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Blood to Poison
Seventeen-year-old Savannah is cursed. It's a sinister family heirloom; passed down through the bloodline for hundreds of years, with one woman in every generation destined to die young. The family call them Hella's girls, named for their ancestor Hella; the enslaved woman with whom it all began. Hella's girls are always angry, especially in the months before they die.
The anger is bursting from Savannah - at the men who cat-call her in the street, at her mother's disingenuous fiancé, even at her own loving family. Each fit of rage is bringing her closer to the edge and now Savannah has to act to save herself. Or die trying. Because the key to survival lies in the underbelly of Cape Town, where the sinister veilwitches are waiting for just such a girl.
Blood to Poison is a furious and mesmerising story about discovering magic, historical rage and love in all its guises.
The anger is bursting from Savannah - at the men who cat-call her in the street, at her mother's disingenuous fiancé, even at her own loving family. Each fit of rage is bringing her closer to the edge and now Savannah has to act to save herself. Or die trying. Because the key to survival lies in the underbelly of Cape Town, where the sinister veilwitches are waiting for just such a girl.
Blood to Poison is a furious and mesmerising story about discovering magic, historical rage and love in all its guises.
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2022
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3678 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
March 10, 2022
I think the premise of this book is excellent-- South African urban fantasy with veilwitches, prophecies, curses, and girls getting angry. Savannah is descended from Hella, a slave during colonial times who cursed her enslaver and all his descendents to die young, not knowing his child was growing inside her.
Now it's Savannah's turn to face the curse and she isn't about to go down gently.
Sounds fantastic, right?
Unfortunately, I don't think it ever really came together. The mythology - which so intrigued me at the start - quickly became convoluted and I won't pretend I understood everything that was going on with the Jackal, the Arrow, the Claw and the Worm. A lot of plot points lacked cohesion: this happened, then this happened, then this happened and it felt a bit like stopping and starting, never running smoothly together.
In fact, the whole book was a bit like that. I would just start to get interested in something, then the story would get bogged down with forgettable side characters and scenes that didn't seem important (like the romance, which did nothing for me). It made it very difficult to stick with it. But I did stick with it and the ending was quite good... it is only unfortunate that I wasn't more invested in the story throughout, as I think that would have given the ending a bigger impact.
Also, a major factor that drew me to this book was this part of the blurb:
Because I love angry girls. I get angry girls. It's why I like Courtney Summers, Elana K. Arnold and, more recently, Louise O'Neill. But Savannah's anger at the unfairness around her is, we quickly discover, an anger brought on by supernatural means, which was less interesting to me.
Now it's Savannah's turn to face the curse and she isn't about to go down gently.
Sounds fantastic, right?
Unfortunately, I don't think it ever really came together. The mythology - which so intrigued me at the start - quickly became convoluted and I won't pretend I understood everything that was going on with the Jackal, the Arrow, the Claw and the Worm. A lot of plot points lacked cohesion: this happened, then this happened, then this happened and it felt a bit like stopping and starting, never running smoothly together.
In fact, the whole book was a bit like that. I would just start to get interested in something, then the story would get bogged down with forgettable side characters and scenes that didn't seem important (like the romance, which did nothing for me). It made it very difficult to stick with it. But I did stick with it and the ending was quite good... it is only unfortunate that I wasn't more invested in the story throughout, as I think that would have given the ending a bigger impact.
Also, a major factor that drew me to this book was this part of the blurb:
The anger is bursting from Savannah - at the men who cat-call her in the street, at her mother's disingenuous fiancé, even at her own loving family. Each fit of rage is bringing her closer to the edge and now Savannah has to act to save herself. Or die trying.
Because I love angry girls. I get angry girls. It's why I like Courtney Summers, Elana K. Arnold and, more recently, Louise O'Neill. But Savannah's anger at the unfairness around her is, we quickly discover, an anger brought on by supernatural means, which was less interesting to me.
Want to read
June 30, 2021THE COVER
March 30, 2022
I loved Mary Watson's haunting debut, The Wren Hunt, so I fully expected to like this just as much – and I did.
Blood to Poison is a gripping exploration and vindication of anger, rooted in South African history. It was great to read about a young woman who is given room to be angry, confident and kind, all at once. Savannah has a lot to be angry about, and her anger remains a source of strength, even as she wrestles with its intensity.
Read this one for witches, a family curse, falling for a childhood friend, girls both expressing and claiming their fury, and a magical Cape Town.
Note: I received a free Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher.
Blood to Poison is a gripping exploration and vindication of anger, rooted in South African history. It was great to read about a young woman who is given room to be angry, confident and kind, all at once. Savannah has a lot to be angry about, and her anger remains a source of strength, even as she wrestles with its intensity.
Read this one for witches, a family curse, falling for a childhood friend, girls both expressing and claiming their fury, and a magical Cape Town.
Note: I received a free Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher.
March 22, 2022
Childhood best friends-to-lovers, angry girls, South African history, generational curses, feminist understones and rival witch markets, what’s not to love?
This was a fantastic exploration of misogyny, generational pain and the power of girls harnessing their anger and it was brilliant.
With high stakes, a compelling protagonist and twists and turns that genuinely took me by surprise, this fast paced urban fantasy had me gripped from the first page until the last and one I’d highly recommend.
TW: racism, abuse. magic induced self harm, misogyny, sexual harassment
This was a fantastic exploration of misogyny, generational pain and the power of girls harnessing their anger and it was brilliant.
With high stakes, a compelling protagonist and twists and turns that genuinely took me by surprise, this fast paced urban fantasy had me gripped from the first page until the last and one I’d highly recommend.
TW: racism, abuse. magic induced self harm, misogyny, sexual harassment
April 13, 2022
4.5 stars
Blood To Posion is a breathtakingly powerful and uniquely magical, YA contemporary fantasy that’s rooted in South African history, exploring generational trauma, slavery, racism and misogyny in this brilliantly wrought coming of age tale of family curses, veilwitches and justifiably angry girls.
seventeen year old Savannah is cursed—a blood curse which has plagued her family for centuries, causing an all-consuming anger in one woman every generation. A woman destined to die young. ‘Hella’s girls’ they’re called, named for their ancestor Hella, the enslaved woman with whom it all began.
But Savannah doesn’t plan to die like the countless women before her, instead she plans to break the curse—and sets out on a journey which leads her into a world of secrets, hidden magic, and a war between witch factions— and the veil witches, who’ve been waiting for just such a girl…
This was an absolutely stunning and immersive read set amongst the backdrop of Cape Town blending magical realism with it’s bloody history and centuries of injustice (from the horrors of slavery and the apartheid to the racism and sexism that’s still prevalent today.) Creating a powerfully poignant, bold and timely tale of empowerment, rage and pain—a vindication of sorts for anyone (but especially for POC) who have faced or been forced to endure terrible injustice.
This is the first book by Mary Watson that I’ve read but her exquisite writing style (blending important issues with magic, folklore, an emotionally endearing protagonist and her own incredible heritage) was absolutely magnificent and I’ll definitely be adding her previous books to my TBR!
Savannah was a phenomenally strong (and formidable) character that I absolutely loved. She’s filled with an unfathomable rage she has trouble controlling (thanks to the curse) but, her relationship with this anger (and the magic entwined within it) does evolve throughout the book—the development of which was handled spectacularly.
Savannah’s familial relationships with her large family of aunts, uncles and cousins was also develops too (especially her relationship with her mother Kim who’s she’s felt particularly close to but is still quite protective of.) I also really liked her uncle Harrison and childhood friend/frenemy Dex.
I loved the childhood friends to lovers trope and the slow-burn, chemistry laden scenes which were absolute perfection! 10/10 for the swooniness—we also get a close proximity scene inside a wardrobe which I very much enjoyed!
Overall, this is an incredibly addictive, fast paced and gloriously plot twisty YA fantasy filled the bursting with secret societies, warring witches, blood curses, sinister villains and utterly compelling characters that will keep you glued until the very last page.
Also thanks to Bloomsbury UK and Netgalley for the e-arc..
Blood To Posion is a breathtakingly powerful and uniquely magical, YA contemporary fantasy that’s rooted in South African history, exploring generational trauma, slavery, racism and misogyny in this brilliantly wrought coming of age tale of family curses, veilwitches and justifiably angry girls.
seventeen year old Savannah is cursed—a blood curse which has plagued her family for centuries, causing an all-consuming anger in one woman every generation. A woman destined to die young. ‘Hella’s girls’ they’re called, named for their ancestor Hella, the enslaved woman with whom it all began.
But Savannah doesn’t plan to die like the countless women before her, instead she plans to break the curse—and sets out on a journey which leads her into a world of secrets, hidden magic, and a war between witch factions— and the veil witches, who’ve been waiting for just such a girl…
This was an absolutely stunning and immersive read set amongst the backdrop of Cape Town blending magical realism with it’s bloody history and centuries of injustice (from the horrors of slavery and the apartheid to the racism and sexism that’s still prevalent today.) Creating a powerfully poignant, bold and timely tale of empowerment, rage and pain—a vindication of sorts for anyone (but especially for POC) who have faced or been forced to endure terrible injustice.
This is the first book by Mary Watson that I’ve read but her exquisite writing style (blending important issues with magic, folklore, an emotionally endearing protagonist and her own incredible heritage) was absolutely magnificent and I’ll definitely be adding her previous books to my TBR!
Savannah was a phenomenally strong (and formidable) character that I absolutely loved. She’s filled with an unfathomable rage she has trouble controlling (thanks to the curse) but, her relationship with this anger (and the magic entwined within it) does evolve throughout the book—the development of which was handled spectacularly.
Savannah’s familial relationships with her large family of aunts, uncles and cousins was also develops too (especially her relationship with her mother Kim who’s she’s felt particularly close to but is still quite protective of.) I also really liked her uncle Harrison and childhood friend/frenemy Dex.
I loved the childhood friends to lovers trope and the slow-burn, chemistry laden scenes which were absolute perfection! 10/10 for the swooniness—we also get a close proximity scene inside a wardrobe which I very much enjoyed!
Overall, this is an incredibly addictive, fast paced and gloriously plot twisty YA fantasy filled the bursting with secret societies, warring witches, blood curses, sinister villains and utterly compelling characters that will keep you glued until the very last page.
Also thanks to Bloomsbury UK and Netgalley for the e-arc..
Want to read
January 17, 202216.01.2022 centuries old family curse and dangerous, forbidden magic would've been enough to pull me in but i knew i have to read it when there's a furious heroine and an old friends-to-lovers trope. guess what, i can read it now; yay for an early copy!
October 28, 2022
Savannah is seventeen-years-old and she is dying. She knows this because of the anger eating away inside of her and the family lore she has grown up listening to. Her family is cursed with Hella's girls, one female in each generation who explodes with anger at the injustices of the world and dies young because of it. In this generation it is Savannah, but she is determined to use her building rage to fight against the prophecy and not to succumb to it.
I usually prefer my fantasy rooted in an equally as magical world, but here I adored the gentle weaving of fantastical elements in a contemporary setting. Savannah was our eyes into it and she was an easy individual to like and empathise with, because of not despite of her rage.
Every catcall from a stranger, every lingering look at her underage body, and every man who disrespected her ignited this rage and I too felt a burning desire to see them tremble before the one they had just overlooked as nothing more than a body without a soul or a mind attached to it. Her anger was justified, as were both her attempts to control it and unleash it upon those deserving.
This proved a powerful and thought-provoking read, when I had anticipated nothing more than a fun and fantastical one. You could feel this story as a burning ember, with Savannah at its centre but implications about our modern-day society at its roots.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Mary Watson, and the publisher, Bloomsbury YA, for this opportunity.
I usually prefer my fantasy rooted in an equally as magical world, but here I adored the gentle weaving of fantastical elements in a contemporary setting. Savannah was our eyes into it and she was an easy individual to like and empathise with, because of not despite of her rage.
Every catcall from a stranger, every lingering look at her underage body, and every man who disrespected her ignited this rage and I too felt a burning desire to see them tremble before the one they had just overlooked as nothing more than a body without a soul or a mind attached to it. Her anger was justified, as were both her attempts to control it and unleash it upon those deserving.
This proved a powerful and thought-provoking read, when I had anticipated nothing more than a fun and fantastical one. You could feel this story as a burning ember, with Savannah at its centre but implications about our modern-day society at its roots.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Mary Watson, and the publisher, Bloomsbury YA, for this opportunity.
June 8, 2022
Set in South Africa, this is a powerful feminist tale of family curses, magic that's passed on to generations, rage, and overall, love. This is a twisty story that kept me guessing throughout, delivering a powerful ending with, thankfully, no pantomime villain reveal.
There's a lot of characters in this story, both friends and family members, but they were also so vivid that it was easy to keep up with them. I liked the love interest Dex was shown to be a complex, multi-faceted character with his own flaws, and that made me love him more.
Racing against time as Savannah tries to unlock the secrets of her curse and finally beat it before it kills her too, the ending is jaw-droppingly good, and fits in perfectly with the story's theme of female rage, generational trauma and feminism.
There's a lot of characters in this story, both friends and family members, but they were also so vivid that it was easy to keep up with them. I liked the love interest Dex was shown to be a complex, multi-faceted character with his own flaws, and that made me love him more.
Racing against time as Savannah tries to unlock the secrets of her curse and finally beat it before it kills her too, the ending is jaw-droppingly good, and fits in perfectly with the story's theme of female rage, generational trauma and feminism.
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this contemporary fantasy set in South Africa. The way Watson represented generational trauma and abuse as a magical blood curse was incredibly profound.
Savannah is not a likeable character. She’s angry and stubborn, rushes headfirst into every decision with little thought or planning, and rarely learns from her mistakes. She lashes out when things aren’t going her way, changes allegiances based on who she’s spoken to last, and always seems to jump to the wrong conclusion. It’s so hard to be on her side. I wanted to shake her, tell her to stop making rash decisions, and just consider thinking something through.
And yet, the more reckless and thoughtless Savannah became, the more I wanted to believe in her. As she confronts her tormentors and faces her ancestor’s abuse, I began to understand her anger. As she tries to support her mother and works to become reacquainted with old friends, I wanted her to embrace her anger. And as she fought to break the curse that had haunted her family for generations, I felt her desperation and her need to do everything and anything that could work or lead to a solution.
In the end, I may not have liked Savannah or even agreed with her, but I understood her. I appreciate the story Watson told and felt the anger and power behind her words. Deceptively simple, there’s a true complexity of emotion behind everything that happens, and it was a refreshing change of setting from any contemporary fantasy I’ve read before. I would love to return to this world and these characters - one book is not enough.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
Savannah is not a likeable character. She’s angry and stubborn, rushes headfirst into every decision with little thought or planning, and rarely learns from her mistakes. She lashes out when things aren’t going her way, changes allegiances based on who she’s spoken to last, and always seems to jump to the wrong conclusion. It’s so hard to be on her side. I wanted to shake her, tell her to stop making rash decisions, and just consider thinking something through.
And yet, the more reckless and thoughtless Savannah became, the more I wanted to believe in her. As she confronts her tormentors and faces her ancestor’s abuse, I began to understand her anger. As she tries to support her mother and works to become reacquainted with old friends, I wanted her to embrace her anger. And as she fought to break the curse that had haunted her family for generations, I felt her desperation and her need to do everything and anything that could work or lead to a solution.
In the end, I may not have liked Savannah or even agreed with her, but I understood her. I appreciate the story Watson told and felt the anger and power behind her words. Deceptively simple, there’s a true complexity of emotion behind everything that happens, and it was a refreshing change of setting from any contemporary fantasy I’ve read before. I would love to return to this world and these characters - one book is not enough.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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April 17, 2022
I didn't even have this on my radar and read it on a whim, lo and behold, it ended up being one of the best things I've read this year. More to come once I gather all my thoughts but the conclusion is this is fantastic, period
July 18, 2024
Міське фентезі. Темна магія відьом, які змагаються за владу над Ярмарком та Нічним ярмарком. Проклята дівчина, яка одержима злістю, яку їй з покоління в покоління передавали жінки. Іноді хочеться так кричати від злості, щоб кров з вух пішла, тоді вам точно треба ця книга. Якщо ви відчуваєте, що постійно боретеся за життя в непривітному світі, вам сюди. Розгадати, як зруйнувати прокляття. Знайти своїх предків. Повірити, що іноді треба бути поганцем, щоб вчинити добре. Примиритися зі страхом та гнівом всередині себе. І, звичайно ж, відчути темну магію відьом Кейп-Тауну.
December 12, 2025
I just really love the cover and the story line is unique. Honestly, I didn’t expect this book to be a fantasy book, but it is and I was wowed. I will write my full review soon.
January 5, 2023
loved how the book explored important topics (racism, misogyny, sexism) whilst still maintaining that fiction aspect. loved the exploration of female rage
August 6, 2022
1.5- was alright, but a bit disappointing.
This is quite literally the definition of "don't judge a book by its cover". This cover is so stunning, but it disappointed me. The events and plot lacked direction, and things happened just because . Scenes came out of nowhere and were "magical" and whatever. Things just worked, or ideas just clicked because they suddenly did. There was no reason for half the things that Savannah ended up doing or experiencing. In the book, Savannah is cursed and an effect of this curse is a lot of rage, but this made her extremely annoying and unlikeable. The fact that it was a result of supernatural means, rather than true, internal anger at injustice, is another reason it didn't work for me.
Longer, more specific review below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
-the cover.
-the South African representation and setting.
-the premise and the idea. I was really interested in the curse and magic of the setting.
-Dex.
-the end plot twist () was good.
what I didn't like:
-as stated above, my biggest issue was that the events had zero direction. They popped up out of nowhere, something magically imaginative would happen without reason. It was a constant stopping and starting, rather than a smooth flow of events. It lacked cohesion, direction and reason.
-as a result, the breaking of the curse didn't really make sense to me. Actually, a lot of events and plot points didn't make sense to me.
-the writing really bored me and I ended up skimming a lot.
-Savannah bothered me a lot, especially when she took her anger out on those around her. I know that that's a part of her curse, but it didn't help her case at all, she was already frustrating me. The fact that her anger was a result of the curse, rather than of injustices or real-life experiences, bothered me even more.
-the minor characters bogged down the story. In my opinion, there were too many of them and they were too similar. The aunties + Minnie were all the same to me, and I couldn't differentiate between them at all. I have no idea who Minnie is to Savannah (I'm guessing grandma?). Solly and Harrison were distinguishable, but not given any depth. There were random characters who spoke to Savannah at the market, but I skimmed all of those encounters because they added nothing to the story and the plot. I guess what I'm saying is that the minor characters were either too similar (and undistinguishable) , flat, or irrelevant.
This is quite literally the definition of "don't judge a book by its cover". This cover is so stunning, but it disappointed me. The events and plot lacked direction, and things happened just because . Scenes came out of nowhere and were "magical" and whatever. Things just worked, or ideas just clicked because they suddenly did. There was no reason for half the things that Savannah ended up doing or experiencing. In the book, Savannah is cursed and an effect of this curse is a lot of rage, but this made her extremely annoying and unlikeable. The fact that it was a result of supernatural means, rather than true, internal anger at injustice, is another reason it didn't work for me.
Longer, more specific review below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
-the cover.
-the South African representation and setting.
-the premise and the idea. I was really interested in the curse and magic of the setting.
-Dex.
-the end plot twist () was good.
what I didn't like:
-as stated above, my biggest issue was that the events had zero direction. They popped up out of nowhere, something magically imaginative would happen without reason. It was a constant stopping and starting, rather than a smooth flow of events. It lacked cohesion, direction and reason.
-as a result, the breaking of the curse didn't really make sense to me. Actually, a lot of events and plot points didn't make sense to me.
-the writing really bored me and I ended up skimming a lot.
-Savannah bothered me a lot, especially when she took her anger out on those around her. I know that that's a part of her curse, but it didn't help her case at all, she was already frustrating me. The fact that her anger was a result of the curse, rather than of injustices or real-life experiences, bothered me even more.
-the minor characters bogged down the story. In my opinion, there were too many of them and they were too similar. The aunties + Minnie were all the same to me, and I couldn't differentiate between them at all. I have no idea who Minnie is to Savannah (I'm guessing grandma?). Solly and Harrison were distinguishable, but not given any depth. There were random characters who spoke to Savannah at the market, but I skimmed all of those encounters because they added nothing to the story and the plot. I guess what I'm saying is that the minor characters were either too similar (and undistinguishable) , flat, or irrelevant.
January 16, 2022
Seventeen-year-old Savannah is angry, its an anger that has travelled through her family as a curse – a curse she is determined to lift. But blood curses are nearly impossible to break, and in her quest to discover the answers, Savannah finds herself in the middle of a war between rival factions of witches.
Blood to Poison
is Mary Watson's third magical young adult novel (YA) with Bloomsbury, and it's just as immersive and wonderful, with just a lick of darkness to set it apart.
While Watson's previous two magical novels The Wren Hunt and The Wickerlight were set in dreamy Ireland, Blood to Poison is set on more familiar terrain – Cape Town, South Africa, where the author was born and raised. Watson has transformed familiar locations like Green Market Square, the old Rhodes zoo, and Wynberg Park with a veneer of magical realism. Even Savannah's anger, which fuels her magical ability, is firmly rooted in South Africa. It an anger borne from racial injustice and the violence against women that is so prevalent here. Magic permeates every aspect of Savannah's world, including her large family of cousins and aunties who discuss the family curse like most people discuss the weather.
The fast pace and high stakes propel the reader deeper into this dangerous magical underworld as we follow Savannah's journey to discover her true power.
Watson's skill with storytelling is incredible (in fact, I consider her one of the best out there) and Blood to Poison is a compulsive read. It has everything a bestselling YA novel needs: secret societies, deliciously evil villains, love, and enough twists to keep you gasping from beginning to end.
While Watson's previous two magical novels The Wren Hunt and The Wickerlight were set in dreamy Ireland, Blood to Poison is set on more familiar terrain – Cape Town, South Africa, where the author was born and raised. Watson has transformed familiar locations like Green Market Square, the old Rhodes zoo, and Wynberg Park with a veneer of magical realism. Even Savannah's anger, which fuels her magical ability, is firmly rooted in South Africa. It an anger borne from racial injustice and the violence against women that is so prevalent here. Magic permeates every aspect of Savannah's world, including her large family of cousins and aunties who discuss the family curse like most people discuss the weather.
The fast pace and high stakes propel the reader deeper into this dangerous magical underworld as we follow Savannah's journey to discover her true power.
Watson's skill with storytelling is incredible (in fact, I consider her one of the best out there) and Blood to Poison is a compulsive read. It has everything a bestselling YA novel needs: secret societies, deliciously evil villains, love, and enough twists to keep you gasping from beginning to end.
August 10, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a book. A refreshing YA contemporary fantasy that merges magic with South African history. I couldn't put this book down.
What I loved:
- The way Mary Watson weaves a magical history into South Africa's history of slavery whilst simultaneously exploring issues of racism and generational trauma. A family curse that descends from an enslaved ancestor.
- The cover. The cover is beautiful but can be fully appreciated after you've finished reading - so satisfying!
- Savannah is a brilliant MC. She is full of anger that she cannot explain nor control and is forced to navigate it alone. We see Savannah try to understand her rage, her power, and ultimately her identity.
- The whole supporting cast is an array of colourful characters who are fully fleshed out. Everyone has motive, everyone has personality, everyone brings something to the table; something that is hard to find in some YA's
- I didn't see the twists/reveals coming. I was constantly guessing as to the identity of a certain antagonist and am pleased to say that Watson caught me off guard!
- Magic is messy and the line between good and evil is blurry and not the same for everyone.
What I didn't connect with:
- Whilst I am a fan of friends to lovers and slow burn, I didn't quite connect with the burgeoning relationship. I felt we didn't have the necessary build up/back story. And it felt more like insta-love. BUT, that's me personally and I know plenty who really enjoyed this aspect.
Read if you love:
- YA Contemporary Fantasy
- Slow burn romance
- Friends to lovers
- Strong female MC
- Reading: Lore, Only a Monster, A Far Wilder Magic
What a book. A refreshing YA contemporary fantasy that merges magic with South African history. I couldn't put this book down.
What I loved:
- The way Mary Watson weaves a magical history into South Africa's history of slavery whilst simultaneously exploring issues of racism and generational trauma. A family curse that descends from an enslaved ancestor.
- The cover. The cover is beautiful but can be fully appreciated after you've finished reading - so satisfying!
- Savannah is a brilliant MC. She is full of anger that she cannot explain nor control and is forced to navigate it alone. We see Savannah try to understand her rage, her power, and ultimately her identity.
- The whole supporting cast is an array of colourful characters who are fully fleshed out. Everyone has motive, everyone has personality, everyone brings something to the table; something that is hard to find in some YA's
- I didn't see the twists/reveals coming. I was constantly guessing as to the identity of a certain antagonist and am pleased to say that Watson caught me off guard!
- Magic is messy and the line between good and evil is blurry and not the same for everyone.
What I didn't connect with:
- Whilst I am a fan of friends to lovers and slow burn, I didn't quite connect with the burgeoning relationship. I felt we didn't have the necessary build up/back story. And it felt more like insta-love. BUT, that's me personally and I know plenty who really enjoyed this aspect.
Read if you love:
- YA Contemporary Fantasy
- Slow burn romance
- Friends to lovers
- Strong female MC
- Reading: Lore, Only a Monster, A Far Wilder Magic
September 29, 2022
Thank you to @jonathanballkids for this #gifted review copy.
I had read the synopsis for this book previously and was incredibly intrigued and keen to read it. I must not have it very carefully though, because I didn’t realise it was set in Cape Town. It was a really awesome surprise when I tucked into the first chapter.
It’s not often that we South Africans get to read a fantasy novel set somewhere that we’ve lived. It was pretty awesome.
Savannah is cursed, and to break the curse she must delve into a world she’s only just discovered really exists - one of witches and veilwitches.
I love an angry girl main protagonist, and it was cleverly built into the story with the curse, but I do feel that at times the reaction from Savannah was completely irrational and a bit annoying. But as I say, I get that it was part of the curse.
There were so many aspects to the book aside from the main plot line. It draws on how good and evil are not as simple as you think and that there’s a whole area of grey depending on perception.
It also deals with the misogyny and racism that is still rife in South Africa. And it doesn’t pull punches when describing the ugly history of slavery in the Cape.
These are all great things that I’m really glad were included, but I feel as though they could have been expanded on if the story were a series instead of a stand alone.
Under all of these other interesting aspects, the main plot could feel somewhat bogged down at times.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this urban fantasy and thought it was super awesome. Some of the South African slang definitely gave me a giggle.
I would absolutely recommend this to fans of magical realism, urban fantasy, a bit of Cape culture and history.
4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I had read the synopsis for this book previously and was incredibly intrigued and keen to read it. I must not have it very carefully though, because I didn’t realise it was set in Cape Town. It was a really awesome surprise when I tucked into the first chapter.
It’s not often that we South Africans get to read a fantasy novel set somewhere that we’ve lived. It was pretty awesome.
Savannah is cursed, and to break the curse she must delve into a world she’s only just discovered really exists - one of witches and veilwitches.
I love an angry girl main protagonist, and it was cleverly built into the story with the curse, but I do feel that at times the reaction from Savannah was completely irrational and a bit annoying. But as I say, I get that it was part of the curse.
There were so many aspects to the book aside from the main plot line. It draws on how good and evil are not as simple as you think and that there’s a whole area of grey depending on perception.
It also deals with the misogyny and racism that is still rife in South Africa. And it doesn’t pull punches when describing the ugly history of slavery in the Cape.
These are all great things that I’m really glad were included, but I feel as though they could have been expanded on if the story were a series instead of a stand alone.
Under all of these other interesting aspects, the main plot could feel somewhat bogged down at times.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this urban fantasy and thought it was super awesome. Some of the South African slang definitely gave me a giggle.
I would absolutely recommend this to fans of magical realism, urban fantasy, a bit of Cape culture and history.
4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 11, 2022
An absolutely mesmerising and powerful YA fantasy in which the injustice, trauma, and pain suffered by generations of POC in South Africa, is told by entwining real beliefs and history with the captivating powers of fantasy & magic.
A curse that has plagued generations is set to claim Savannah next. The rage she feels within is becoming stronger every day. With each outburst, her skin is marked and her days numbered. This cursed magic is seen as a weakness, but as Savannah sets about ending the curse for good, she soon discovered that there is strength in her anger.
This curse is rooted in the evils that blight such a beautiful country. Generations of suffering stemming from the horrors of slavery and the apartheid, with POC still being subjected to racial persecution and women dealing with sexism and violence daily. With such a heartbreaking history and present, the rage WOC feel is truly justified.
Mary Watson has infused witches and magic with everyday life in a raw & captivating way that has you falling in love with her bold storytelling.
Also, I can’t leave a review without mentioning the outrageous array of delightful & wacky family members. From Aunties & Uncles to childhood friends & neighbours that add to this enchanting story. They fill the pages with love, laughter, strength, courage, and so much joy.
I feel blessed to have read this and can’t wait to add it to my collection. Thank you.
2 final things:
1: The cover is even more stunning after you’ve read the book &
2: You (IMO) MUST read the author's note!
Thank you NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing for the gift of the ebook.
A curse that has plagued generations is set to claim Savannah next. The rage she feels within is becoming stronger every day. With each outburst, her skin is marked and her days numbered. This cursed magic is seen as a weakness, but as Savannah sets about ending the curse for good, she soon discovered that there is strength in her anger.
This curse is rooted in the evils that blight such a beautiful country. Generations of suffering stemming from the horrors of slavery and the apartheid, with POC still being subjected to racial persecution and women dealing with sexism and violence daily. With such a heartbreaking history and present, the rage WOC feel is truly justified.
Mary Watson has infused witches and magic with everyday life in a raw & captivating way that has you falling in love with her bold storytelling.
Also, I can’t leave a review without mentioning the outrageous array of delightful & wacky family members. From Aunties & Uncles to childhood friends & neighbours that add to this enchanting story. They fill the pages with love, laughter, strength, courage, and so much joy.
I feel blessed to have read this and can’t wait to add it to my collection. Thank you.
2 final things:
1: The cover is even more stunning after you’ve read the book &
2: You (IMO) MUST read the author's note!
Thank you NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing for the gift of the ebook.
July 13, 2022
This was a twisty book, which I read in almost one sitting.
Loved Savannah and I found the end quite unpredictable
Loved Savannah and I found the end quite unpredictable
March 25, 2022
Content Warnings: violence, death, sexual harassment, racism, generational trauma, mentioned slavery
This cover alone was enough to sell me on this book and boy did it deliver. This was so so good.
Blood to Poison is a YA magical realism/urban fantasy set in South Africa. Savannah's family bears a curse: some of its daughters are 'Hella's girls', cursed with a powerful, all-consuming anger and fated to die young. Savannah is one of them. With her anger growing and her death nearing, Savannah's only option is to break the curse. This mission leads her into a hidden world of magic, veilwitches, and powerful secrets.
I haven't read any of Mary Watson's books before, but I really love her writing style based on this one, I found it very engaging. The story here is very much a classic YA fantasy one, but Watson weaves the themes of generational trauma, anger, and inequality seamlessly into the narrative. The characters are a real strong point for this novel. I love Savannah, and particularly enjoyed the development of her relationship with her anger. Her character development throughout the book is really excellent. I also really loved the relationships. Estranged childhood friends to lovers remains an elite trope, but I found the familial relationships in this book the most compelling. Towards the end, I had some very slight issues with the pacing and amount of exposition being given, but overall this was an absolutely fantastic read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Mary Watson for the ARC of this novel.
This cover alone was enough to sell me on this book and boy did it deliver. This was so so good.
Blood to Poison is a YA magical realism/urban fantasy set in South Africa. Savannah's family bears a curse: some of its daughters are 'Hella's girls', cursed with a powerful, all-consuming anger and fated to die young. Savannah is one of them. With her anger growing and her death nearing, Savannah's only option is to break the curse. This mission leads her into a hidden world of magic, veilwitches, and powerful secrets.
I haven't read any of Mary Watson's books before, but I really love her writing style based on this one, I found it very engaging. The story here is very much a classic YA fantasy one, but Watson weaves the themes of generational trauma, anger, and inequality seamlessly into the narrative. The characters are a real strong point for this novel. I love Savannah, and particularly enjoyed the development of her relationship with her anger. Her character development throughout the book is really excellent. I also really loved the relationships. Estranged childhood friends to lovers remains an elite trope, but I found the familial relationships in this book the most compelling. Towards the end, I had some very slight issues with the pacing and amount of exposition being given, but overall this was an absolutely fantastic read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Mary Watson for the ARC of this novel.
February 18, 2023
4 Stars
This was a wonderful surprise! I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read this author again.
Blood to Poison has a lot of things I love, tons of magic? Check. South Africa? Check. Chosen one trope? Check. Twist and turns? Check Check!!
The magic in this was unlike anything I have ever read. It was so interesting and intricate and I loved the worldbuilding as a part of it.
The lead character Savanna was brilliant. I adored her character and all the side characters played such a great role. I especially loved Dex and all of Savanna's aunties who provided some light relief and made me smile and laugh.
It was a gripping story and although I felt the middle got a little slow, I still felt hooked on the story and was excited to see where it would lead. The ending was good with a twist that although I had kind of guessed, I still really enjoyed.
Highly recommend this to any fantasy lovers that enjoy a story drenched in magic!
This was a wonderful surprise! I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read this author again.
Blood to Poison has a lot of things I love, tons of magic? Check. South Africa? Check. Chosen one trope? Check. Twist and turns? Check Check!!
The magic in this was unlike anything I have ever read. It was so interesting and intricate and I loved the worldbuilding as a part of it.
The lead character Savanna was brilliant. I adored her character and all the side characters played such a great role. I especially loved Dex and all of Savanna's aunties who provided some light relief and made me smile and laugh.
It was a gripping story and although I felt the middle got a little slow, I still felt hooked on the story and was excited to see where it would lead. The ending was good with a twist that although I had kind of guessed, I still really enjoyed.
Highly recommend this to any fantasy lovers that enjoy a story drenched in magic!
March 12, 2022
The central premise of this novel was hugely intriguing, a kind of urban fantasy vibe, rich in cultural intricacies and full of magical world building.
I enjoyed it for the most part and the ending was brilliant- the only downside for me was a central point incoherence- the world building if you like became over convoluted and I occasionally literally lost the plot - overall though an imaginative piece of storytelling with some great characters.
I enjoyed it for the most part and the ending was brilliant- the only downside for me was a central point incoherence- the world building if you like became over convoluted and I occasionally literally lost the plot - overall though an imaginative piece of storytelling with some great characters.
May 23, 2022
I loved what the book said it would do in the beginning. If it weren’t for the predictability and some plot holes it would have had a higher rating from me.
I loved the setting and I loved the educational aspects of the book.
It sometimes made me feel uncomfortable, but that was a good thing!
I loved the setting and I loved the educational aspects of the book.
It sometimes made me feel uncomfortable, but that was a good thing!
August 23, 2024
Not for me
May 26, 2022
Savannah has always known her life span is limited. A family curse, passed down the bloodlines means every generation will birth a daughter of ‘Hella’ the family member who accidently cursed her own bloodline generations ago. Savannah is fighting for her life, but she may have found a way to end the curse once and for all, the only issue, ending the curse may kill Savannah in the process and if it doesn’t, there are plenty of people out there who would kill her for her power. Savannah will have to look to the past as well as the future, and be willing to accept every part of herself if she is to end the curse and make it out alive, but the harder she looks, the more she realises the curse isn’t the only thing she needs to worry about, and she has to learn who to put her faith in before it’s too late.
If there’s one word I had to use to describe this book it would be angry. Savannah knows that her anger makes the curse affect her faster, that each time she brings it out her lifespan lessens, but in a world where she is looked down on for her skin colour, for the way she dresses, for her sex, it’s hard not to be angry every single minute of every single day. She’s angry at the way her mom’s fiancée treats her, for how her family look at her with pity in their eyes knowing she is bound to die young, at her aunt for dying before telling her how to deal with the curse. But she is also incredibly determined, once she realises that there is a way for the curse to be ended she knows she has to try, not only to save her own life, but for the generations of Hella’s girls that are bound to come after her. She is incredibly strong willed, even when she is terrified and doesn’t know who she can rely on, and I couldn’t help but get invested in her story and want it to end as happily as it can.
I love a well build side cast and Watson definitely delivers in this book. Everyone from Savannah’s mother, aunts, cousins all play a part in the story and I loved the scenes when they were together as a family. Seeing the love and concern they all have for each other, as well as the general scheming aunties and teasing cousins. We also have Savannah’s friends, Rosie and Dex who returned to Cape Town after years away. Every character plays some part in the story, even if it’s just to add a bit of levity to a heavy and brutal story, and I loved seeing her interact with them all, coming to realise that she doesn’t have to live with this curse all by herself.
Blood to Poison effortlessly transports you to the backstreets of Cape Town, and Watson manages to give us a wealth of folklore to go along with her fantasy. It did take me a little while to find my place in the story, there’s no real easing into the magic system, but once I got my head around it I found myself engrossed in the story and wanting to learn more about the magical underbelly to Cape Town that Watson creates. Watson uses the history of Cape Town, it’s bloody history of slavery, racism, sexism as well as the apartheid to really allow us to understand, not only Savannah’s anger, but the anger of a people who have been living with these injustices their whole lives.
Watson’s writing style is incredibly atmospheric and ensures you feel transported whilst reading the story. The pacing was well done, there were no real lags and in fact, I felt sometimes the plot jumped quite erratically, but it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment. She also implements multiple plot twists that help keep the story fresh and us as the reader intrigued, some that definitely hit a little harder than others. This may have been my first book by Watson, but it certainly wont be my last. Perfect for lovers of folklore, unapologetically angry characters and a little mystery added into their fantasy.
If there’s one word I had to use to describe this book it would be angry. Savannah knows that her anger makes the curse affect her faster, that each time she brings it out her lifespan lessens, but in a world where she is looked down on for her skin colour, for the way she dresses, for her sex, it’s hard not to be angry every single minute of every single day. She’s angry at the way her mom’s fiancée treats her, for how her family look at her with pity in their eyes knowing she is bound to die young, at her aunt for dying before telling her how to deal with the curse. But she is also incredibly determined, once she realises that there is a way for the curse to be ended she knows she has to try, not only to save her own life, but for the generations of Hella’s girls that are bound to come after her. She is incredibly strong willed, even when she is terrified and doesn’t know who she can rely on, and I couldn’t help but get invested in her story and want it to end as happily as it can.
I love a well build side cast and Watson definitely delivers in this book. Everyone from Savannah’s mother, aunts, cousins all play a part in the story and I loved the scenes when they were together as a family. Seeing the love and concern they all have for each other, as well as the general scheming aunties and teasing cousins. We also have Savannah’s friends, Rosie and Dex who returned to Cape Town after years away. Every character plays some part in the story, even if it’s just to add a bit of levity to a heavy and brutal story, and I loved seeing her interact with them all, coming to realise that she doesn’t have to live with this curse all by herself.
Blood to Poison effortlessly transports you to the backstreets of Cape Town, and Watson manages to give us a wealth of folklore to go along with her fantasy. It did take me a little while to find my place in the story, there’s no real easing into the magic system, but once I got my head around it I found myself engrossed in the story and wanting to learn more about the magical underbelly to Cape Town that Watson creates. Watson uses the history of Cape Town, it’s bloody history of slavery, racism, sexism as well as the apartheid to really allow us to understand, not only Savannah’s anger, but the anger of a people who have been living with these injustices their whole lives.
Watson’s writing style is incredibly atmospheric and ensures you feel transported whilst reading the story. The pacing was well done, there were no real lags and in fact, I felt sometimes the plot jumped quite erratically, but it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment. She also implements multiple plot twists that help keep the story fresh and us as the reader intrigued, some that definitely hit a little harder than others. This may have been my first book by Watson, but it certainly wont be my last. Perfect for lovers of folklore, unapologetically angry characters and a little mystery added into their fantasy.
April 15, 2023
I have three things to say about this book:
1. slang
2. the out-of-the-pocket conclusions to which Savannah arrived
3. the INCONSISTENCIES
The amount of times that this book made me say 'I'm going to lose my fucking mind' is literally uncountable and I have witnesses to prove this. At first I was going to rate it 2⭐ just because the sheer cringe of some of the parts made me burst into maniacal laughter but looking back at those instances....not even a hint of fun time there.
I just couldn't get over the inconsistencies no matter how hard I tried. You mean to tell me that Savannah doesn't remember Dex at all, doesn't as much as think of him after their first meeting up until the point when she meets him again and then SUDDENLY she's going on about how she's longed for his ass??? PLEASE. And the same thing happens towards the end of the book when she's all like 'I have to get out of here. I'm so terrified of Dex that I can't even be in the same house' (paraphrasing it, obviously) and literally TWO CHAPTERS LATER she declares how she 'cannot bring herself to be afraid in his presence'. GOD.
Not even going to talk about the time when she was describing her dream, woke up and proceeded to SOMEHOW come to the conclusion that he tried to get into her room. No further explanation apparently.
Oh and lastly, can someone please explain what was Rosie's ultimate goal/motivation to become the Jackal supposed to be? Girl had literally no motivation behind her actions whatsoever. The whole 'plot twist' came totally out of the left field.
I picked up this book since I've been eyeing it for quite some time in the bookstore but oh boy was I greatly disappointed. Everything from the characters to the setting and the magic system felt severely underdeveloped...It's a no for me.
1. slang
2. the out-of-the-pocket conclusions to which Savannah arrived
3. the INCONSISTENCIES
The amount of times that this book made me say 'I'm going to lose my fucking mind' is literally uncountable and I have witnesses to prove this. At first I was going to rate it 2⭐ just because the sheer cringe of some of the parts made me burst into maniacal laughter but looking back at those instances....not even a hint of fun time there.
I just couldn't get over the inconsistencies no matter how hard I tried. You mean to tell me that Savannah doesn't remember Dex at all, doesn't as much as think of him after their first meeting up until the point when she meets him again and then SUDDENLY she's going on about how she's longed for his ass??? PLEASE. And the same thing happens towards the end of the book when she's all like 'I have to get out of here. I'm so terrified of Dex that I can't even be in the same house' (paraphrasing it, obviously) and literally TWO CHAPTERS LATER she declares how she 'cannot bring herself to be afraid in his presence'. GOD.
Not even going to talk about the time when she was describing her dream, woke up and proceeded to SOMEHOW come to the conclusion that he tried to get into her room. No further explanation apparently.
Oh and lastly, can someone please explain what was Rosie's ultimate goal/motivation to become the Jackal supposed to be? Girl had literally no motivation behind her actions whatsoever. The whole 'plot twist' came totally out of the left field.
I picked up this book since I've been eyeing it for quite some time in the bookstore but oh boy was I greatly disappointed. Everything from the characters to the setting and the magic system felt severely underdeveloped...It's a no for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2022
When I start thinking about my review for books I always like to think “what did I NOT like” first because that’s usually the easiest thing to think of. With Blood to Poison when I asked myself that question I had nothing!
Blood to Poison manages to weave a tale of a cursed girl, simmering (and at times boiling) coming of age anger, generational trauma and magic, into a well paced, intense, interesting story that I couldn’t get enough of.
Blood to Poison manages to weave a tale of a cursed girl, simmering (and at times boiling) coming of age anger, generational trauma and magic, into a well paced, intense, interesting story that I couldn’t get enough of.
April 30, 2022
Blood to Poison was an enthralling, captivating and intriguing read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading from the perspective of Savannah - our protagonist. Savannah is a wild girl, bursting with anger, passion and perseverance. I loved the history in this book, it was really interesting, however there was quite a lot to take in. This novel had many deep, meaningful quotes within. One particular quote that grabbed my attention was ‘Things that seem big and insurmountable don’t always matter as much as we think they do.’ I think this is a really powerful quote that added to the overall storyline.
I was shocked at the twists near the end of the book - I didn’t expect them, and thoroughly enjoyed being surprised. I loved the relationships between the characters, and the relationship between Kim and Savannah is one I’m sure many of us can relate to. This was different to anything I’d ever read, and it was nice to have a change of scenery; the chapters were easy to get through, and this story had me gripped from the start, I flew through the pages and immensely enjoyed every new revelation uncovered!
The style of writing was new and it did take a bit to get used to, but once I was hooked (which was early on!), it was loads of fun to read! One of my favourite parts of the story were the scenes with Harrison and Savannah - it felt so normal and I really enjoyed reading them!
I’d highly recommend this book if you’re looking for passion, fantasy, magic and a hint of romance, all rolled into one!
I was shocked at the twists near the end of the book - I didn’t expect them, and thoroughly enjoyed being surprised. I loved the relationships between the characters, and the relationship between Kim and Savannah is one I’m sure many of us can relate to. This was different to anything I’d ever read, and it was nice to have a change of scenery; the chapters were easy to get through, and this story had me gripped from the start, I flew through the pages and immensely enjoyed every new revelation uncovered!
The style of writing was new and it did take a bit to get used to, but once I was hooked (which was early on!), it was loads of fun to read! One of my favourite parts of the story were the scenes with Harrison and Savannah - it felt so normal and I really enjoyed reading them!
I’d highly recommend this book if you’re looking for passion, fantasy, magic and a hint of romance, all rolled into one!
June 1, 2025
4.5 stars. Immersive and colourful and painfully relatable at some points. The writing style and pace is not like anything else I've ever read before. The premise is fresh yet the setting is familiar. The magic was both new and familiar to me, too. The storyline was very interesting and unpredictable (in a good way).
[Spoilers ahead] I just wish the ending and aftermath could have been fleshed out a bit more, as it felt a bit rushed? In the aftermath of the ending, I wanted to know more about what this means for the Stander family and Savannah, and their futures now that we know the truth. And about Rosie. I also maybe wanted a more fleshed out closure on Savannah and her mom, Kim, and their new life moving forward. But I also understand that, in real life, things don't get wrapped up all neatly and conveniently and that things are mostly in the grey area, which I think this book also tried to mirror so I do understand the lack of certain detail and closure towards the end - in reality, the aftermath would probably be confusing and complicated and not quite black-and-white, rather than a "perfect" wrapped-in-a-bow ending, and that the story wouldn't stop just because you stop telling it. So in that sense, I do understand and appreciate this writing choice.
Overall, this was a refreshing and haunting read. So much of the story had my heart racing, so many lines stood out to me, so many of the main character's feelings were deeply resonant for me. Particularly the anger and fear. I think the writing style also captured that, along with Savannah's unpredictable, wild, youthful energy. The themes of generational trauma, cycles of anger and how women/girls are put into boxes for what they should and shouldn't be (ie only exist in relation to men, should stay within societal expectations of them, should be tame and "nice", can never be violent or seek justice, should be seen as objects rather than heard as individuals, etc.) were also profoundly resonant, in some uncomfortable but real ways. I'm glad this book doesn't shy away from these topics, but tackles them head on, and that Savannah's perspective is very much herself. But I would have liked maybe just a bit more on the future, particularly relating to Rosie and the Stander family as a whole, and Savannah's relationship with her mom/her mom's future.
[Spoilers ahead] I just wish the ending and aftermath could have been fleshed out a bit more, as it felt a bit rushed? In the aftermath of the ending, I wanted to know more about what this means for the Stander family and Savannah, and their futures now that we know the truth. And about Rosie. I also maybe wanted a more fleshed out closure on Savannah and her mom, Kim, and their new life moving forward. But I also understand that, in real life, things don't get wrapped up all neatly and conveniently and that things are mostly in the grey area, which I think this book also tried to mirror so I do understand the lack of certain detail and closure towards the end - in reality, the aftermath would probably be confusing and complicated and not quite black-and-white, rather than a "perfect" wrapped-in-a-bow ending, and that the story wouldn't stop just because you stop telling it. So in that sense, I do understand and appreciate this writing choice.
Overall, this was a refreshing and haunting read. So much of the story had my heart racing, so many lines stood out to me, so many of the main character's feelings were deeply resonant for me. Particularly the anger and fear. I think the writing style also captured that, along with Savannah's unpredictable, wild, youthful energy. The themes of generational trauma, cycles of anger and how women/girls are put into boxes for what they should and shouldn't be (ie only exist in relation to men, should stay within societal expectations of them, should be tame and "nice", can never be violent or seek justice, should be seen as objects rather than heard as individuals, etc.) were also profoundly resonant, in some uncomfortable but real ways. I'm glad this book doesn't shy away from these topics, but tackles them head on, and that Savannah's perspective is very much herself. But I would have liked maybe just a bit more on the future, particularly relating to Rosie and the Stander family as a whole, and Savannah's relationship with her mom/her mom's future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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