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The road to the City of War is dangerous.

With their home in ruins, Callie and Rowan are Eirensae’s last hope of stealing the cauldron back from Fraeburdh. They must travel into the human world where the Fallen hide. The banished fae wait for Callie, desperate to sacrifice her before she comes of age.

If Callie and Rowan survive the journey, something worse looms in Fraeburdh. Rowan is destined for a dark family legacy too horrifying to accept, and his father is anxious to welcome him home. Once the truth is revealed, will Callie ever look at Rowan the same way?

Trapped between feuding cities lost in a centuries-old war, Callie and Rowan will face their biggest rivals yet, and neither of them will make it out unscathed.

270 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2014

4 people are currently reading
449 people want to read

About the author

Kacey Vanderkarr

11 books635 followers
KACEY VANDERKARR has a penchant for fantasy and frequently listens to the voices in her head—most of whom are teenagers. Her favorite place to write is an old salon chair in her kitchen, with coffee in one hand and adoring cats sprawled across her arms. She prefers her music loud and her skeptics quiet. When she’s not writing, Kacey coaches winterguard, works as a sonographer, and hangs out with other weirdos like her at the Flint Area Writer’s club. In addition to her novels, The Reflection Pond Series, Antithesis, and The Stone Series, Kacey’s short fiction is featured in Sucker Literary Vol III, Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things, and Out of the Green: Tales from Fairyland.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten).
1,608 reviews210 followers
March 14, 2015
Thank you to Kacey Vanderkarr for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

Poison Tree by Kacey Vanderkarr is the sequel to Vanderkarr’s superb faerie tale Reflection Pond and is a wonderful follow up that features the same addictive chemistry, thrilling and harrowing storyline and character dynamic that made the first novel so great!

Picking up not far after Reflection Pond left off, Callie and Rowan find themselves in the human world, having escaped Eirensae as it went down in flames after a betrayal by one of its leaders. Knowing their friends have been captured and are in the clutches of the Fraeburdh King Arol, Callie and Rowan are down and beaten but not about to give up, even after another kidnapping sees Callie retreat into herself as the horrors of her past come to light once more and affect her present.

With Rowan facing the shocking discovery of his true heritage, he and Callie must face harsh truths and their feelings if they hope to rescue their people. Finally admitting how they feel about each other, Callie and Rowan discover new friends, new enemies and race towards a harrowing conclusion in this stunning sequel.

Wow! Can I just say that I seriously love this series! Honestly…..Kacey Vanderkarr writes an expertly told tale; her writing flows, there’s an exciting and driven storyline and characters who I just adore. One of my favorite self-published series featuring the Fae, Poison Tree easily lives up to its predecessor!

Vanderkarr continues to follow Callie and Rowan in Poison Tree, with their dual POV’s making for a well-rounded and detailed telling of the story. Both characters continue to be strong voices to follow and both bring something different to the table. Their chemistry and dynamic is as strong as ever, and Vanderkarr builds on their relationship naturally, seeing these two fractured and broken individuals find solace and comfort in each other. Rowan is still determined to keep the world out and Callie is afraid, having been seriously hurt in the past, but both managed to connect with the other in a beautiful and promising way.

Kacey Vanderkarr takes her readers into the world of Fraeburdh for the first time with Rowan and Callie delving into the palace in the race to save their friends. Along the way they make friends with a Fallen named Gunner and meet Rowan’s sister, who may or may not be what she seems.

Rich in danger, chemistry and excitement, Poison Tree is a great follow up to the first novel in this Reflection Pond series and takes readers into another entertaining stage of the story as Poison Tree races towards a climactic conclusion and ends just when you want to know more! I’m ready for the next installment to be released, stat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Mohamedally.
132 reviews
November 16, 2016
I loved Reflection Pond, and Poison Tree surpasses it! It is packed with action and suspense from the beginning, and I was hooked. This book gets deeper, darker, and bloodier than its predecessor. Way bloodier. I loved watching the characters grow and develop. I normally don't care about romantic subplots, but Callie and Rowan drew me into it and I actually ached when they were apart. I appreciated the way Callie reminded everyone that she can protect herself. It shows how strong and confident she has become. On to Torch Rock!!
Profile Image for Amber Hodges.
312 reviews23 followers
June 19, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one beats that. Where the first book is slower, introducing you the world that they are in, this one sucks you into the characters that you got to know. The first book sets you up to follow this wonderful story and gives you a story that is very rare to find these days.

Callie goes through so much in her life and yet more and more happens to her. The poor girl just can't get a break. She may need to pull into her shell for a little bit here or there, but what I love about her is she sees all of it as a challenge. She won't let anyone break her, no matter who it is. If they get under her skin for a little bit, they find out the hard way that they shouldn't have even tried. She is such a strong character and her soft spot is Rowan. She is there for him no matter what trying to make him see that no matter what, he will always be good in her eyes.

I love Rowan. Even when he does something difficult by thinking it was better for Callie, he still can't stop thinking about her. It is so sweet when you have the characters that didn't get close to really anyone, but once they work their way over that wall, there is no letting them go back around it. Rowan does so much for Callie, his actions are what he thinks are best for her, no him. He does make mistakes like any guy out there, but since you get to follow him around, you get to see the reasoning and can't help but say Awww at things that he does. His heart is in the right place, even if he doesn't seem to think that it is.

This book has so much going on. You follow from place to place and all the things that happen to Callie and Rowan. You also have a new character pop in by the name of Gunner. I felt so bad for him when he is first introduced and he blossoms into such a strong will character on his own and becomes very important to Callie and Rowan.

You have to learn through the book who you think you can trust and who you can't. Kacey sends you on a whirlwind that you aren't able to predict. There is so many curve balls thrown at you through the ball that you are in a state of blissful confusion that makes it impossible to stop reading.

This book deals with faeries, but also has a strong sense of war and dystopia mixed throughout the story that it is a lot more than a love story between the Fae. The messages of being tough and never give up are strong and make you feel empowered well after the story is over.
Profile Image for Haley.
324 reviews
January 15, 2015
I loved the first book of this series so much that I was incredibly excited to read the second one. I stumbled across the first book at a time when I was searching for more books about fairies after I realized I never read about them but was really fascinated with them whenever they appeared in other fantasy books. I loved Reflection Pond so much that it completely convinced me that I need to keep reading more books about fairies in the future. Needless to say, I had high hopes for this book.

And the good news is that it didnt' disappoint. I really. I loved that we could to see another city other than Eirensae and explore how different the two cities are from each other. I also really loved Rowan's family history in this book. I thought that was a twist that was done remarkably well. Callie's past is also explored more in this book than it was in the past, and I thought that was excellently done. I think they're each great characters, and I love learning more about them.

We're also introduced to some great new characters in this book. My favorite was definitely Gunner. When he first appeared, I had no idea that I'd think he was such a great character by the end of the book, but I really loved how he developed over the course of the story.

Overall I loved just about everything about this book. I thought it was fantastic, and I'd highly recommend this series to anyone who has an interest in fantasy books, especially ones about fae. I can't wait for the third book in order to find out what happens next!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Eeviee.
171 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2016
In Poison Tree I really connected more with Callie's character than I did in Reflection Pond. I was able to watch her grow and become strong and independent character in this book. She is the type that doesn't want others to fight her battle. I really admire that about her and love seeing that trait in a female lead. She really brought emotion to this book that she lacked in the first book.
Now Rowan...oh Rowan. Just when I thought I couldn't fall in love with him more. He is such a remarkable character in my mind. Always willing to take on the world to protect Callie. He made this story come alive. I love his strength, loyalty and ability to admit when he is scared. You don't see that very often in a male lead. I also love his sense of humor. He just has a way about him that just lures you in.
The story is very intriguing and held my interest till the end. It is a unique setting full of fun loving characters, Gunner being my favorite. I think most of my favorite quotes came from him! He made me laugh several times.
Fantastic book! Can't wait to continue Callie and Rowan's story in Torch Rock.

Quotes and Clips

“If something happens to her—” he broke off, letting the threat hang.
“It won’t. She can explode brains, Rowan. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

I’ll take care of Callie—”
“I can take care of myself,” Callie interjected. “I’ll watch Callie take care of herself,” Ember amended with a quick grin.

“See? I didn’t even have to hit her.”
“When I get out of these chains I’m going to—”
“Thank me,” Rowan interrupted. “Anything less is rude.”
Profile Image for F. A..
505 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2014
I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review. I first came in contact with this series in June for our Fey Month with Reflection Pond and have been dying to continue the story ever since.

Callie and Rowan have left Eirensae’s to venture through the human world to make it to Fraeburdh. They hope to make things right and find where they belong among the fey. Callie fights some dark moments when she finds herself at the hands of the fallen. This stirs up an even darker past that she must work through. Unaware of where Rowan is and if he will find her in time or if she even wants to be saved after all is said and done.

Rowan uncovers many truths among all the lies he has been told his whole life. Where does he really belong and who are his parents? Once in Fraaeburdh will he fill that place inside that never belonged in Eirensae?

Rowan and Callie both find they have to work through so many scars hidden beneath the surface in Poison Tree. I was completely swept up on this journey with them and stayed up till the middle hours of the night till the last page was turned. I could never have predicted the development of this second book and I am so excited for the conclusion to the series and to see how it will all end. I am giving this book 5 out of stars!
47 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2014
I received this book as an ARC and I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to write my review even though I finished it over 3 weeks ago, sorry Kacey.

I loved 'Reflection Pond' and I was eagerly awaiting this next instalment and I'm so glad to say that it didn't disappoint! Poison Tree is just as exciting but definitely darker, there is a lot of bloodshed but I didn't find it too graphic. I did fear for Callie and Rowan on many occasions during their stay in the City Of War, Freadburdh, but thankfully they had an unlikely ally on their side.

Coal and Arol are quite despisable characters but Ember was a refreshing addition to the series and I hope to see more of her in the next book. I loved the fact we found out a huge secret/revelation from each of Callie and Rowan's lives. I had already guessed Callie's secret from things mentioned before but to hear it confirmed still made my heart ache for her. Rowan's revelation was just as much of a surprise to him as it was to us and it was one of those 'whoa' moments! I loved this book and I cant wait to find out what's next.
Profile Image for Martha.
Author 8 books10 followers
December 2, 2014
This is the second book in Reflection Pond series, by Kacey Vanderkarr. The first book leaves us on the verge, on the edge of our seats, so reading Poison Tree is almost a relief. You've spent months worrying about what will happen to Callie an Rowan, and now.... Well, you're dropped into back into our world, as our characters race to stop the destruction of their home. The magic, as in the first book is darkly beautiful, as are the fey, both good and evil. The twists and turns of journey are exciting and sometimes scary, but the best part for me was to watch Callie and Rowan test out their strength and define who they are, who they want to be. Where does the end leave us? I won't tell you that, only that I am eagerly awaiting the third installment, and that I will spend the time in between worry about the fate of Callie and all her friends.
Profile Image for Megan Beavers.
355 reviews
November 26, 2016
The sequel to The Reflection Pond did not disappoint.

I found myself several times wondering where Miss Kacey was taking me on this journey through her world, but I was never disappointed. I really appreciated the character development in this book. I was glad to learn more about the interworkings of the dynamic duo of Callie and Rowan.
This world created with the fae is so captivating that I could not put this book down even though I read it among holiday festivities. Even as I put down the second book, I am eagerly reaching for the third (even with the mixed feelings of the world soon coming to an end :( )

Everyone I've been talking to the past few days I have recommended the book to and I started buying copies for the readers in my life for Christmas!
Profile Image for Nevah.
84 reviews
April 30, 2016
The second book in the Reflection Pond series, Poison Tree, didn't disappoint. The story starts off with your feet on the ground running and like the characters you only get moments to breath before something else is happening. I found myself not wanting to put the book down when I got into it and when I did put it down, I found myself searching for ways to sneak in a few pages (which were never enough). I'm excited to finish series and get my hands on Torch Rock.
3 reviews
January 14, 2015
Action, romance, and adventure!

Great addition to this series. Poison Tree will not disappoint those who loved Reflection Pond and will leave you wanting more. Can't wait for the next addition.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,157 reviews19 followers
July 23, 2018
This was very disappointing. I wanted to give it more of a chance but I just couldn't get into it. I thought Book 1 Callie was a great character...Book 2 Callie was a bitch. Not that you can't be a bitch and a good character...it just made no sense here. There was no good reason for her to act as awful as she was.
Profile Image for Wendy C.
250 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2015
Poison Tree (Reflection Pond #2) by Kacey Vanderkarr

In Poison Tree (Reflection Pond #2) by Kacey Vanderkarr Callie and Rowan have left Eirensae’s for the human world and from there, they plan to drive in order to get to the portal for Fraeburdh. Unfortunately, when Rowan stops for gas, some of the Fallen kidnapped Callie and knocked Rowen out. The Fallen dispose of Rowan in a muddy pit behind the house the Fallen were staying at and put Callie in a cage to hold her so she could be sacrificed in order for the Fallen leader, Gildas to become Immortal.

One of Callie’s kidnappers, Gunner, ends up tending to her wounds on her wrists from the enchanted metals cuffs. Gunner then also helps Rowen out of the pit and they end up killing Gildas but only after he started cutting specific patterns into Callie’s flesh. Callie is a hair away from death and Rowen sends his power into her to heal and save her physically but she is extremely traumatized by the event.

Callie, Rowan and Gunner travel to San Diego to get to the portal for Fraeburdh. Callie was still a shell of herself. While at the hotel they were staying at, she got in a fight with Rowen and he walked out and ended up not returning.

Rowen ended up in a club and found his brother Coal who then took him into Fraeburdh to meet their father, King Arol. Prince Rowen then took his amulet and bound himself to Fraeburdh. Callie and Gunner ended up getting in to Fraeburdh and were reunited with Rowen. The King gives Callie an ultimatum which she does not comply with and the King has Coal torture Rowen in front of Callie until she says yes to his demands.

Rowans sister Ember hatches a plan with Callie to save her family, get the cauldron, sword and stone and get out of Fraeburdh. Shit hits the fan and they eventually find the cauldron and stone. Callie goes back into Fraeburdh to find the sword and Coal is able to get the amulet on Callie.

Kacey Vanderkarr does a great job at making the City of War seem dark and dangerous. The descriptive imagery makes for a whirlwind adventure as the reader goes through all the twist and turns in this book. The characters go through some very dark moments.

This book definitely delivers and is worth your time to read.

4.0 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki.
251 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2014
very excited to read and review this book, i will update my review once book is received and read
thank you
this is a lovely looking book. love how the cover is transparently showing both the girl and the tree.
very excited very excited i love fae lore and this books sounds like a perfect coming of age story. i really am hoping on finding the first book of the series to read before i get the second book
thanks again
i will finally be able to read this book. i will be doing a massive reading over the holidays
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