I liked this fine but I felt like the pacing was off, it was a bit too long and I wasn't fully invested. I did like the magic system and the main character was really cool. I was taken aback by some of the twists but it became all too much in the end. I feel like it really could have been shorter. I didn't know what to feel about all the relationships and in the end, I was mostly invested in the relationship between the main character and her sister.
Overall, it was still a good debut but I feel like its potential wasn't fully reached.

The magic system of this world was so interesting to me! I really liked the idea of sort of a hidden market of potions. There is a lot of depth to the characters and the decisions they have to make in this story. I had the audiobook and I thought the narrator did a great job but I did feel like her voice felt a little old for the character so it was a little hard to get all the way into the story.

This book was incredibly enjoyable, poignant, and exactly what YA readers need. It’s heavier than some YA, but the whole point genres for young adults like this one is to challenge their thinking. I recommend this for anyone who loves magic, Black people, and challenging narratives.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio-ARC of The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste.
"The Poisons We Drink" is an intriguing story set in a world divided between humans and witchers. Venus Stoneheart, a brewer, makes illegal love potions to support her family. While the premise offers a solid foundation, the abundance of characters, makes it challenging for readers to fully engage with the storyline. I found myself trying to remember who was who and the role they played in the story. Although I enjoyed the narrator's voice, I often found myself wanting a physical copy of the book in order to flip back to review details.

Urban fantasy allegory for real-world racism, coupled with some non-binary representation. The potion trade to represent the drug trade was a cool concept.

The first half was a bit slow for me, though that's not unusual for the first book in a fantasy series. The latter half did pick up though. Though I don't think it was enough for me to want to continue the series in the future.

Thanks to Recorded Books, NetGalley, and Bethany Baptiste for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Poisons We Drink has one of the most compelling magical worlds and systems that I've read. The modern-day DC but twisted to include Witchers was a fantastic backdrop to the story. The inevitable divide, hatred, and ongoing battle for Witcher rights felt fresh and relevant. That the main characters were active in the resistance and the political intrigue added a lot to the story. The magical system including the terrible consequences and the pain it caused the main character felt original with a lot of heft.

While the main character, Venus, was strong and complex, I did struggle to connect with her and others in the cast. I believe this was actually tied to the narration which I personally found distracting and grating (especially for the male characters). It often made me mentally drift, tarnished my emotional investment, or transformed what would be a good scene into melodrama. It was unfortunate because I think this story had all the makings of something great, and I could hear that Baptiste's writing was beautiful, but it really ruined it for me.

Given that issue with the narration, I've decided to pause the book for now. I will wait until my pre-order arrives so I can read it and hopefully enjoy the excellent writing and worldbuilding.

Unique fantasy story, with some fun characters that keep developing throughout the book. The writing, as well as the audio, is well done. However, i unfortunately did not feel much of a connection to this book, im not sure why. it might be because it feels a bit superficial to me, characters could have been more worked out, and in general the plot could have deepened more i think.

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to Recorded Books, NetGalley, and Bethany Baptiste for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this but the ending was a bit frustrating for me. I really ended up dwelling on it and it affected how much I like this book overall.

I liked the world. It's set in modern day D.C. but with some people being magic users, i.e., witchers. Each witcher has their own magical specialty and then there are brewers who forgo using their magic so they can brew potions. It was easy to grasp and really interesting.

The characters were unique and had complex relationships. I especially enjoyed seeing how Venus's relationship with her mom changed over the course of the book.

I will say that the idea of love potions made me a little hesitant at the start. But for most of the book, it wasn't an issue. Most of the situations were understandable. Desperate people running out of time seeking a desperate solution. However, the way the love potions get used at the end just did not sit well with me at all. I will give my thoughts on that at the end of my review but it does spoil the ending so keep that mind before reading that bit.

I listened to this on audiobook and definitely recommend it. The narrator did a great job with all the voices. There may have once or twice that I wasn't sure which male was speaking but in general each voice was differentiated really well. I listened to this at 1x which is a bit slower than I normally listen but I thought the pacing was good at this speed so I just left it.

Overall, I still did enjoy this book and it definitely made me think. You may enjoy it if you like YA, urban fantasy, politics, and/or family dynamics.

*spoilers below*

The idea of the love potions always made me feel a little weird. It's messing with someone's free will. But most instances I could understand - a kid getting back in the grandmas good graces so that she would help with his mom's cancer treatment, an old man who just wants to reconnect with his son. These people are aware the "love" is not real and is temporary, but they're desperate. It's understandable. Still kind of messed up but you can see where they are coming from. But giving someone full control over several senators, rather than simply giving them a pro-witcher sentiment felt like a step too far. I know Venus would not abuse her power but it still feels icky and unnecessary.

Also, the Grand Witcher turning out to be human left me perplexed and a little frustrated. I get that she was fully committed to the witcher cause, but it's the most powerful position that can be held within witcher society and it just didn't sit right with me that she was actually human. She should never have taken that role.

4.5/5 rounded up

A candy-coated urban fantasy with a poisonous center, and j say that as a compliment! I love a good contemporary fantasy, especially one as punchy and twisty as this! A smidge rough around the edges (some adverb repetition I probably wouldn’t have noticed had I not been listening to the audiobook, but nothing major whatsoever) but the book is an evident labor of love from the author, with so much heart put into it, I cannot wait to see where she goes from here, because she’s an undeniably talented storyteller. I want more from this author!

I love this book. The voice is so good. The story itself was great! Definitely recommend listening on audio for this one!

This was a very powerful book. It definitely has a lot of hidden and not so hidden meanings, most of which are rooted in racism. The magic system got a bit confusing at some points as did the many many many characters, this book is probably best physically read as opposed to the audiobook that way you can grasp characters easier, or maybe read the book while listening. Regardless, I enjoyed the book.

A great read for any fantasy lover!

Venus is a great character, she is strong willed and determined to do what is right by her family. She comes up against the head witcher and their encounter isn't a happy one. She has to fight for what she believes in.

Wow! That was an intense and long book.

There were so many poignant moments, eliciting feelings from heartbreak and grief to humor and joy.

I laughed so hard when the deviation sang the mission impossible theme song in Venus’ head as she tried to steal hair from the senator.

I also appreciated the metaphor of magic and love, as well as the PTSD rep, interrogation of racism, and cop violence.

By the end of the book, I loved all of the main characters including Janice, Tyrell, Venus and our nonbinary love interest Presley. It took a little while to get to know Presley - legitimately didn’t catch that they were nonbinary until almost 30% into the audiobook - but they became an integral part of the book and I loved getting to know them.

My only critique is that the book felt VERY long and packed with almost nonstop scene beats, giving the reader little time to sit and absorb everything that was happening. It left a few pivotal moments feeling rushed.

Unfortunately, this book dragged on for me. I found the plot to be tedious and found my thoughts wandering. I did love the setting, magic system, and the main characters. It just didn’t hold me.

Thank you to NetGalley & RB Media for the audio arc of this book.

Baptiste has created a complex world full of magic and personality. She skillfully uses fantasy to examine real-world problems. I love morally grey characters and strong female characters, and there's no shortage of them here.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media, Recorded Books for this ARC Audio Copy!


Urban fantasy set in Washington DC with witches, humans, politics, drama, tragedy, and some great world building. What is not to love.

This is not my typical book but I am trying to change up my reading style and read more urban fantasies and this was a really good one to get started with. The characters were completely believable and real, and they experienced the regular life struggles as wells as things related to their magic. It was a strongly build world where even if you didn't necessarily like a character, you still were able to relate to them in one way or the other.

I did not expect it to be as political as it was, but it was really enjoyable. The government is trying to set in place a registration act that would put all witches and their families in danger and they must do everything they can to stop this from happening.

If you like magical realities, family dramas, and political intrigue, this book is for you. Wonderfully written and brilliantly narrated, The Poisons We Drink is an enticing young adult narrative dealing with community, revenge, and social justice. I highly recommend.

Venus is a brewer, making love potions for those in the most desperate need, for a hefty sum of money, but brewing comes with side effects, some as severe as death. When Venus's mother dies, she's offered a chance to avenge her murder, but that too comes with a price. The Grand Witcher wants Venus to brew for her as she attempts to snare some of DC's top politicians. Protecting her sister Janus is Venu's number one priority, but Venus has gotten herself in deep, and now who can protect her?

The Poisons We Drink is a long book. Not only that but there's a lot going on, and a lot of characters to keep track of. I'll admit that I found myself lost more than once. In my opinion, this book was longer than it needed to be. I enjoyed Venus as a character. I couldn't tell you much about the other characters though. Like I said, there were A LOT of them. I was intrigued by the story, but if you ask me to tell you what I read, there was so much that beyond what I said above, I really couldn't tell you. Don't get me wrong. I didn't hate this book, but it felt like work, and reading is supposed to be enjoyable right? Based on that, I'll leave it up to you if you decide to read this or not. I was quite overwhelmed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Lynnette R. Freeman was a fantastic narrator. She really brought the story to life and was the main reason I kept at it.

First and foremost, I have to commend Lynette for her fantastic narration in "The Poisons We Drink" by Bethany Baptiste. Her voice adds depth and an enjoyable flow to the listening experience.

Bethany's story is remarkable in its tackling of heavy topics such as oppression, racism, and segregation, while also being packed with action and moving moments. I found it to be a captivating tale, a real page-turner. It's been a while since I've read such a well-crafted urban YA fantasy.

"The Poisons We Drink" is a gripping and thought-provoking read, blending magic, action, and social commentary seamlessly. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy.

Audio arc from netgally by RBmedia

A great novel. Love the magic system and premise. Can’t wait to see where the story continues to go and grow.