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The Raft #1
The Poison Maker: The Truth is Toxic
Professor Savannah Selbourne lives on The Raft. The isolated country that was once Great Britain has been free of germs for decades. The plagues are over, the vermin that caused them are extinct. Every billboard brandishes the government's slogan: with sterility comes liberty!
But did the poison ever really go away?
Savannah's new job gives her the opportunity to discover the truth, yet revealing that truth could put her on the wrong side of those in power. How deep will she bury the lies for the sake of her wife and the child they yearn for?
One thing she is sure of: the poison is toxic.
But everyone is safe now ... aren't they?
But did the poison ever really go away?
Savannah's new job gives her the opportunity to discover the truth, yet revealing that truth could put her on the wrong side of those in power. How deep will she bury the lies for the sake of her wife and the child they yearn for?
One thing she is sure of: the poison is toxic.
But everyone is safe now ... aren't they?
- GenresDystopia
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2022
146 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 11, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - Summer Connections Mini Challenge - 15) Recommended By Somebody Else Based On Your Review Of The Previous Book (my previous book was A Fresh Start at Cedar Bakery by Skye Hudson)
I really wanted to read this book and enjoy it. Not only does the cover look amazing, the blurb sounds great as well.
Yet. The pace is so slow. It is literally the main character going to work, having problems at home, rinse and repeat. I think it would have been better if the world building was a little better, but even by the ending, I still had no idea what the world was like - except that the Falkland Islands still exist. Every time I thought we were getting close to the point of the plot, the story just kept going and going - and then it ended.
I really wanted to read this book and enjoy it. Not only does the cover look amazing, the blurb sounds great as well.
Yet. The pace is so slow. It is literally the main character going to work, having problems at home, rinse and repeat. I think it would have been better if the world building was a little better, but even by the ending, I still had no idea what the world was like - except that the Falkland Islands still exist. Every time I thought we were getting close to the point of the plot, the story just kept going and going - and then it ended.
September 29, 2024
Wow! Emma does it again. After falling in love with the Eyes Forward series, I approached this book with some apprehension, worried it might be too similar to her previous work. I was completely wrong!
The story is incredibly unpredictable. It kept me guessing the whole way through, defying my attempts to jump to conclusions or fill in the blanks. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was back to square one. The ending was perfect—a happy ending that isn't truly happy. It highlights what we might do under terrible circumstances, reminiscent of the classic question: what would you do for a million pounds?
The character development is fantastic. Savannah left me utterly confused; I love her, yet I don't like her. Her lies and deceit are infuriating, mirroring the state of our current government and media. The story feels like a terrifying, amplified version of our world today. I definitely recommend this book!
The story is incredibly unpredictable. It kept me guessing the whole way through, defying my attempts to jump to conclusions or fill in the blanks. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was back to square one. The ending was perfect—a happy ending that isn't truly happy. It highlights what we might do under terrible circumstances, reminiscent of the classic question: what would you do for a million pounds?
The character development is fantastic. Savannah left me utterly confused; I love her, yet I don't like her. Her lies and deceit are infuriating, mirroring the state of our current government and media. The story feels like a terrifying, amplified version of our world today. I definitely recommend this book!
January 12, 2023
Prof. Savannah Selbourne is a tough character to love. She’s frequently sarcastic. She kisses ass, and climbs the ladder at work. She thinks of her interns as numbers, and hides from them instead of teaching them. She has no idea why they have such a difficult time approaching her. But she is also loyal. Loyal to an eccentric cast of friends. Loyal to her wife, who is sinking into a deep depression. And loyal to a government that treats her like a second-class citizen and denies her the one thing her wife needs—permission to have a baby.
At last, Savannah’s day has come. She is getting a promotion and a raise that will put a bigger apartment within her reach. Finally she has a shot at achieving her wife’s dream of having a baby. But the journalistic responsibilities that come with her new job lead her to the mystery of the Poison Maker. The closer she gets to the truth about this mysterious figure, the father she gets from her goals, and her loyalty to her nation is about to crack under the strain.
Emma Ellis has converted British isolationism into an eerie, foreboding future. Decades of war, famine, climate change, and epidemics have driven the human population to near extinction. Only Britain has been able to keep its civilization—at a price. They paved over the soil and exterminated all other species on the island to control the serial pandemics. Now they survive on an unmoored concrete and chrome island adrift like a raft on the world’s seas while the population survives on artificially-manufactured sterile foods.
I received an advance review copy of this book and so glad I got the opportunity to read it. Savannah is a complex but determined anti-hero who is fun to follow through this dystopian world. Her friends and enemies are wonderfully colorful, and the world building is superb. The mystery of the Poison Maker kept me guessing. I didn’t see the conclusion coming, but it made perfect sense when it arrived.
January 8, 2023
This book was absolutely captivating. From the moment that I began reading the first page, I was immediately entered into a dark, foggy, dystopian world. The writing was so detailed that I could imagine every scene in my head beautifully.
I was fascinated with how many hidden messages were in this book, and how they were portrayed. I really loved the idea of the “Selfie Station” where everyone would go to play pretend while in dark times. The activity of picking a filter, changing your features and captioning with a fantasy you wish were true. All of this was happening while real problems were occurring, but no one seemed to care, well, only the ones who weren’t affected, who didn’t NEED to care. I made the connection to our reality, how people see something online and automatically think that it’s true. How we tend to compare ourselves to people online without stopping to think, I am only seeing what they want me to see.
Throughout the book, I kept seeing different quotes that were telling the same story, “that’s what they tell us”, “we only know what we’re told”, “we were safe, we were alive, but were we living?”. Although these quotes were not built with the same words, they were all speaking of the people in power, the government. This book is filled with so much manipulation that you can barely tell what’s real and what’s not, which is exactly the vibe that “The Poison Maker” is supposed to give off, and I applaud the author for being able to portray that so captivatingly.
I was fascinated with how many hidden messages were in this book, and how they were portrayed. I really loved the idea of the “Selfie Station” where everyone would go to play pretend while in dark times. The activity of picking a filter, changing your features and captioning with a fantasy you wish were true. All of this was happening while real problems were occurring, but no one seemed to care, well, only the ones who weren’t affected, who didn’t NEED to care. I made the connection to our reality, how people see something online and automatically think that it’s true. How we tend to compare ourselves to people online without stopping to think, I am only seeing what they want me to see.
Throughout the book, I kept seeing different quotes that were telling the same story, “that’s what they tell us”, “we only know what we’re told”, “we were safe, we were alive, but were we living?”. Although these quotes were not built with the same words, they were all speaking of the people in power, the government. This book is filled with so much manipulation that you can barely tell what’s real and what’s not, which is exactly the vibe that “The Poison Maker” is supposed to give off, and I applaud the author for being able to portray that so captivatingly.
July 9, 2023
The Description is accurate….
….this book is indeed a “dark dystopian novel.” It is set 100 years in the future, in what used to be England but is now a free floating Raft — the entire island is now floating around the ocean… Once you accept this premise, the rest is pretty easy. It’s an US and THEM story with a ruling class and an underclass — kept in line basically by constant repetitive lies in the form of their daily news.
I not going to describe the society that has evolved under extremely unusual circumstances (pandemics, flus, the island tearing away from the ocean floor, the rest of the world polluted and dying. It does go on). That will be for the readers to discover.
However, I will say that it is a different, and very well-written story. It flags a bit towards the middle, but really, the characters are so well drawn, that you’re willing to overlook some slow pacing. I say give this one a shot. I believe there is also a sequel — a treat if you enjoy Ms Ellis’ style of story telling.
Respectively,
….this book is indeed a “dark dystopian novel.” It is set 100 years in the future, in what used to be England but is now a free floating Raft — the entire island is now floating around the ocean… Once you accept this premise, the rest is pretty easy. It’s an US and THEM story with a ruling class and an underclass — kept in line basically by constant repetitive lies in the form of their daily news.
I not going to describe the society that has evolved under extremely unusual circumstances (pandemics, flus, the island tearing away from the ocean floor, the rest of the world polluted and dying. It does go on). That will be for the readers to discover.
However, I will say that it is a different, and very well-written story. It flags a bit towards the middle, but really, the characters are so well drawn, that you’re willing to overlook some slow pacing. I say give this one a shot. I believe there is also a sequel — a treat if you enjoy Ms Ellis’ style of story telling.
Respectively,
October 3, 2024
Another great book by Emma Ellis. She really knows how to write dystopian so that it really resonates with you. I loved the Eyes Forward series, and The Raft is off to a promising start to be just as good if not better.
Dark and disturbing, The Poison Maker mimics real life, with the elites running everything while subjugating the people they feel are worth less than them, and telling them they are really keeping them safe. Every time I read one of Emma Ellis’ books, I become infuriated with the caste system created, because it just too realistic. That a book can create this much emotion shows how talented a writer Ellis is, and what a great book it is as well.
For any dystopian fans out there, I highly recommend. This is a different type of dystopian book, but not any less perturbing. Read it!
Dark and disturbing, The Poison Maker mimics real life, with the elites running everything while subjugating the people they feel are worth less than them, and telling them they are really keeping them safe. Every time I read one of Emma Ellis’ books, I become infuriated with the caste system created, because it just too realistic. That a book can create this much emotion shows how talented a writer Ellis is, and what a great book it is as well.
For any dystopian fans out there, I highly recommend. This is a different type of dystopian book, but not any less perturbing. Read it!
June 19, 2023
poetic satire: everyone is safe.
This book was amazing. It slowly draws you in and then refuses to let you go. Sav is a narrator with a dry wit and with an unrelenting self awareness. A cog in a machine that we can see reflected in our own governments. It’s a commentary on history, current events, and the future. A dystopian more thorough and complete than Atwoods’s Handsmaid Tale showing us through the lens of the characters our complicity in government control. The fight between sacrifice for our family and safety, and fighting for what is right: truth. The layers of cooperation with corruption you actually have to sift through when determining guilt. You don’t know whether to applaud Sav or condemn her. I’ll let you decide for yourself. Is progress paramount?
This book was amazing. It slowly draws you in and then refuses to let you go. Sav is a narrator with a dry wit and with an unrelenting self awareness. A cog in a machine that we can see reflected in our own governments. It’s a commentary on history, current events, and the future. A dystopian more thorough and complete than Atwoods’s Handsmaid Tale showing us through the lens of the characters our complicity in government control. The fight between sacrifice for our family and safety, and fighting for what is right: truth. The layers of cooperation with corruption you actually have to sift through when determining guilt. You don’t know whether to applaud Sav or condemn her. I’ll let you decide for yourself. Is progress paramount?
January 15, 2023
This was a disturbing and haunting read and really quite terrifying. Set in a dystopian Britain that has been set adrift and is called the ‘raft’ this incredibly well written story tells of a place where there is no dirt, no insects or animals, no food grown in the dirt and everything you eat and drink is manufactured. In this we meet Savannah a professor who dives deeper and deeper into the secrets and lies that the people are being told and discovers a truth that will shock you to the core. It’s a gripping and thrilling read that grabs you and holds on tighter with each passing page and left me really thinking at the end.
December 15, 2022
This book is different to many currently floating around the market, which makes it really cool. The main character is snarky and all-too-human professor Savannah Selbourne, and you want her to succeed as you follow her journey of struggling with the power imbalance of her futuristic world (the concrete raft they all live on), and her desire to have a child with her wife. An underdog, Savannah isn’t a clean cut teen hero, but this makes her relatable. The world building and lyrical prose are fascinating and the story builds to a tense climax. Well worth a read!
February 10, 2023
Ellis's world-building is top notch. The Raft is an unsettling place. There are not hordes of zombies or Mad-Maxian raider tribes. It's insidious because there's so much of it that feels within reach of the world we live in now.
I cared about her characters from the moment I met them and was eager, from one chapter to the next, to see what would happen to them. Strong relationships exist between each major player and it was easy to find myself rooting for (or against) them in short order.
The sequel is on my shelf and I am anxious to get started.
I cared about her characters from the moment I met them and was eager, from one chapter to the next, to see what would happen to them. Strong relationships exist between each major player and it was easy to find myself rooting for (or against) them in short order.
The sequel is on my shelf and I am anxious to get started.
March 24, 2023
“Why have the filth of nature when we can gleam with clean technology?”
The most haunting thing about this futuristic dystopian is how real it felt. We’re at a point in time where how we live now seems barbaric and dirty. Consuming meat, growing vegetables in the filthy soil, sex, it’s all grotesque to the people of The Raft.
The Raft is an isolated island that used to be Great Britain, it’s now free of germs and the vermin that caused the plagues are now exterminated. For Savannah though, things are only just beginning, she has some difficult situations to navigate through if she wants to save her wife and daughter.
This was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction so this was definitely my thing. I will be continuing on this journey with the sequel, The Invisible Kick next month.
The most haunting thing about this futuristic dystopian is how real it felt. We’re at a point in time where how we live now seems barbaric and dirty. Consuming meat, growing vegetables in the filthy soil, sex, it’s all grotesque to the people of The Raft.
The Raft is an isolated island that used to be Great Britain, it’s now free of germs and the vermin that caused the plagues are now exterminated. For Savannah though, things are only just beginning, she has some difficult situations to navigate through if she wants to save her wife and daughter.
This was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction so this was definitely my thing. I will be continuing on this journey with the sequel, The Invisible Kick next month.
January 24, 2024
Excellent dystopian novel with undertones of Brexit!
Great dystopian tale of a future where we are trying to be safe from pandemics and the drastic measures now in place. Very sinister undertones of our own recent pandemic experience and a nod to Brexit and the desire to be isolated from the rest of the world.
Also an insight into corruption, misinformation and the wide gulf between rich and poor - it may be set in the future but it strongly mirrors our current system. Looking forward to seeing how the story develops in the next book.
Great dystopian tale of a future where we are trying to be safe from pandemics and the drastic measures now in place. Very sinister undertones of our own recent pandemic experience and a nod to Brexit and the desire to be isolated from the rest of the world.
Also an insight into corruption, misinformation and the wide gulf between rich and poor - it may be set in the future but it strongly mirrors our current system. Looking forward to seeing how the story develops in the next book.
January 20, 2025
Thought provoking dystopian novel
Wow! This was my first Emma Ellis book, and I cannot wait for more. The Poison maker is the first book of The Raft trilogy, and sets the stage for a wild dystopian thrill ride, which often had me asking, “what if?”. The book ties in current issues with haunting humor and beautifully written dialogue- I found myself highlighting a ton of passages ! Highly recommend if you want a thought provoking read and left asking yourself, “is everyone safe now?”.
Wow! This was my first Emma Ellis book, and I cannot wait for more. The Poison maker is the first book of The Raft trilogy, and sets the stage for a wild dystopian thrill ride, which often had me asking, “what if?”. The book ties in current issues with haunting humor and beautifully written dialogue- I found myself highlighting a ton of passages ! Highly recommend if you want a thought provoking read and left asking yourself, “is everyone safe now?”.
September 28, 2023
it was ok. i felt the payoff at the ending was a bit of a letdown. i enjoyed the characterisation and world building, it felt very plausible that the main character would have the behaviours she does given how she grew up. i may read the second one to see if it picks up as it felt more like a prequel/world building book.
June 29, 2023
Totally new world concept
What happens if we take the whole idea of clean to the nth degree? If we get rid of all biohazards, like dirt and trees and animals? Love the world building and the inevitability of the profession in the story
What happens if we take the whole idea of clean to the nth degree? If we get rid of all biohazards, like dirt and trees and animals? Love the world building and the inevitability of the profession in the story
July 21, 2023
Disturbing dystopian tale that kept me turning the pages and will live with me, luckily there's more to come just as soon as I download them! Highly recommend this to Dalcher and Atwood readers, enjoy!
August 4, 2023
Honestly began to wonder what exactly it was I was reading. I stuck with it and became totally hooked on wanting to see what the outcome of the series will be.
A warning of what might come? its enough to make anyone take global warming seriously.
Well written
A warning of what might come? its enough to make anyone take global warming seriously.
Well written
February 9, 2025
As much as I love Emma Ellis, this is my least favourite book of hers (still excellently written of course), but I couldn’t get my teeth into the plot. It’s not for me, but it’s not bad. Worth it for any dystopian fiction fan.
September 7, 2025
good story about a scientist who is developing ways to feed the country that is no longer reliant on nature. A look into how the future could be. let's hope it doesn't happen! how the future views our current world is interesting. brilliant and thought provoking.
October 3, 2022
this dark dystopian was a real page turner! the world created was really interesting and a sense of dread was palpable throughout the book, making me want to keep reading.
January 24, 2023
Loved this book. Looking forward to the sequel
March 19, 2024
Very good book. Emma has a way of creating a world you can imagine so clearly. It's terrifying.
October 17, 2024
Amazing. Be prepared to step into a new world created by Emma Ellis. She creates an original dystopian world ithat should make you uncomfortable unless you are The Poison Maker.
January 8, 2025
Great hypothetical
I enjoyed this book. It's written sort of quirky at times where the mc is like a narrator but not? I will be reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book. It's written sort of quirky at times where the mc is like a narrator but not? I will be reading the rest of the series.
June 11, 2025
Good to see some new " dystopian " books . worth reading if you like that genre
July 2, 2025
This was such a thought provoking book. Really enjoyable and highly recommended.
June 1, 2024
Nice to read a book with an older female protag, very much appreciated!
Shelved as spec-fic because the world building isn't up to my expectations for sci-fi, but then that's not really the point of this book. I think if the author had shored up the world building a bit more, it would have been a stronger work; but that's just me.
Read again? No
Recommend? Yeah, if you like a morally complex adult protag and strong social commentary, this is very well done. Such a story can come across as preachy and this doesn't do that, imo
Shelved as spec-fic because the world building isn't up to my expectations for sci-fi, but then that's not really the point of this book. I think if the author had shored up the world building a bit more, it would have been a stronger work; but that's just me.
Read again? No
Recommend? Yeah, if you like a morally complex adult protag and strong social commentary, this is very well done. Such a story can come across as preachy and this doesn't do that, imo
July 29, 2023
fascinating... couldn't help thinking how it might have already started. Lol! Definitely post 0pandemic read. Not sure if I'll get the chance to read the rest of the series... might be a good idea
May 6, 2025
Really enjoyed the characters. Very strange world. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews