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This was an interesting book… it read very much like a fairytale, with lovely movements and moments of horror such as the poison lake that eats its victims like acid and a sentient, bloody thirsty forest. I did like Leelo and Jaren, although the end felt a bit too much like buttoning everything up. All in all, I enjoyed this story.

Here is the books I got with the gift card @Nessavamusic sent me to replace the #CreepyChristmasswap package that got stolen. @teebe I also got the tagged book The Poison Season.

I got my Dec OwlCrate book earlier than expected! In this fantasy novel, Endla is an island in a poison lake, and outsiders are strictly forbidden. Watchers look out for villagers and make sure they stay out. Things go as usual until Leelo rescues an outsider from the deadly waters. The only small complaint I have is I‘ve read so many “the forest is alive” books and I‘m in a position where if a forest killed a person I‘d probably say “yeah fair.”

I flew through this novel; it 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 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.

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I thought it was amazing. Sure, the beginning was a bit slow, but that was just building up for the rest of the story. My only complaint is that I felt there is more to know about the forest. It was rather mysterious, and only the surface was scratched. Perhaps that was what the author was going for. I will always wonder about it. I know there is more there. The rest of the story wrapped up neatly.

I felt let down by the developments throughout the novel. The idea of a malicious, sentient forest was so interesting, and I was really excited about that, but I think that concept was very under-developed and didn‘t add much to the story. Similarly, the poisonous lake was again fascinating, but I think the author should have spent more time focusing on these two aspects of the novel to add depth and mystery.

Wow. I didn't expect to read this book for hours and lose track of time. I was immersed in the story for almost its entirety. There were some lulls in the story and action but considering the very satisfying ending, I decided to give it 5 stars. Thank you to BookishFirst for offering this title in their catalogue. This review is entirely my own. Not on BookishFirst? You're missing out on FREE BOOKS! Sign up with my referral code: c2c277e5792a7a0ab

I enjoyed this YA Fantasy filled with lots of symbolism on several levels. Leelo is a 17 yo who lives with her family in the Wandering Forest on the island of Endla. The islanders have succeeded in isolating themselves from marauding outsiders for generations through the protection of the Forest which requires blood sacrifices and reverence as its due. Most inhabitants are gifted with a magical singing ability, and those who are not are sent 🔻