people use magic in their song to lure animals to the forest for it to devour.

Jaren is a young man who lives in the small town across the lake with his family. He has heard stories about the island and it's people but is skeptical of how truthful these stories are. Until one night, he finds himself in an impossible situation and Leelo is the one who comes to his aid. Now Jaren is hiding on the island with Leelo his only source for food and companionship, and his only hope of getting home alive.

I really liked the writing style in this book - it flows really well and the characters are full of layered intricacies that make unravelling them something to look forward to. I really liked all of the different family bonds throughout the story, and the romance was also nice to watch unfold.

I will say that the flow of the storyline is somewhat predictable, but honestly that's not necessarily a bad thing. All depends on your preference - it really is a great book overall. The ending ties things up nicely though I have heard the author might have some bonus content about one of Jaren's sisters which I would be VERY excited to read lol. Overall, I'm glad I picked this one up and think it will appeal to a wide audience!

CAWPILE SCORE
C-7
A-8
W-7
P-7
I-7
L-6
E-6
TOTAL-6.86/10

<spoiler>

CAWPILE
<b>Characters</b>
Leelo—doesn’t like to hurt things. Strong magic. Thought that might be something else. Wasn’t. caring, but not weak.
Sage—To strong, brittle. Follows her mom’s footsteps
Fiona—Mom, sick, willing to fight for daughters happiness
Ketty—Mean aunt. Did some bad things in past, pushes pain on others
Jaren—immune to singing, no direction, cares for his family. bookish
Wandering Forest—There were a couple scenes that were really “scary” Loved those.

Very well done emotions of all the characters. The relationship between Ketty and Fiona, her abuse and the way she was abused, felt realistic

<b>Atmosphere</b>
Descriptions of the forest and lake were great. Other parts less so.

<b>Writing</b>
Good writing, fit the style of the story and wasn’t over the top.

<b>Plot</b>
Starts as the story of Leelo and her brother—then goes to Leelo and Jaren.

<b>Investment</b>
Took me a bit to really get invested into the story.
I really wanted to see her induction and then rebel, but she rebelled before

<b>Logic</b>
Can’t get the island size in my head. Was confused about the poison until that was explained.

<b>Enjoyment</b>
I enjoyed the 2nd half of this book, once Leelo and Jaren were together on the island.

<b>Misc</b>
I had some other thoughts as to what was going to happen in this book and while most didn’t happen, I thought it was still good.
I was expecting Jaren to have to survive in the forest alone vs against the Hunt.
More creepiness of the forest would’ve been appreciated.
Wasn’t really excited that Jaren was an Endlan

</spoiler>