Oleander is an earth Fae who bears heavy scars upon her body and soul. Wronged by the King years ago, she's spent time trying to heal and to find a way to deliver retribution.
For the last thirty years, Lonan Stromwaters has been leading the rebellion against the usurper’s son, who now sits in the high throne.
Captain Kai Ignisroth has followed his milk brother Lonan from the moment they could walk. Finally close to their goal, he is devoted to their the downfall of the King and revenge for their family.
Now, with all the pieces falling into place throughout the lands of Faery, Oleander is determined to find what she considers the only a place in Lonan’s bed.
Tilly and her life partner live in the snowy north and homeschool their clutch of children. If she’s not reading, writing, mainlining iced oat milk lattes, swimming, or herding cats, she’s definitely cursing about her dead sourdough starter (again) or working on her cake decorating skills so she doesn’t embarrass herself at the kids’ bake sale.
This book was a blast. A badass FMC who escapes a dungeon she has been kept in for over a decade by her brother. She had been tortured and abused and is looking for revenge.
It's a spicy 🌶🌶🌶🌶, why choose, faerie and shifter romantasy. Loved every second of it and looking forward for book 2.
📚 Faerie smut 📚 Why choose 📚 Mated Bonds 📚 Found family 📚 Revenge
You ever read a book and you are like ‘oh this book is fun’ and then like halfway through are like ‘omg this book is hot!!’ That’s what reading The Poison of the Earth by @tillybramley is like lol. Thank you for the Tilly!
This was probably one of the spiciest books I’ve read this year, and I was here for it. 🤷🏻♀️ it was an entire vibe. But aside from that I loved the personality of the FMC Ollie, she was definitely a driven character and knew exactly how to play the game she was forced into. I loved her snarky attitude.
The ending definitely had me flipping to see if there was another chapter hidden somewhere. I know a lot of people don’t like cliffhangers but I don’t mind them. If I’m mad at the cliffhanger, that just means I am excited for the next book.
I wasn’t sure what to really expect going in the book, but I primarily hoped for a baddie heroine and I totally got her.
Ollie has been through a lot of abuse and losses through the hands of her own family, but she never gave up. And what was initially only a journey for revenge gave her so much more: two spirit mates, a doting husband, and good friends! Truly adorable found family.
Lonan and Kai, the leaders of the rebellion, are both so smart, fun, and hot af and they greatly care for Ollie and each other. Finnick is a last addition but I already like him, he’s such a cinnamon roll!
BUT omygod the ending??? How could you tease me like that???
Very late review (busy mum life) but this book was amazing! Oleander is such a strong, scarred FMC and I loved how determined she was to get her revenge. Lonan and Kai were both amazing in their own ways the loyalty, the tension, the rebellion brewing in the background. The slow building sexual tension had me kicking my feet. Tilly’s writing is incredible and I highly suggest this book to anyone and everyone!
Oleanders story has been everything. I love how she captures everyone who walks her way. The relationship between lonan and Kai had me melting and the fact they would do anything for Ollie is the cherry on top. Her trauma and will make this read intense. I loved it
This was a fantastic read. You have a feisty FMC who will do whatever it takes to get her revenge, a rebel commander and his general who will do whatever it takes to protect her. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ once the spice hits it just keeps coming.
There's a lot of positives for this book and series. First of all, I love a main character with multiple partners. Polyamory is an underrepresented relationship type. Next, truthfully, this book is loaded with smut. Each page with lavish you with a new and graphic depiction of something wild and sexy. Lastly, there's a revenge plot bubbling to the surface. All three of our main characters are out for blood. I bet it's going to get messy.
I'd love to see what our author does with this expansive world they're building!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book. Where to even begin? Its unhinged in all the most amazing ways. The FMC is a Queen in all the sense of the word. She knows what she wants and nothing is going to stop her. She will do ANYTHING within her power to make it happen. She makes it her job to get under the skin and in the mind of the MMCs. She knows just what to do and say to get what she wants and it leaves me laughing every time but also cheering for her. She is by no means a damsel in distress and I ate that up whole. The first MMC is a odd gentleman but enjoyable all the same. He does what he thinks is best for the better of his people including overthrowing an evil king. He looks at the FMC like a damsel in distress until she shows her true colors then gladly bows to her and gives her the respect she commands. He does the same to the second MMC followed by the third. He and the second MMC have known each other all their lives and have very strong feelings for each other. So they have their own relationship until FMC steps into the picture. The Second MMC where to even begin with him. Gods that man could smack me and I would thank him. The way Tilly has created this man and presented us with him. It was a gift and I will gladly accept it no questions ask. He is a strong man and makes its his duty to protect the FMC with his whole life while treating he like a delicate flower. The dirty talk he gives us left me gasping and at moments fanning myself. He loves fiercely and I loved it just as deeply. The third MMC comes in at the end so we don't get to much interaction with him but the small part we do is fantastic. The way he just fits in with the dynamic they have gotten into was beautiful. There is a scene with him that had me absolutely cackling and at one point threw my kindle and screamed like a scared raccoon. It was hilarious and I loved it. Tilly has a way of writing to keep you right on the edge of your seat and then dropping bombs on you that leave you gasping and clutching pearls. The spice is easily 5 peppers and left me hot and bothered. Many times I found myself screaming placing the book down and needing time to process the unhinged greatness I had just read. It was amazingly written and can't recommend it enough. The twists and turns that came in this book will have you craving even more. With the series not finished yet I am sad and can't wait for the rest of her crazy writing to come out in the rest of the books. It truly is an amazing first book and I look forward to the rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
❤️🔥🍁The Poison Of The Earth🍁❤️🔥 ✍🏼: @tillybramley (ARC)
📍Ratings
5⭐️ 3🌶️ 1🖤
📍ARC Review
Hello, my girly girls!
It's review day again, yay!
We're going to start this off on the right foot. I loved this book! It far exceeded my expectations. I started reading it with one thing in mind and finished it with my head spinning from how good it was (and we're talking excellent here).
We started the book with a glimpse of the FMC who arrives at our MMCs with hidden intentions, but I know you'll ask, what could that be? Well, let me tell you my lips are sealed because I don't give away spoilers🤭🙂↔️ However, I can tell you that the FMC is not the submissive kitten as she appears to be and that she has so much fire inside her that it leaves you speechless.
As for our MMCs, the author couldn't have played with me more because it was impossible to imagine everything that would happen. Let's start with Lonan, who is difficult to define at first, but a second later you end up loving him. And as you delve into the story we meet our beloved General Kai, whose motives I thought were mostly protective, but let me tell you, it's much more than that.
📍Do I recommend it?
WITHOUT A DOUBT! It's a book that should already be on your TBR, and if it's not… what are you waiting for?
Now, to give you a little more, The Poison of the Earth has been a very entertaining book to read. It has unique characters with attitudes that keep you hooked until you reach the end and say: “I need more,” because believe me, it happened to me.
It's a Romantasy that, in my opinion, is perfect for everyone. It has a very slight touch of darkness, due to certain traumas from the past, which makes it perfect.
So don't wait any longer and order The Poison of the Earth now. And when you have it, come back and tell me what you think.
Do you like your FMCs or MMCs to be dominant?
📍Si deseas leer la reseña en español, la podrás conseguir en mi perfil de instagram.
I loved Tilly’s Tangled Auras series, but Poison of the Earth? This one stomped in, kicked down the door, and said “I’m mommy now.” (almost quite literally, honestly) And you know what? I am here for it.
Oleander is a feral little goddess. The power this woman holds! She had these boys on their knees, begging, and then walked away like a damn queen. That switch energy? Devastating. She could ruin me and I’d say thank you. But when the tables turned and she went all soft and needy? Let’s just say, Oleander is absolutely my new obsession.
Then there’s Kai. This man… whew. I don’t usually fall for a redhead but THIS ONE? That filthy mouth. That eager-to-please, sword-wielding, whimpering-while-he-serves vibe?? Sir, you are unwell and so am I. Lonan? Let me just say: the punishment scen? Life-altering. That man could growl a command and I’d be halfway to the floor before I even realized. I absolutely ate their relationship up and add Ollie to the mix? Pure heaven.
I LOVE how Tilly did the bonds in this book. Such a unique take on the fated mate trope by adding in chosen bonds too. It gave the romance such depth and dimension. Like yes, soul ties are cute, but have you ever chosen to give your heart to someone even when you didn’t have to? I’m invested.
The plot is also giving. High stakes, immersive worldbuilding, and some real intrigue simmering beneath the surface. The cliffhanger wasn’t evil (thank the gods) but you know I’m waiting impatiently for that sequel because... I sense dragon sex on the horizon and I’m READY.
✨️I received this as an ARC, and I'm voluntarily leaving this review✨️
A fae story that feels faery! 🙌 If you're tired of fae who are basically hot humans with pointy ears, this one is for you. In this world, we get fae with topaz skin, coral eyes, mint hair, and shifters who can shift halfway between their fae and animal forms. We also get elemental magic, with a twist--not every elemental fae "looks" like the element they wield, and even within those elements, there are many types of magic. So it's possible for fae to be mistaken for wielders of a different element, or to hide their specific magic type to protect themselves.
Our FMC Oleander is determined, sassy, and has a dark past she's using to fuel her path forward. When she meets the leaders of Misery's Militia, the resistance against the usurper King Alder, she has to decide who to trust, and with how much.
Our MMCs, Lonan and Kai, are both members of the resistance. Commander Lonan is a stubborn, protective male with a long history of lovers...but his heart is spoken for. Kai is as fiery as his magic, and his intensity is only matched by his loyalty to those he cares for. They're both adorable, honestly.
If you like spice, poly romance, and even a little play with control, this is for you. 👀
The ending is the perfect blend of resolution and tension for the next book, which is critical for a first book in a series. Some fail to resolve anything and feel unsatisfying, others resolve too much and don't pull you into the next installment. This was the perfect balance of the two.
This has been on my TBR for a while since I am an ARC reader for book 2 in this series and it is a crime but I just now read this book. This is one of the best why choose fantasies that I’ve read. The world building and the magic system is so intriguing and I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read more and book 2. I also love the political intrigue and sub plot with the rebellion and the royalty. The character characters are also very lovable. The chemistry between Lonan, Oleander, and Kai was just so addictive and I can’t wait to see how the addition of Finnick will turn out. I highly recommend this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 348 pages
Release Date 🌟 6/1/25
Format 💫 Kindle Unlimited
Series 🌙 Spirit Bound, #1
Genre/Tropes ✨ why choose, fantasy, the Fae, magical creatures, political intrigue, rebellions, royalty, secret identity, hidden princess, MM, MF, MMF, arranged marriage, marriage of convenience
Favorite Character ☀️ Oleander
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘I will give him up. I would give up everything if necessary. I knew this long before I loved him.’
“I was locked in a cell for near a decade! I didn’t see the sun, or the stars, or the trees! I was beaten and abused and when I was lucky, forgotten. So-fucking-sorry if I don’t have blade skills!”
Oleander/Allie has a seret and she is keeping it closely guarded. I have to say I’m invested. And there so much going on and I don’t want to spoil it for someone, hot damn, this books just keeps on coming, and coming, in all the best ways! You cants just leave it like that are you kidding. I’m never been so mad at a cliffhanger before. I was right when I said I was probably going to cease to live due to the anticipation of the next book in the series.
Key points in no particular order: - M/M + Oleander/Allie has a seret and she is keeping it closely guarded. I have to say I’m invested. And there so much going on and I don’t want to spoil it for someone, hot damn, this books just keeps on coming, and coming, in all the best ways! You cants just leave it like that are you kidding. I’m never been so mad at a cliffhanger before. I was right when I said I was probably going to cease to live due to the anticipation of the next book in the series.
Key points in no particular order: - M/M + M/F/M + F/M – secrets – warring factions – evil kings – familial genocide – fated mates/ soul bound – Past abuse – blood play + knife play – sub/dom + Praise kink – dragons – shifters – elementals – revenge
Oleander, an earth Fae burned by betrayal, has waited decades for vengeance. Now, as rebellion ignites under Lonan Stromwaters’ command, and Captain Kai Ignisroth marches beside him, the final game begins. Faery trembles, and Oleander is done healing. She’s ready to reclaim her power, her justice—and maybe a place in Lonan’s bed. This debut completely caught me off guard in the best way. Bramley has built a dark, vivid world full of rebellion, dragons, soul bonds—and characters so painfully beautiful they’ll stay with you long after you’re done. Ollie is bold, flawed, real—and she fights for her identity and survival in a world that constantly tries to break her. Her dynamic with Lonan and Kai is tender and intense, and the polyamory representation? Done with so much care and emotional depth. You really feel them growing through grief, pain, and love, together. Yes, the spice is high. Blood play, knife play, kink—and always with clear consent and emotional grounding. But it’s not just about the heat. Beneath it all is a story that hits the soul: it’s about trauma, rebellion, and found family. About the softness that still exists in the midst of chaos. This isn’t just a fantasy book. It’s a full-body experience—gritty, feral, and deeply human.
Oh this one will have you up late, speed reading, eating up every word of Tilly's writing. The banter, the praise, the protectiveness, oh boy!
FMC is brought into the rebel gaol as an abused maid from the enemy castle, however little do they know she's the enemy's sister. Shortly after arrival, she's given a proper room amd interrogated. After multiple brief interactions with the rebel leader, she is befuddled by and inextricable attraction and fascination with him.
MMC 1 is instantly obsessed with the maid brought in from the enemy castle. He simply cannot leave her alone. His heart mate, and his general (MMC 2) is bothered with his strange obsession. Little does MMC 1 know...MMC 2 is equally as enamored with the little maid.
As the maid's true identity is revealed and so are all of the brewing feelings, the three must learn what their coexistence means for the rebellion and what they must do to exact their revenge.
Oleander has been held captive & tortured by her murderous king brother for 10 years, she escapes & runs straight to his enemies! She wants revenge & thinks becoming an ally with the rebels will help her get it. After being purposefully captured by them she works her way into the heart & bed of Commander Logan, realising they are spirit mates. But there’s also a hard to ignore pull to General Kai too… Lots of excellent spicy scenes, MMF, why choose, found family, fated mates, revenge driven FMC, protective MMC’s… it’s got all the elements for a very good story line, the end of the book left me needing to know what happens next! Only small issues for me were the use of some words like ‘mayhap’ which my brain just wasn’t keen on & the segway between plot/story & spice sometimes felt rushed. If you like well written, slightly kinky & unhinged spicy scenes with a good fantasy plot then give it a try!
"I am yours: spirit, body, mind. I will love you through all lifetimes, baby."
This was my first book by Tilly Bramley, and I loved it! I really enjoyed the world building because I thought it was a unique take on Fae and their powers. The romance was top tier! The banter, the tension and the chemistry between Lonan, Kai and Ollie was perfect! I loved reading their POVs, and the spice was sooooo HOT! I mean the candle scene and the strap on scene *chef's kiss*. I loved everything about this book! And the queer rep 🥹🥹🥹 What a great read, perfect for Pride Month (but really any month). Also, I loved the griffins! They were so cute, and I loved the names Ollie gave them. I feel like the ending wasn't a huge cliffhanger, but I still NEED book two asap!
Thank you Tilly Bramley for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
I was unsure at first how much I would like this book, but with every chapter I liked it more and more!!
Let me start by saying that fans of Quicksilver by Callie Hart, The Kings of Avalier Series by Leia Stone, and Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas (to varying degrees of spicy and trigger warnings) will like this one!! I would highly recommend reading it if you liked any of the above.
This was probably the second series I have read where the MC's are poly, and, as a poly person, this one made me squeal and kick my feet throughout the story.
You've got a badass FMC learning what it's like to be happy while fighting for her people.
There were spots I felt could have been a bit slower pace wise - more detailed or less quickly resolved. However, it was a good read! I finished it in one sitting.
One of my favorite reads of the year here! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 is the fantasy read you’ve been looking for. Magic, humor & banter, intrigue, spice - it has it all and I didn’t get lost in the world building, which I sometimes do.
These three! I could not put this down once I was finally able to start reading! I adore Ollie and enjoyed witnessing her growth throughout this story. Tilly Bramley can weave a tale - she immerses you in their world, feeling all the emotions with them! I only have one complaint and that is that we have to wait for book 2!
“I’m not a gentleman, sweetheart, and I’ll be happy to show you why over and over again, whenever you wish it.”
This romantasy was literally EVERYTHING!!! And the spice was HOT🌶🌶🌶🌶🔥😍😍 Oh my goodness. This author did an amazing job on this story! The fae world was so easy to get lost in, and I wish I could just jump right into this book and join them🤣🙌😍
Oleander is an Earth Fae who has been wronged by the King years ago. Now she's looking for a way to punish him.
The MMC's were amazing🔥🔥 Between her, the general, and the rebel commander, the rebellion and the chemistry were top tier!! I desperately need the next book!! I can't wait to find out what's going to take place next!
I love the class/power system in this book. I can't wait to dive in and really explore more of the powers, worlds and histories of the main characters. This was a great book 1 intro into this world and this series.
The characters were well developed, the plot was chef's kiss, the spice was spicing. If you're looking for the next big romantasy hit, look no farther. I am so lucky to be part of Tilly's ARC team. Thank you to the author for a copy, this review is left voluntarily and honestly.
I loved that this grabbed my attention from the start! I was hooked and wanted to know more about the characters and the world. The twist and turns had me captivated! I loved each of the MC’s. All three added different personalities that made their dynamics work so well! As always, Tilly Bramley delivers authentic, emotionally complex and and affirming characters. Tilly also delivers on the spice and heat! Several scenes will live in my mind for ever! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you for the advanced copy!
Do not walk… RUN to read this! I was drawn in from the very beginning wanting to know what was going to happen and what the fmc was up to. The dynamic between the MCs was amazing and when the spice started?! The spice hit nice and hard and kept coming. This is one of the spicier books I’ve read this year and it had me making feral raccoon noises each time. I NEED the rest of this series to come out to feed my new craving! 5⭐️ no doubt! 4🌶️
I definitely did not know what to expect when I started this book. At first I was overwhelmed with so much world building information but then I was intrigued with what was going on. I didn’t expect to be completely absorbed the later half of the book. Maybe it was the smut? Maybe it was the need to know what the FMC was going to do.
Overall an interesting read where you’re on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what happens next.
Wow, what really stands out is Ollie. She is such a vibrant, unforgettable character! I love her personality, i love her vibes, i love her humour, i love her resilient. She doesnt back down, she's fuel with revenge and loads of love. And her bonded? Your every dream. The magical faery world was so beautifully built; I didn’t want to leave it! Grateful for the opportunity!
I loved this book. It was wild and super spicy. Ollie is so funny and snarky which was super entertaining. She was feisty and went after what she wanted, which I loved. I don't want to give away any spoilers but in this book there is no slow burn, just fated mates type of a deal and it worked with the story. Ollie teams up with Lonan and Kai who are in charge a rebellion to overthrow the King. I need book 2!!!!
This story follows the journey of Oleander who will do whatever it takes to get her revenge. It features a few romantic leads, fated mates & arranged marriage. The ending is interesting, is there anything Ollie wouldn’t do? Excited for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Badass FMC!!! Smart, sassy, spicy and doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s gone through a lot but still moves forward. Mating with 2 hot MMC. So excited for the next book in the series!!!