Note: There are no spoilers in this review.
Jessamine Luxton, 16, lives alone with her father Thomas, who is an apothecary and healer in the 1700’s in Northumberland, England. Her father lets her help with tending and preparing healing herbs and flowers, but will not allow her into his locked garden of poisonous plants. He is obsessed with discovering anecdotes to the poisons, suspecting that formulae once existed. When he finds out that a local orphan known as Weed has a special knack with herbs and plants, he takes him in, hoping Weed has the secrets he so obsessively seeks.
Weed soon falls for the beautiful and lonely Jessamine, who recognizes his goodness and reciprocates his affection. But before long Jessamine is struck by a mysterious malady and is close to death. As her father and Weed struggle to save her, the truth about her illness is revealed, and the lines between healing and poison, life and death, and good and evil, become inextricably blurred.
Evaluation: This book has a Gothic, sinister tone with fantasical aspects overlaying the sweet, coming-of-age young love story. It is book one of a trilogy, so you will want to have the second volume on hand, since it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger.
Rating: 3/5
Published by Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, 2010
Note: I was inspired to read this book by the reviews of Beth Fish Reads and Raging Biblomania. Come back tomorrow for a review of the sequel, The Poison Diaries: Nightshade!
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I perked up at gothic. But you only gave it a 3 out of 5, so I am assuming this was entertaining but maybe not memorable?
This sounds like a good young adult read especially if you’re in the mood for that atmosphere. I’m interested in what happens to her!
I really enjoyed the first two books. Definitely YA but loved the Gothic mood and the herbs.
I kind of knew who the bad guy was, but it didn’t stop me from trying to understand and flipping the pages frantically. The bit about the belladonna was one of the most eerie and interesting scenes that I have come across in a long time! Candace was nice enough to send me the second book, so I need to get started with that soon! GReat review today!
This is not my usual kind of read but this does sound interesting. Good to know I should plan to have the second book at the ready.
It sounds like this book has a lot going on. I’m not sure it’s for me.
Sounds like an interesting book, but I’m not sure I want to start another series right now
I love the story line – I’m actually more drawn to the fantastical elements than the coming of age aspect. You only gave it a 3/5 but I think I’ll pin it to my TBR and hopefully give it a try soon.
I’ll spare you my grumbling about trilogies
But it does sound like an interesting one.
Now I know a few YA that this one would appeal too!!
This sounds terrific — and I love the cover!
You and your YA series!
I read a book by Wood that was fun and light. Don’t know if I’d like this one.
Could be a good read!!! I may have to try it but darn if I don’t want to get into another trilogy!! They kill me!
Hmmm, I’m sure I have this book. I’ll have to check. If I don’t I’ll have to because I really like stories like this. Why only 3 stars though? It sounds like you liked it enough.