A whimsical queer fantasy filled with magic and folklore!

Thank you Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing an ARC in exchange for a review! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm a sucker for anything related with mythology and folklore, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well planned out these elements were on the book. In this story in particular, we are introduced to water nymphs, witches, exorcists, spirits and other demons. However, what first attracted me to this book was not this unique plot, but the absolutely stunning art cover! I literally can't stop thinking about it - and how brilliantly it captures the essence of the novel!

The story is told from different points of view, which makes it easier to get into the story and get to know our characters: Gisela, a devious rusałka; Kazik, a brooding exorcist; and Aleksei, a mysterious boy who would become very dear to both of them. Without giving too much of it away.... this is an actual love triangle! Bi panic, constant flirting and confusing emotions.

I really enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it not only to fans of folklore, but also to any romance readers!

I liked this story, it had a great ballance of cozy and deep. I enjoyed it from the beginning. I love folklore of it and the idea of two different people coming to love.

I picked this up wanting something quick and easy and it was even better than I expected. I loved the incorporation of Slavic folklore and aspects of the culture too, I appreciated that the love triangle was ACTUALLY a triangle and not a love 90 degree angle. The ending though...I thought this was supposed to be a standalone?? Now I'm left on a cliffhanger. It was still amazing though!

Cozy read, amazing scenery description!
Immaculate vibes all throughtout the book, cute folktale storyline.
3.5 stars!

Such a nice cozy read and was very impressed that this was the debut for this author. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for their next works :)

Reminded me of "The Bear and the Nightingale", "Little Thieves" and "Spirited Away" and these are all some of my favorite things. So of course I enjoyed this one as well. Now I'm hoping for a sequel ...

Although I was excited by the summary of the book, I don't think it lived up to my expectations. While I really liked the protagonist, the idea of ​​a polyamorous relationship, and the folklore, I think the writing left a lot to be desired. I don't think I'll continue with the next book.

At the beginning I find a hard time trying to like this book, I don't know what happened or why, but as long as I kept reading I was loving it more and more. It's true I can't say its a favorite but it is a good book. I have a good time however and I really recommend it. The vibes are immaculate and some of the scenes are so dreamy you forget you're reading.

I very much enjoyed the book. It was a little hard to begin but I adored the world and characters. This was also my first time reading from this author and after this, I'd certainly pick up more from her.

I loved this book! Beautifully written and I love the way the characters interacted with each other. It was so whimsical and the relationships were compelling. I don't normally see books based off of slavic folktales, and I loved to hear that this wasn't a standalone!

This Fatal Kiss is an overwhelmingly fine YA fantasy read. Sometimes it was cute. Sometimes it was funny. The characters had good moments and good banter. I enjoyed the ambiguous time period and fairytale-esque plethora of magical creatures. But it really just failed to leave an impression on me.

I was disappointed to discover that This Fatal Kiss was not a standalone as I expected. Honestly, I don’t think I see why this story needed to be stretched into multiple books. I think this book would have benefited from having more going on. It dragged in places and there were a lot of repetitive conversations. It felt like it was forcing the need for a sequel by delaying that last reveal and/or confrontation. It left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

The cozy fantasy that came at the right time. It was light fantasy though there are some darker themes inside. The MC was fun, likable and so unserious. I enjoyed the polyamory aspect of this book, fun to read even though you might ship one couple more than the other. Interesting worldbuilding and I think there will be a sequel.

This Fatal Kiss is an intriguing take on Slavic folklore, blending eerie magic with a queer, polyamorous romance. Gisela’s struggle to reclaim her humanity and Kazik’s role as an exorcist set up a compelling premise, and the atmospheric world-building adds a haunting beauty to the story. However, while the book has strong themes and an original concept, it sometimes feels like it only scratches the surface. The characters and relationships could have been explored with more depth, and certain plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped. Despite this, it's still an enjoyable and refreshing read for those looking for a dark, folklore-inspired fantasy. Looking forward to the next book as i found the ending to be a bit abrupt, but as long as there's a next one i'm happy :)
It's a 3,5 star for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley

While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

This Fatal Kiss presents a unique take on Slavic folklore, weaving a tale of spirits, exorcists, and complex relationships. The story centers on Gisela, a water nymph yearning to regain her humanity through a mortal's kiss, and Kazik, a brooding exorcist determined to rid the world of unholy creatures like Gisela. Their paths intertwine when Gisela proposes a pact: if Kazik helps her secure the kiss she needs, she'll cease her disruptive antics. Complications arise when both develop feelings for Aleksey, a charming young man with ties to Gisela's mysterious past.

The novel's premise is intriguing, and Jasinska's prose vividly brings to life the enchanting yet eerie setting. The incorporation of Slavic myths adds depth, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar folklore. However, while the atmospheric world-building is commendable, the narrative's pacing occasionally falters. Some sections feel prolonged, and the romantic tension, though promising, sometimes lacks the necessary depth to fully engage the reader.

Despite these pacing issues, fans of lyrical fantasy and slow-burn romances may find much to appreciate. The exploration of queer relationships within a fantastical context is a notable strength, providing representation that feels both natural and heartfelt. While the story didn't entirely resonate with me, I recognize its potential appeal to readers who enjoy dark, romantic fantasies enriched with cultural mythology.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an early copy for review.

This book almost sent me into a reading slump. Readers claimed it has "Ghibli vibes", and vibes was all it had, no essence whatsoever (also, this didn't feel like Ghibli in any shape of form). The characters behaved in an annoyingly stupid way, and while we can allot some of that to 2 of MCs being teenagers, the third one had absolutely no right to be so utterly clueless, according to his own canon. It's a shame, really, since the previous folklore book by the author was so much more thought out.

thank you netgalley and peachtree teen for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

this book having a release date in september is absolutely perfect because how else would you want to transition from summer to autumn than by reading about spirits in a spa town full of magical bath houses? reminiscent of a ghibli movie, it had both the whimsical vibes and the eerie atmosphere that you’re looking for.

the three main characters, gisela, kazik and aleksey, were well fleshed out and it was easy to care for them throughout the story. the romance was slow to built but its pace felt just right to me. it wasn’t the main focus of the plot, but i was still rooting for them. even the banter between the characters and the light humor throughout the book was pleasant and left me smiling at my e-reader. i’m also a massive fan of morally grey characters and characters in their villainous era, and this too was really well executed.

having already read “the dark tide” by alicia jasinska, i knew that i was in good hands, and it did not disappoint. the writing style was beautiful and captivating. finding out that this book is taking place in the same world as “the dark tide” but in a different town was such a delight! i was thrilled to recognize the witchy island of caldella when it was mentioned. don’t be scared though, you do not need to read “the dark tide” to enjoy “this fatal kiss”.

after having read two books by alicia jasinska, i strongly believe that her biggest strength is how she describes the world building. i could almost smell the bath houses as gisela was walking through the town. i could almost feel the cold and humidity of the river. i could almost touch the old tree barks in the forest. i felt like i was there.

i will say though, i was certain going into it that this book was a standalone. i’m not so sure anymore since the ending left me with unanswered questions. and while it did not left me feeling frustrated, i’m just craving for… more. i can’t help but wonder if a sequel is in the making?

DNF @10% but I plan on revisiting this book at a different time.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC of This Fatal Kiss!

This book was such a fun, whimsical take on Slavic folklore, and I absolutely loved the dynamic between Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey. It had everything I love—grumpy/sunshine tension, flirty banter, found family, and a bit of magical chaos. Gisela was such a menace (in the best way), Kazik was broody but endearing, and Aleksey? A dramatic little disaster.

The worldbuilding was lush and immersive, though I did get tripped up by some of the modern elements mixed in. But once the plot picked up, I was completely hooked. The poly romance was done so well, and I need a sequel immediately because that ending??

If you love folklore-inspired fantasy with queer romance, tension-filled banter, and a touch of dark whimsy, This Fatal Kiss is for you.

4/5 stars!