The Tao of Poison

by Isham Cook

A poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency.

Polyandry—one or more males moving in and sharing the wife’s bed with her husband’s consent in exchange for money or labor—was common among the impoverished in Imperial China, though illegal, and the polyandrous Yan family in rural Shaanxi Province take in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family’s rumored polyandry and extorts sex from their beautiful 17-year-old daughter, Qiezi. She happens to be addicted to the psychoactive, poisonous datura flower, and the toxins in her system are fatal to the constable. Now on the run as a murder suspect, Qiezi leaves a trail of sexual carnage wherever she goes. But a larger cataclysm awaits her when she gets caught up in the White Lotus Rebellion (1796-1804), which caused the deaths of 200,000 rebels, government troops, and civilians. Picaresque action, dark humor, and irony unfold in this visceral and cinematic novel.

Genres: Contemporary, Drama, Book Club, Novels

245 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2025

About the author

American essayist and novelist. His writing philosophy is big concept, discriminating, provocative. His influences are Ballard, Beckett, Borges, Dick, Kafka, Hesse, Melville, Mishima, Sade, and all uncompromising authors who bulldoze their way into new territory. Tinkers with comfort zones.

Kirkus Reviews calls his second novel The Kitchens of Canton "poignant...language barriers abound, with dialogue in Cantonese, Italian, and Latin, but Cook isn’t merely interested in verbal language—body language, customs and rituals, and symbols are also on full display. The book also explores Americans’ complicated relationship with sex, juxtaposing it against their seemingly comfortable relationships with weapons and violence. An insightful, unconventional, and risqué view of present-day culture."

His wide-ranging literary tastes mirror his equally eclectic musical tastes—classical (medieval through contemporary), jazz, rock, folk, world (Peking Opera, Balinese Gamelan, Indian ragas). He is a citizen of the world, having lived in the US, Canada, England, Germany, Japan, and (currently since the mid-90s) China, and traveled to many more. Websites:

IshamCook.com

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/8vq55j/Isha...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/ent...

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isham...

Reviews

[Aaqilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever heard of the term The Vishakanya? They were women from ancient Indian legend raised from a young age on small doses of venom, where their body became a source of poison, and their blood and bodily fluids were poisonous to other humans.

And this book is based on that idea and is mainly about a girl that leaves a trail of sexual carnage wherever she goes. It’s literally touch her or get intimate with her or die.

I picked this book purely based on the synopsis, and it was extremely fast paced, the chapters and POVs well done, but it did also remind me of another book I read sometime back that has traumatized me to this day, Beautiful You by Chuck Palahnuik. Tao of Poison is similar to it, except if it was set in Imperial China and had an actual plot that went somewhere and an ending that made sense.

It was refreshing to read a book set in east asia and learn so many new things, especially foot binding, a practice I never knew existed until I read this and made the mistake of checking out google images and then crying for all the women that went through this.

I liked how fast paced the book was, kept the reader intrigued, had a suspense, but it did, a little bit feel like the sex scenes were a bit overdone? It is to be expected in a plot like this, but there were moments where it felt like filler, and a bit of writing down fantasies on ink.

There’s quite a bit of sexual harassment, abuse and non consensual scenes, so anyone with triggers, proceed with caution.

The author has done some really great research, a lot has gone into writing this book, and I honestly think this should be hyped up, with the right audience, this could be a booktok and booktube fame considering how unique the plot is.

This felt like a fever dream but in a complimentary way.

OVERALL RATING: 4.2/5

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

this story takes place in ancient China. The wife shares a bed with the husband's consent for money.
and this novel is crazy. years qiezi took the poison and she becomes immune to it but if anyone shares bed with her dies in a day.
so the novel tells the journey of main character. it explores themes of sex and betrayal.

it takes place end of 19 th century and early of 20th century China.
novel have some crazy acts of sex unfolded.

liked it. good read.

[Luke Stables · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No one could make up a story this crazy" one of the characters in this novel exclaims about halfway through, and I have to say that the same could very well be said of The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook. The setting and way the plot develops is truly unique and I think will be very hard to forget to anyone who takes the time to read this work of historical fiction. It takes place in an era of Chinese history that I believe few will have any real knowledge of, which perhaps allows the author to have some ley way in introducing some seemingly novel approaches to medicine and sexual relations.

I am not personally one for writing book reviews (let alone long ones), so I will simply say that this was a fun read that I enjoyed a lot. The novel is set at a blistering pace (if anything perhaps a little too blistering) and the last thing you could say about it would be that it was boring. Being a speaker of Chinese myself and interested in Daoist philosophy I think allowed me a greater appreciation of some aspects of the novel that might be available to people not so acquainted, however I doubt that would detract from enjoyment of the book.

I would say though that the sheer number of characters and names can be sometimes daunting. At one point a character says "Are they the two beautiful girls who came in with you? I already can't remember anyone's name". Yes quite, it was at times a bit hard to figure out what exactly was going on together with the motivations of the characters, but anyway, I will put that down to my own ignorance and lack of awareness.

The attention to detail the author displays in his obvious knowledge of Chinese medicine and Daoist practices helps make the plot come alive and give it credibility, even though perhaps the premise is ‘objectively’ rather absurd. Regardless, if you are happy to let an author take you wherever they want to go and have fun, not get hung up on minor details, you will surely have fun with The Tao of Poison.

[Smita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about a 17 years old girl name Qiezi who comes from a poor family who practice polyandry to make the family financially stable which was illegal .....but later Qiezi's family got into a tragic incident due to which she had to escape from her village and that's how her story started....telling about her journey, difficulties and reality that she had to face during her journey.........

The girl name Qiezi was brave girl who had a great knowledge about the herbal medicine and poison which she learnt from her mother...... but her mother had to taught this art of medicine secretly to her daughter because during that time women were not allowed to get educated that's why her mother teach her this art at home.......

The tragic took place when her family invite two carpenter for the work in her house but one the carpenter got involved in neighbour's murder due which her family illegal work of polyandry was discovered and constable ask Qiezi for sexual pleasure to keep the secret and Qiezi agreed but soon the constable died due to the poison in the Qiezi body that later became trouble to her and she had to escape from village ...During her escape, Qiezi travels through mountains, temples, hermitages, and rebel camps, each place teaching her different lessons. At hermitages, where Daoist monks and nuns taught her in spiritual meditation, inner alchemy, and Taoist philosophy, helping her understand balance and self-control and in rebel camps, she witnesses the harsh realities of society, such as poverty, violence, and moral dilemmas, which test her courage and gave her ethical understanding. She also continues her mother’s legacy by healing the wounded, and she experiments with stronger, riskier herbs, deepening her knowledge of the dangerous duality of poison and medicine.

Overall The Tao of Poison is more than a historical novel; it is a philosophical and psychological exploration of power, survival, and the delicate balance between life and death.Qiezi’s journey reflects the complexity of a woman during the ancient times where the wisdom contains suffering and isolation.......The novel uses her poisonous body as a powerful symbol — her very touch embodies both creation and destruction, reflecting the Taoist principle that duality is inherent in all things.
At the end novel makes the reader think about the price of knowledge and the sacrifices needed to keep balance in life......

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author seems to have quite the list of books out there, but this is the first I’ve read from him. I love the layered poison theme in the book, and how the characters and plot are crafted in a way that keeps the read feeling fast without being rushed.
  Qiezi is a very interesting character, in the best of ways. She is different, smart, and interesting from the very beginning (who, at 17, has entire botany tomes she's penned). Her struggle and journey through a very oppressive society are in equal parts impressive and terrifying. I found myself really sucked into the story quickly and was eager to return to it when I needed to step away for real life. This is a great book, very engaging and an interesting topic written in a way that doesn’t bog the reader down with historical facts and detail, while still presenting well as historical fiction laced with facts. Very well done; recommend.

[Arthur Meursault · Rating 3 out of 5]

On page 193 of 234 in Isham Cook’s The Tao of Poison, just when we are starting to see the end of the book in sight, one of the characters exclaims “I can’t keep all these names straight.”

You and me both, Yaoyao.

A summary perusal of Goodreads will reveal that I have reviewed numerous books by Isham Cook and generally am quite favourable. Isham always has a knack with wordplay, even when the topic is not one of immediate interest to me. However, I have stated before in my reviews of his fiction and non-fiction that Isham may be in danger of becoming too self-referential by focusing in ever decreasing circles on his go-to topics of China, drugs, polyamory, and massage.

In his new fiction book, The Tao of Poison, long-time followers of Isham Cook will be unsurprised to discover that the plot focuses on the four themes of China, drugs, polyamory, and massage.

Isham is an accomplished writer, but in this tale of a cast of dozens of characters and how they deal with the tumultuous happenings of the White Lotus Rebellion that took place during the mid-Qing dynasty, the protagonists have a tendency to inevitably be pulled back into discussions on the merits of polyamory, the benefits of massage, and the mind-opening qualities of natural drugs chapter after chapter. Many situations in the book result in everybody stripping off and raping or grabbing the closest person next to them. I didn’t live in Qing dynasty China but I wondered at times how society could possibly function when everyone was too busy raping at every possible minute. Sometimes the sex scenes baffled me. Two women cross mountains and dangerous territory to escape from danger, but inexplicably the main character stops to force her travelling companion to lick her vagina, despite knowing that it will most likely kill her. I still don’t understand why she did this.



A lot happens in the book. After the initial few chapters I was never quite clear exactly what was going on. Everybody is either escaping from somewhere or heading to somewhere else. Sometimes they are fleeing rebels and bandits; sometimes they are following rebels and bandits. Towards the end the cast of characters find themselves involved with a full-on rebellion against the government and in charge of an army. It was hard to find the motivation of why all these characters were always so busy crossing provinces and engaging in impromptu orgies. Often they seem to fall into situations rather than having individual agency - though perhaps that could be a true reflection of how life in China has been for its population throughout history.

One of the reasons for the confusion is the naming of characters. There are dozens of characters in the book that come and go: new characters are still being introduced to the story even in the very last chapter. Some characters seem to disappear never to materialise again; others appear and reappear. However, the Chinese names are hard to keep track of even for this reader familiar with the Chinese language. To compound matters, characters in the book frequently change name - sometimes more than once - and many characters share almost identical names like Jue’yi, Jue’er, and Jue’san. At some point you just give up trying to keep up.

The tone of the book is sometimes inconsistent. Certain chapters are mostly written in short lines of dialogue while others (especially when describing medicinal herbs or historical incidents) transform into a dense and scholarly tone. At one point in the second chapter the narration turned to the second person and referred to me - the reader - as a washer woman, but this was never repeated again. Was this an editing inconsistency, or was it intentional? I don’t know.

This all sounds particularly harsh, but it is only because I do wish Isham would turn his accomplished penmanship to other topics. As demonstrated in his essay collections, Isham is at his best when displaying his vast range of knowledge on an eclectic range of topics as diverse as medieval musical instrument craftsmanship to the interior decor of modern coffee shops. I still recommend The Tao of Poison, especially for the deep level of historical research Isham has put into this work (not to mention the in-depth knowledge of medicinal herbs), but I do wish he would write a fiction novel that focused on some new motifs.

[Lloyd Lofthouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s a Healer, but her body is death

The Tao of Poison is a powerful, believable story set in 18th century China during the White Lotus Rebellion. The nine-year conflict heavily impacted many districts in central China, leading to widespread losses in the mountainous regions separating Sichuan, Hubei, and Shaanxi provinces.

Qiezi, 17, has practiced mithridatism, a method of building poison resistance, for most of her life. Her body has become toxic. She also studied China’s famous encyclopedia of healing and learned from experts how to heal illness naturally.

Early in the story, a powerful Qing Dynasty official threatens her and her family if she won’t have sex with him. She warns the man that her body is poisonous. The man doesn’t believe her. After he dies, Qiezi and her family are blamed for the powerful official’s death and become fugitives.

Separated from her family while on the run, Qiezi eventually reunites with them after joining a group of Chinese Taoists. These Taoists practice consensual partnered or multi-partnered intimacy to harness sexual energy for self-improvement and spiritual development.

Still, what these Taoists practice is illegal. If caught, they will be executed.
This is a fascinating story of survival in a dangerous China.

[Quincy Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sex, drugs, and Imperial China - this has to be the most Isham Cook book I've ever read!

Set during the White Lotus Rebellion, The Tao of Poison follows the exploits of a young woman named Qiezi, whose body has taken on lethal properties owing to her addiction to a rare plant, the mantuoluo (or datura). The premise/device is laudable for its inventiveness and imbues the book with a real sense of metaphorical resonance, as Qiezi fluctuates between power and vulnerability throughout the course of her journey. Cook's command of history is on full display - the setting is richly imagined - as is his knowledge of botany, which makes the story unique. At times, I was reminded of both Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer and Kill Bill.

This book is not for the faint of heart, however. Its explicit content is pervasive, and the pacing feels a bit uneven at points: readers need to be patient for the main story to get going, while other scenes feel too dialogue-heavy, making it challenging to follow along. If you are looking for a boundary-pushing, erotic historical fantasy, though, The Tao of Poison has plenty of intrigue and weirdness to offer.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘There’s a market for her type. Connoisseurs of unbound feet’ – Eastern secrets!

American author Isham Cook lives in Beijing, China and writes novels and essays that, while being educational and immensely entertaining to read, are marvelously controversial. His spectrum includes subject matter embracing censorship, gender issues, politics, prostitution, morals, education and on and on. His books to date: EXACT UNKNOWN, AMERICAN ROCOCO, LUST & PHILOSOPHY, MASSAGE AND THE WRITER, AT THE TEAHOUSE CAFÉ, THE KITCHENS OF CANTON, CONFUCIUS AND OPIUM, THE MUSTACHIOED WOMAN OF SHANGHAI, and now THE TAO OF POISON.

In his infectious style of writing, Cook vividly opens his novel describing the Poison Maiden, Qiezi, as an excerpt suggests: ‘Her ear held a flower. Long, white and tubular, which she now took in her fingers. Pressing the splayed petals together, she moistened them in her mouth, twisting them into a point so that the flower held firm as she guided it inside her up to the stem…’ Interest captured, Cook provides an overview of his psychological thriller – ‘‘Polyandry—one or more males moving in and sharing the wife's bed with her husband's consent in exchange for money or labor—was common among the impoverished in Imperial China, though illegal, and the polyandrous Yan family in rural Shaanxi Province take in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family's rumored polyandry and extorts sex from their beautiful 17-year-old daughter, Qiezi. She happens to be addicted to the psychoactive, poisonous datura flower, and the toxins in her system are fatal to the constable. Now on the run as a murder suspect, Qiezi leaves a trail of sexual carnage wherever she goes. But a larger cataclysm awaits her when she gets caught up in the White Lotus Rebellion (1796-1804), which caused the deaths of 200,000 rebels, government troops, and civilians. Picaresque action, dark humor, and irony unfold in this visceral and cinematic noveL’

Creating characters of extraordinary interest, Cook makes this novel not only an entertaining read, but also an ‘insider’s look’ at the ‘pleasure market’ of China – and beyond! This is refreshing writing - a very well scribed social commentary

[Kevin Mcgeary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In publishing, the own-voices movement is highly fashionable. This provides a huge challenge to authors trying to write about cultures that are foreign to both themselves and their target readers.
Isham Cook has been based in China since 1994, and has written several novels set in the Middle Kingdom. His novels are characterised by highly accomplished prose and plotting, but hampered from finding a larger readership by today’s publishing climate.

‘The Tao of Poison’ seamlessly introduces bizarre (to us) aspects of its historic world, for example foot binding. The central character’s lack of bound feet immediately set her apart as head-strong, even something of a girl-boss.

As always with Cook, there is strong characterisation. The protagonist is called Qiezi (eggplant). It is explained early on that ‘she was always bringing in eggplant flowers as a child and sticking them in her hair.

There is also a colourful cast of supporting characters that helps weave in the world-building. There is an early discussion about allowing women to enter temple on their ‘unfortunate days’, ie their menstrual cycle.

Socio-historical insights include the phenomenon of Zhaofu Yangfu, a form of polyandry that was illegal but common. Qiezi, with her unbound feet, not to mention her dark complexion, is deemed to have no marriage prospects.

The line-by-line writing is also strong, except for the occasional lazy simile eg ‘darting like a cat’
The portrayal of sexual assault is another reason why the book would struggle to find a mainstream publisher. At the end of chapter 1, Qiezi inadvertently poisons the despicable Qing Da - who has forced her into transactional sex - due to the toxins in her body. This is just the first time she outsmarts a man who underestimates her.

Qiezi’s adventures sweep through Qing Dynasty China in a way that provide a history lesson in themselves. So this book is highly recommended, in contrast with much of the safe and superficial historical fiction that currently passes muster.

[Ana lee un amigo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tao of Poison creates its own universe, where manipulation and historical fiction come together to offer a captivating story.

I think what impressed me most was Qiezi's personality, who despite being 17 years old, can detach herself from her emotions to achieve her goal. Having said that, and describing her as someone astute and skillful, I could see that in her there is a bit of that naivety that adolescence brings.

It's a book that requires a lot of attention, in my case, because I got lost several times due to the characters' names, although I think if you're someone who reads or has some knowledge of Chinese culture, then you shouldn't have any problems. Although I still advise you to pay close attention.

Thanks to Booktasters for the opportunity to read this book.
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The Tao of poison crea su propio universo, en donde la manipulación, la ficción histórica se unen para ofrecer una historia atrapante.

Creo que lo que más me impactó fue la personalidad de Qiezi, quien a pesar de tener 17 años, puede desprenderse de sus emociones para cumplir su objetivo. Ahora dicho esto, y describiéndola como alguien astuta, hábil, pude ver que en ella hay un poco de esa ingenuidad que brinda la adolescencia.

Es un libro al cual hay que prestarle mucha atención, en mi caso, porque me perdí en varias ocasiones por los nombres de los personajes, aunque creo que si eres alguien que lee o tiene un poco de referencias con la cultura China, pues no tienes porque tener inconvenientes. Aunque igual te aconsejo prestarle mucha atención.

Recomendado para quienes buscan historias diferentes, donde la aventura, ficción histórica sean la base de estas.

Gracias a Booktasters por la oportunidad para poder leer este libro.

[İlkay · Rating 3 out of 5]

firstly, it was an enjoyable reading from the little starter event (Qiezi's family's gotten caught having illicit sex affairs and one of the runners wants to rape qiezi as a hush pay) to a big rebellion involving thousands.
i liked paragraphs about flowers and their effects and people's perspectives about medicine and doctors and healers. and i very much loved when we saw qiezi's deep connection with medicine and her amazing abilities being put to use.
and as much as i loved their journey, it failed to make any sense to me as the rebellion part took only last 30 pages or so and this book made it all about it.
i also think that it might be because of my lack of information about chinese history in general; it also means that this book is not for casual readers or for those who have no connections to chinese customs/history and such. and the editorial lack of explanation for chinese words scattered across the story -which is a lot- makes it hard to be a smooth a read because you have to come and go between your chrome tabs and books app like a pinpon game.
i love that a strong and independant woman like qiezi is our main character but i find her backstory lacking for readers to connect with her further. personally i find our conglomerate and their little back stories more interesting. and i wanted them to stay as more of a group rather than pairings like the last chapter of the book. and i sensed the last events of the books -yaoyao giving birth and qiezi's real name reveal and when their crimes were said out loud- made niche references and were shocking as the dotes were finally connected but again -as i said before- i failed to catch their meaning.
overall, this book is not for general target audience.

[Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that smells of river water, blood, incense, and rot. It left a bitter taste. I mean that as praise.
The Tao of Poison begins in a place of bodily danger and never really leaves it. Isham Cook writes Imperial China not as a polished historical backdrop, but as a lived and contaminated world, full of mud, hunger, superstition, law, lust, and people trying to survive inside arrangements that were never built for mercy. The violence is often immediate, sometimes grotesque, but what lingers more strongly is the atmosphere around it. Everything feels damp. Watched. Close to spoiling.
Qiezi is not softened for the reader, which is one of the novel’s strengths. She is frightening, wounded, funny in flashes, and strangely empty in the way people become empty when the world has handled them too roughly too early. Her poisonous body could have become a simple device, but the book makes it feel like fate, curse, appetite, and defense at once. She moves through the novel less like a heroine than like a fever passing from room to room.
What impressed me most is the way the larger history gathers around her. The White Lotus Rebellion does not arrive as a clean grand event. It rises out of poverty, humiliation, desire, religious hunger, and the accumulated pressure of ordinary lives crushed too long. The book understands that rebellion is not only ideology. Sometimes it is a village, a rumor, a body, a god, a girl with poison in her blood.
There is dark humor here, but it is not relief. It is another blade. The novel can be obscene, violent, and almost absurd, yet underneath all of that is a very serious attention to power and the uses people make of one another.

[Deborah Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook. For me, it was a solid 4-star read.

One thing I love in a book is when it opens my eyes to things I’ve never come across before, and this one definitely did. For instance, I first learnt about foot binding and lotus feet here, which pushed me to look up more about it on my own. The book also sparked my curiosity about religious sects in early China, like the Daoists and Buddhists, and the strange mix that was the White Lotus Society. I even went further to read about the White Lotus Rebellion afterwards.

This book is intriguing, and several parts honestly shocked me 😂. The sexual abandon on display was both surprising and refreshing. It’s the kind of book that constantly challenges your usual way of thinking.

One character that stood out to me was Qiezi. I loved seeing a woman in such a position of power, and I have to admit, I didn’t mind at all that the despicable men who tried things with her ended up meeting their deaths. What struck me most was the sameness of so many men in their delusions of having rights to a woman’s body. It’s frustrating to see how often men will just go along with other men’s cruelty instead of standing against it.

Overall, this was a really good read. The only part I didn’t fully get was when Commander Wang left — that part still feels unclear to me.

I received this book courtesy of Booktasters, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something different, refreshing, and thought-provoking.

[Swati Tanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who is actually poisonous in this story?"

I went into The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook expecting a historical thriller, but honestly, it turned out to be so much stranger, darker, and more immersive than I expected, in a good way.

The character that completely pulled me into the story was Qiezi. From the moment her life starts spiraling after the events in her village, I couldn’t stop wondering how she was going to survive everything thrown at her. And trust me, Isham Cook does not make things easy for her. Between corrupt officials, predatory men, dangerous journeys down the river, and the constant fear surrounding her knowledge of poison, the book keeps this heavy tension hanging over almost every chapter.

By the end, I kept thinking about how poison works in the novel, not just literally, but emotionally and socially too. Who is actually poisonous in this story? The girl who understands toxins? Or the people around her who abuse power, exploit fear, and hide cruelty behind morality?

If you like historical fiction that feels atmospheric, dangerous, and completely different from the usual formula, The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook is absolutely worth picking up. It’s unsettling, gripping, and the kind of book that’s hard to stop thinking about afterward.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to find the point of this. I've read a few books on ancient China and usually enjoyed them. I thought this would have been a similar read, but I was sorely wrong.

At times this book felt like an exposition on medicine, which I enjoyed. The author explained at great lengths different plants and their uses. There was mention of massages and their healing benefits, also enjoyable. Juxtaposed to that, however, were random (to me) sexual encounters that just did not seem to fit the current narratives.

I am left wondering how deviant was China at that time that men would find it more important to rape defenseless women than to escape impending war or even help them. But women were also doing it... so fair game, I guess. Not forgetting the polyamorous couples disguised as healing masseuses...?

I had to suspend belief a lot to try and make sense of what was happening. Like one of the main characters being poisonous and forcing her travel companion to lick her groin as motivation to move IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOREST. Or said character suddenly being appointed decoy leader of a rebel group without any discussion.

There's a lot more I could say about this book but I'll just end this review by saying, this was not one of my fav reads for the year but grateful to BookTasters for introducing me to it.

[TiaTia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books you finish and immediately want to talk through with someone who will not flinch. The Tao of Poison is absolutely one of those.
This is not a soft historical novel, and I mean that as both a warning and a compliment. Qiezi stayed with me in that unsettling, fascinating way some characters do when they are written with danger, intelligence, and real emotional complication. She is not simply a victim, not simply a weapon, not simply an oddity. She is all of those things at different moments, and watching her move through a world that keeps trying to use her opens up so much to discuss.
What I appreciated most was how alive the book felt. The setting has grit under its fingernails, the humour is dark, and the violence of the White Lotus Rebellion gives the whole story a force that keeps pressing in. If you have ever been in a book club where one person says, “I’m not sure I liked that scene, but I cannot stop thinking about it,” this is exactly that kind of read.
I actually found myself explaining Qiezi to someone before I had even finished the book, which is always a sign. Would make a brilliant book club choice. Who gets to be dangerous, and who gets called monstrous for surviving?

[Sonny Kohet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read.
The Tao of Poison sees a poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency collide.
Beautiful 17-year-old, Qiezi is addicted to the psychoactive, poisonous datura flower, and the toxins in her system are fatal to any who have sex with her.
Fleeing from murder charges following the death of a constable who raped her, she travels through parts of Hubei-Shaanxi-Sichuan at the time of the White Lotus Rebellion, leaving a trail of dead rapists in her wake.
Looking for peace and safety, Qiezi is unable to escape her abilities as a healer, and her fame finds her leading a team of healers, many of whom are lesbians, whose company she craves but her toxic addiction makes direct sexual contact impossible.
Eventually she is forced into assuming the identity of a rebel leader. Her extraordinary abilities, ensure she becomes a leader in whatever role is thrust upon her, despite it appears a desire to live a simple life with a few female companions.
A unique exploration of culture, history, rebellion, and sexual freedom which often seems to surface in times of uncertainty.

[Tanata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bold and unconventional historical novel that blends dark humor, social commentary, and adventure into a gripping narrative set during Imperial China. Centered on Qiezi, a young woman whose extraordinary circumstances thrust her into a dangerous and chaotic world, the story explores themes of survival, power, morality, and societal expectations. Cook vividly recreates the historical backdrop of the White Lotus Rebellion, immersing readers in a turbulent era marked by conflict and uncertainty. The novel’s richly detailed setting, complex characters, and fast-paced plot create an engaging reading experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. While the story does not shy away from difficult subjects, it uses them to examine human nature and the consequences of oppression, corruption, and desperation. Distinctive in both style and subject matter, The Tao of Poison offers a compelling blend of history, satire, and drama that will appeal to readers seeking a unique and memorable literary journey.

[Khushi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tao of Poison is not an easy or comforting read, it feels intense from the very beginning and pulls you into a harsh world where survival matters more than morality. The story follows Qiezi, a girl who feels both fragile and dangerous at the same time, shaped by her deep knowledge of herbs and poison and by the brutal realities around her. What really stands out is how unapologetically raw the book is, it does not try to soften violence or make situations feel safer for the reader, and that can be unsettling but also powerful. The writing makes you feel the tension constantly, like anything could go wrong at any moment, and there is this lingering sense that no one is truly safe. It can feel chaotic and even disturbing at times, but that discomfort is exactly what gives the story its impact, making it less about entertainment and more about experiencing a dark, unpredictable journey that stays with you after you finish reading

[Carisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting culture and a country I am not familiar with. Like story but not so much how the poison is transferred to another and it does make them die.
Story follows a young girl and an event in the neighborhood causses a man to die and some are brought to justice. The young girl must leave and her parents head in a different direction from her hoping to meet up again one day.
We find out how the girl has been taking a poison for her whole life and she's very knowledgably in the herbs of the world and what they can do for one. She is able to survive because of her skills. Others see her as another and some welcome her to join them. Like the different cultures that are mixed up in this story and learning about them. So much danger for a young woman in the world as she tries to reach destinations she's heard about.
Brutality, mysteries, mystical occurrences, travel, and so much more in this story.
Like the strategies during the battles and the outcome. Entertaining.

[Mae Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book disappointed me in the best way possible.

My oh my! What I assumed would be a book about a dainty little lady whose only defence in this world was her poisonous body quickly turned into something else.
The characters are strong, cunning, and wary enough to both be a part of their own rebellion, and survive whatever life threw their way.

This book will take you through the trenches and high society of China, fill you with intrigue and a strong desire to see the characters succeed. You'll watch the characters develope and become the best and most efficient versions of themselves.

It's chock-full of dark humour, sex, thrills and a desire to not only survive, but to thrive!

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tao of Poison by Isham Cook
Interesting culture and a country I am not familiar with. Like story but not so much how the poison is transferred to another and it does make them die.
Story follows a young girl and an event in the neighborhood causses a man to die and some are brought to justice. The young girl must leave and her parents head in a different direction from her hoping to meet up again one day.
We find out how the girl has been taking a poison for her whole life and she's very knowledgably in the herbs of the world and what they can do for one. She is able to survive because of her skills. Others see her as another and some welcome her to join them. Like the different cultures that are mixed up in this story and learning about them. So much danger for a young woman in the world as she tries to reach destinations she's heard about.
Brutality, mysteries, mystical occurrences, travel, and so much more in this story.
Like the strategies during the battles and the outcome. Entertaining.
Received a review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As historical fiction, The Tao of Poison, by Isham Cook, reveals the depravity of the stronger, smarter, and wealthy as they prey on the weak. Throughout this novel sex is used as a weapon to humble the weak, immobilize and kill the oppressor, and in which to bargain. Qiezi, a beautiful 17-year-old, is separated from her parents while running from the law. Her extensive knowledge of flora and her addiction to a poisonous flower makes Qiezi an adversary men should not want to mess with but can’t seem to avoid her. Her parents find themselves in a unique situation when a worldly acquaintance introduces them to a darker art hidden in plain sight.

[Deborah Olanrewaju · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into The Tao of Poison, but it pulled me in pretty quickly. The story is set during the White Lotus Rebellion in China, and it’s intense. Qiezi, the main character, isn’t a perfect heroine, she’s complicated, flawed, and sometimes hard to figure out, but that’s what made her interesting for me. The writing has this raw, almost dangerous energy to it. Some parts are heavy and graphic, but they also make the story feel real. It’s definitely not a light read, but I appreciated how bold it was.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has very strong writing, a lot of characters and intrigue to keep one hooked. I love the fact that Qiezi isn't perfect. She was stubborn, brave but not perfect. I almost gave up but got into the book after a few chapters and it was up from there. I read on and kept hoping the characters I liked survived till the end. The rape scenes in the book made me uncomfortable and the fact that there's a lot of sex and sexual undertones but I guess that's what was rampant in the period the book is based on. If you're looking for a book that's not regular, this is for you.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Tao of Poison. It is certainly a different kind of read, but it's totally immersive, educational, and mysterious. Isham Cook blends philosophy, mystery, and suspense in a way that is thoughtful and entertaining. The story pulled me in quickly, and I loved how it was nuanced while still keeping the plot going. The characters were intriguing, with an underlying sense of danger that kept me turning the pages. It’s one of those books that makes you think long after you finish. If you enjoy smart, original thrillers with substance, this is definitely a book worth reading.

[ಸುಶಾಂತ ಕುರಂದವಾಡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tao of Poison is a unique since it combines various aspected in single book! A fast-paced historical novel that blends Chinese history, Daoist philosophy, and medicine. Starts with Qiezi, a brave young girl forced to run away from her village after a tragedy, as she grows through hardship and learning. Engaging plot, and deep themes like balance, survival, and the cost of knowledge are enjoying. The rich cultural detail adds depth, though the many characters and quick pace can feel confusing. Overall, it is an entertaining and thought-provoking story with strong symbolism of duality.

[Syeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I loved most was Qiezi — a fierce, flawed, and unforgettable protagonist. Her descent into datura addiction, her terrifying calm in the face of trauma, and the way she navigates a society stacked against her made her gripping to follow. I also appreciated how the novel didn't shy away from the brutal realities of the time — whether it was polyandry, sexual coercion, or the threat of state violence — but did so with a sharp edge of dark humor that never felt gratuitous.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I started reading this, I think I expected something in the fantasy genre, or possibly a cosy mystery. On first impressions, this was seemed a little more sinister than I had first anticipated.

This story takes the reader to Imperial China, and I found it to be a clever, complex and thought-provoking read which led me to think about the nature of relationships and human behaviour. It was a page turner, and different from anything I've read in quite a while.