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Master of Poisons
“This is a prayer hymn, a battle cry, a love song, a legendary call and response bonfire talisman tale. This is medicine for a broken world." —Daniel José Older
Named a Best of 2020 Pick for Kirkus Review's Best Books of 2020
Award-winning author Andrea Hairston weaves together African folktales and postcolonial literature into unforgettable fantasy in Master of Poisons
The world is changing. Poison desert eats good farmland. Once-sweet water turns foul. The wind blows sand and sadness across the Empire. To get caught in a storm is death. To live and do nothing is death. There is magic in the world, but good conjure is hard to find.
Djola, righthand man and spymaster of the lord of the Arkhysian Empire, is desperately trying to save his adopted homeland, even in exile.
Awa, a young woman training to be a powerful griot, tests the limits of her knowledge and comes into her own in a world of sorcery, floating cities, kindly beasts, and uncertain men.
Awash in the rhythms of folklore and storytelling and rich with Hairston's characteristic lush prose, Master of Poisons is epic fantasy that will bleed your mind with its turns of phrase and leave you aching for the world it burns into being.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Named a Best of 2020 Pick for Kirkus Review's Best Books of 2020
Award-winning author Andrea Hairston weaves together African folktales and postcolonial literature into unforgettable fantasy in Master of Poisons
The world is changing. Poison desert eats good farmland. Once-sweet water turns foul. The wind blows sand and sadness across the Empire. To get caught in a storm is death. To live and do nothing is death. There is magic in the world, but good conjure is hard to find.
Djola, righthand man and spymaster of the lord of the Arkhysian Empire, is desperately trying to save his adopted homeland, even in exile.
Awa, a young woman training to be a powerful griot, tests the limits of her knowledge and comes into her own in a world of sorcery, floating cities, kindly beasts, and uncertain men.
Awash in the rhythms of folklore and storytelling and rich with Hairston's characteristic lush prose, Master of Poisons is epic fantasy that will bleed your mind with its turns of phrase and leave you aching for the world it burns into being.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
256 people are currently reading
11326 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Hairston
20 books375 followersAndrea Hairston is an African-American science fiction and fantasy playwright and novelist who is best known for her novels Mindscape and Redwood and Wildfire. Mindscape, Hairston's first novel, won the Carl Brandon Parallax Award and short-listed for the Philip K. Dick Award and the James Tiptree, Jr. Award.
She is the Artistic Director of Chrysalis Theatre and has created original productions with music, dance, and masks for more than a decade. Hairston is also the Louise Wolff Kahn 1931 Professor of Theatre and Afro-American Studies at Smith College. She teaches playwriting, African, African American, and Caribbean theatre literature. Her plays have been produced at Yale Rep, Rites and Reason, the Kennedy Center, StageWest, and on public radio and television. In addition, Hairston has translated plays by Michael Ende and Kaca Celan from German to English.
(source: Wikipedia)
She is the Artistic Director of Chrysalis Theatre and has created original productions with music, dance, and masks for more than a decade. Hairston is also the Louise Wolff Kahn 1931 Professor of Theatre and Afro-American Studies at Smith College. She teaches playwriting, African, African American, and Caribbean theatre literature. Her plays have been produced at Yale Rep, Rites and Reason, the Kennedy Center, StageWest, and on public radio and television. In addition, Hairston has translated plays by Michael Ende and Kaca Celan from German to English.
(source: Wikipedia)
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September 20, 2020I'm going to give myself permission to DNF *for now* at 36%. I usually don't review books that are DNFs but this one deserves a few words. It is gorgeous. The worldbuilding is fantastic and original. The conflict of empire and individual, of environmental destruction, of a man in exile who loses his way to (hopefully) find it again, of a girl who is the future, were timely and relevant. There is a lot to love about this book and I do recommend people check it out. It may be the book for you. Alas, it is not for me, at least for now, but I reserve the right to try again. Maybe it's just the moment in time, but I couldn't find my footing with the characters. The timeframe is dense (I think the story has already covered 5 yrs at the 36% mark, and often a year or two in a paragraph) and the writing feels almost like a summary. It's more literary that genre in its approach to story and reminded me a lot of Black Leopard, Red Wolf which I also DNF'd but what do I know because many people loved it. This is not as violent or dark, there is hope here, but it wasn't the read I was hoping for. YMMV.
October 27, 2022
I do want to preface this by saying that if you don't like slow-burn fantasy then this book is not for you because book 1 reads very lengthy and even at times repetitive as it sets up the story that leads to the present day journey. Andrea Hairston is a very descriptive writer which means we got beautiful descriptions of the foods they feasted on and the lands they wandered. You could practically smell the brine, hear the gulls by the sea, and taste the nut butter and sweet mango slices. She uses very lyrical language to set up the atmosphere in which this story takes place.
Djola is the male protagonist and he is the Master of Poisons who has been trying to use his wisdom to help the Arkhysian empire as the earth is dying. As right hand to Emperor Azizi he has been warning him since the poison deserts started to appear and urging him to practice conservation. However for years his pleas have fallen on deaf ears until farmland dries our and rivers disappear. Now at this time the people claim it's too late to change their ways.
We follow Djola as he ends up being exiled and apart of a pirate crew as a healer while coping with being separated from his family. To save them and restore his position as the emperor's right hand he must find a cute. During his exile he is working to master Xhalan Xhala, a form of ancient Lahesh conjure which will help him purify the land.
It's actually an interesting way to touch upon climate change which affects us all however people were very quick to deny and ignore until it became more apparent. And the idea of personal responsibility when many have the what's done is done mindset.
The other protagonist Awa is a young sprite from a poor family who is sold by her father to griots called The Green Elders. We follow her journey over the course of a few years as she creates a new family and comes into her own with her powers. As a character I thought she really became interesting when she was ripped from her new family and forced to survive. I found myself leaning more towards her narrative.
The Smokeland was an interesting take on the astral plain/realm often found in fantasy stories. I enjoyed the scenes when Djola and Awa connected with the Smokeland and the lines of reality sometimes got blurred. These scenes were even stronger when their paths finally crossed.
Another interesting thing is the usage of non binary characters in a way that feels very natural and not thrown in for additional diversity. The queer relationships were something I thought she took great care with developing.
If you are an experienced fantasy reader looking for an epic tale I think you will enjoy this. This is a vast world that you are dropped in and navigate your way through. The story truly started coming together for me after the 40% mark. I would love to listen to this one on audiobook as it's a fascinating world with very metaphor heavy writing and vivid descriptions.
I received an arc from Tor in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Djola is the male protagonist and he is the Master of Poisons who has been trying to use his wisdom to help the Arkhysian empire as the earth is dying. As right hand to Emperor Azizi he has been warning him since the poison deserts started to appear and urging him to practice conservation. However for years his pleas have fallen on deaf ears until farmland dries our and rivers disappear. Now at this time the people claim it's too late to change their ways.
We follow Djola as he ends up being exiled and apart of a pirate crew as a healer while coping with being separated from his family. To save them and restore his position as the emperor's right hand he must find a cute. During his exile he is working to master Xhalan Xhala, a form of ancient Lahesh conjure which will help him purify the land.
It's actually an interesting way to touch upon climate change which affects us all however people were very quick to deny and ignore until it became more apparent. And the idea of personal responsibility when many have the what's done is done mindset.
The other protagonist Awa is a young sprite from a poor family who is sold by her father to griots called The Green Elders. We follow her journey over the course of a few years as she creates a new family and comes into her own with her powers. As a character I thought she really became interesting when she was ripped from her new family and forced to survive. I found myself leaning more towards her narrative.
The Smokeland was an interesting take on the astral plain/realm often found in fantasy stories. I enjoyed the scenes when Djola and Awa connected with the Smokeland and the lines of reality sometimes got blurred. These scenes were even stronger when their paths finally crossed.
Another interesting thing is the usage of non binary characters in a way that feels very natural and not thrown in for additional diversity. The queer relationships were something I thought she took great care with developing.
If you are an experienced fantasy reader looking for an epic tale I think you will enjoy this. This is a vast world that you are dropped in and navigate your way through. The story truly started coming together for me after the 40% mark. I would love to listen to this one on audiobook as it's a fascinating world with very metaphor heavy writing and vivid descriptions.
I received an arc from Tor in exchange for an honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
October 29, 2022
4.0 stars
This is such a wonderful underhyped epic fantasy standalone. I loved the worldbuilding, which was complex and rich. I would love to read more by this author.
This is such a wonderful underhyped epic fantasy standalone. I loved the worldbuilding, which was complex and rich. I would love to read more by this author.
November 15, 2020
Sadly this fantasy novel is going to have to go in the category of "I admired but didn't actually enjoy reading it." The writing is beautiful and insightful, and the world-building is rich and unique. My issue ultimately was that I never got invested in the plot or the characters.
The first half moves at a slug's pace, which I wouldn't have minded if I'd felt like I was getting to know the characters. But by the time it picked up action-wise about halfway, I didn't feel emotionally invested in the people or the environmental disaster coming their way.
The tone of the storytelling felt very removed, as if the narrator is zoomed out the whole time, as if most of the story is the backstory to the story proper.
I did enjoy the African and Indigenous influenced fantasy world and the inclusion of nonbinary people and queer relationships. And the prose is incredibly beautiful at times. The opening paragraph is amazing.
Perhaps other not so character-driven readers such as me would enjoy this more.
The first half moves at a slug's pace, which I wouldn't have minded if I'd felt like I was getting to know the characters. But by the time it picked up action-wise about halfway, I didn't feel emotionally invested in the people or the environmental disaster coming their way.
The tone of the storytelling felt very removed, as if the narrator is zoomed out the whole time, as if most of the story is the backstory to the story proper.
I did enjoy the African and Indigenous influenced fantasy world and the inclusion of nonbinary people and queer relationships. And the prose is incredibly beautiful at times. The opening paragraph is amazing.
Perhaps other not so character-driven readers such as me would enjoy this more.
September 26, 2020
"The Bees keel over, clutching each other's legs, asleep. They dream of pools of nectar, clouds of pollen, and evening dew heavy with flower scent. Why dream of anything else?"
Written by Andrea Hairston, Master of Poisons is a rare fantasy standalone.
Master of Poisons takes place in an African-inspired world that is dealing with an ever-growing poison desert. Threatening mass climate destruction, the poison is destroying anything and everything in its path. Resulting in jellyfish explosions, poison dust cyclones, lightning, fire and sand demons.
Two main POV's are attempting to save the world from these poison storms, Djola and Awa.
Djola has recently been named the Master of Poisons of the Arkhysian Empire, making him second-in-command to Emperor Azizi. Married to the charming pirate Samina, he is also father to three kids - Tessa, Bal and Quint.
Djola married Samina for peace, yet found so much more. Their relationship is raw and genuine; it's sexy and sweet; comforting and passionate. Their connection is undeniably magnetic.
Awa is a Garden Sprite and was sold on her twelfth birthday by her family to the Green Elders. She is training to become a griot, which is a powerful combination of storyteller, mapmaker and historian. She possesses the ability to travel to the spirit world, Smokeland. She is accompanied by honeybees that hide in her hair.
"A sliver of moon lurked beyond the mist, a crooked smile in the dark."
The minute I opened Master of Poisons, I knew I was in for a journey unlike anything I've experienced before.
Sprawling over many years, Master of Poisons is bone-achingly beautiful, intensely emotional and brutally poetic. Pirates and poisonous storms and warhorses and floating cities and assassins and protective bees and lost souls and A Very Good Dog™. I was completely swept away by Hairston's delivery of this highly intoxicating world!
With timely themes of climate change, racism, politics and survival, Master of Poisons is a deeply powerful story. Mind-blowing worldbuilding, rich folklore, a uniquely compelling magic system and gloriously vibrant characterizations.
It is so fucking stunning, in part because of just how wonderfully queer it is. In fact, few cis straight individuals populate this landscape. Rather, there are an assortment of queer relationships and nonbinary characters, known as the Anawanama word "veson" with "vie" their preferred pronoun.
Fuck. Yes. GOOSEBUMPS!
I couldn't help but fall in love with this magical world!
"You all are my heart beating."
Master of Poisons felt like it cracked my heart open, while a swarm of bees burst out of the open chest cavity. It's one of the most breathtaking stories that I've read in recent years and I'll be thinking about it for quite some time to come.
(Endless gratitude to Tor.com Publishing for sending me a copy!)
**The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication**
Written by Andrea Hairston, Master of Poisons is a rare fantasy standalone.
Master of Poisons takes place in an African-inspired world that is dealing with an ever-growing poison desert. Threatening mass climate destruction, the poison is destroying anything and everything in its path. Resulting in jellyfish explosions, poison dust cyclones, lightning, fire and sand demons.
Two main POV's are attempting to save the world from these poison storms, Djola and Awa.
Djola has recently been named the Master of Poisons of the Arkhysian Empire, making him second-in-command to Emperor Azizi. Married to the charming pirate Samina, he is also father to three kids - Tessa, Bal and Quint.
Djola married Samina for peace, yet found so much more. Their relationship is raw and genuine; it's sexy and sweet; comforting and passionate. Their connection is undeniably magnetic.
Awa is a Garden Sprite and was sold on her twelfth birthday by her family to the Green Elders. She is training to become a griot, which is a powerful combination of storyteller, mapmaker and historian. She possesses the ability to travel to the spirit world, Smokeland. She is accompanied by honeybees that hide in her hair.
"A sliver of moon lurked beyond the mist, a crooked smile in the dark."
The minute I opened Master of Poisons, I knew I was in for a journey unlike anything I've experienced before.
Sprawling over many years, Master of Poisons is bone-achingly beautiful, intensely emotional and brutally poetic. Pirates and poisonous storms and warhorses and floating cities and assassins and protective bees and lost souls and A Very Good Dog™. I was completely swept away by Hairston's delivery of this highly intoxicating world!
With timely themes of climate change, racism, politics and survival, Master of Poisons is a deeply powerful story. Mind-blowing worldbuilding, rich folklore, a uniquely compelling magic system and gloriously vibrant characterizations.
It is so fucking stunning, in part because of just how wonderfully queer it is. In fact, few cis straight individuals populate this landscape. Rather, there are an assortment of queer relationships and nonbinary characters, known as the Anawanama word "veson" with "vie" their preferred pronoun.
Fuck. Yes. GOOSEBUMPS!
I couldn't help but fall in love with this magical world!
"You all are my heart beating."
Master of Poisons felt like it cracked my heart open, while a swarm of bees burst out of the open chest cavity. It's one of the most breathtaking stories that I've read in recent years and I'll be thinking about it for quite some time to come.
(Endless gratitude to Tor.com Publishing for sending me a copy!)
**The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication**
March 9, 2021
2.5 stars. I feel bad giving Master of Poisons such a low rating, because I wanted so much to love a book featuring an immersive fantasy world inspired by African cultures, queer relationships and GNC/nonbinary representation center stage, an expansive cast of characters, and lyrical writing that reads like a griot's tale. I was also looking forward to a plot centered on climate change, the plundering of natural resources, and the survivance of indigenous peoples in the face of imperialism and bigotry - handled here on the level of allegory, but no less resonant given how the real world parallels perpetually weigh on my mind.
Unfortunately the story fell flat for me on almost every level, and at 500 pages was a slog to get through. I couldn't gel with the writing style, which read strangely staccato, as if it was originally written as a script for a play or a movie (which I might have gotten into my head after reading up on Hairston's theatre background, but the comparison is fitting). Characters transition abruptly between emotional states, internal and external dialogue, actions, and - most jarringly - whole time skips spanning months and years. Important events like character deaths or magical breakthroughs happen in the span of a few sentences and often by way of summary, which made the whole thing feel rushed and awkward, as if the author didn't want to go to the trouble of fleshing out scenes. The main plot lacks cohesion and tension, so I spent the majority of the book both bored and confused, a fatal combination. I was tempted to DNF at several points and continued solely by virtue of stubbornness and wanting to do right by the book by giving it a chance to reach some sort of pay-off. It never came. What ought to have been the climax and cathartic release of the resolution somehow also managed to happen off-page and largely by summary, as if the narrative had just run out of steam toward the end. The characters were ultimately the biggest disappointment: they read like mouthpieces for the author's ideas or like fable archetypes, which might work for a shorter piece, but the strong sense of extended allegory without grounding and folklorish, repetitive prose wears thin over the length and breadth of a chunky epic fantasy.
There were certainly lovely pieces of writing, worldbuilding, and themes throughout that struck me: Smokeland/Jumbajabbaland, the spirit/dream realm of possibility and potentiality; "Basawili," a greeting and affirmation meaning "not the end, more breath to come"; "abelzowadyo," a sacred shapeshifter or many-faceted being; and the idea that the "weeds and wild things" of the world - plants, animals, mountains and rivers - belong to no one but themselves, and even constitute "people" in their own right. I just wish these poignant elements had been furnished with stronger writing, characterization, and narrative cohesion and momentum.
All of that said, Hairston doesn't lack for imagination so much as execution here, so I'll still try out her other novels. Basawili.
Unfortunately the story fell flat for me on almost every level, and at 500 pages was a slog to get through. I couldn't gel with the writing style, which read strangely staccato, as if it was originally written as a script for a play or a movie (which I might have gotten into my head after reading up on Hairston's theatre background, but the comparison is fitting). Characters transition abruptly between emotional states, internal and external dialogue, actions, and - most jarringly - whole time skips spanning months and years. Important events like character deaths or magical breakthroughs happen in the span of a few sentences and often by way of summary, which made the whole thing feel rushed and awkward, as if the author didn't want to go to the trouble of fleshing out scenes. The main plot lacks cohesion and tension, so I spent the majority of the book both bored and confused, a fatal combination. I was tempted to DNF at several points and continued solely by virtue of stubbornness and wanting to do right by the book by giving it a chance to reach some sort of pay-off. It never came. What ought to have been the climax and cathartic release of the resolution somehow also managed to happen off-page and largely by summary, as if the narrative had just run out of steam toward the end. The characters were ultimately the biggest disappointment: they read like mouthpieces for the author's ideas or like fable archetypes, which might work for a shorter piece, but the strong sense of extended allegory without grounding and folklorish, repetitive prose wears thin over the length and breadth of a chunky epic fantasy.
There were certainly lovely pieces of writing, worldbuilding, and themes throughout that struck me: Smokeland/Jumbajabbaland, the spirit/dream realm of possibility and potentiality; "Basawili," a greeting and affirmation meaning "not the end, more breath to come"; "abelzowadyo," a sacred shapeshifter or many-faceted being; and the idea that the "weeds and wild things" of the world - plants, animals, mountains and rivers - belong to no one but themselves, and even constitute "people" in their own right. I just wish these poignant elements had been furnished with stronger writing, characterization, and narrative cohesion and momentum.
All of that said, Hairston doesn't lack for imagination so much as execution here, so I'll still try out her other novels. Basawili.
July 29, 2020
"No hope without change, no change without sacrifice."
The world of Master of Poisons is at once both stunning and horrifying. Magic abounds from the sprites who can talk to animals and the griots who can travel through Smokeland, a land of spirits and visions, but it is also slowly dying as a climate catastrophe known as the poison desert consumes the world. Djola, the Master of Poisons (so named because he has an antidote for everything) is frustrated by his inability to solve the crisis that plagues the world. The other masters look for cheap and easily solutions but Djola knows the only way to save what he loves is through hardwork and sacrifice but the other masters exile him rather than follow his lead. Now without resources or friends, Djola must still find someway to save the world.
What I think I love most about the book is the worldbuilding. Everything feels so alive and diverse and unique in this world from the chaotic magics to the various peoples with their internecine conflicts (it's stated outright that the primary means of alleviating wars in this world is marital diplomacy, marrying the enemy) which produces temporary peace but then leads to harsher fights against brothers in the future. In particular, Smokeland was a fascinating spirit world that I never got tired of glimpsing pieces of. The characters too are quite fascinating. Though I obviously dwelt a lot on Djola in my summary, I think he is only the second best character to the sprite Awa who who spends much of the book learning the sacred arts of a griot (something of a storyteller, bard, shaman, and historian all in one). Her chapters have a much slower tragedy that mirror's Djola's while still remaining distinct due to her more spiritual connection to the land (she is often our primary viewpoint character for entering Smokeland for much of the book). I also think this is a thematically rich work with plenty to say about how those in power choose to protect their lifestyles over making hard choices to save everyone (a theme that is, to put it mildly, super fucking timely).
Chapters are extremely short which can make them hit or miss. Sometimes actions happen just a little too quickly or the plot jumps forward unexpectedly when a more traditional fantasy novel would dwell on the events a bit longer which did occasionally result in me having to reread a few passages to make sure I hadn't missed anything. However, in other circumstances the short chapters wind up feeling punchy instead of choppy and manage to go for the jugular in 2 pages in a way books with 83 page chapters never quite manage. The abruptness with which Djola is cast out of his city and loses his friends is a surprisingly effective way of what it must feel like to lose everything. Some of the minor characters also felt a little underdeveloped which did make sense for how quickly this book moves (not every author can tell a story of this scope in just 400ish pages) but it did sometimes make the world feel smaller than it should have
Quite simply, this book is a marvel and I admire a lot about it. I imagine anyone looking for a standalone epic that delivers a satisfying story in a unique world will find a lot to love about this book as well even if the novel demands more attention than you might be expecting from it's deceptively short length.
4.5 stars
The world of Master of Poisons is at once both stunning and horrifying. Magic abounds from the sprites who can talk to animals and the griots who can travel through Smokeland, a land of spirits and visions, but it is also slowly dying as a climate catastrophe known as the poison desert consumes the world. Djola, the Master of Poisons (so named because he has an antidote for everything) is frustrated by his inability to solve the crisis that plagues the world. The other masters look for cheap and easily solutions but Djola knows the only way to save what he loves is through hardwork and sacrifice but the other masters exile him rather than follow his lead. Now without resources or friends, Djola must still find someway to save the world.
What I think I love most about the book is the worldbuilding. Everything feels so alive and diverse and unique in this world from the chaotic magics to the various peoples with their internecine conflicts (it's stated outright that the primary means of alleviating wars in this world is marital diplomacy, marrying the enemy) which produces temporary peace but then leads to harsher fights against brothers in the future. In particular, Smokeland was a fascinating spirit world that I never got tired of glimpsing pieces of. The characters too are quite fascinating. Though I obviously dwelt a lot on Djola in my summary, I think he is only the second best character to the sprite Awa who who spends much of the book learning the sacred arts of a griot (something of a storyteller, bard, shaman, and historian all in one). Her chapters have a much slower tragedy that mirror's Djola's while still remaining distinct due to her more spiritual connection to the land (she is often our primary viewpoint character for entering Smokeland for much of the book). I also think this is a thematically rich work with plenty to say about how those in power choose to protect their lifestyles over making hard choices to save everyone (a theme that is, to put it mildly, super fucking timely).
Chapters are extremely short which can make them hit or miss. Sometimes actions happen just a little too quickly or the plot jumps forward unexpectedly when a more traditional fantasy novel would dwell on the events a bit longer which did occasionally result in me having to reread a few passages to make sure I hadn't missed anything. However, in other circumstances the short chapters wind up feeling punchy instead of choppy and manage to go for the jugular in 2 pages in a way books with 83 page chapters never quite manage. The abruptness with which Djola is cast out of his city and loses his friends is a surprisingly effective way of what it must feel like to lose everything. Some of the minor characters also felt a little underdeveloped which did make sense for how quickly this book moves (not every author can tell a story of this scope in just 400ish pages) but it did sometimes make the world feel smaller than it should have
Quite simply, this book is a marvel and I admire a lot about it. I imagine anyone looking for a standalone epic that delivers a satisfying story in a unique world will find a lot to love about this book as well even if the novel demands more attention than you might be expecting from it's deceptively short length.
4.5 stars
Read
February 19, 2021DNF at 65%.
I'm over halfway done, and I still cannot get into this story. I kept telling myself, "just keep going—eventually things will even out and you'll get into the groove!"
Still not in the groove, unfortunately.
The writing style is really intense. I'm not saying this is the fault of the book, it's most likely a "me" issue, but no matter how hard I tried to focus on the chapters, the characters, or the plot...it kept slipping away. Every page felt draining. Adding in uneven time jumps, dual POVs with very different world building for each one, a very confusing political system, and a magic system that is hard to grasp... Time to move on.
Really sad that this didn't work out. Hopefully other readers enjoy the story much more!
Blog | Instagram
I'm over halfway done, and I still cannot get into this story. I kept telling myself, "just keep going—eventually things will even out and you'll get into the groove!"
Still not in the groove, unfortunately.
The writing style is really intense. I'm not saying this is the fault of the book, it's most likely a "me" issue, but no matter how hard I tried to focus on the chapters, the characters, or the plot...it kept slipping away. Every page felt draining. Adding in uneven time jumps, dual POVs with very different world building for each one, a very confusing political system, and a magic system that is hard to grasp... Time to move on.
Really sad that this didn't work out. Hopefully other readers enjoy the story much more!
Blog | Instagram
July 7, 2023
this slowburn fantasy is incredibly well written. there are gorgeous descriptions of the land, food, and way of life. the nonbinary characters feel very authentic and not just thrown in for queer rep, and the queer relationships are wonderful to see. however, it is slow. it is long. and i didn't enjoy it. i tried to love it, i really did, but it was so incredibly slow and dragged on. don't get me wrong, the world building is phenomenal, but it's a slog to get through.
November 11, 2020
3.5 Stars
This book featured a richly drawn world and complicated characters trying to save themselves and a teetering Empire.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the prose, but I almost never felt deeply moved by this book. It also dragged at times and made me wish the plot would move just a little faster.
I will very likely read give books by this author a try.
This book featured a richly drawn world and complicated characters trying to save themselves and a teetering Empire.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the prose, but I almost never felt deeply moved by this book. It also dragged at times and made me wish the plot would move just a little faster.
I will very likely read give books by this author a try.
dnf
November 12, 2020Time of death @ 11%.
Two hours in I still wondered who people were and what they were doing, and why. I have too many books on my tbr pile to spend them with characters and a story I'm just not feeling, so I have to say goodbye here.
Two hours in I still wondered who people were and what they were doing, and why. I have too many books on my tbr pile to spend them with characters and a story I'm just not feeling, so I have to say goodbye here.
June 22, 2022
4.5*
A captivating fantasy epic about culture, climate and the human condition.
I didn't expect too much of this book and won't recommend it to every person out there.
It isn't for every person out there.
It's very literary and often abstract.
The plot is far from linear and kind of directionless.
I very much understand that many people didn't enjoy this book.
It's far from perfect.
I did. I very much loved it.
It was lush and beautiful and endlessly fascinating.
The strongest aspects of this book were the prose and the world building. Hairston has a very evocative and ambitious writing style. I think it's like poetry.
The word building so big and nuanced and full of culture.
Master of Poisons is climate fiction. A epic fantasy cli fi about a dying world and humanity not acting despite the warnings and instead turning to hate. A book about extremism and colonialism and religious fanaticism. There also alot of hate for vesons - that world's version of nonbinary people.
It's a story about people being broken by all that but also still fighting and standing up again. A story about love and hope.
There are many sad and tragic and hard moments in this book. But also many happy ones, and at the end of it all, I just really loved it.
And I highly recommend this to fans of N.K. Jemisin. If anyone has a chance at enjoying this, it's Jemisin fans.
A captivating fantasy epic about culture, climate and the human condition.
I didn't expect too much of this book and won't recommend it to every person out there.
It isn't for every person out there.
It's very literary and often abstract.
The plot is far from linear and kind of directionless.
I very much understand that many people didn't enjoy this book.
It's far from perfect.
I did. I very much loved it.
It was lush and beautiful and endlessly fascinating.
The strongest aspects of this book were the prose and the world building. Hairston has a very evocative and ambitious writing style. I think it's like poetry.
The word building so big and nuanced and full of culture.
Master of Poisons is climate fiction. A epic fantasy cli fi about a dying world and humanity not acting despite the warnings and instead turning to hate. A book about extremism and colonialism and religious fanaticism. There also alot of hate for vesons - that world's version of nonbinary people.
It's a story about people being broken by all that but also still fighting and standing up again. A story about love and hope.
There are many sad and tragic and hard moments in this book. But also many happy ones, and at the end of it all, I just really loved it.
And I highly recommend this to fans of N.K. Jemisin. If anyone has a chance at enjoying this, it's Jemisin fans.
January 20, 2021
Thank you to Macmillian Audio who provided me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Full disclosure: I shouldn't have listened to this as fast as I did. I am very unfamiliar with the names and I wish I had taken the time to slow down so I could absorb them (mainly for side characters). That being said, I did not take any stars off for this as it is solely my own damn fault. But I do plan to reread this in the future either physically or in conjunction with the audiobook.
First off, this book is a stunning and epic high fantasy. Do not go into this book expecting anything different. This book is long and the world building is immense, but all of it is necessary. The plot is slow moving and covers very large swaths of time so be prepared.
Master of Poisons follows Djola and Awa. Djola is the Master of poisons until he is blamed for an attempted rebellion and poison sand corrupting his homeland. Exiled from the Arkhysian Empire, he must find answers in old alchemical texts with the aid of pirates. Awa is a young woman training to become a griot after being sold by her family--may be wrong in this but I think she is of a caste or supernatural being that is the object of oppression?? There's something here if I can't remember exactly because I remember her being the object of a lot of slurs.
This book is full of folklore and mythology similar to The Priory of the Orange Tree or Raybearer. It is a vibrant world full of magic, conflict and blooming relationships. There is also a large part of the world that is nonbinary. These characters are known as vesons and use the neopronoun vie. I definitely thought this book was the beginning of a series, but I am glad it was not. The ending was wild and I absolutely loved it.
Full disclosure: I shouldn't have listened to this as fast as I did. I am very unfamiliar with the names and I wish I had taken the time to slow down so I could absorb them (mainly for side characters). That being said, I did not take any stars off for this as it is solely my own damn fault. But I do plan to reread this in the future either physically or in conjunction with the audiobook.
First off, this book is a stunning and epic high fantasy. Do not go into this book expecting anything different. This book is long and the world building is immense, but all of it is necessary. The plot is slow moving and covers very large swaths of time so be prepared.
Master of Poisons follows Djola and Awa. Djola is the Master of poisons until he is blamed for an attempted rebellion and poison sand corrupting his homeland. Exiled from the Arkhysian Empire, he must find answers in old alchemical texts with the aid of pirates. Awa is a young woman training to become a griot after being sold by her family--may be wrong in this but I think she is of a caste or supernatural being that is the object of oppression?? There's something here if I can't remember exactly because I remember her being the object of a lot of slurs.
This book is full of folklore and mythology similar to The Priory of the Orange Tree or Raybearer. It is a vibrant world full of magic, conflict and blooming relationships. There is also a large part of the world that is nonbinary. These characters are known as vesons and use the neopronoun vie. I definitely thought this book was the beginning of a series, but I am glad it was not. The ending was wild and I absolutely loved it.
May 7, 2021
This book was not for me, unfortunately. I thought the concept, the world and the magic were interesting, but I was not the reader for this book. The writing style really threw me off and it was much too lyrical for my tastes. At points, I found myself so lost by the wording and overly written descriptions that I had no clue what was happening with the plot. All of this combined made me feel really disconnected from the characters.
I can see why people either really love this novel, or don't like it. I almost DNF'd this several times, but due to the fact that I'm stubborn and hate DNFing books, I pushed through.... I should have just given up lol
I can see why people either really love this novel, or don't like it. I almost DNF'd this several times, but due to the fact that I'm stubborn and hate DNFing books, I pushed through.... I should have just given up lol
September 10, 2020
The Empire stole our stories and turned us into savage, barbarian, citizen; they turned Iyalawos and Babalawos into witch women and witchdoctors.
On my blog.
Actual rating 2.5
Rep: Black cast, lesbian mc, nonbinary li, bi/pan characters, nonbinary characters
CWs: death, violence, implied rape, implied torture
Galley provided by publisher
In all honesty, Master of Poisons is a case of “right book, wrong time” for me. It was a good book, and I did like it, but it’s one that I think I would have liked more if I had the patience to sit with it and read a little slower. It’s one that, I think, if I reread it and I knew what to expect from it, writing-wise and plot-wise, I would enjoy more.
So here’s some reasons you should ignore my rating and just read this book anyway.
The worldbuilding. I feel like we are in the middle of a glut of great fantasy worlds, particularly in adult fantasy, and this one is no different. It’s so vibrant and real and definitely a world I would want to return to.
The characters. First and foremost, there are hardly any straight people in this, which obviously makes it that much better for me. Not only that, but there’s also consideration of non-cis people too, which is always good to see in fantasy (I mean, if your world is mostly made-up, why can’t you make up new gender dynamics too?). The one thing I would say though, is that the vesons (effectively the group of nonbinary folks) were often spoken of as being a scapegoat a lot of the time, and there were mentions of vie being murdered for that reason. So it still wasn’t a world without that prejudice.
Secondly, the main characters are definitely ones you will find it very easy to sympathise with. Djola starts off as a fairly arrogant, yet well-meaning, man who just wants to save his adopted country, while Awa is a girl whose home is snatched away from her brutally, and is just looking to survive. Add to this a supporting cast of pirates, spies and griots, and you have yourself an exciting story.
The plot. At heart, the plot is one of rescuing one’s homeland, but it also has a distinct found family aspect to it, as well as a consideration of reform versus wholesale change in the face of corruption. It is both epic in scope and also very focused on individual relationships, which I really liked about it.
So, if that all sounds like it would be up your alley, please, do pick up this book. Like I said, for me, it was a case of “right book, wrong time” and maybe in the future I can come back to it and enjoy it as it deserves.
August 26, 2022
This is a climate fantasy written in a distant, lyrically way that I think fans of literary fiction, Braiding Sweetgrass, and Lord of the Rings would enjoy. The story focuses on two protagonists, one a young girl who is able to interact with different planes of existence who has lost her family and is taken in by this group of people whose goal is to live with the land and believe that the balance between society and the land has been disrupted and that has what has cause the failed crops and this dangerous storm that has arrived. In her arc you get some of the mentor trope, there is found family but there is also loss and heart ache. One of my critiques of the story is that there are some time jumps that occur at moments I wish we could have spent more time in. The other protagonist is a man who has sway in the political courts and is trying to instill essentially a Green New Deal but then events occur that make him an exile with pirates as he searches for a cure to save the world. Its a slow burn tale and I can see why not everyone would like it but I personally loved the themes in this story and how we got to cover such a long span of years in one standalone fantasy novel.
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August 15, 2020Review to come. Love the dog.
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January 28, 2021 E-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own and are not affected in any way.
DNF at 7%
I started this one back in October last year, but no matter how many times I have tried to read it, I couldn't get into it at all. I read other books, thinking that if I will give it more time then I will be able to get into it. Not even a chance. Ultimately, considering the fact that I was able to listen some audiobooks in the last maybe half year or so, I decided to try the audio while doing my daily sketchbook drawing. Oh boy... VERY bad decision! The voice of the male character was ok, but the female one?! 😫 Cringe! Almost no intonation, something like a robotic voice, and I was kind of forced to listen at 1.5 speed because she was speaking so damn slow! It's really a shame, because I was so interested in reading this book, and when I got approved for it on NetGalley I almost screamed in excitement!
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DNF at 7%
I started this one back in October last year, but no matter how many times I have tried to read it, I couldn't get into it at all. I read other books, thinking that if I will give it more time then I will be able to get into it. Not even a chance. Ultimately, considering the fact that I was able to listen some audiobooks in the last maybe half year or so, I decided to try the audio while doing my daily sketchbook drawing. Oh boy... VERY bad decision! The voice of the male character was ok, but the female one?! 😫 Cringe! Almost no intonation, something like a robotic voice, and I was kind of forced to listen at 1.5 speed because she was speaking so damn slow! It's really a shame, because I was so interested in reading this book, and when I got approved for it on NetGalley I almost screamed in excitement!
My BLOG
My WHISHLIST
December 28, 2020
This was a creatively unique, conjure-filled tale that gripped me from the very first page til the end.
"We're all fools, acting as if what we know is all there is to know." -Djola
With clear, straightforward, and not a word of wasted or overused prose, Hairston weaves a story of peoples battling encroaching poison deserts, excoriating sandstorms that snap and crackle and oppression and exploitation by the Empire.
The dialogue is fast and crackles with wit and spirit, the characters are engaging and intriguing from the start, each with a verve all their own. There is a certain life and familiarity to what Hairston conveys with this story and it vividly comes to life in the mind.
We are attuned to the degradation and depredations of the land and people, the desperation in trying to use blood magic to halt the collapse of life, instead of turning to ancient ways that could assuage the change.
A story depicting found families, lost families, and how we can either fall into despair or become ourselves in an environment that nurtures the spirit; while also highlighting the pitfalls of losing a position that we had come to define ourselves by.
The women are leading in this story, from the witch doctor who refuses to be bullied into the politicking of the empire to the griot who holds true to the stories and rituals and knowledge of old to the young girl learning to define and discover who she is after being sold by her father
Each of these women is playing an integral role in keeping those they can safe while adapting to a changing landscape, ushered in by climate crises, and the elements that have turned against them.
What I found most enjoyable and endearing about this story is the sentience that Hairston highlighted in animals, the river, the trees, how involved she made them in the fabric of events. They have a voice and she gave them a presence that was clearly communicated to the reader.
This is very much a story about believing, fighting, searching, finding, loving, losing, falling, yet getting back up; it is filled with life, light, dark, magic, conjure, us, and it is brilliant. This is a powerful analogy of what greed to preserve the status quo has done and in doing to our home and the only way through is Change.
The writing style and flow can throw off the reading pace as it is sparse in certain places and descriptive in others, but I quite liked the prose as I felt it kept the story moving as a book this size can become a drag after a while.
-A reckoning fire comes, but this is not your last breath, so change, change, change-
"We're all fools, acting as if what we know is all there is to know." -Djola
With clear, straightforward, and not a word of wasted or overused prose, Hairston weaves a story of peoples battling encroaching poison deserts, excoriating sandstorms that snap and crackle and oppression and exploitation by the Empire.
The dialogue is fast and crackles with wit and spirit, the characters are engaging and intriguing from the start, each with a verve all their own. There is a certain life and familiarity to what Hairston conveys with this story and it vividly comes to life in the mind.
We are attuned to the degradation and depredations of the land and people, the desperation in trying to use blood magic to halt the collapse of life, instead of turning to ancient ways that could assuage the change.
A story depicting found families, lost families, and how we can either fall into despair or become ourselves in an environment that nurtures the spirit; while also highlighting the pitfalls of losing a position that we had come to define ourselves by.
The women are leading in this story, from the witch doctor who refuses to be bullied into the politicking of the empire to the griot who holds true to the stories and rituals and knowledge of old to the young girl learning to define and discover who she is after being sold by her father
Each of these women is playing an integral role in keeping those they can safe while adapting to a changing landscape, ushered in by climate crises, and the elements that have turned against them.
What I found most enjoyable and endearing about this story is the sentience that Hairston highlighted in animals, the river, the trees, how involved she made them in the fabric of events. They have a voice and she gave them a presence that was clearly communicated to the reader.
This is very much a story about believing, fighting, searching, finding, loving, losing, falling, yet getting back up; it is filled with life, light, dark, magic, conjure, us, and it is brilliant. This is a powerful analogy of what greed to preserve the status quo has done and in doing to our home and the only way through is Change.
The writing style and flow can throw off the reading pace as it is sparse in certain places and descriptive in others, but I quite liked the prose as I felt it kept the story moving as a book this size can become a drag after a while.
-A reckoning fire comes, but this is not your last breath, so change, change, change-
September 2, 2020
I have always enjoyed reading epic fantasy. I love to look into an author’s world that they completely made up, and be awed and inspired by it. Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston did have a very rich world that was highly detailed. It was a world mixed with violence and beauty. You can tell that Hairston put her heart and soul into her world and for that, this book was excellent.
Now in every epic fantasy you have names of people and places that you won’t be familiar with, and sometimes it does take a bit for the flow to get going and for the reader to catch on. I expect that and it’s part of what makes a fantasy novel so interesting. But when you add in lots of unfamiliar words for things too, it becomes a lot harder for me to find my flow. If some of the things would have been explained faster this could have helped me to understand better. And when things were explained it was more of an information dump instead of having it flow seamlessly into the story.
Often short chapters are used to keep the action going and this makes the reader want to keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next. But the short chapters in Master of Poisons had more of a choppy effect, often taking me out of the story. There were times when more was needed to be said before jumping to something else.
Even though I couldn’t get into Master of Poisons like I was hoping, I’m not going to say you shouldn’t read it, since it might be something you really end up enjoying.
Now in every epic fantasy you have names of people and places that you won’t be familiar with, and sometimes it does take a bit for the flow to get going and for the reader to catch on. I expect that and it’s part of what makes a fantasy novel so interesting. But when you add in lots of unfamiliar words for things too, it becomes a lot harder for me to find my flow. If some of the things would have been explained faster this could have helped me to understand better. And when things were explained it was more of an information dump instead of having it flow seamlessly into the story.
Often short chapters are used to keep the action going and this makes the reader want to keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next. But the short chapters in Master of Poisons had more of a choppy effect, often taking me out of the story. There were times when more was needed to be said before jumping to something else.
Even though I couldn’t get into Master of Poisons like I was hoping, I’m not going to say you shouldn’t read it, since it might be something you really end up enjoying.
May 19, 2021
I'm glad I came across this review, because it echoes my thoughts perfectly (and validates my experience of thinking maybe I missed some explanations at the beginning). It's an incredible story with many breathtaking moments. And it was also exhausting to read and keep up with; it kept feeling like maaaaybe the next chapter will pause to clarify some things and let the reader collect their thoughts but that never happened.
October 26, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Uma Shankari
Set in a high fantasy world inspired by African culture and folklore, Master of Poisons boasts a lush setting that comes to life with the haunting writing style. The cast is as diverse as the world with characters from multiple cultures. There is also extensive queer rep in the book with multiple non-binary characters who are called “vesons” in this world and use vie/vie’s pronouns. The fact that most of the major characters were not cishet was a breath of fresh air in the high fantasy genre. This is not a world without prejudice though and the author shows how vesons suffer at the hands of the Empire for being different and it seems as though Hairston has masterfully drawn parallels between the book and the real world issues.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
Set in a high fantasy world inspired by African culture and folklore, Master of Poisons boasts a lush setting that comes to life with the haunting writing style. The cast is as diverse as the world with characters from multiple cultures. There is also extensive queer rep in the book with multiple non-binary characters who are called “vesons” in this world and use vie/vie’s pronouns. The fact that most of the major characters were not cishet was a breath of fresh air in the high fantasy genre. This is not a world without prejudice though and the author shows how vesons suffer at the hands of the Empire for being different and it seems as though Hairston has masterfully drawn parallels between the book and the real world issues.
Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily
February 25, 2022
The language is absolutely lush and gorgeous. But at 33% I have absolutely no idea what is going on. DNF.
September 14, 2020
I received a copy of Master of Poisons in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Andrea Hairston's Master of Poisons sets up a changing world, one that's struggling to survive.
In a world full of magic, there's only so much that can be done to stop the poisonous desert from creeping ever closer. Yet that is exactly what Djola hopes to do – to save his people, as the Master of Poisons it is his job.
“No hope without change, no change without sacrifice.”
Warnings: Master of Poisons touches upon many intense subjects, and portrays lots of violence, rape (implied), and torture (also implied).
Master of Poisons is the latest fantasy novel, one that highlights different struggles and attempts to survive. It's a dark and dangerous world, and yet this novel has made a point of showing all of the reasons to find hope.
I'm honestly struggling on what to say about Master of Poisons. It's an intriguing and brilliant novel, of that I have no doubt. But I also really struggled with this one. It always felt like I was playing catchup – like I was struggling to put the pieces of the world together in a way that made sense for me. I'm not sure if that's just me, or the mood I was in while reading, or what.
I do know that it kept me from feeling any real connection to this book. Which is a shame, as I really really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
That isn't to say that I disliked it. The writing was brilliant, as was much of the world. I just didn't feel much of a connection to any of it. Ironically, if a sequel was to come out, I would read that in a heartbeat. I can't help but feel like I'm on the verge of a breakthrough, and that at any moment a sudden rush of understanding will hit me, and suddenly make me love the book. At least, that's what I'd like to think. I hope that all makes sense.
I did find the magical system to be intriguing, and sincerely would have loved to see more of it (I feel like I say that a lot, but it really is true). The fantasy worlds portrayed were brilliant and bold, showing the good and the bad. The potential, as well as the struggles to get there.
While I did struggle a bit, as mentioned, I never had any problem understanding the stakes at hand. Hairston made it very clear what was at stake, and thus what would be lost of Djola's goal failed. That brought the fantasy elements back down to a darker level, but not in a bad way.
Finally, the writing within Master of Poisons is wonderfully done. There are times where it almost flows like prose, and it's hard not to respect the heck out of that. Here's hoping for more of it's kind down the line.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Andrea Hairston's Master of Poisons sets up a changing world, one that's struggling to survive.
In a world full of magic, there's only so much that can be done to stop the poisonous desert from creeping ever closer. Yet that is exactly what Djola hopes to do – to save his people, as the Master of Poisons it is his job.
“No hope without change, no change without sacrifice.”
Warnings: Master of Poisons touches upon many intense subjects, and portrays lots of violence, rape (implied), and torture (also implied).
Master of Poisons is the latest fantasy novel, one that highlights different struggles and attempts to survive. It's a dark and dangerous world, and yet this novel has made a point of showing all of the reasons to find hope.
I'm honestly struggling on what to say about Master of Poisons. It's an intriguing and brilliant novel, of that I have no doubt. But I also really struggled with this one. It always felt like I was playing catchup – like I was struggling to put the pieces of the world together in a way that made sense for me. I'm not sure if that's just me, or the mood I was in while reading, or what.
I do know that it kept me from feeling any real connection to this book. Which is a shame, as I really really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did.
That isn't to say that I disliked it. The writing was brilliant, as was much of the world. I just didn't feel much of a connection to any of it. Ironically, if a sequel was to come out, I would read that in a heartbeat. I can't help but feel like I'm on the verge of a breakthrough, and that at any moment a sudden rush of understanding will hit me, and suddenly make me love the book. At least, that's what I'd like to think. I hope that all makes sense.
I did find the magical system to be intriguing, and sincerely would have loved to see more of it (I feel like I say that a lot, but it really is true). The fantasy worlds portrayed were brilliant and bold, showing the good and the bad. The potential, as well as the struggles to get there.
While I did struggle a bit, as mentioned, I never had any problem understanding the stakes at hand. Hairston made it very clear what was at stake, and thus what would be lost of Djola's goal failed. That brought the fantasy elements back down to a darker level, but not in a bad way.
Finally, the writing within Master of Poisons is wonderfully done. There are times where it almost flows like prose, and it's hard not to respect the heck out of that. Here's hoping for more of it's kind down the line.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
July 26, 2021
In this chunky epic we follow two perspectives Awa and Djola. Awa is a sprite, sold by her family and on the journey to her new master. Djola is influential and part of a political council, as the Master of Poisons all hopes are on him to clear the poison desert threatening them all, until he suddenly winds up wandering as a pirate.
I have mixed feelings on this one, I really enjoyed the rich prose, and there are some really fresh ideas in here, but I have no clue what the plot really was - it's clear it's meant to be about solving this big poison desert issue... but I don't see how the story we got is really working toward that. It felt like a solid edit to pare down to the actual plot was needed, because it was something like 300 pages of being in a new place for no particular reason in each chapter, before we finally got to something that started to look like a core plot. I don't think I've ever re-read chapters so much trying to understand why things were happening, not being able to figure it out even on multiple readings. By the end we had a bit of central plot, more cool magical development, but everything felt so aimless I just wasn't invested.
I have mixed feelings on this one, I really enjoyed the rich prose, and there are some really fresh ideas in here, but I have no clue what the plot really was - it's clear it's meant to be about solving this big poison desert issue... but I don't see how the story we got is really working toward that. It felt like a solid edit to pare down to the actual plot was needed, because it was something like 300 pages of being in a new place for no particular reason in each chapter, before we finally got to something that started to look like a core plot. I don't think I've ever re-read chapters so much trying to understand why things were happening, not being able to figure it out even on multiple readings. By the end we had a bit of central plot, more cool magical development, but everything felt so aimless I just wasn't invested.
September 10, 2020
You can view my full review here: https://youtu.be/ezOp8fFmerU
September 8, 2020
I loved the world in this story - especially the magic in the form of smoke walking and the songs and dances that serve to weave spells and intent - but there was some big... something that I must have missed somewhere between 50-60% without which I was confused for the rest of the book. When Djola and Awa finally come together, which should have been a victory (because any time you have split POVs like this, the collision of them is monumental to the story) I was too busy going "wait, what? How did we get here?" And that vibe preoccupied me for the rest of the story.
Also when we finally get to our villain, it feels very disconnected from the beginning of the story and what sparked the journey in the first place. Because so much time passes from beginning to end, it leaves me feeling slightly rushed - like I glossed over important information. I do know that I would definitely read short fiction by this author because I think her writing would lend itself very well to a novella or short stories.
{Thank you Tordotcom and NetGalley for the eARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC - all thoughts are my own}
Also when we finally get to our villain, it feels very disconnected from the beginning of the story and what sparked the journey in the first place. Because so much time passes from beginning to end, it leaves me feeling slightly rushed - like I glossed over important information. I do know that I would definitely read short fiction by this author because I think her writing would lend itself very well to a novella or short stories.
{Thank you Tordotcom and NetGalley for the eARC and Macmillan Audio for the ALC - all thoughts are my own}
September 2, 2025
Who knew the apocalypse could be so dreamy?
Djola might be a Master of Poisons, but Andrea Hairston has mastered prose. Every word she writes begs for attention. This book is so lyrical, especially when it comes to natural imagery, that it sometimes gets distracting. The prose threatens to sweep readers off their feet without later offering clearcut opportunities to find footing again. Dialogue and action are repeatedly interrupted for characters to stare out across the landscape, examine the unique plants and animals around them, and ponder the weather. It’s difficult not to get lost in the imagery, and when things return to the actual plot, no one reminds readers what was going on before the interruption.
The good news is that this imagery is sometimes more important than everything else. In fantasy, it’s common for the setting itself to be centered, and Master of Poisons—despite taking a more literary approach that keeps some worldbuilding questions left unanswered—is no different. The book is about how a poisonous desert is spreading across an empire, causing apocalyptic blight and famine. Many pages are understandably devoted to describing farms, dunes, and other relevant landscapes. Since the entire story revolves around how the environment has the power to wipe out a civilization, it’s quite fitting that the vivid natural imagery can overpower everything else in the book.
To hammer the point home, the book plays around with language in a way that gives nature agency, while also emphasizing that humans are a part of the environment too. For example, by eliminating a lot of the possessive pronouns, the writing itself offers insights into the notions of possessions, property, ownership, and belonging, all pertinent questions in a story about whether humans can ever truly own and control nature (and each other). Additionally, since there are very few definite and indefinite articles, it is hard to distinguish characters, objects, and their environments. They all blend, slip, and blur beautifully together into one complex collective tapestry. In this tapestry, things like plants, stones, and streams are often the subject of a sentence (even when most English speakers would have instinctually made them the direct object), and the strongest and most active verbs are usually attached to nouns associated with the environment. As a result, the natural world is as active a participant in the story as possible.
Many of the other active characters also embody the environment. In the very first scene, a man is said to have a “craggy” face that resembles the caves in which he lives. One of the protagonists—a sprite named Awa—has bees living in her hair. Animals sometimes serve as important characters, and some chapters are narrated from their perspective. A river also gets a perspective chapter. It’s clear that in this book, nature is pushing at the boundaries between humanity and the environment; humans can do little to stop it. All they can do is prove that they deserve to survive it.
Underneath the intoxicating and overpowering natural imagery, the book does have other compelling elements. The setting and premise—based on African mythology—are original and imaginative, the story is epic and sprawling, and there are a lot of sharp and resonating observations about idealism, climate change, and the ways different people respond to both. The purple prose might sometimes make these messages hard to understand, but the writing is so delicious that it demands to be chewed in order to fully decipher the flavors. Once understanding does come, the payoff is satisfying.
Djola might be a Master of Poisons, but Andrea Hairston has mastered prose. Every word she writes begs for attention. This book is so lyrical, especially when it comes to natural imagery, that it sometimes gets distracting. The prose threatens to sweep readers off their feet without later offering clearcut opportunities to find footing again. Dialogue and action are repeatedly interrupted for characters to stare out across the landscape, examine the unique plants and animals around them, and ponder the weather. It’s difficult not to get lost in the imagery, and when things return to the actual plot, no one reminds readers what was going on before the interruption.
The good news is that this imagery is sometimes more important than everything else. In fantasy, it’s common for the setting itself to be centered, and Master of Poisons—despite taking a more literary approach that keeps some worldbuilding questions left unanswered—is no different. The book is about how a poisonous desert is spreading across an empire, causing apocalyptic blight and famine. Many pages are understandably devoted to describing farms, dunes, and other relevant landscapes. Since the entire story revolves around how the environment has the power to wipe out a civilization, it’s quite fitting that the vivid natural imagery can overpower everything else in the book.
To hammer the point home, the book plays around with language in a way that gives nature agency, while also emphasizing that humans are a part of the environment too. For example, by eliminating a lot of the possessive pronouns, the writing itself offers insights into the notions of possessions, property, ownership, and belonging, all pertinent questions in a story about whether humans can ever truly own and control nature (and each other). Additionally, since there are very few definite and indefinite articles, it is hard to distinguish characters, objects, and their environments. They all blend, slip, and blur beautifully together into one complex collective tapestry. In this tapestry, things like plants, stones, and streams are often the subject of a sentence (even when most English speakers would have instinctually made them the direct object), and the strongest and most active verbs are usually attached to nouns associated with the environment. As a result, the natural world is as active a participant in the story as possible.
Many of the other active characters also embody the environment. In the very first scene, a man is said to have a “craggy” face that resembles the caves in which he lives. One of the protagonists—a sprite named Awa—has bees living in her hair. Animals sometimes serve as important characters, and some chapters are narrated from their perspective. A river also gets a perspective chapter. It’s clear that in this book, nature is pushing at the boundaries between humanity and the environment; humans can do little to stop it. All they can do is prove that they deserve to survive it.
Underneath the intoxicating and overpowering natural imagery, the book does have other compelling elements. The setting and premise—based on African mythology—are original and imaginative, the story is epic and sprawling, and there are a lot of sharp and resonating observations about idealism, climate change, and the ways different people respond to both. The purple prose might sometimes make these messages hard to understand, but the writing is so delicious that it demands to be chewed in order to fully decipher the flavors. Once understanding does come, the payoff is satisfying.
September 13, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
Master of Poisons is an epic fantasy where the world needs saving – not from some Dark Lord, but from people who are good but weak, and those who are strong but corrupt. The world is being consumed by poison storms, land and rivers ruined more and more every day, and if something isn’t done…
You might expect this, then, to be some kind of preachy environmentalist book. It’s not. Environmentalism is a huge theme – climate change is literally the Big Bad – but Master of Poisons is a big, beautiful fantasy, with magic and mountains, pirates and politics, questions and the quests undertaken to answer them. Djola, the only one on the Emperor’s council advocating for deep and long-term change as a solution to the poisoned land, is exiled for not having easy answers to give. Awa, a young woman who discovers she can travel to the wondrous otherworld called Smokeland, is sold by her father – and raised by Green Elders, a society of wandering bands who live outside of normal life, keeping the old ways alive and weaving new ones for the future.
And then things get complicated.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Master of Poisons is an epic fantasy where the world needs saving – not from some Dark Lord, but from people who are good but weak, and those who are strong but corrupt. The world is being consumed by poison storms, land and rivers ruined more and more every day, and if something isn’t done…
You might expect this, then, to be some kind of preachy environmentalist book. It’s not. Environmentalism is a huge theme – climate change is literally the Big Bad – but Master of Poisons is a big, beautiful fantasy, with magic and mountains, pirates and politics, questions and the quests undertaken to answer them. Djola, the only one on the Emperor’s council advocating for deep and long-term change as a solution to the poisoned land, is exiled for not having easy answers to give. Awa, a young woman who discovers she can travel to the wondrous otherworld called Smokeland, is sold by her father – and raised by Green Elders, a society of wandering bands who live outside of normal life, keeping the old ways alive and weaving new ones for the future.
And then things get complicated.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
September 3, 2020
Brilliant. Illuminating. Hopeful. It's by Andrea Hairston! Enough said.
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