Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for an advance copy of this book.

The Poisons We Drink was absolutely captivating. It's a gritty and moving story about family bonds, coming to terms with our own dark sides, and fighting for equality. It is easy to see the witchers and the discrimination against them as a stand in for any marginalized group, but their creative magic abilities and hierarchies make them unique.

Venus was an authentic and believable main character; she was powerful and clever, but that didn't stop her from acting rashly or losing control of her emotions, as you would expect from any 18 year old. She's caring and loyal, and she definitely has a dark side, which has manifested in a magical deviation she calls IT. There's a lot going on in The Poisons We Drink, not just with the magic systems but with the political landscape of DC and between a large number of characters. It took a while to get to the main objective, but the novel is pretty well paced and full of action. We can easily see that all magic, especially Venus's specialty of brewing potions, has a cost -- brewing love potions could actually kill Venus if she isn't careful. We also see the more abstract cost that using magic has -- witchers are discriminated against, and we also see the many consequences of character's choices. I really appreciate the grittiness and gore within the novel. Baptiste doesn't sugar coat.

I also liked that Presley, Venus's friend and love interest, is non-binary and there is no "explanation" or coming out story for them, because that's not what this novel is about. Presley is an important character and I love seeing the representation seamlessly incorporated into the narrative. One of the best parts of the novel is the relationships between Venus and her family members. The banter is excellent, especially between Venus and her younger sister Janus, who is a fabulous character in her own right.

Lynette R. Freeman's narration of the audiobook was great. I had such a good time listening to this novel. This is Bethany Baptiste's debut novel, and I look forward to following her career in the future.

I am always very impressed when an author manages to write a standalone fantasy novel.
The story revolves around Venus Stoneheart and her family of witchers in an alternative version of 2023 USA.
I really liked the magic system, especially the brewing and the familiars. It is very light on the world building but it was still interesting.

My problem with this book was that there is just too little plot for too many pages. It is therefore very character focused, but I just didn't really like the characters too much, especially Janus, who I found extremely annoying.
Therefore it was just a bit too slow for me, but I will definitely be picking up future books by this author, because I really liked the concept of this story.

The narrator does a great job really bringing this story to life and elevating it. She's very animated and though sometimes her voices didn't fully match she did try to make everyone sound unique which kept me engaged while listening and reading along.

This audiobook was made available to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a young adult fantasy novel set in our recognizable modern world with magic added in the form of Witchers. The term 'witchers' seems to encompass multiple forms of magic from healers, to shape shifters, to potion makers and everything in between.

Venus is a teenager who is supporting her family using her powers to brew and sell illegal love potions, leveraging her ability, as a deviant host to sentient parasitic magic with its own danger and price.
For complicated and (spoiler) reasons Venus is the primary magical wage earner in her household. This impacts her relationship with her parent and siblings beyond the usual parentification of eldest daughters.
This story had multiple minor characters in political style relationships. To keep up I took notes of who was who and how they related to the story. The first half of the novel primarily focuses on world building at a steady but slower pace. About midway through the novel a reveal sets off the real action and the pace picks up accordingly.
I found the magic system to be interesting, complex, bloody and dark. The 'Witcherpedia' references were absolutely adorable.

Witcher social standing is cleverly handled in a way that explores how racism functions to oppress POC in frustrating and nonsensical ways in the USA. Sometimes when this is a theme in a novel it can feel overdone or heavy-handed. I find this type of storytelling requires a delicate balance which this novel manages lightly and to great effect. I found the parallels to the Black Lives Matter protests and clashes with police violence, perfectly handled. The unbelievably satisfying way, leaving me with the hope this is the first book in a planned series.

I truly enjoyed the audiobook version. The narrator, Lynnette R. Freeman, with slight changes in tone and pitch, creates uniqe voices for the characters assisting my ability to keep characters separated.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read/listen to and review this novel.

Thanks to RB Media, Recorded Books and Netgallery for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, so first and foremost, this book is a great debut. The story is very interesting, and some of the topics are EXTREMELY relevant to today's reality. I really liked how the cast was not only diverted but a "morally gray cast" that is not typical to YA books. The magic system was interesting and the characters were strong and some of them were likable.

My problem with this book is the pace. It was too much going on, a lot of characters, a lot of plot twists and turns that made it hard for me to follow. It might be a "me problem", but the information "dumping" became too much. I wish the book was actually a duology where the author allowed herself to make the plot flow more seamlessly. I think if this was divided into two books, it would've been way better for the magic system to be explained as well.

Other than that, it kept me entertained. I do believe its a very strong debut. In terms of narration, I think it was very good, the narrator did a good job emoting emotions.


Thanks again to RB Media, Recorded Books and Netgallery for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This story felt like a witch version of x-men. (In the sense of mutant registration and humans hatred of mutants.) I was very intrigued by the world that was built, but it is a cruel and unforgiving world. The punishment and repercussions brewers face for magic is BRUTAL. The amount of times I read about people's bones snapping. It felt like the main characters couldn't win. If you're hoping for a cozy comforting read, this is not it. If you want an intense story where the tension and struggle and fight never lets up, enjoy having your heart stomped on.

I actually listened to the audio book and I loved how it felt like I was right in the middle of the action. It kept my attention, the difference in voices made it easier for me to focus on the story. The narrator did a great job of building energy.

There were a few parts of the narration where I could tell it was pickups because the tone was slightly off but it didn't happen often

Wow! this book had more drama than a soap opera. Everyone lies or has a blood oath to someone, it seems. I absolutely loved the magic in this book, and the depiction of the discrimination of witches in society hit close to home. The FMC, Venus had to figure out who she can trust amongst her family and friends. This was no easy task, and the witching world was literally at stake. I would absolutely recommend this book to fantasy lovers, and those who love witches.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy!

This book was an absolute "page turner". I listen at 2.5x speed and that still didn't feel fast enough for how much I needed to know more! I'm not easy to surprise with properly foreshadowed plot twists but Bethany Baptiste managed it with absolute grace. The number of times the crumbs I'd already been given came together at just the right time was impressive.

Narration wise, it was just as good. Freeman did a great job at distinguishing between characters. Freeman also kept the pace moving in a steady flow, never letting the length get the kind of stale that 480 pages of story easily could have.

<VAGUE SPOILERS AHEAD>

I was a little surprised to see most of the antagonism came more from internal struggles of the resistance rather than from the oppresive government. I would have liked to see more about the system that corroded their cohesiveness and how the pragmatism of fighting for ones own rights lead to internal conflict in the organizations ideals, but that probably would have required this book to be split into a duology. Actually, I would have loved to see the version of this story that became a duology.

Regardless the twists and turns of Venus' journey kept me on the edge of my seat (and occasionally out of my seat literally pacing from the adrenaline) from start to finish. Such an incredible debut and I will be keeping my eye on Bethany Baptiste's career going forward.

Neutral 3 stars for now
——————

This was a DNF @ 75%.

I’m really not sure how I feel about this one. I’ve been excited to read this since coming across it, and while I’m not disappointed for having read what I did, I just wasn’t as dazzled as I hoped to be.

The concept of this book is there. This book just has a LOT happening all at once. The plot is pretty complex and intricate, the diversity and magical racism was really well handled and poignant. But the amount happening is actually overwhelming. This definitely needed to be shorter or split between two books. There was a lot of smaller elements making up the overall revenge plot that is the core of this book. I kept having to go back to parts of the book to try to remember how a plot played into it, so much so that I read the book nearly twice by the time I finished the first 75%. It just didn’t hold my interest enough to listen to more than a chapter or two at a time. The writing was clunky and sometimes disjointed, with an excess of short statements instead of flowing sentences.

There are many characters that play some role in the novel and they were hard to track. Venus as a MC is interesting and I was intrigued by her “deviation.” I enjoyed that sense of darkness lingering. But it felt like a lot of the issues she went through were of her own making? I got the same sense about Janus, much of her character’s purpose felt like added an extra element of recklessness to Venus’ life. The diversity, again, was wonderful though. The dynamic of our core characters is solid and well handled. It was just too many people. I wanted more from the magic system, too. It sounds interesting but so much time is put into people and plot that it really got lost to me.

I feel like for me, the reason I struggled to finish this one is it was hard to keep track of everything happening with just the audio. I enjoyed the narrator and the separate voices given to the characters. There is so much emotion to her voice and how she handles these characters and experiences. But the sheer amount of people/places/things was just too overwhelming for this particular book, for me at least. I hit a point where I started to write down names and plots and connections just to follow along, which was frustrating for something I wanted the ease of listening to.

I’d probably pick it up again as a physical book, but the audiobook was just too much for me.

Well written and narrated but has a whole bunch going on, so the reader/listener is going to work for this one! It is a cool mix of magic/fantasy, political intrigue, contemporary issues and rich world building. Enjoyed!

I’m so glad I found this audiobook on NetGalley—it was such an incredible experience. It’s the type of book I want to have in my personal library and re-read. Venus and her sister Janus took me on such an exhilarating journey that I absolutely loved.

"The Poisons We Drink" is a magical blend of witches, political intrigue, and unpredictable villains. Each turn of the page had me on the edge of my seat, especially when secrets were revealed and the truth emerged. I was completely caught off guard by the plot twists amidst all the unfolding events. Moreover, I really enjoyed seeing Venus and Janus grow as characters throughout the story.

Additionally, whenever Presley and Venus share a scene, I can't help but feel giddy. They just look so perfect together. If there's ever a sequel, I really hope we get to see their love story evolve even more.

Moreover, if you're into witches, magic, love, and a bit of comedy, I highly recommend checking out this fantastic book. It'll definitely take you on a wild ride.

Lastly, a huge thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to listen to this incredible audiobook. I'm eagerly looking forward to reading it again and getting my hands on a physical copy once it's released.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bethany Baptiste created an amazing world with interesting characters and complex magic system. Learning how it functions was the favourite part of the book for me. Lynette R. Freeman did an amazing job in bringing the characters to life - I sometimes had to pause the recording when Venus expressed her grief, it was so painful to listen to.

My only critique was the pacing/plot in the middle of the book. The begining and the end were so strong, but the middle dragged for me. I'm not sure which plotline could be shortened or erased, but I believe some editing would have been amazing.

Overall a very strong debut - I really hope we will return to this world! 4.5 stars

This narrator was extremely annoying. Her voices for other characters (specifically Janas) were cringy. Unfortunately this took away significantly from my enjoyment of the book. The story itself was interesting and a unique spin on traditional tales of magic and potions. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique tale. I also thought the amount of profanity was unnecessary and distracting.

Witches,black girl magic and revenge um yes please!!! I was so excited to read this one but quickly found out that fantasy is just not my cup of tea anymore. This book has an amazing concept. The topics talked about are current and well done. However, this book is looooong, and there are so many characters that it's hard to keep up. I thought it was a great debut novel, but just not for me.

Wow, wow, wow. This was a debut? I refuse to believe it.

This book is beyond brilliant. A country divided...both sides with strong feelings and reactions to the other side? Huh. Wonder what that's like. 🤔 But really, I think this was well written in a type of climate we may all feel somewhat familiar with in 2024 unfortunately. And I wish we could have an end similar to this books.

The only thing missing from this story was...their mom. I'd have really liked a bit more into their story. Yes, we get glimpses as the story progresses. But I'd have liked to see her living character a bit more.

Otherwise I think this was a pretty perfect book. The world building was superb. I will always love witches and potions and stubborn, independent female leads who refuse help...asking or accepting. I love how she was willing to give it all up for friends. For family. For love. Venus. Goddess. You were aptly named.

This book really wasn't working for me unfortunately. I kept trying to adjust the speed and hoping that it would make a little more sense but perhaps the book itself was just written a little bit confusing. Maybe it's just me. Also the narrator seemed to be screaming quite a bit and I couldn't quite get the volume right.

In a country divided between humans and witchers, Venus Stoneheart hustles as a brewer making illegal love potions to support her family.
This books has been on my radar for quite some time. First with that cover looking as stunning as it is and the synopsis instantly catching my eye.
So when I was alerted that I had been approved for an (Audio)ARC of this book I was over joyed.
Getting to know Venus and following her story through grief, rage , social injustice, betrayal and her own darkness I couldn’t help but be enraptured with her story. The world is inhabits reminds of years past and still to this day of social injustice. Making me feel so much rage on witchers behalf for the ignorance and hatred of humans. Attacking and belittling people that are deferent than who they are.
The plot of this book was quick rapid pace that never had a dull moment in my personal opinion. The narrator elevated this already riveting story to a whole new level. Capturing the heart of this story. The highs and the lows. The emotions. The twists and turns. Everything.
The character development with Venus and company was absolutely perfection. The narrator captured every character perfectly and brought them to life. I always love when a narrator changes their voice to fit every character. Lynette R. Freeman knocked this book out of the park with her narration. Period.
Bethany Baptiste created such a captivating book.
Overall a knockout of a book that will have you feeling a range of emotions and invested in the characters.
5 stars

Thank you to the folks at NetGalley & RB Media for an Audio ARC of this book. My review is a honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

This book was slow to start. Honestly, at first, I didn't think I'd be able to get to the end. I wasn't a huge fan of how the author was creating the world. At times, things seem randomly placed how you'd go about learning the magic rules for this world. But about 35 to 40 percent of the way through, I felt the book finally started to get the flow. I found myself much more invested in the story once I got there, and Im glad I stuck it out until the end, as it is an overall good story.  The main character has a nice arc as I found myself going back and forth if I liked her but was always rooting for her. I also love a good sister bonding story and loved the twists along the way in the story. Overall, it wouldn't be a  book recommendation that I would tell people to rush to read, but I would still recommend my friends add it to their tbr list.

Thank you to Netgalley and Recorded books media for the audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review.

I see a black girl on the cover and I automatically want to read it. I was very excited to get the audiobook arc. The narrator, Lynette R. Freeman, did an amazing job in portraying the different characters.

I would have like this book a lot more if it was shorter. It felt a bit dragged out and there were so many moving parts with plot twists.

With that being said, I support Venus’s rights and wrongs. To be fair she’s 18 and her brain isn’t fully developed so I get the choices she made in this book. Loved Preston so much. The way the narrator voices Preston made me fall in love with them more. I did not like her little sister at all. Loved the cousins.

To be honest this one took me a while to get into and I found it overly long. That said, I did enjoy immersing myself in a new urban fantasy world divided by 'Witchers' and humans. Full of Black girl magic and inspired by Practical Magic and Breaking Bad, this YA debut features a grieving young brewmaster who makes illegal love potions to help support her family. I loved the nonbinary love interest, the way the relatable world building and the emotion driven action as Venus Stoneheart seeks revenge for her mother. Good on audio and recommended for fans of authors like Tracy Deonn and Liselle Sambury. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!