This was such a precious, fun story, with a lot of humour and heart and heaps of excellent folklore. It feels like it's toward the lower end of the YA age range, extremely readable, voicy, and well-flowing. Loved the poly romance, the MC's humour, and just the characters in general.

I think it's important to note this is not a standalone though, so it's worth going in aware of that.

Would definitely recommend!

Thanks Netgallley, the publisher, and the author for the arc!

Thank you Netgalley for this arc!! I unfortunately dnfed this book however I’d still like to review what I did read. The reason I dnfed was more of the formatting than the actual content or storytelling. As well as being in a reading slump. I thought it was well written with a nice writing style. The characters were also great!! I didn’t get too much into the story but so far it was intriguing. Again, it was mostly the formatting that held me back from finishing. It is also a YA book which I’ve found I’ve begun to grow out of so I just wasn’t enjoying it as much as I’d like. I still think this book is great though!!

A huge thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC!

I enjoyed the book thoroughly, knowing from the beginning it is a YA story. Consequently, the world building was not as extensive as I would have wanted it to be, but that is okay. You can definitely tell that the author has put on a lot of research into her story with the Slavic folklore being almost 100% on point. To me - being Polish myself - some of the names did not fit, and a rusałka is not the same thing as an utopiec, however, this is hardly noticeable for people starting to get interest in Slavic myth and folktale. Jasińska did also introduce the world as an alternative reality, which made imagining it even better.

The love triangle was surprisingly well written! The characters were all distinct and reading from multiple POVs made the story feel well-rounded. The dynamics between the POVs and all the other agents were fleshed out nicely and clearly. The pacing of the story was a little slow at first, but once it all started coming together the narrative was quick and very readable! In my personal opinion, this fantasy romance is very fresh and interesting and will hold the attention of all readers, not only those going necessarily for a YA book. I would gladly read more of the author's works in the future!

This book is a beautiful adventure. You are spirited away by the rusalka in search of pretty gifts and a kiss by a human. You’re on a crusade with Kazik to protect the humans from the evils spirits. You follow along Gisela while she flirts with the human and learns to live for herself.

The world building that is inspired on Slavic folklore is so captivating that you just want to learn more. And the characters need to learn valuable lessons but you can’t help to feel fondness and exasperation for them. I honestly feel like Kazik and Gisela are dear friend that really need to get it together.

The story comes to a satisfying if incomplete point, it definitely left me questioning what will happen next, so there is space for more growth, adventure and learning more about the creatures and spirits that live among us.

Very thankful to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely requested for an advanced copy of this book because of its cover art so I was not expecting this to be so incredibly queer! Representations: bisexual/pansexual, lesbian, polyamoury (hide spoiler).

I loved reading this for four main reasons:
✨ deliciously queer, from queer spirits/monsters to queer religious teenagers
✨ so many wonderful found family and sisterhood themes
✨ I learned so much about Slavic folklore, something I basically knew nothing about beforehand
✨ I loved how mythical monsters are rewritten as complex and deserving of love

Thank you to the author, Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was really fun. It was a perfect popcorn read, like a Saturday morning cartoon of a book, in a wonderful way. It felt like equal parts Hayao Miyazaki and Polish folktale. A kind of cozy magic spirits story about navigating love and grief and connection that was endearing and cute. The pacing was super quick, which was enjoyable for me. I’ve been reading a lot of slower moving fiction lately and it was nice to go through a story that had events and twists and conflicts all zooming by. I had a lot of fun exploring the springs and forests of Leśna Woda, and can’t wait for more tales, hopefully set in Caldella?

This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska tells the folkloric tale of Gisela, a determined water spirit, and her pursuit of bringing herself back to life. With the help of a broody exorcist and a perfect gentleman, Gisela realizes the difference of living and being alive.

This book has been one of my most anticipated reads of the year. The moment that I set my eyes on the absolutely gorgeous cover art, I was hooked. This feeling intensified when I read the synopsis and realized that it sounded like a novel that was right up my alley.

Upon reading, I was charmed by the whimsical town of Leśna Woda and its strange balance between a fairytale come to life and a tourist trap straight out of a map. The descriptions of the town were immersive, to the point that I could see the lush forests, the sparkling rivers, the crush of tourists, and the bustling markets come to life. The thought of such a world existing in such close proximity to mythical creatures was an enchanting concept to play around with in this book.

But even through this charm, I felt that this book had set a tone that I was not entirely a fan of.

There was a very liberal usage of modern slang that just felt discordant to the tone of the book. It felt like I was being taken out of the moment whenever words from the modern vocabulary made its way into the characters’ inner monologue or during dialogue with each other.

Which brings me to my next point; the banter between all three characters fell a bit flat because it seemed like I’ve heard those exact flirty phrases and lighthearted jibes again and again in various other media. It didn’t feel like it came naturally to the characters. It felt more like walking on well worn steps and placing your foot on a hollow dent that marked the place that many other people have stepped on.

But even through my difficulty with connecting to the romance aspect of the book, I had no trouble rooting for the characters. For Gisela, in particular.

Gisela is a character that is filled with so much longing and guilt and grief that mixes into a cocktail of confusing emotions and even more confusing motives. Gisela felt so tangible in her pursuit for life that I can’t help but admire her. She feels so fleshed out with her warring thoughts and charming personality that I felt connected to her while reading the book.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book even though it didn’t seem to match up with my initial expectations of it. Many thanks to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for providing me with an E-ARC of the book!

3.5 stars

Ok, this was such a sweet, YA, folklore fantasy story, Honestly, I did not expect to like this as much as I did when I started reading this, There wrere a bit too many instances of telling instead of showing for me but it was quite an engaging story, with fairytale-like descriptions, whimsical vibes, lovable, fun characters, and great queer representation. I feel it was left too open-ended so maybe there will be a sequel coming.
Fans of folklore fantasy YA will enjoy this very much!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

In this YA folklore-inspired fantasy, a water nymph enlists the help of a local exorcist to help her turn back into a human by kissing a mortal. This book felt really fresh and entertaining. The characters were complex and relatable while the Slavic folklore felt very whimsical and in many instances very funny. The dynamics between the three leads were interesting, and they all had vastly different personalities which made the different POVs work nicely together.
The only major criticism I have was that there were a few instances of modern slang and phrasing that really took me out of the book. This is something I've seen in other books lately so I don't know if it is just a trend, but regardless I felt like there could have been different phrasing that fit in with the rest of the prose and setting a bit better. The story also felt a little predictable but it was still very sweet and enjoyable nonetheless.
As for the ending, there are still some lose ends I'm curious about that I expect will be tied up with a sequel, but I liked how some of the other plotlines were resolved.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!

-

4,25 stars

“Be the monster girlfriend I want to see in the world, you mean?”

This book is filled with fun, longing and chaotic bis running around trying to keep their secrets while falling in love with their enemies. It was a perfect romantic summer read, and I had a really good time with it!

“Though it would be terribly inconvenient, if he was gobbled up by some other spirit before he could finish playing matchmaker for her.”

The writing is easy to read, the plot moves at a good pace (although I wish some scenes had been drawn out, especially the quiet bonding scenes between the main characters), and the magic feels mysterious but easy to keep up with.
Despite having some darker topics and plot points, the overall feeling while reading was relatively light, fun and colourful. The setting is a magical world, with spirits and creatures around every corner, and I would love to explore it more.

“I should’ve known you two would hit it off. You’re both equally annoying.”

I love the dynamic between the three main characters. Their banter and chaos is entertaining, and they all felt lovable from the first moment I met them. I especially liked the emotional journey of the female main character, Gisela, and seeing her growth was so heartwarming. And I lovvve the poly rep, it makes me so happy to see more of it!

“He felt so out of his depth, so out of place, dragged along behind two of the most beautiful people here like some awkward, ungainly gremlin.”

Some of the vibes you might find in this book:
Studio Ghibli
Howl’s Moving Castle
Folklore and fairytales
Summer evenings
Chaotic and messy found families
Bi panic

“And if she’d learned anything, it was that life could be agonizingly short. So why not fall in love with as many people as you could?”

The story follows Gisela, a rusalka/water nymph, who yearns to regain her human form and reunite with her family. It said, a rusalka can only become human again if she receives a kiss from a human who loves her. On the other hand, we have Kazik, an exorcist dedicated to eliminating all unholy creatures, including Gisela. However, when Kazik loses his magic and get caught by Gisela, he is forced to act as a matchmaker and help Gisela to obtain a kiss from a handsome young man, who happens to be Kazik's friend.

It's much better than I expected. I adore the setting of the story and its ambiance. Somehow, the town provides a cozy and inviting place to stay (it subtly gives off a Ghibli vibe), though I do sense a sense of incompleteness. I'm not familiar with Slavic folklore, but this piques my curiosity. The plot feels quite refreshing to me, even though it is somewhat predictable, and I found myself chuckling at its humorous and romantic moments.

Btw, I apologize, but it's difficult for me to pronounce their names correctly, so I pronounce them in my own way 😂 I'm in love with the rusalki, particularly Gisela. They are so cheeky and cheerful (despite their unfortunate demise), and I'm fond of their sisterhood. The interactions between Gisela and other water entities are heartwarming. Gisela's feelings towards her human family are also touching. The same applies to Kazik, as he remembers his grandmother and spends time with his cousin. Aleksey has his own issues and family, but I believe they are not explored in sufficient depth.

The polyamorous queer romance develops gradually, which I prefer, and it's interesting to me because it's not something I read frequently, but I found it enjoyable.

The ending is pretty much a cliffhanger, and I'm unsure whether there will be a sequel or not, but I sincerely hope there will be! It should 🥺🥺

I was really intrigued from the very beginning with this book and it certainly did not let me down! I liked it so so much!!
It was fast-paced, it made me laugh out loud but also it got me tearing up. I was a little worried about the polyamorous aspect of the book since I've never been exposed to it, but I actually came to like it. I liked all three protagonists and their relationship. But I was also very fond of literally every other secondary character?😂 This doesn't happen often for me, I usually have at least one character that I find unbelievably annoying. But thankfully this wasn't the case this time!
I'm a big fan of mythology and folklore so the Polish folklore in the book was so interesting for me. The writing was also really good, it surely got you feeling like you're running into the forest with the protagonist right beside you.
My one and only complaint was the ending??? Like why would you do this to me?? How am I supposed to just move on with my life like that??? It's just impossible. I simply can not. I need to get some answers 😭. Rest assured that I'll be stalking Alicia's accounts for updates because she's got me hooked with this one.

SO, in conclusion, if you're into:
Folklore
Fast-paced stories
Whimsical vibes
Found family
Banter & solving quite the mystery, then this is for you!!

First of all, this book should have a sequel! It definitely ended on a cliffhanger and I haven’t seen any info about whether there’s another book coming out.

I loved the atmosphere of This Fatal Kiss and how it was set in this spa town where half of the population still believe in spirits and leave out offerings. The descriptions of the seasons and the food in particular were great and really immersed me in the world Alicia Jasinska built. I could definitely see this book appealing for that reason to fans of Studio Ghibli movies in particular such as Howl’s Moving Castle.

I also thought the chemistry between the three leads was good. However, I do think that Kazik and Gisela have chemistry and Kazik and Aleksey have chemistry, but Gisela and Aleksey don’t have that much chemistry together. I also wish that there was a little more distrust at the beginning between all of them, especially if this is the only book we’ll get, to really build up that tension and burn. I do like how they changed one another slowly though.

Outside of the romance, I loved the family dynamics. Kazik remembering his grandmother and moments with her and spending time with his cousin was heartwarming, but I do think his cousin, Zuzanna, could’ve had a bigger role in the story or been more of a confidante to Kazik. Similarly, I wish we saw more of Gisela’s relationship to her rusalka family AND to her human one. Aleksey also had his own complications with family and friends that could’ve been expanded.

I understand this is a lot to accomplish in one book, which is why I think we need a sequel, but those are the elements that I was drawn most to. Overall, This Fatal Kiss successfully made me intrigued enough to want to follow these characters into another book and I loved the world Jasinska brought us into.

Thanks to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This review will be published on my blog (clearsummers.wordpress.com) and Goodreads on September 10, 2024.

In this story we follow three POV characters: Gisela - a rusalka, hellbent on turning back to human
Kazik - exorcist, who by circumstances, has to help Gisela
Aleksey - a beautiful boy, with...well few secrets, who both Gisela and Kazik have their eyes on

The story is full of great banter and love - romantic and not - and I love reading stories with slavic folklore, unfortunately this book was not the greatest…
I did like the characters, their motivations and even the relationships they had with each other, and had fun reading this story, but the worldbuilding felt incomplete, flat, I wish the author spent more time on it.
Just so you know - this book has an open ending and I really hope there will be a sequel.

If you like slavic folklore, playful, interesting characters and YA romance - give this book a try.

Thank You NetGalley and publishing for the opportunity to read this book!! I enjoyed it very much and the relationship dynamics were amazing! This was refreshing and funny and intriguing!! I had not read anything like this before (expanding my horizons in a way). I am rating this a 4 out of 5. I will be recommending this book to my friends as well, we all enjoy YA and the world building in this book is really good.

This Slavic folktale inspired poly romantic fantasy was such a cheeky mischievous book! I absolutely adored every single second with the biggest grin on my face.

Gisela is a Rusałki, the spirit of a drowned girl. She has been causing mischief and havoc all across town in an effort to charm a kiss out of someone, as it is said that if a Rusałki kisses a mortal she will regain her humanity. However the biggest obstacle in her path (other than being dead) is Kazik, the resident exorcist. Ever since his grandmother died, Kazik has dedicated his days to ridding the world of the unholy creatures who haunt his town. After he catches the pesky water spirit who has consumed all his attention, Kazik tries to exorcise her once and for all. But his magic fails. Deciding to use this as an opportunity for blackmail, Gisela promises to keep Kazik’s waning power a secret if he helps her get her kiss. Kazik reluctantly agrees, but immediately regrets this pact when he realizes the boy Gisela has set her sights on is Alesky, the charming dashing boy from his childhood. As Gisela and Kazik spend their days getting to know Alesky, they both begin to fall for him. As well as with each other. However, Alesky might not be exactly who claims to be. And he may even be connected to Gisela’s death.

The entire concept of this book is phenomenal. Literally no notes it was perfect. I really loved the Slavic folklore infused throughout the story. The sisterhood amongst the Rusałki and the father figure that was Wojciech made the spirit world feel so homely and lovely. I loved the setting of Leśna Woda being a vacation town with their various bathhouses. And the glimpses we got of Gisela’s home island were fascinating (I just learned that she is from the same island Alicia’s other book The Dark Tide takes place in which is cool!) All the scenes felt like they were floating off the pages, they were so vivid and descriptive.

There is so much amazing queer representation in this book, even outside of our three bi/pan main characters. I loveeee love triangles where it’s actually a triangle because everyone loves everyone. There is so much flirting going on! I also really liked how the concept of gender was played around with. Gisela often mentions how she doesn’t always feel like a girl, but it’s too much work to explain it to everyone else. Alesky also has an interesting relationship with gender (can’t say much because spoilers).

I am a little confused as to the type of time period this takes place. The characters often use modern language and slang. But it’s mentioned how the world is just beginning to become more technologically advanced. There’s radios, but seemingly no telephones. It’s an interesting mix so I’m not upset about it. It plays well with the clashing of old world vs new world values, folklore vs religion, and the impact of modernization that pops up through the story.

The ending chapter was fairly abrupt. But that’s probably attributed to me thinking this was a standalone. It’s not! And now I’m so incredibly excited for the sequel (if we get it, we better get it or else). This was so whimsical and silly and cheeky and I had an amazing time.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for review.

This Fatal Kiss is a poly YA fantasy romance inspired by Slavic folklore. It’s very unique in its mythology compared to other fantasy novels that I’ve read, which made the story fresh and intriguing. I really enjoyed reading about different types of spirits in this village. The main character is a river spirit, and she finds herself caught between the local exorcist and a boy who lives in town. I thought the initial build up to the romance was really cute and angsty. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the way this book ended. I felt like there were loose ends, and it left me a bit dissatisfied.

Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Slavic mythology and a sweet romance.

I wanted to love this book so much and the plot seemed so promising. But the authors use of strange gen Z slang and the obviousness of the plot made it so difficult to be immersed in, I’m disappointed but this book has so much potential!

thanks netgalley for the e-arc

and omg i loved this book so much!!
i really liked the characters and the interactions between them, if i didn't have any plans for the last couple of days, i might have finished this book in a day as well !

5 stars 🫶🫶

This book was unlike anything I've ever read and I mean that as the highest compliment. Each of the characters was so wonderfully fleshed out that it made me feel like I was right there with them. I can't wait for the sequel.