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Title details for The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford - Available

The Poison Season

by Mara Rutherford
ebook
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1 of 1 copy available
"Mara Rutherford's The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!" — Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique
Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they're never heard from again.
Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.
When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she's supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.
Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    December 6, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780369721723

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780369721723
      • File size: 1779 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      October 1, 2022
      A bloodthirsty forest and a forbidden romance set the mood for this fantasy novel. Life on the island of Endla has been the same for generations. Those who have magic stay behind to protect the bloodthirsty Wandering Forests, and they are protected in return from the outsiders who dare cross the poisonous lake that surrounds it. But those who don't show any magical skills are sent away, never to return, as is the case with Leelo's beloved but magicless younger brother, Tate, who is set to be exiled soon. As a Watcher, Leelo is one of the islanders whose singing holds deadly power, and in a desperate attempt to help Tate stay, she performs an illicit sacrifice, shedding her own blood and releasing a song. Sadly, this ritual doesn't save her brother, but an outsider hears her mournful, enthralling music. Jaren doesn't believe in magic, but a twist of fate leaves him wounded and trapped on the island, at the mercy of a beautiful islander--Leelo. As they grow closer, the two teens face impossible odds. This skillful blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy focuses on how Leelo's love for her family and, eventually, Jaren leads her to question the very fabric of her reality and unveil the dark, bloody secrets behind the island and its twisted society. Leelo and Jaren share a narrative that keeps readers trying to guess its secrets up to the satisfying ending. All characters are cued White. Whimsical, romantic, and satisfying. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18)

      COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Booklist

      December 1, 2022
      Grades 8-11 The island of Endla is a place of magic, settled generations ago by people fleeing persecution for their siren-like singing, home to the last surviving Wandering Forest. The Endlans and the forest provide for and protect each other, with further defense provided by the surrounding poisonous lake and the Watchers who patrol the shores for outsiders. Leelo has just begun her Watcher training, but she'd rather spend time with her little brother, who will be exiled soon for lacking magic--a tradition Leelo finds unbearably harsh. Leelo's loyalties are further tested when she rescues an outsider, Jaren, instead of letting the poisonous lake do its job. Jaren always thought his village's frightening superstitions about Endla were ridiculous, until he ended up trapped there, with dangerous magic all around. Leelo promises to help Jaren safely home, but her search of the island's forbidden areas brings to light its buried secrets. This darkly magical tale, mixing forbidden romance, family drama, and a suspenseful mystery, is a strong standalone fantasy.

      COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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