A review by 1_more_chapter
The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

With these kinds of books the ending tends to go one of three ways; absolute unhinged chaos, everything works out for the main characters and they suffer no consequences, or ambiguous. This book was the 2nd option and I just feel like it wrapped up too nicely and everything was a little bit convenient. For the world that it is set in and how the forest is described,
I was expecting more death or grievous injury, Jaren managed to live in the forest for the entire book and was completely fine. For a forest that is apparently bloodthirsty and sentient, it really only kills a couple animals and absorbs blood. I wish it was explored more why the forest needs to eat and what would happen if it was starved. Leelo faced no consequences for breaking the rules of the community and got away with her family completely unscathed. I also think they brushed over the Lillies very quickly and we are just expected to accept a flower can poison an entire lake

Overall I enjoyed it, I was just hoping for a bit more.