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Poisoned Garden
You Reap What You Sow...
It started with a fight at school.
The girl who attacked me burst into flames on the way to the hospital, and now, I'm starting to...change.
In less than a week, my biggest problem has gone from trying to decide what to do if I don't get into The Citadel to navigating the front lines of a looming, supernatural war.
And you know what? I signed up for all the honors classes these past four years. None of them prepared me for Eden's Bluff Academy, a school in the Bermuda Triangle with human-elemental hybrids, angels, snakes with wings, and an inter-dimensional veil that someone is trying to destroy.
Unless I stop them.
(Poisoned Garden is the first book in the YA spinoff series to First Bloods: A Dystopian SciFi / Supernatural Thriller series.)
It started with a fight at school.
The girl who attacked me burst into flames on the way to the hospital, and now, I'm starting to...change.
In less than a week, my biggest problem has gone from trying to decide what to do if I don't get into The Citadel to navigating the front lines of a looming, supernatural war.
And you know what? I signed up for all the honors classes these past four years. None of them prepared me for Eden's Bluff Academy, a school in the Bermuda Triangle with human-elemental hybrids, angels, snakes with wings, and an inter-dimensional veil that someone is trying to destroy.
Unless I stop them.
(Poisoned Garden is the first book in the YA spinoff series to First Bloods: A Dystopian SciFi / Supernatural Thriller series.)
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2020
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Korn
20 books56 followersTracy Korn is a USA Today bestselling YA / Speculative Fiction author and all around science geek who may or may not have a "Lip Smackers" chapstick addiction. When she’s not inventing dystopian worlds (and subsequently saving them or wrecking them more), she reads about other people doing it, practices her newbie cinematographer skills, and dreams of someday meeting James Cameron.
To be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and if Tracy ever really does meet James Cameron, sign up for her VIP list at bit.ly/TracyKornNL. Also, follow the platforms below for impromptu giveaways and bonuses!
Website: www.TracyKorn.com
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To be the first to hear about new releases, giveaways, and if Tracy ever really does meet James Cameron, sign up for her VIP list at bit.ly/TracyKornNL. Also, follow the platforms below for impromptu giveaways and bonuses!
Website: www.TracyKorn.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorTracyKorn
Twitter: twitter.com/TracyKornAuthor
Instagram: instagram.com/tracy_korn
Amazon: amazon.com/author/tracykorn
Bookbub: bit.ly/TracyKornBookBub
Goodreads: bit.ly/TracyKornGoodreads
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2020
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for review consideration.
Warning: This is an angry review. I’m sorry, but this book made me scream a lot. Here's why:
There are barely any real characters in this book. Even the protagonist, Halsey, is bland stand-in with no personality. They’re mostly just clichés: Childhood Best Friend, Love Interest, Default Friend Group, Mysterious Mentor, Mean Girls, and so on. Yeah, every girl is some measure of mean just so Halsey can look down on them and be Not Like Other Girls.
The Love Interest, on the other hand, is made of abs, man-pain, and exposition. He’s Native American, but in name only, and I found his portrayal, like with the other POC, slightly inappropriate. But I’m white and, therefore, not exactly qualified to discuss this subject any further.
The plot only shows up near the end, while the first 10% is spent with stereotypical high school bullies and drama. It picks up later as Halsey learns more about Eden’s Bluff, and then it goes into saving all of Humanity in the last bit. It ends in an anticlimax. Next, the bad guys have a change of heart for pretty much no reason, and they feel terrible for betraying Halsey. Not, you know, almost getting everyone killed.
Now, the world-building broke my heart. It pretends to go into social commentary, only to focus on shape-shifting that it fails horribly at explaining with science. That is not how biology works. Or physics. You can’t throw words like “DNA” or “mutation” around and act like it makes sense. Just call it magic. Besides, one thing is reimagining mythology, another is butchering it. Those stories are meaningful to a lot of people.
I spent most of the time wishing someone had noticed all these issues earlier and done something. But, honestly, I don’t know what could be salvaged.
Warning: This is an angry review. I’m sorry, but this book made me scream a lot. Here's why:
There are barely any real characters in this book. Even the protagonist, Halsey, is bland stand-in with no personality. They’re mostly just clichés: Childhood Best Friend, Love Interest, Default Friend Group, Mysterious Mentor, Mean Girls, and so on. Yeah, every girl is some measure of mean just so Halsey can look down on them and be Not Like Other Girls.
The Love Interest, on the other hand, is made of abs, man-pain, and exposition. He’s Native American, but in name only, and I found his portrayal, like with the other POC, slightly inappropriate. But I’m white and, therefore, not exactly qualified to discuss this subject any further.
The plot only shows up near the end, while the first 10% is spent with stereotypical high school bullies and drama. It picks up later as Halsey learns more about Eden’s Bluff, and then it goes into saving all of Humanity in the last bit. It ends in an anticlimax. Next, the bad guys have a change of heart for pretty much no reason, and they feel terrible for betraying Halsey. Not, you know, almost getting everyone killed.
Now, the world-building broke my heart. It pretends to go into social commentary, only to focus on shape-shifting that it fails horribly at explaining with science. That is not how biology works. Or physics. You can’t throw words like “DNA” or “mutation” around and act like it makes sense. Just call it magic. Besides, one thing is reimagining mythology, another is butchering it. Those stories are meaningful to a lot of people.
I spent most of the time wishing someone had noticed all these issues earlier and done something. But, honestly, I don’t know what could be salvaged.
April 17, 2021
This is book 1 of the YA spin-off from the original First Bloods series. The main series and the other spin-off (nervous water is book 1) are both New Adult/Adult, but this is solidly a YA story within this world.
I am so glad that this world has so many stories being told with characters overlapping. You don't miss pieces of the puzzle by not reading the other series. Rather, reading all of the separate series allows you to see so much more of the world and you get more insight into how specific events happened.
The characters, main and supporting, are all three-dimensional. Each character has strengths, weaknesses, an no one is perfect. Betrayals aren't instantly forgiven, but people aren't written off for good for making a mistake.
With the school itself, we get more insights into the different types of elementals and their attributes, which is fascinating.
The romance has sparks and you can feel the attraction build between some if the characters and you might be pleasantly surprised by a possible romantic connection that I was rooting for, but we'll see what happens there 😉
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am so glad that this world has so many stories being told with characters overlapping. You don't miss pieces of the puzzle by not reading the other series. Rather, reading all of the separate series allows you to see so much more of the world and you get more insight into how specific events happened.
The characters, main and supporting, are all three-dimensional. Each character has strengths, weaknesses, an no one is perfect. Betrayals aren't instantly forgiven, but people aren't written off for good for making a mistake.
With the school itself, we get more insights into the different types of elementals and their attributes, which is fascinating.
The romance has sparks and you can feel the attraction build between some if the characters and you might be pleasantly surprised by a possible romantic connection that I was rooting for, but we'll see what happens there 😉
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2020
Poisoned garden is the next book in the series. It was so intriguing And I couldn't put it down. This part of the story fills in a lot of missing information from the previous books. Halsey and Max hopefully reappear in the nest book as I feel that there is unleft story for them yet to be told. I also think that Leo is going to fight for a chance to be with Halsey but unfortunately, I can only hope. I am so drawn to this story and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2020
It started with a fight at school.
The girl who attacked me burst into flames on the way to the hospital, and now, I'm starting to...change.
In less than a week, my biggest problem has gone from trying to decide what to do if I don't get into The Citadel to navigating the front lines of a looming, supernatural war.
And you know what? I signed up for all the honors classes these past four years. None of them prepared me for Eden's Bluff, a school in the Bermuda Triangle with human-elemental hybrids, angels, snakes with wings, and an inter-dimensional veil that someone is trying to destroy.
Unless I stop them.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The girl who attacked me burst into flames on the way to the hospital, and now, I'm starting to...change.
In less than a week, my biggest problem has gone from trying to decide what to do if I don't get into The Citadel to navigating the front lines of a looming, supernatural war.
And you know what? I signed up for all the honors classes these past four years. None of them prepared me for Eden's Bluff, a school in the Bermuda Triangle with human-elemental hybrids, angels, snakes with wings, and an inter-dimensional veil that someone is trying to destroy.
Unless I stop them.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2020
I can't describe how much I loved this book! It's a fantastic start of a new series. It tells the story of Halsey, who changes after a fight with a girl from her school. Weird things start to happen and before she knows it, she's accepted at Eden Bluff's Academy. It's a school in the Bermuda Triangle with human elemental hybrids. She is not sure of anything anymore and on top of that, there is an invisible veil between dimensions that someone is trying to destroy. It's up to Halsey to stop them. The author really has an unlimited amount of fantasy. The story is so interesting, there are many plot twists and unexpected things happen all the time. The world-building is really fun to read and I loved the characters. I also liked that there are some links to her other series, First Bloods. I haven't read it, so I know it's not necessary to read it before this series. But it makes me even more curious to read the other series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy with great world-building, some action and some romance. I can't wait to read the other books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2020
I've been reading Tracy Korn's books for a few years now and I am always amazed at what she comes up with. The beginning seemed a little hard because I wasn't quite sure what to expect and where the story was going to go. As I kept reading new things kept happening to Halsey that seemed crazy and I always wondered what would happen next. I really enjoyed the whole concept of the story and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes. The concept of the series is one that I never would have though of being in a book series. If you're looking for something that exceeds your expectations this is the book to read. If you haven't read any of her other books I recommend reading her books.
April 14, 2020
This book turned out to be sooooo much more than I expected, which was nothing really. It seemed that it might just be an interesting way to pass my time but so much come out of the book it was amazing. The author managed to take well understood religious mythology and make it into something interesting and almost more. She built a world that I simply cannot await to enter again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2020
This book grabbed me from page one. I loved the characters especially Halsey and Max. The story is intriguing and keeps you guessing what's going to happen next or more accurately what Halsey is going to do next. I won't drop any spoilers but that twist..... I was so mad!! Waiting patiently for the next book. Good read!
April 7, 2020
This book started out a bit slow for me but as it progressed the pace picked up. I was sad that it didnt grab me as quickly as I had hoped, as the blurb was fantastic. The writing was done decently well. Alot of effort was put into this book and for that I applaud the author. Overall it was a good book, just not quite what I need.
June 17, 2020
Tracy did it
From Feral to this. The story is written and well. The characters brought the the story and plot to its end in the garden of Eden. Bringing about the end of earth? A tangled web for sure. A bite that changes people to be aggressive or die? Changing people into animals they once were... a must read
From Feral to this. The story is written and well. The characters brought the the story and plot to its end in the garden of Eden. Bringing about the end of earth? A tangled web for sure. A bite that changes people to be aggressive or die? Changing people into animals they once were... a must read
April 5, 2020
I had a hard time putting this book down to deal with kids and life in general. This book sucked me right in and wouldn't let go. I am dying for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2020
This book is very slow paced. That being said... Halsey is a walking disaster. I dont know if she will last out the day let alone the first year. Although there is something compelling about this book that draws you in and keeps you reading until the end. I found it to be enjoyable.
April 24, 2020
Halsey lives in the Grind and has hopes and aspirations of a better like anywhere but in the Grind. What comes her way gets her out of the Grind by it is not what she hoped for. An enchanting read filled with possibilities.
April 25, 2020
This was an interesting book. The characters were good. I loved all the details. You felt what the characters felt.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
Intruding! An exciting new dystopian world blending mythology, magic and more! I really enjoyed this new take and loved the idea of the various elemental animals. I look forward to discovering more.
April 7, 2020
I have not read the original that this is a spin off from as this is the first book for me by Tracy, but I will be checking out more this is well written with great character development!
April 6, 2020
Poor Halsey ... the book starts with a full day of disaster after disaster, with no end in sight. With such a beginning, it will take a miracle for her to survive the day, if not the whole book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2020
Technically this is a spin off series but I suggest you read Nervous Waters, Feral, and Bad Seed before you read this one. It will make a lot more sense if you read those first.
I was honestly super excited about this perspective of the story and boy did the author NOT disappoint. In Nervous Waters you have the water aspect, and the jail island of the location. I’m Feral and Bad Seed you have more of the Citadel with a dash of outside the wall. But in this story it’s about everything we are missing. Fills in the missing pieces of the different locations. This book completes the series and everything around them.
This story starts with us meeting Halsey and Max. Two seniors getting ready for school to be over and what that entails. Halsey being one of the mutated and Max being normal. Halsey goes to a special school that will help her learn to control what she can do. Will this hidden away school be safe? What is she? How powerful will she be? We meet Leo Red-cloud who is a dragon, Alita who is a fox and Halsey’s roommate, Rhea who is a Djin Snake, Alec a Udine, and Bryce a wolf. Halsey navigates her way through this new place while trying to find herself as well.
The more she learns the more confused she is. All she knows is she has to find Knox. Will she make it to him before the others? There are so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. So many bombs dropped that leave you shook. An action packed adventure that keeps you on your toes from the time it starts until the very end. A great escape! A very captivating read that had me hooked before I even read it.
You will not be disappointed! This author has created an amazing new world that is both scary and exciting. I absolutely love the characters and feel like they are life long friends. They tug at my heart.
A recommend not only this book but this author as well! All her books are amazing and I can’t wait to see what the future hold for her!!
PLEASE READ!!!
I was honestly super excited about this perspective of the story and boy did the author NOT disappoint. In Nervous Waters you have the water aspect, and the jail island of the location. I’m Feral and Bad Seed you have more of the Citadel with a dash of outside the wall. But in this story it’s about everything we are missing. Fills in the missing pieces of the different locations. This book completes the series and everything around them.
This story starts with us meeting Halsey and Max. Two seniors getting ready for school to be over and what that entails. Halsey being one of the mutated and Max being normal. Halsey goes to a special school that will help her learn to control what she can do. Will this hidden away school be safe? What is she? How powerful will she be? We meet Leo Red-cloud who is a dragon, Alita who is a fox and Halsey’s roommate, Rhea who is a Djin Snake, Alec a Udine, and Bryce a wolf. Halsey navigates her way through this new place while trying to find herself as well.
The more she learns the more confused she is. All she knows is she has to find Knox. Will she make it to him before the others? There are so many twists and turns that you don’t see coming. So many bombs dropped that leave you shook. An action packed adventure that keeps you on your toes from the time it starts until the very end. A great escape! A very captivating read that had me hooked before I even read it.
You will not be disappointed! This author has created an amazing new world that is both scary and exciting. I absolutely love the characters and feel like they are life long friends. They tug at my heart.
A recommend not only this book but this author as well! All her books are amazing and I can’t wait to see what the future hold for her!!
PLEASE READ!!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews