I had so many questions after the first book ended, and the sequel answered them in ways I couldn’t have guessed.

This Poison heart introduced mythology, but This Wicked Fate knocked it out the park. Their little group were so wonderful, and I loved reading every single interaction. Despite everything, the way she wrapped her warmth around Bri and embraced her niece was so poignant. The most interesting and mysterious character, Circe had such a profound depth. The idea that love can stretch beyond lifetimes was so charming, and I felt that message through Circe. Mo is one of my favourite characters and I could just feel how much she loved her daughter. The people around Bri were so supportive, and I loved the soft tones of sisterhood. What I really appreciated was that Bri did not need to be strong. I loved how grief was described in waves, returning when least expected, creeping up at the worst possible moments. Bri is captivating and real, which is why the stakes were so high. Bayron has crafted a character that the reader can truly care about.

Bri’s emotions are so palpable, they lift effortlessly off the page. I really struggle to read books about bereavement, but Bayron writes about grief in such a compelling way. As I stepped back into her world, the tone was potent, and I felt the weight of grief suffocating the protagonist. Bri’s journey was a thrill from start to finish, and there is just far too much to unpack in one review.

Every chapter of This Wicked Fate topped the final moments of the previous book. One of the reasons I rated This Poison Heart so highly was because of the incredible ending. Every image was like a little painting in my mind. The descriptions of the flowers blooming and flowing as Bri commands, the intoxicating poisons, the rich greenery and the overgrown gardens. There is something so whimsical about the way Bayron writes. Reading the opening words of This Wicked Fate, was like a deep breath of fresh air. This Poison Heart was one of my favourite reads of last year, and I was over the moon when I received an arc of the sequel.

This wicked fate