What do you think?
Rate this book
Numenera #1
Numenera - The Poison Eater
Poison never lies. Talia was once one of the 12 martyrs of the forgotten compass, a prisoner of the unhuman creatures known only as the vordcha. She barely escaped that life with her body and soul intact. Now she has a new life as a poison eater in the city of Enthait. Here she is hailed as one of the city's protectors. No one knows her history. No one has asked about her past. She's been here long enough that Enthait is her home now; these are her people. She loves them and they her. But in the Ninth World, the past is a living, breathing thing. And when it hunts you down, you can run. You can fight. Or you can die.
199 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
36 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Germain
146 books130 followersShanna Germain claims the titles of writer, editor, leximaven, vorpal blonde and Schrodinger's brat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 9, 2017
4.75 *s
I was a little surprised by this one. I didn't exactly know it was a fiction line of a tabletop game till I was about half way through, and that was only due to curiosity. The only real flaw of the book (keep reading) for me drove me a little nutty and I was googling for some extra information when I found out about Numenera. It honestly reads surprisingly easy. I tend to find tie in novels and fiction lines for games rely a lot readers having previous knowledge. This didn't. It tells a story that any reader unfamiliar with the world can recognize and enjoy, of redemption and self forgiveness and finding home.
It gives us a very obvious Fantasy/SF cross world, and though it doesn't hold our hand, it explains what we need to know about what and does so beautifully. The descriptions here were so rich and vivid I felt like I was walking and breathing in the streets with Talia. The description that really hooked me was that of her companion's hair decorations, little touches such as tucking one gem back into place in a moment. It just created a lovely image in my head. The marketplace, and even her small room, I can still recall them easily. I can almost smell the marketplace it was so well described.
The characters were also dealt a lovely dose of this. Each one was well built and had something to them that made them stand out. It helped that it was for the most part a small cast but it was a small cast that had some depth to them. Even having finished this a few weeks ago (as I try to let my books stew before reviewing them now) I still recall descriptions and attitudes. I really hope to see more of them in more books! I'll also add that I believe almost the entire cast, if not the entire cast were PoC (see cover) so totally a win for bringing those characters to fantasy and so strongly!
The only real problem I had (that had me googling as stated above) was some of the descriptions of the world from Talia's past. That can be explained easily if you actually pay attention to the blurb and just look at the Numenera website. It did for me, after that I was able to correct place and picture it in the world.
Besides this, I say try this one! Even if you don't play the game (though it looks very neat) this one is a rich and vivid read. Mad props to Angry Robot as well for a sexy as hell cover!
I was a little surprised by this one. I didn't exactly know it was a fiction line of a tabletop game till I was about half way through, and that was only due to curiosity. The only real flaw of the book (keep reading) for me drove me a little nutty and I was googling for some extra information when I found out about Numenera. It honestly reads surprisingly easy. I tend to find tie in novels and fiction lines for games rely a lot readers having previous knowledge. This didn't. It tells a story that any reader unfamiliar with the world can recognize and enjoy, of redemption and self forgiveness and finding home.
It gives us a very obvious Fantasy/SF cross world, and though it doesn't hold our hand, it explains what we need to know about what and does so beautifully. The descriptions here were so rich and vivid I felt like I was walking and breathing in the streets with Talia. The description that really hooked me was that of her companion's hair decorations, little touches such as tucking one gem back into place in a moment. It just created a lovely image in my head. The marketplace, and even her small room, I can still recall them easily. I can almost smell the marketplace it was so well described.
The characters were also dealt a lovely dose of this. Each one was well built and had something to them that made them stand out. It helped that it was for the most part a small cast but it was a small cast that had some depth to them. Even having finished this a few weeks ago (as I try to let my books stew before reviewing them now) I still recall descriptions and attitudes. I really hope to see more of them in more books! I'll also add that I believe almost the entire cast, if not the entire cast were PoC (see cover) so totally a win for bringing those characters to fantasy and so strongly!
The only real problem I had (that had me googling as stated above) was some of the descriptions of the world from Talia's past. That can be explained easily if you actually pay attention to the blurb and just look at the Numenera website. It did for me, after that I was able to correct place and picture it in the world.
Besides this, I say try this one! Even if you don't play the game (though it looks very neat) this one is a rich and vivid read. Mad props to Angry Robot as well for a sexy as hell cover!
December 20, 2016
"The Poison Eater" by Shanna Germain is the first full length novel set in the Numenera universe, which I really love. The story is that of a young woman planning her revenge against the creature that enslaved her and it's a very personal one. It helps that the main character Talia is so likeable, with her believable mindset and motivations. I grew attached to her after just a few pages. This main character is definetely the novel's highlight. The other thing the book does well is presenting the The Ninth World, the Numenera setting, which is brought to life with some fantastic locations and a likeable supporting cast.
The story itself is told entertaining and without dragging along. It features a nice mix of exploration, introspection and some action. All the characters and locations were so good I am going to miss them. The city of Enthait is a great backdrop, with it's unique and weird traditions and interesting sights, so maybe I'll pay it a visit during one of my gaming sessions with the Numenera RPG.
I can highly recommend The Poison Eater to anyone interested in the Numenera setting but also to anyone looking for a non-traditional and highly entertaining science-fantasy novel with a personal story and engaging protagonist. It's not your typical game setting fiction and it could very well stand on it's own.
I backed this product on Kickstarter and received an advance ebook version as part of my backer rewards.
The story itself is told entertaining and without dragging along. It features a nice mix of exploration, introspection and some action. All the characters and locations were so good I am going to miss them. The city of Enthait is a great backdrop, with it's unique and weird traditions and interesting sights, so maybe I'll pay it a visit during one of my gaming sessions with the Numenera RPG.
I can highly recommend The Poison Eater to anyone interested in the Numenera setting but also to anyone looking for a non-traditional and highly entertaining science-fantasy novel with a personal story and engaging protagonist. It's not your typical game setting fiction and it could very well stand on it's own.
I backed this product on Kickstarter and received an advance ebook version as part of my backer rewards.
April 2, 2018
Started this back last year and finally finished reading it. This is the first novel set in the Ninth World of Monte Cook's Numenera role-playing game. This is a very unique setting and game, and is full of weirdness, technology that is magic and magic that is Something Else.
Talia is a Sister of the Twelve Martyrs. Her Sisters were used and killed by a race of insidious creatures called the vordcha. She alone survived (in theory) and makes it to live in the city of Enthait. She has become the Poison Eater, next in line to serve the Eye and the Orness, protector of the city. The truth of the matter is that Talia is not the Poison Eater, not to begin with. SHe is a liar and a charlatan who happens to be a deadly warrior of the mind. The body soon follows as the story continues.
Talia must ingest and experience ten poisons on her journey to become what she sees at the end of her journey. Each poison should kill her and yet it doesn't. The mech built into her body by the vordcha seems to work to keep her among the living.
To begin with the character of Talia is little more than a nuisance. The care and love she develops for the people around her, and the monstrous battle beast she calls friend, Khee cause her to believe. She must believe to become the Poison Eater, to live through the trials needed to become protector of the city. The current Orness she feels wishes her dead but this is not the case. The Orness trials her and finds her suitable to take over. As Talia exceeds expectations and grows in knowledge and power, the Orness begins to wither and die. Such is the cycle of life and protection in Enthait.
I liked this a lot. It really is a well written work, but one having read the role playing game I can vouch for the fact that it kind of helps to have done that thing. The weirdness here is pervasive and yet the story is easy to follow but much harder to visualize if you have seen the tech of the Ninth World. This is a wonderful read though, and I enjoyed the characters and the interactions the author gives us. I met her at a gaming convention a few years ago and she is a very pleasant person, Ms. Germain. There is a devious spark in her eyes that is interesting.
Danny
Talia is a Sister of the Twelve Martyrs. Her Sisters were used and killed by a race of insidious creatures called the vordcha. She alone survived (in theory) and makes it to live in the city of Enthait. She has become the Poison Eater, next in line to serve the Eye and the Orness, protector of the city. The truth of the matter is that Talia is not the Poison Eater, not to begin with. SHe is a liar and a charlatan who happens to be a deadly warrior of the mind. The body soon follows as the story continues.
Talia must ingest and experience ten poisons on her journey to become what she sees at the end of her journey. Each poison should kill her and yet it doesn't. The mech built into her body by the vordcha seems to work to keep her among the living.
To begin with the character of Talia is little more than a nuisance. The care and love she develops for the people around her, and the monstrous battle beast she calls friend, Khee cause her to believe. She must believe to become the Poison Eater, to live through the trials needed to become protector of the city. The current Orness she feels wishes her dead but this is not the case. The Orness trials her and finds her suitable to take over. As Talia exceeds expectations and grows in knowledge and power, the Orness begins to wither and die. Such is the cycle of life and protection in Enthait.
I liked this a lot. It really is a well written work, but one having read the role playing game I can vouch for the fact that it kind of helps to have done that thing. The weirdness here is pervasive and yet the story is easy to follow but much harder to visualize if you have seen the tech of the Ninth World. This is a wonderful read though, and I enjoyed the characters and the interactions the author gives us. I met her at a gaming convention a few years ago and she is a very pleasant person, Ms. Germain. There is a devious spark in her eyes that is interesting.
Danny
February 5, 2017
To me, The Poison Eater seemed to be about a woman who remakes herself, with all of the pain, and flaws, and strength that comes along with it. Talia is a woman literally in pieces, who disassembled herself to break out of a world where she had been reshaped against her will to serve a purpose not her own. And we follow her through her trials as she pieces herself back together. Sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally. Never easily.
This story of a personal reforging takes place in an exotic, science-fantasy setting that fits well with that theme. The Ninth World is a billion years in Earth's future and eight other civilizations have risen and fallen before the current re-emergence of humanity. Like Talia, humanity in the Ninth World is piecing itself back together from whatever remnants are at hand. In a way, Talia's story was the story of the world as well, which I think made this novel serve the established tabletop RPG setting while also standing on its own as a solid tale.
Shanna's writing is psychological, personal, and painful. It's also hauntingly beautiful. Sometimes I winced at the damage done to Talia over the course of the story, both body and soul. And yet, that also made me connect to Talia and allowed me to believe she was a real person in a fantastic world. Shanna's words read like poetry at times, even--no, especially--the fictional vocabulary invented for the setting.
The Poison Eater is an impactful, beautiful start to what will hopefully be a Numenera fiction line. The world and the characters captured me and though I was satisfied with the story by the end, I definitely wanted more.
This story of a personal reforging takes place in an exotic, science-fantasy setting that fits well with that theme. The Ninth World is a billion years in Earth's future and eight other civilizations have risen and fallen before the current re-emergence of humanity. Like Talia, humanity in the Ninth World is piecing itself back together from whatever remnants are at hand. In a way, Talia's story was the story of the world as well, which I think made this novel serve the established tabletop RPG setting while also standing on its own as a solid tale.
Shanna's writing is psychological, personal, and painful. It's also hauntingly beautiful. Sometimes I winced at the damage done to Talia over the course of the story, both body and soul. And yet, that also made me connect to Talia and allowed me to believe she was a real person in a fantastic world. Shanna's words read like poetry at times, even--no, especially--the fictional vocabulary invented for the setting.
The Poison Eater is an impactful, beautiful start to what will hopefully be a Numenera fiction line. The world and the characters captured me and though I was satisfied with the story by the end, I definitely wanted more.
February 8, 2017
I enjoyed this Numenera tie-in novel, and tie-in novels are generally not high on my reading list. The pacing is a little slow in the first third or so of the book, but it offers an interesting take on the people of Numenera. Traditionally the RPG is aimed more at discovering the wonder and/or weirdnesses of the setting, so something that focuses more on the people is a nice change of pace.
It's also nice that you don't need to know anything about Numenera game to enjoy this book. Its a well-crafted novel that stands on its own quite nicely. In fact I think almost none of the elements of the book exist in the setting so Numenera superfans won't find themselves with spoilers.
It's a light and short read, so if you enjoy fantasy fiction I would definitely check it out (needless to say, if you're a fan of the Numenera RPG, definitely check it out). I actually don't usually read contemporary fantasy in general - I find it stultifying and uninteresting - but I enjoyed this as being a bit of a throwback to the tradition of Stephen R Donaldson and Ursula LeGuinn.
It's also nice that you don't need to know anything about Numenera game to enjoy this book. Its a well-crafted novel that stands on its own quite nicely. In fact I think almost none of the elements of the book exist in the setting so Numenera superfans won't find themselves with spoilers.
It's a light and short read, so if you enjoy fantasy fiction I would definitely check it out (needless to say, if you're a fan of the Numenera RPG, definitely check it out). I actually don't usually read contemporary fantasy in general - I find it stultifying and uninteresting - but I enjoyed this as being a bit of a throwback to the tradition of Stephen R Donaldson and Ursula LeGuinn.
February 20, 2017
In an isolated city in the middle of a vast desert, Talia waits, scraping together the vestiges of a normal life, friends, loved ones, knowing every day that it could be her last. When the moon comes, Talia must take the poison, and hope she survives. But survival, sometimes, is the worst thing a person could experience. Especially when no one else does.
Having escaped the mire of the Blackweave, Talia has come to Enthait seeking a new life, or simply to die in another place, one not so full of memories. What she didn’t expect was to find la ife, not simply a place to live, and people about whom she cared more than her own life. It is a familiar story with a new ring to it, thanks to the steady hand of Germain, who imagines a fantastic city full of half-forgotten lore and amazing mechanical creations, created by humans and creatures alike who have made Enthait their home.
Germain’s realization of Enthait is vivid, to the point that the reader can taste the dust in the air and murmurs of a living city like bees buzzing around the hive, and her ability to twist a story round history and half-dreamed memories builds the kind of novel that is tantalizingly missing just the right pieces to pull the reader in until the end. The Poison Eater is written in third person limited, clinging close to Talia’s thoughts and feelings in a way that compliments the bleak and beautiful aspects of Enthait and Talia’s new life.
Readers who enjoy their fantasy and science fiction together need look no further than the mech-enhanced cast of characters in this alt-world fantasy story. Like the work of Kameron Hurley, this novel is bleak, full of tough-as-nails women willing to do what they must to survive, yet tells a universal story that many fantasy fans will relate to. Anyone who likes fantasy that hides far more than it tells will be intrigued by the mythology of Enthait and the mysterious and terrible Vordcha from which Talia is running.
March 26, 2017
A good enough story and good representation of the 9th world. It does however get very confusing at times, even for someone who is very familiar with the 9th world universe. There were multiple points during the book where I wasn't really sure what was happening, or what sort of key revelation the main character had received, especially when the main character tried to describe her chaotic and jumbled up thoughts. It also doesn't help when flowery prose gets in the way of solid, sensible descriptions and sadly most descriptions are plagued by this lack of simplicity. The 9th world is complicated enough, a simpler language to describe the Numenera would've sufficed.
Ending was also a bit lack luster, considering the build up to it. It felt somehow incomplete, as if there's going to be a sequel.
The book does receive bonus points from me for a few pictures being included as visual aids. In a universe such as this one, with all the strangeness in the world, these are sometimes very needed.
Characters were intriguing. I believe Khee is one of the most interesting animal personas I've seen in a fantasy/science fantasy novel.
TL DR: Nothing too amazing, but nothing bad either. A few moments where it gets a bit confusing and the reader can lose himself in a combination of forced flowery prose and incomplete main character thoughts.
Ending was also a bit lack luster, considering the build up to it. It felt somehow incomplete, as if there's going to be a sequel.
The book does receive bonus points from me for a few pictures being included as visual aids. In a universe such as this one, with all the strangeness in the world, these are sometimes very needed.
Characters were intriguing. I believe Khee is one of the most interesting animal personas I've seen in a fantasy/science fantasy novel.
TL DR: Nothing too amazing, but nothing bad either. A few moments where it gets a bit confusing and the reader can lose himself in a combination of forced flowery prose and incomplete main character thoughts.
September 16, 2019
4 to 4.5 stars. I genuinely loved this, but think people who have never had any contact with the Ninth World setting of Numenera will have their issues with this book.
The first Numenera novel has a kickass protagonist, a queer woman of color, and there's a lovely f/f romance in the story. The protagonist is Talia, who has flown from the vordcha, a nebulous antagonist people who abduct or trade in humans to put lots of tech into their bodies. For what purpose never becomes clear. Talia has fled from them, freeing a sort of half-mech dog called Khee to come with her. In the city of Enthait, she is now the Poison Eater. The Poison Eater is next in line to the throne but has to survive eating 10 poisons first that give her visions about threats to Enthait. Only that Talia doesn't get any such visions. But she wants to push through with it and survive all poisons, to stop the vordcha.
The ending was super-abrupt, but all in all, the novel pushed all my buttons with what I love about Numenera. Its never-ending weirdness, the mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and more diversity than I am used to from your average tabletop RPG setting. If you like Numenera already, read this book. If you don't, maybe try playing the game first to see if it gels.
The first Numenera novel has a kickass protagonist, a queer woman of color, and there's a lovely f/f romance in the story. The protagonist is Talia, who has flown from the vordcha, a nebulous antagonist people who abduct or trade in humans to put lots of tech into their bodies. For what purpose never becomes clear. Talia has fled from them, freeing a sort of half-mech dog called Khee to come with her. In the city of Enthait, she is now the Poison Eater. The Poison Eater is next in line to the throne but has to survive eating 10 poisons first that give her visions about threats to Enthait. Only that Talia doesn't get any such visions. But she wants to push through with it and survive all poisons, to stop the vordcha.
The ending was super-abrupt, but all in all, the novel pushed all my buttons with what I love about Numenera. Its never-ending weirdness, the mix of sci-fi and fantasy, and more diversity than I am used to from your average tabletop RPG setting. If you like Numenera already, read this book. If you don't, maybe try playing the game first to see if it gels.
February 22, 2017
I probably didn't like it because it spends more time on inner brooding monolog about every single choice past, present, and future than I like. It does develop the character extremely well, you get to resolve her traumas along with her, every excruciating step. It's in a Sci-fantasy setting but does not feel or seem like a sci or fantasy book. It feels like a psychological trip down a very traumatized person's rabbit hole with little actual story or resolution. Everything is essentially background noise to the quantum level of infinite possibilities the character explores in her head that never actually happen.
Some people may appreciate that, but that isn't really what the blurb sold me. More details on what I mean by that in the spoiler section.
For Numenra fans: I am a huge numenera fan and enjoyed some of the interesting ideas and images it conjured, but it wasn't worth the time consumed in the novel. You may like it if you are into romance novels; its the closest comparison I have. If you aren't into them, your time is better spent on forums.
Oh, if you get the audio book, it felt breathy and lacked, in my opinion, the little things I'm used to narrators doing that help me know when the character is actually speaking, thinking or it is someone entirely different.
Some people may appreciate that, but that isn't really what the blurb sold me. More details on what I mean by that in the spoiler section.
For Numenra fans: I am a huge numenera fan and enjoyed some of the interesting ideas and images it conjured, but it wasn't worth the time consumed in the novel. You may like it if you are into romance novels; its the closest comparison I have. If you aren't into them, your time is better spent on forums.
Oh, if you get the audio book, it felt breathy and lacked, in my opinion, the little things I'm used to narrators doing that help me know when the character is actually speaking, thinking or it is someone entirely different.
September 25, 2020
I picked up this book for free with the new Audible-inclusion-program. I didn't know the story was set in the world of an RPG before reading some of the reviews, and I wouldn't have noticed if no-one told me about it. This book easily stood on its own. It made me want to play the RPG, though.
The writing is good and the explanation of the world makes sense. It does a good job of giving the informaton needed and nothing more, leaving the reader wondering and wanting more.
The story was a little slow, but the world-building and character-arcs were interesting enough to keep me listening.
I'm not sure I'll be picking up book 2, as it's not part of the inclusion-program, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. Sure, this book had an open ending-ish, but it also felt like it finished what it set out to do.
The writing is good and the explanation of the world makes sense. It does a good job of giving the informaton needed and nothing more, leaving the reader wondering and wanting more.
The story was a little slow, but the world-building and character-arcs were interesting enough to keep me listening.
I'm not sure I'll be picking up book 2, as it's not part of the inclusion-program, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. Sure, this book had an open ending-ish, but it also felt like it finished what it set out to do.
July 27, 2017
Interesting concept and well enough written to drag me in and want one more page. Not 100% good, though. I cannot pinpoint what it is but something in the totality of the book rubs me the wrong way, so only four stars even though it's the first book in a while not written by Steven Brust that had me going to bed (too) late.
February 11, 2017
Not a bad read. Bought it because I was interested in the Numeria setting. The book showed a little bit of setting, had solid characterization, but some weaknesses in plotting. More like early Ed Greenwood that R.A Salvatore. The setting is good and I would read more books set in Numeria. It seemed like it was a little rushed, and could have used a little more thought, but it read cleanly.
August 21, 2017
I really wanted to love this book. I love the world of Numenera, and admire the possibilities it presents, but this story just isn't taking advantage of it. Half the book is effectively a fever dream of the protagonist's memories, and the other half feels half finished. The last 10% of the book especially feels incredibly rushed, like the author didn't know how to work in a satisfying action sequence, and so decided to blast through it in hopes readers wouldn't notice. The resolution could have worked very well if the pacing was improved, but as it is, it feels like a half-ending.
If you want something unusual and weird in lieu of more commonplace fantasy or sci-fi, give this a shot, but don't expect greatness.
If you want something unusual and weird in lieu of more commonplace fantasy or sci-fi, give this a shot, but don't expect greatness.
December 11, 2017
It did not feel like a media tie-in novel. There wasn't the usual plot or character beats and had no tidy and satisfying ending. Like the setting itself, it refused to be easily pigeonholed as this or that, and I could read without seeing pop-up displays of character archetypes and other intrusions from the game materials.
I enjoy the not-fantasy, Dying Earth stylings of the setting, which tinges toward the Book of the New Sun in weirdness if not in theme. Fortunately the author does not over-explain anything, and resists the urge to turn the story into a rambling travelogue exploring Numenera. This is a deep exploration of a small portion of this billion-year-hence setting.
I enjoy the not-fantasy, Dying Earth stylings of the setting, which tinges toward the Book of the New Sun in weirdness if not in theme. Fortunately the author does not over-explain anything, and resists the urge to turn the story into a rambling travelogue exploring Numenera. This is a deep exploration of a small portion of this billion-year-hence setting.
April 19, 2017
Closing this book and re-entering the real world was jarring - the world and the characters populating it are so fully realized I never wanted to leave. Moon meld you, Shanna - I can't wait to read more!
August 26, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I really like world and the set up of Numenera. About half way though I gave up. Maybe just too much character and not enough story..
November 27, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
Shanna Germain's The Poison Eater took me, delightfully, by surprise.
Talia is a young woman just hoping to live another day. She survived her youthful days in a far city and has come to Enthwait where she has joined the ranks of others vying to become the new Poison Eater - a revered member of the elite society; a protector of the city. But to do this, she must take a dose of a different poison periodically until she has survived them all. The other Poison Eater hopefuls around her die regularly with each new 'feeding'. Talia has no idea if she'll survive and is surprised each new day when she wakes again. The poisons may not kill her, but they do often have a negative effect.
But as Talia nears the end of the list of poisons she is visited by the current Poison Eater, a man who reveals a dark secret about the role of Poison Eater. Talia now faces new choices and decisions that will affect not only her but the entire community as she prepares to take on the role of defender as Poison Eater.
The story is told through Talia's eyes and author Germain gets into her head and makes this story a very personal one. Although an entire community is at stake, how one person comes to make the decisions that she does is what we see and feel. I very much liked this method of story-telling. The greater story comes in to focus so much clearer when we see its effect on an individual who has made sacrifices to get where she is. There is a real power in this story-telling and I really enjoyed getting to know Talia and her journey.
I did not know what "A Numenera Novel" meant. I assumed it to be a forth-coming series by Germain. But I've since learned (after reading the book) that this is based on a role-playing game. Truthfully - had I known this before I started the book I probably wouldn't have bothered. I don't know the game and too often I've found books based on games tend to be a little simple and/or rely on the reader to know about the history established in the game. I don't feel this was the case here.
This was a delightful read. The story was intriguing and the characters were quite real. I definitely want to read more in the Numenera series and I want to read more by Shanna Germaine. And though I consider myself a game-enthusiast, this has not made me interested in playing the game.
Looking for a good book? The Poison Eater by Shanna Germaine is a well-told science fiction story of survival and lies and the making of a life that pulls a reader in. It is based on a role-playing game.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Shanna Germain's The Poison Eater took me, delightfully, by surprise.
Talia is a young woman just hoping to live another day. She survived her youthful days in a far city and has come to Enthwait where she has joined the ranks of others vying to become the new Poison Eater - a revered member of the elite society; a protector of the city. But to do this, she must take a dose of a different poison periodically until she has survived them all. The other Poison Eater hopefuls around her die regularly with each new 'feeding'. Talia has no idea if she'll survive and is surprised each new day when she wakes again. The poisons may not kill her, but they do often have a negative effect.
But as Talia nears the end of the list of poisons she is visited by the current Poison Eater, a man who reveals a dark secret about the role of Poison Eater. Talia now faces new choices and decisions that will affect not only her but the entire community as she prepares to take on the role of defender as Poison Eater.
The story is told through Talia's eyes and author Germain gets into her head and makes this story a very personal one. Although an entire community is at stake, how one person comes to make the decisions that she does is what we see and feel. I very much liked this method of story-telling. The greater story comes in to focus so much clearer when we see its effect on an individual who has made sacrifices to get where she is. There is a real power in this story-telling and I really enjoyed getting to know Talia and her journey.
I did not know what "A Numenera Novel" meant. I assumed it to be a forth-coming series by Germain. But I've since learned (after reading the book) that this is based on a role-playing game. Truthfully - had I known this before I started the book I probably wouldn't have bothered. I don't know the game and too often I've found books based on games tend to be a little simple and/or rely on the reader to know about the history established in the game. I don't feel this was the case here.
This was a delightful read. The story was intriguing and the characters were quite real. I definitely want to read more in the Numenera series and I want to read more by Shanna Germaine. And though I consider myself a game-enthusiast, this has not made me interested in playing the game.
Looking for a good book? The Poison Eater by Shanna Germaine is a well-told science fiction story of survival and lies and the making of a life that pulls a reader in. It is based on a role-playing game.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2024
Talia has been running away from her past both literally and mentally. She somehow ended up in a city in the middle of a desert were a chance meeting with Isera, a woman in the watch, gets her to settle down. That and the potential promise of a weapon against the (literal) monsters who she is fleeing from. Mixing with humans (and other sapient creatures) for the first time in a long time is not easy though, especially considering the baggage she is carrying.
The Poison Eater is for the most part a story about the internal struggles of the main character. It is written from her perspective in a rather descriptive writing style, telling Talia's story mostly through various flashbacks and with little detail on the world beyond what she knows. Knowledge about Numenera is not really needed beyond that it is an post-apocalyptic world that consists of a mix of fantasy and SF tropes which will help in imagining what exactly is being described (which is basically what I know about the setting). These aspects of the story are done very well, especially showcasing Talia's character development.
On the other hand, most of the conflict is internal (which can be a bit grating at times), and the story feels like it is a first part in a series. It has a decent ending, but there are a few important loose plot ends dangling by the end of the book. The ending also left me a bit confused. I think I know what happened, and I certainly know the end result, but how it got there was a bit sudden,
In the end it was an entertaining read, but some parts left me a bit confused (especially the ending), so 3.5 stars rounded up.
The Poison Eater is for the most part a story about the internal struggles of the main character. It is written from her perspective in a rather descriptive writing style, telling Talia's story mostly through various flashbacks and with little detail on the world beyond what she knows. Knowledge about Numenera is not really needed beyond that it is an post-apocalyptic world that consists of a mix of fantasy and SF tropes which will help in imagining what exactly is being described (which is basically what I know about the setting). These aspects of the story are done very well, especially showcasing Talia's character development.
On the other hand, most of the conflict is internal (which can be a bit grating at times), and the story feels like it is a first part in a series. It has a decent ending, but there are a few important loose plot ends dangling by the end of the book. The ending also left me a bit confused. I think I know what happened, and I certainly know the end result, but how it got there was a bit sudden,
In the end it was an entertaining read, but some parts left me a bit confused (especially the ending), so 3.5 stars rounded up.
January 29, 2021
Talia is the poison eater, a person who foretells the dangers for the city of Enthait.
However, Taila isn't seeing anything when she's poisoned.
And so she lies.
Telling everyone false dangers in hopes of accessing the city's weapons to get vengeance on those who wronged her in the past.
------------------------
Alrighty, I know my review of this book is really late. I finished it at the beginning of the month,
Over all, it wasn't a bad book. It was okay.
The pacing was a little weird at times and some of the plot was a little clunky.
The ending was kinda abrupt and I felt there wasn't a lot of buildup to it.
I also didn't get why she suddenly disliked the previous poison eater and thought she was evil.
The world itself is so vibrant and the characters are fascinating but the plot was meh.
The plot concept is interesting but it was executed poorly.
However, Taila isn't seeing anything when she's poisoned.
And so she lies.
Telling everyone false dangers in hopes of accessing the city's weapons to get vengeance on those who wronged her in the past.
------------------------
Alrighty, I know my review of this book is really late. I finished it at the beginning of the month,
Over all, it wasn't a bad book. It was okay.
The pacing was a little weird at times and some of the plot was a little clunky.
The ending was kinda abrupt and I felt there wasn't a lot of buildup to it.
I also didn't get why she suddenly disliked the previous poison eater and thought she was evil.
The world itself is so vibrant and the characters are fascinating but the plot was meh.
The plot concept is interesting but it was executed poorly.
May 1, 2018
I loved the fresh metaphors that brought a gorgeous poetic lilt to the narrative. The worldbuilding was also fantastic. However, the ending half of the book is an utter fail. The descriptions of the final battle are so confusing and non-sensical that I wondered if I was simply confused because I hadn't played the boardgame, which wasnt an issue in the beginning of the book as everything was explained for new readers. However when I googled the numenara series, the setting and baddies of the book were completely non canon and are never mentioned throughout the boardgame manuals. Thus, there was no way for me to figure out what was going on at all and made the entire book anticlimactic. The first half of the book is so delughtfully novel, however, that even though I woudn't reccomend this book, I couldn't bear to give it less than 3 stars, especially as such narrative skill isn't often seen in a debut novel by a new writer.
October 17, 2017
although i enjoyed the book thoroughly i struggled on the overwhelming amount of proper names thrown at the reader. i am a aware of the Numenera RPG and have a slightly more than passing familiarity with there nomenclature. but once you get past that first knee jerk reaction and into it's story the names and details tend to flow easily. but, then i think that was it's core focus. all in all the book does a good job of giving you the feel of being in a fresh new world while at the same time giving a down to earth core story that at it's heart is about it's characters. in short while i wouldn't necessarily recommend it to a casual reader. i would heartily recommend it to anyone looking to get into the Numenera universe, as well as anyone looking for a fresh new take on fantasy worldbuilding.
February 15, 2018
3.5
This is a solid fantasy (science-fiction? with Numenera the lines are very blurred) story set in the Ninth World, but I don't think the reader is required to have previous knowledge of the setting in order to enjoy it. Granted, having played Numenera will give the reading experience an additional dimension, but I felt that the book could perfectly stand on its own either way.
Germain weaves an interesting plot, which I found predictable at first, but then took some turns that gave it much more depth; the characters are good ones, although they didn't manage to grip me completely, which is the reason I'm not giving the book a higher rating.
I would recommend this to fans of Numenera and for people looking for a short standalone fantasy that is well-written and quite diverse as well (f/f relationship, poc main character, disabled mc and I'm probably forgetting something).
This is a solid fantasy (science-fiction? with Numenera the lines are very blurred) story set in the Ninth World, but I don't think the reader is required to have previous knowledge of the setting in order to enjoy it. Granted, having played Numenera will give the reading experience an additional dimension, but I felt that the book could perfectly stand on its own either way.
Germain weaves an interesting plot, which I found predictable at first, but then took some turns that gave it much more depth; the characters are good ones, although they didn't manage to grip me completely, which is the reason I'm not giving the book a higher rating.
I would recommend this to fans of Numenera and for people looking for a short standalone fantasy that is well-written and quite diverse as well (f/f relationship, poc main character, disabled mc and I'm probably forgetting something).
June 9, 2019
This world makes so little sense as to go beyond mystery into the surreal.
If you enjoy unbelievable settings like "The Maze Runner" or "Divergent," then you may like this series.
The book takes the reader immediately into a city where the protagonist is the Poison Eater. We learn the protagonist's origins in flashbacks. Apparently, she has a plan to use her position to defeat an old enemy. The trouble is, she had this plan before taking on the mantle of Poison Eater, but we never learn how she secured the job. She's one person in a large city and there's only one Poison Eater... Is that a sound plan?
I think the key to enjoying these books is to question nothing. Just have faith that it will all make sense in the end... or that you'll have forgotten the plot holes by then.
If you enjoy unbelievable settings like "The Maze Runner" or "Divergent," then you may like this series.
The book takes the reader immediately into a city where the protagonist is the Poison Eater. We learn the protagonist's origins in flashbacks. Apparently, she has a plan to use her position to defeat an old enemy. The trouble is, she had this plan before taking on the mantle of Poison Eater, but we never learn how she secured the job. She's one person in a large city and there's only one Poison Eater... Is that a sound plan?
I think the key to enjoying these books is to question nothing. Just have faith that it will all make sense in the end... or that you'll have forgotten the plot holes by then.
November 22, 2016
Really liked this one and read it in basically one sitting.
The main character Talia is strong and determined and one of the diverse characters in the book. She is on the run and has found a hiding place and a means of carrying out her revenge. She has a plan but she is missing important information and when she gets it, she finally realises her real role.
I loved this world and the relationships Talia forms with humans and beasts alike. I admire her tenacity and determination and her empathy.
I did miss some action even though there were other kind of conflicts.
All in all, an enjoyable diverse Fantasy read with prominent Sci-Fi elements that was unique, well-written and complex.
The main character Talia is strong and determined and one of the diverse characters in the book. She is on the run and has found a hiding place and a means of carrying out her revenge. She has a plan but she is missing important information and when she gets it, she finally realises her real role.
I loved this world and the relationships Talia forms with humans and beasts alike. I admire her tenacity and determination and her empathy.
I did miss some action even though there were other kind of conflicts.
All in all, an enjoyable diverse Fantasy read with prominent Sci-Fi elements that was unique, well-written and complex.
March 4, 2025
This is the first of two Numenera novels that are available out there.
As a Numenera product it has some good ideas that one can use for the role playing game of Numenera, but as a story it's lackluster.
Half of the time I was scratching my head about what is actually going on out there and the other half was pretty decent, yet the whole pointlessness of the story, the ending where nothing really happens and some other minor points make this one a pass for me.
I'd say that is the usual problem when it comes to RPGs vs novels based on RPGs - one is not the other, what works in an RPG may not work in a novel and vice versa.
As a Numenera product it has some good ideas that one can use for the role playing game of Numenera, but as a story it's lackluster.
Half of the time I was scratching my head about what is actually going on out there and the other half was pretty decent, yet the whole pointlessness of the story, the ending where nothing really happens and some other minor points make this one a pass for me.
I'd say that is the usual problem when it comes to RPGs vs novels based on RPGs - one is not the other, what works in an RPG may not work in a novel and vice versa.
July 9, 2017
Numenera fan fiction that will probably appeal to anyone familiar with the 9th World. It’s a worthy effort to bring all the strangeness that imbues that world into a novel. Germain carves a unique niche in which the city of Enthait struggles to survive. The creative world- and cypher-building make this book a step above your run-of-the-mill sci fi/fantasy writing though the writing style itself is pretty standard fare. It’s an enjoyable and quick path to bum around The Beyond if you don’t have an opportunity to play the games.
July 17, 2018
More than an intriguing mix of sci-fi and fantasy, The Poison Eater is actually a complex study of the emotional growth of the main character, Talia, who is coming to terms with a lifetime of abuse, survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and understanding her place in the world. The weird elements of the setting do not distance the reader from getting to understand Talia, instead offering a creative lens to explore both her as a character and a cypher for the reader into the bizarre-yet-familiar world she inhabits.
September 3, 2017
I read this book as an attempt to get my head around the Numenera tabletop game setting. And, while, I think it did a great job of detailing how the world works, it also served as a surprisingly complex science fantasy novel in it's own right. As I closed the book today, it dawned on me how well this book works as an abuse narrative as well. it's a hallmark of a good book when you finish it and realize it told more than one story to you.
November 7, 2025
Lo mejor que he leído de Numenera hasta el momento. Muy satisfecho con la historia y con la integración de la ambientación. Bisexuales, gente de piel oscura, auténtica crueldad social y decisión moralmente reprobables... Dark Sun, podría aprender un par de cosas xP
Le seguiré la pista a Shanna Germain...
Le seguiré la pista a Shanna Germain...
December 21, 2016
3.5 stars
This was an interesting novella. I had a hard time staying focused on it because there was a lot of back and forth between present and past, but it was interesting. The only character I didnt like, was the main character. I felt like she had no emotion, even though she felt like she had a mission.
This was an interesting novella. I had a hard time staying focused on it because there was a lot of back and forth between present and past, but it was interesting. The only character I didnt like, was the main character. I felt like she had no emotion, even though she felt like she had a mission.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews