The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford

Title: The Poison Season

Author: Mara Rutherford

Narrator: Amanda Dolan

Release Date: December 6, 2022

Publisher: Inkyard Press; HarperCollins Audio

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Source: hardcover, OwlCrate; audio, Hoopla

TW: death, blood, animal death, violence, injury/injury detail, murder, infidelity, death of parent, vomit

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.

Thoughts

The writing was amazing, and I loved the characters—even the ones I hated. It was an atmospherically lush and whimsically ethereal fantasy with gorgeous, dream-like world-building and utterly immersive prose. Fantastically folksy and fairytale-esque imagery. Strong, cult-like vibes similar to Midsommar which leant such an eerie, intriguing feel. The romance between Leelo and Jaren was absolutely perfect and satisfyingly swoon-worthy.

The writing in The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford is absolutely amazing. I found myself loving the characters, even the ones I hated. This book is an atmospherically lush and whimsically ethereal fantasy with gorgeous, dream-like world-building and utterly immersive prose. The fantastically folksy and fairytale-esque imagery creates a strong, cult-like vibe reminiscent of Midsommar, adding such an eerie and intriguing feel to the story.

The romance between Leelo and Jaren is absolutely perfect and satisfyingly swoon-worthy. Their relationship grows beautifully amidst the tension and danger surrounding them. Rutherford expertly crafts their connection, allowing it to develop naturally and with just the right amount of tension and tenderness. It’s refreshing to see a romance that doesn’t overshadow the plot but instead enhances it, providing emotional depth and stakes that kept me thoroughly engaged.

Leelo's internal struggle is poignantly portrayed, making her a deeply relatable and compelling protagonist. Her journey from a loyal member of her insular community to someone who questions everything she’s ever known is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The moral dilemmas she faces and the choices she makes are thought-provoking and add a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The setting of Endla is brought to life with such vivid detail that it feels like a character in itself. The bloodthirsty Forest and the poisonous lake are more than just background elements—they are integral to the plot and to Leelo’s understanding of her world. The descriptions of the environment are lush and evocative, creating a sense of place that is both enchanting and foreboding.

The secondary characters are equally well-developed, each adding their own unique flavor to the story. From Leelo’s family and friends to the enigmatic outsider, Jaren, every character has a distinct voice and purpose. The dynamics between them are rich and multifaceted, contributing to the overall depth of the story.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its ability to blend a fairytale-like atmosphere with real, human emotions and conflicts. The juxtaposition of the whimsical with the dark creates a unique tone that is both enchanting and unsettling. The story delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the courage to stand up for what is right, all while maintaining a sense of magic and wonder.

Overall, The Poison Season is a stunning read that kept me captivated from start to finish. If you enjoy a richly detailed fantasy with an eerie edge and a heartfelt romance, this book is definitely for you. Mara Rutherford has crafted a beautifully haunting tale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

🎧 Amanda Dolan did an amazing job narrating. I appreciated that she narrated Leelo’s and Jaren’s chapters in different pitches to help remind the reader who’s POV it was. Her inflections were perfect to convey each character’s emotions.