The Poisons We Drink is an engaging novel from the get-go. It follows Venus, a young witcher, who brews illegal love potions to support her family. When her mother is suddenly murdered by an unknown enemy, Venus is given the chance to take revenge. The price? Brew love potions to enslave some of Washington D.C.’s most influential politicians. The deeper she goes the more the lines between power and magic blur and the foggier the truth becomes.
This is an amazing story that holds up a mirror to our society’s own biases and prejudices through the well crafted and magical world that Baptiste brings to life. Her characters all have their flaws causing hurt and destruction, and yet they all strive to do the right thing, for their family, their friends and for the entire world. Venus’ own struggles and her perseverance make her a realistic and relatable character. Family and love are both central to this story. The characters are all trying to create a better, fairer and more equal world for those they care about most, no matter the cost or risk to themselves. Their loyalty and determination shows they will fight for justice and to protect those they care about.
This novel is full of twists and turns. The magic and politics throughout this story creates both tension and drive towards the climactic ending. The secrets the characters hold only add to the mystery and intrigue of this read. Baptiste doesn’t shy away from difficult topics such as prejudice, racism and loss that are present in our own version of earth.
Tess Fitzgibbon, 15
The Poisons We Drink
Bethany Baptiste
Sourcebooks, March 2024
Hardback, £18.99
ISBN 9781728251950
