The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson review

 

The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

OK, this book was a total overachiever. I was not sure what I was expecting when I started it. I had seen a lot of people saying it was good, but I ummed and ahhed over the whole thing before finally picking it up. Honestly, the book sucked you in from the very first chapter.

I totally loved our female lead, Harlow. She was tough and smart, and not someone you could just brush over. Her backstory… lords, it had me holding my poor bleeding heart and wanting nothing more than to give her a big hug and some sort of happily ever after. I mean, seriously.

Where to really start? This plot was in full-time work mode. I mean, there were more parts to this story than a LEGO set for adults. I felt like with each passing chapter there were more twists and turns, and the book was both dark and gritty, with death and a long list of trigger warnings that you totally need to check before going into this book.

I found myself totally stunned by the way the story moved and just how hard the plot was working. There were a lot of characters, a lot to follow, lies, and secrets. I felt like I needed a pad of paper and a full-time detective on my payroll to help me work out who I could and could not trust. It was a journey and a half, to say the least.

There was spice, and the whole enemies-to-lovers vibe in this book was right there, with detailed spice, but the story always remained the focus. There were a few moments where I had some hiccups and was mad at one person or another, or a choice that was made, but I think it all added to the book. The relationships, the push and pull, and the nonstop surprises all made this a great story.

The pain in this book was also so well done. I think I cried maybe two or three times throughout the book, but there were many moments where I was so gripped and wanted everything to be OK, or for something that had happened to be untrue. I was gripped with grief and rage, and it was done so, so well that I ate the book up in what felt like no time at all.

As for what I did not like, I felt there were a few things that needed to be tied up before the ending. I also felt like there was one large thing that was totally not dealt with by the end. Other than that, I loved the book. I would have given it 5 stars, but due to the loose ends, I think 4.5 stars is where I land.

Side note… I needed so much more of KYRIN. Like, for real!!!

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