Nightshade

The Poison Diaries #2

by Maryrose Wood, The Duchess Of Northumberland

A dark, gothic tale of romance… and murder.
The latest book in the grippingly dark series, The Poison Diaries.

Our heroine, Jessamine, has lost her faith in the men she loved, and her innocence as well. She turns to the dark side and plots to kill her father, using his own poisons, before becoming an assassin, a poisoner for hire. Can she recover from her heartache and reunite with her true love, Weed? Find out in this thrilling story where poisons, darkness and horror are a part of everyday life, and love is the only cure.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Paranormal, Supernatural

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2011

About the author

Sending big hugs and loveawoo to all.

I'm so pleased to introduce you to my new book: Alice's Farm, A Rabbit’s Tale. In stores on September 1st; available for preorder now.

Alice is an eastern cottontail. Genus sylvagia, species floridanus. About three pounds full grown, if she makes it that far.

Life at the bottom of the food chain is no picnic! But that doesn’t worry Alice much. She's too busy doing all she can to save her beautiful farmland home—not just for herself, but for all the creatures of the valley between the hills.

Yup, all of ’em! Even that new family of farmers who just moved into the big red
house across the meadow. They don’t know much about farming, being from
the city. They mean well. But they’re easy pickins for the local apex predator (he's a real estate developer, in case you couldn't tell).

But Alice has a plan to help.

Rabbits helping farmers? That’s awfully unusual, isn’t it? Well, you're right
about that, young’un!

Let’s put it this way: Alice is no ordinary rabbit.

With loveawoo,
Maryrose

p.s. — If you could use a little extra pluck and optimism right now, please help yourself to THE SWANBURNE ACADEMY GUIDE TO SHELTERING IN PLACE.

You can download it right here:

www.swanburneacademy.com/freeguide

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After really enjoying The Poison Diaries I have to admit I was excited to get my hands on an advanced copy of Nightshade and I couldn't wait to start reading it. Although Nightshade goes in a completely different direction to the one I was expecting and is a lot darker than The Poison Diaries I still really enjoyed it. In fact I think I liked it even more because it managed to surprise me! The story is a quick read and one I was able to whizz through in one day, the action is fast paced and you never know quite what will happen next which definitely kept me turning the pages.

Jessamine has done a lot of growing up since the first book, the discoveries she made about her father have changed her dramatically and I was pleased to see her stand up for herself more this time around. Although there were times I wanted to shake her for listening to Oleander it was easy to see why she turned to him. With Weed missing and her trust in her father destroyed she has nowhere else to turn and this makes her an easy target for the prince of poisons. If Jessamine is to have any chance of finding Weed she has to hope that Oleander will help her but he has plans of his own and it isn't going to be easy for her to remain focused on her goal.

Weed is also searching for Jessamine but even the plants don't seem to know where she is. Weed is having to try and fit into the human world while he tries to find his lost love and I enjoyed seeing things through his eyes, he actually becomes much more comfortable around people which was nice to see. I still love Weed's character but I was a bit disappointed that we don't really get to see as much of him in this installment. While this was understandable considering what is happening I missed reading about him and hope he is more prominent in the next book.

Nightshade is a much faster paced read than the first book but it is still a beautifully descriptive story and I loved the setting of the gardens that Weed finds himself in during his quest to find Jessamine. I can't say too much because I don't want to give spoilers but I liked the contrast between the new garden and Thomas Luxton's poison one. The story ended on a killer cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the final book in the series and see how things turn out, I wonder if the author will manage to surprise me again with the direction the story takes next?

If you haven't started this series yet I'd highly recommend picking up your copy of The Poison Diaries now, the series is totally different to anything else I've read and stands out all the more because of that.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to warn you: there really is no way to write a review of a 2nd book in a series without revealing some secrets from the first book.  This is especially true where this series is concerned, so this review will contain spoilers for book one!


I mentioned in my review of The Poison Diaries that I liked it better after having read Nightshade.  It brought some things together for me, but mostly I think it was because the ending to TPD takes such a strange turn that I think your mind needs time to adjust, and there just wasn't time before the book ended.  I mean, yes, you've been somewhat prepared for talking plants from Weed's revelations, but then to actually have plants talking - and plotting murder and world domination - is just a little strange. It takes a big adjustment.  A lot of willing suspension of disbelief.  But by book 2, it almost seems natural.  Partly, I think this is because not just poisonous plants are doing the talking.  You start to get a feel for the different "personalities" of the plants, and they become more like characters.  But I think it's also because of the way it's narrated - more in Weed's voice, and where Jessamine is concerned, she's no longer fevered, so it reads less...manic, I guess.  Whatever the reason, it works now, and makes the ending of TPD go down a little better.

Where it seemed to touch on magical realism in book one, I think it takes a pretty firm turn into magical realism in Nightshade.  It also goes really, really dark.  Wood explores some pretty deep, scary waters for a YA book, which, coupled with the magical realist feel, is really interesting.  When you think "dark" in YA, you tend to think emotional contemporary blahblah.  This is a completely different kind of dark, a story of control and manipulation and completely losing oneself to it.  It's very Gothic feeling, and I kept thinking as I was reading that it would make such a good, strange little movie.  (You know, if you could figure out a way to make Oleander scary and not just silly onscreen.)   It's told in that delicious car-crash-in-slow-mo way that just grips you and makes you certain that it's going to be a first-rate tragedy.  [I mean Tragedy-capital-T; you know, the cosmic irony, world is against us, every step I take in what I think is the right direction makes everything worse...that type of thing.]

Part of what makes this work so well is the split narration between Jessamine, who is slowly losing herself with the help of Oleander, and Weed, who is coming into his own.  I wasn't a big fan of the split narration in book one, but here it really works.  There is good balance to their story arcs, and getting to see every false step from two angles, seeing it all plotted out by Oleander, and how successful he is at pulling the strings, really contributes to the Gothic tragedy feeling.   I also just plain liked Weed's voice in this, so I was happy to be in his thoughts and have his world opened up more.  He keeps it all together, but it's Jessamine who steals the show.  I mentioned at the end of my TPD review that book 2 is definitely worth reading because Jessamine is kickass, and I meant that.  She is...dark and dangerous and a complete 180 from the charmingly naive girl she was in the beginning.  And what's more, it's believable.  It's sometimes painful to watch, and you sometimes want to cheer for her and sometimes want to yell at her, and it all just works to push us toward an ending you can't help but fear.

As for the ending itself, I have to say I loved it.  Now, this comes with a caution, because, just as in book one, I think this is the type of ending that may really piss people off.  It is certainly not for fans of the cliff-hanger ending.  But, going back to the movie comparison, the whole thing feels very episodic and it works for me.  The feel of the ending is really haunting and an interesting blend of optimism and pessimism.  It's perfectly in keeping with the darker tone of the book, and I respect it as a result.  And I have to say, without giving anything away, the final image is just... just brilliant.

So if you've read book one and were on the fence about whether to continue the series, I would strongly urge it.  It's really going some interesting places, and I think you'll like the two books almost as a set.  If you haven't read book one, but ignored my spoilers warning and read this review, and now have your interest piqued (talking plants?  Oleander?  Tragedy?), I would strongly recommend picking up both books at the same time, so that you can head straight into Nightshade after finishing TPD.  Don't worry, they're both quick reads...

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nightshade is the second book in the poison diaries series.

Nightshade is a very different book to the first instalment in the series. I found it to be much darker especially in how Jessamine was written. I also thought it was much more fast paced and exciting and enjoyed it even more than book one.

For me the biggest change from book one was in how Jessamine is written. She has changed an awful lot since book one become a much confident and self assured but darker character. I actually loved this about her as I found it book one she was often quite passive. I loved how she went about her way and stuck up for herself much more forcefully throughout the book.

The story itself was much more fast paced and exciting than book one. I loved following Jessamine on her travels around the country whilst she was on the run and I loved seeing the different personas she took on in order to keep hidden.

I also loved the medical history references in this book. The history geek in me loved that the characters went to Padua to study medicine following in the footsteps of the great medical pioneers of Renaissance period.

I was left at times with this book feeling a need to have read more with Weed and Jessamine together (although I desperately hope this is addressed in book three) as they really did not have any time together in the book which is the main thing I really liked about book one.

All in all defintely a series to watch out for if you haven't started it which in my opinion gets stronger as the story goes on. I cannot wait for book three now

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Total let down. I was so excited to read this second book and as I read it got more and more disappointing. I don't even know if I would bother reading the third book.

The first book, "Poison Diaries" had an ethereal quality. It was dark, but magically delicious. This book was just dark and it got gloomier and gloomier as the story went on. Jessamine seemed to do a complete 180. Characters must grow and in the first book Jessamine lost some of her innocence, but still remained pure and steadfast. In this book she becomes...I don't know, evil is a little strong, but it's like becomes a completely different person. A person I don't like. She does hideous things and doesn't seem to show much remorse.

Weed's character heads the opposite direction. He grows more and learns how to be more social. Of course he gets more and more attractive. By the end, I was just hoping we could totally get rid of Jessamine and give Weed someone more deserving.

The writing was confusing at times as it switched between Weed's and Jessamine's narratives. There was no clue when the switch would happen and it would take a minute to adjust.

I don't like the direction the author took this book. It seems like the story spiraled out into some weird dream-like psychosis. Too bad, since the first one was so great. I might skim-read the next book in the series, but we'll have to see. It's not at the top of my list.

[Jake Rideout · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will ****SPOIL**** the first book. If you haven't read it, please stop here!


No, seriously, stop.


Okay, you asked for it.


At the end of book one, Weed and Jessamine were separated. Now, in Weed's absence, Jessamine is beginning to change. She has taken over her father's apothecary business while he devotes all of his time to his poisons. She remembers the things that Oleander showed her during her illness, and she wonders what secrets her father has hidden from her all these years. Slowly, she recovers her health--but her heart is still waiting for Weed to come back.

Finally Jessamine turns to the Prince of Poisons to reveal the truth of Weed's whereabouts. But once Oleander has her in his grip, he is unwilling to let go.

This book is much darker than the first in the series. Oleander continues to exact payment from Jessamine and Weed, even after they think they have nothing left to give. It was a little hard to watch Jessamine self-destruct, but I found Weed's chapters intriguing. He's such an interesting character.

Of course, Maryrose Wood leaves us hanging at the end.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I was not sure what I was going to be met with this book. Following on the complete gamble of reading the first book The Poison Diaries I realised that there as a sequel and thought why not see where it was all going.

Yes this book is written for a specific audience which I suspect was not me however I was impressed by the style of writing and the incredibly dark nature of the story.

But to start at the beginning - I do enjoy trying random books which catch my eye- that could be a title in a fellow readers feed all the way to distinctive cover or even just a random work on a bookshelf it can be one of a number of reasons. The Poison Diaries was one of them. Nightshade its sequel has an equally seductive appeal to it.

But what of the story - well it is set a short time after the events that ended the last book however you very quickly realise that the stage on which this story is set is so much bigger. Before it was a "cozy" little affair if such a word is suitable now you have a story which spans countries and I for one enjoyed it all the more.

Suddenly you have a glimpse of a world which shares the good and the bad which for me creates (and I apologise for the pun its not intended) a world of opportunities and I suspect further stories to explore.

I will not spoil the story for those interested in reading it - but I will admit that it is surprisingly deeper (and darker) than I was expecting and far more enjoyable for it.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightshade: Poison Diaries Book Two

Four stars: A return to the garden with a superior sequel.

Jessamine returns from the brink of death to find her beloved Weed gone. Left behind are the shriveling remnants of their budding love; bitten by the deadly frost of betrayal. Jessamine loses her innocence and tenderness after she sees the bald roots of truth, attached to the vine of lies that ensnares her. Her entire existence adulterated with her father's injurious greed and insatiable lust for knowledge of poisons. With a shocking act she slashes free of her father, the deceit and all the vestiges of her life. Fleeing Northumberland Jessamine intends on reuniting with Weed but the Prince of Poison has other insidious, ulterior motives in mind for her. During her convalescence the deadly Prince Oleander entwined his infectious tendrils into Jessamine's mind. Now with each passing day his toxins course through her veins corrupting and altering the beautiful, delicate flower that was once Jessamine. The dainty petals shrivel and fall away to expose a girl with darkened hair, withered emotions, a bitter heart and lethal intentions. Will Weed be able to find the antidote to save Jessamine from the Dark Prince and prevent an assassination? Will their love somehow survive and flourish again?

What I Liked:
*The transformations of both Weed and Jessamine. When Jessamine first begins to change she takes on the responsibilities of her father and earns a reputation as a noble healer. As the virulent whisperings from Oleander grow louder she sheds the name Jessamine and becomes Rowan. I thought the choice of name was interesting as the wood of rowan trees was once thought to have magical properties and offer protection from malevolent beings. As Rowan, she is capable, independent and compassionate. I liked this new girl; no longer timid and naive. Then as she succumbs under the septic spell of the Poison Prince she lets herself be lulled by laudanum. Drugged and poisoned she drifts in and out of reality forgetting Weed and her pain. She evolves into the deadly Belladonna. She is now a vicious, lethal assassin for hire. This aspect of Jessamine is dark and depraved but still fascinating. She is representative of the noxious side of Nature. Meanwhile, Weed wanders lost in the forest hearing only the calling of the plants. Disheveled and apathetic he is in the throes of despair. The flowers and leaves at first murmur that Jessamine is well but then the news of her whereabouts terminates. Repeatedly he asks all his botanical allies for any information regarding the pretty blossom with golden hair and they have no reply, for Jessamine ceases to exist. He drags himself from the woods, cleans up and vows to rescue her from the clutches of The Dark Prince. He is now certain of his identity, he no longer hides or recoils from his gift. He is capable, strong, handsome and determined. I definitely liked the new Weed. He is symbolic of the light, that embodies the healing and helpful characteristics of Nature.
*The voices of the plants are louder in this book. This time there are many, varied species all lending their unique utterances. Far from the disturbed plants of the poison garden, exist the wise plants of the famed Orto botanico in Italy. Plants spilling with knowledge of goodness, healing, changing of the seasons and the balance necessitated by Nature. I love the personification of the plants. I am impressed by the in depth knowledge displayed, not only of the species of plants and their medicinal uses but also of the history of botany and the evolution of thought on plants through the ages. I think we all forget the absolute importance of the vegetation around us. Life would cease without it. I was glad the author emphasized this vital point. After reading these books I have gained a new appreciation for the greenery that surrounds me.
*The plot of this book surpasses it's predecessor. Even though Jessamine morphs into a murderess, the overall story is not as corrupt and unsettling as The Poison Diaries. The metamorphosis of Jessamine and Weed from diminutive to forceful was a vast improvement. I enjoyed the movement of the story from England to Italy. The traveling allowed the introduction of interesting new secondary characters. I also appreciated the inclusion of a minor plot involving a revolutionary movement in England and a conspiratorial plot of assassination.

And The Not So Much:
*What exactly is Prince Oleander? I am still uncertain of this character. Is he a construct of Jessamine's mind? An infective virus wrought from her numerous exposures to toxins? A delusion? A demon born from the contamination of the Poison garden, who seeks a corporeal body? I hope in the final book it will be clarified.
*While I was intrigued with the story revolving around the overthrow of the King, I felt it didn’t quite come to fruition; this plot line cut off and remained dangling. I will be interested to see if this thread resurfaces in book three.
*Another shocking, cliffhanger. The reader is left abandoned in the throes of winter; with many unanswered questions.

Nighshade is a strong sequel. I enjoyed this story better than the first. The main characters, burst forth and surprise you with their new identities. The plants have a great deal of wisdom to impart so take time to carefully listen to their rustling leaves and heed their advice. Unfortunately, this book leaves us suspended in winter, hoping that young love will survive the change of the seasons.

Favorite Quotations:

“I thought love was a rare orchid that bloomed only once-but once it bloomed, it bloomed forever.”

“His laughter falls like a rain of ice. There is no end to the wickedness of humans, is there?”

“The plant that cures also kills.”

“Revolution is a healing plague that leaps across the borders and spreads from one nation to the next.”

“And whatever weapon the people fear gives power to those who wield it.”

“Seasons change, Weed. Winter comes, and you cannot stand in the way of it. One must accept that.”

“Sometimes a change from the old is good. Change is natural, like the change of seasons. Not to be feared.”

[Farnaz Zameer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. Love. It!

I'm in love with this series. I cannot wait for the third and final installment to publish so that I finally know what happens!

I'm saying this again: This is not a love story. There's only a portion, a miniscule part in the book involving both the characters together in the same place and that isn't romance either. This book is so much more than that.

This is poison-filled book.

It picks up where the Poison Diaries left off, with Weed up-and-away after he serves Prince Oleander in order to save his beloved, Jessamine. Jess has recovered and is devastated to find no Weed when she wakes up. The father, that sonfabitch, Luxton weaves a fabricated story and Jess mourns Weed's loss from her life.

But not for long, she doesn't dwell in her misery for Oleander has plans for her. And plans she executes! Oh boy.



You could see there was a total 180 flip in her character. From naive, innocent, obliging sweet Jessamine to vengeful, abandoned, betrayed, poisonous Belladonna. Yet her heart belongs to that unruly haired boy. And Oleander would do everything in his power to keep her away from him?

What for?

The sinister devil has plans of his own. The bigger picture, as it is. And Jessamine, his lovely, is a pawn, a means for that execution. And his master plan... though childish and immature, because well, what do plants have in for politics, human on at that? But the first step, the push that he gave Jess...



Meanwhile, Weed is lost. He's no where accepted again. For he carries the burden of his sins, the burden of loss of his beloved and the burden of hearing endless sounds of plants. So he begins anew, he knows Oleander is upto something and his beloved is caught right in the middle of it. She isn't safe and Weed would do everything in his power to save Jessamine from Oleander. There's only one thing left to do: Find Oleander, kill him, take Jessamine away.

But oh, the nature has its own plans, too. Plans, plans, plans! Who's is gonna work? I'll tell you. No one's.

What follows is two parallel stories, two characters going in opposite direction. One emerging from the dark and embracing light; the other blowing out the light and embracing dark.

Its a thrill to see how Oleander deceives and manipulates Jessamine until she no longer resembles her old self. Until she has forgotten about Weed. And it's even thrilling to watch Weed come to peace with his power, with his gift and using it to put an end to evil.

And oh, the little tidbits along the journey! Rye, especially! That man, I can say, was special. Cunning, sneaky, sly, yet oh-so-adoring! He didn't deserve what he got, but that's life. I hoped there'd be something more between him and Jessamine, even though I'm on total Weed's team. But I was cheering when Rye came swoooooooping down as the Dark Irish Knight! :3 But that fucker Oleander ruined it all.



But of course, there's that fuckin' oleander plant! Prince Poison. How I wished I could twist his silver hair around my wrist and yank him back to the ground and bury his fuckin' face underneath it. Oh, I forgot: He is fuckin' buried in the ground! The poisonous plant!

"He will pay the price someday, for that garden already has a master. One who will allow no pretenders to the throne."

"I have no need of doors. All the locked gates in the world could not contain me. I enter when and where I wish. I hold the key to every poisoned heart."

I hated him. I hated him throughout the novel. His... his pride, the malice he has in his voice, his sinister thoughts, which he kept saying over and over again like a litany for his 'lovely' Belladonna.




Fffine, I admit that his POV we got in Night Shade was... impressive. He's so sly, he's so... nimble with his details that you can't help but be impressed with it! Hatred on its own. I hated Oleander, mind, but his cunning-ness was so freaking mind-boggling!

I definitely wanna see more of Weed, Jess and (a little) of Oleander in the last installment! The way they left things. Oh Jess! Jess! :'(

[Kara Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to start? Wow, I really was expecting it to carry on from where the first book in the Poison Diaries trilogy, the Poison Diaries left off with Jessamine recovering from her illness and carrying on looking after the gardens and her father. Not forgetting pining over Weed. Maybe running away to find out. Well it didn't quite start like that, it did start right after where book 1 left off, however this book became darker than I could ever have imagined.

The prince of poisons, Oleander, was filling Jessamine's mind, who was she to argue. I loved booked 1, I loved everything about it, you can read my review, I loved the setting, the characters and the garden. Jessamine was innocent and naive in the last book, she was still a little naive but she was far from innocent. She is a lot more confident about herself in the book and crossed over to the dark side. After what happened back at the Abbey we follow Jessamine around on her travels.

The narration changed to Weed at times which was nice and we got to get inside his mind and find out how he was trying to find Jessamine. However Oleander, was playing with her emotions, will he help her find her way to her one true love.

The ending was just wow, what an ending. I have to read book 3 as soon as. It will leave you gasping for more and staring a blank page, wishing for words to appear.

One thing I missed was more of the gardens being in. Don't get me wrong there are still plenty of plants in there to keep me going. I also wished there was more Jessamine and Weed time together, there just wasn't enough of that in this book. Fingers crossed for book 3.

I would highly recommend this series. Its dark and gothic, with a great romance. This book was one fast paced, exciting ride from start to finish. It was dark and twisted and I loved it. This is a real page turner.

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow.

I can not believe the sequel is releasing this year -- I had no idea! I'm actually quite excited about this one. The Poison Diaries was by no means perfect, but I do remember being thrown on an emotional rollercoaster. I love that the cover of this one matches the first one. :)

3.5/5

I really enjoyed some parts of it, but I do feel as though it was rushed as we get to the end. I do love how dark this book was; it was all certainly compelling, I just wanted to know what happens next! But... overall, I'll say this book was okay, but if it was fleshed out a bit more it could have been amazing.

I do love following characters descend into darkness. Jessamine's progression was heartbreaking, tragically beautiful. Their love story, her's and Weed's, was quite frustrating to read, but I appreciate that the author took risks and didn't go for a straight-forward, happy ending. It doesn't mean I was satisfied by it, but I appreciate the risk nonetheless.

[Michelle O'Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, if you have not read The Poison Diaries then you need to get out there and pick up a copy. I also would like to make it known that I LOVE the cover art. It is what drew me to this series. I started reading The Poison Diaries without even knowing what it was about. I think that makes for a great cover. I liked the first book, but the second book was just packed full of intrigue. Whereas the first book was set all at Jessamine's cottage this one takes you across the English countryside and ends in Italy.

If you have not read the first book I would stop reading now because I cannot promise there will not be a few spoilers to the first book. I will do my best to not give too much away for those that are patiently waiting for October 25th to get here.

The story starts where the other ended. Jessamine is still living with her Father at the cottage, but she no longer has that innocent glow about her. She has been changed by her sickness, the departure of Weed, and has lost all her faith in her father. Weed is sulking far away from Jessamine and seems to have no real purpose now that he has lost Jessamine. The best thing about this book compared to the first is that it is action paced from here on out. I mean it was like overload with all the changes that were taking place. Jessamine makes a deal with Oleander (Prince of Poisons) that if she does what he asks, then Oleander promises to lead her to Weed. But if we learned anything from the first book that is going to come at a steep price.

Jessamine truly becomes a different person as she follows Oleander's instructions. Even changes her name, personality, and physical features (hair, sink color, and dress). It was interested to see how Wood takes Jessamine to these different places and watching her change into what Oleander wants is hard at times. You are cheering for this innocent girl to hang on to all she was, while watching her lose herself.

The book switches between Jessamine and Weed, which was fantastic because I really enjoyed the little bit of narration we received from his perspective in first book. Weed decides to ignore Oleander and return to Jessamine, but as with most romance books it was too late. His decision to stop wallowing in self pity was what made his changes so great. In the first book he was this scared little weed hiding in the cellar and you start to see him change into this complex man. After reading all of Thomas Luxton's book of horrors it leads him to go to the Orto Botanico di Padova at the University of Padua, Italy. Weed believes that he will find the answer to where Jessamine is and how to help her if he just makes it there, Signora Baglioni does not disappoint.

I do not want to give away too much of the amazing details of Nightshade because I truly believe it is best to take the roller coaster ride yourself. This one ends without a true cliffhanger, but more of a "I have no idea where this story is going!" I would not be surprised to see a certain character show up in the final book, but unless you have read both books I cannot tell you who. Just know you heard it here first if that character does show up. I loved the bits of history included in story, especially the use of Mithradates VI Eupator, King of Pontos. Those who are history people will love how Wood does not vary too much from his actual story.

The Poison Diaries: Nightshade was very enjoyable to read and I think I liked it more than the first book because so much was happening in this book. It will be interesting to see how this series ends which is currently expected to be out in April of 2012, so a great birthday idea for me.

[Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

My god, way to rip a girl's heart out and stamp on it! Nightshade, like the first The Poison Diaries is perverse and a bit strange, a drug induced dream of a book. Beautiful and confusing.

Well worth a read. I only hope Weed hasn't been too destroyed by the bizarre choice to change authors and make it "more raunchy" ( http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/nort... ).

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series keeps reminding me of Rappaccini's Daughter, which is a plus. It feels like a dark fairy tale, like how a fairy tale is supposed to be: disturbing and questionable entertainment for children, yet the kind of story children flock to nonetheless.

It can be a bit oppressively dark, but I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.

[Mable · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. It would have been a perfect 5 IF IT WASN'T FOR THAT ENDING!!! I almost threw this book across the room. It made me that furious, in a good way, BUT STILL!!! Now I have to wait a grueling year to find out the conclusion to this awesome trilogy :( 2012 can't come fast enough!

[EuleAnnalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alte Rezension von meinem toten Blog von 2017 (da ich damals einen Eintrag über beide Bücher gemacht habe, habe ich die hier auch nicht getrennt):

*-*-*-*-*

„Was zu heilen vermag, dass kann auch töten“
Die Idee hörte sich ziemlich märchenhaft an: Ein verbotener Garten, hinter Eisentoren verschlossen, ein Apotheker und seine Tochter, die zusammen in der Ruine einer Kapelle wohnen, ein mysteriöser, junger Mann mit einem großen Geheimnis.
Erst hatte ich überlegt, die beiden Bücher getrennt zu rezensieren, da ich die zwei völlig verschieden aufgenommen habe (obwohl ich sie nachher dann doch gleich bewertet habe), aber ich wollte mit meiner Rezension auch eine Frage beantworten, die ich selbst hatte, als ich zu lesen begann: Gibt mir der zweite Band ein zufriedenstellendes Ende? Es ist nämlich so: Im Deutschen sind nur diese beiden Bände erschienen, im Englischen gibt es aber noch einen dritten Band – jedoch von einem anderen Autoren. Also, ist die Reihe jetzt mit zwei Bänden hinreichen abgeschlossen oder nicht? Und wenn nicht: Lohnt es sich, den englischen Zusatzband zu kaufen oder gefällt mir die Reihe überhaupt nicht gut genug.

Also hier meine Reihenrezension:

Die Poison Diaries – Liebe ist unheilbar
Originaltitel: The poison diaries
Autor: Maryrose Wood
Reihe: Die Poison Diaries – Teil 1
Seitenzahl: 266
Preis: 14,95 €(Hardcover), 12,99 € (ebook)
Erschienen: 08.06.2011 (deutsch), 27.05.2010 (Original)

Die Posion Diaries – Liebe ist stärker als der Tod
Originaltitel: Nightshade
Autor: Maryrose Wood
Reihe: Die Poison Diaries – Teil 2
Seitenzahl: 269
Preis: 14,99 € (Hardcover), 12,99 (ebook)
Erschienen: 08.03.2012 (deutsch), 01.09.2011 (Original)

Als ich das Buch aufschlug und dort stand: Nach einer Idee der Duchess of Northumberland, habe ich mich selbst in die Irre geleitet: Da die Geschichte Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts spielt, hatte ich die Verbindung von „Duchess“ und „18. Jahrhundert“ gemacht und für mich klang das nach einer Geschichte, die eine Herzogin sich vor über zweihundert Jahren ausgedacht hatte und deren Idee nun von einer Autorin unserer Zeit aufgenommen und ausgearbeitet wurde. Weit gefehlt! Mittlerweile weiß ich auch gar nicht, wie ich zu diesem Gedanken gekommen bin, aber eigentlich lief es so ab: Die heutige Herzogin, Jane of Northumberland, kümmerte sich um den Alnwick Garden (wo die Geschichte der Poison Diaries spielt) und ihr kam dabei die Idee der Geschichte. Daraufhin suchte sie nach einem Autor und arbeitete schließlich mit Maryrose Wood zusammen (die nebenbei einen wunderschönen Namen hat, besonders wenn man bedenkt, dass es in der Geschichte um Pflanzen geht).

Die Handlung:
Jessamine wohnt zusammen mit ihrem Vater, einem stillen Botaniker und Apotheker, in einer verlassenen Kapelle. Sie ist oft alleine, wenn ihr Vater für seine Forschungen verreist oder zu einem Kranken gerufen wird. Währenddessen kümmert sie sich um die Gärten, die ihr Zuhause umgeben, und sie und ihren Vater ernähren. Sie führt auch ein Gartentagebuch, dass zu jedem Kapitelanfang zitiert wird (und meistens nicht viel hergibt.
Es gibt aber einen Teil des Gartens, den sie niemals betreten darf: Hinter Eisentoren hält ihr Vater die verschiedensten Giftpflanzen verschlossen, die er auf der ganzen Welt zusammengesammelt hat: Belladonna, Oleander, Eisenhut
Doch dann taucht Weed auf: ein stiller Waisenjunge, der scheinbar über ein erstaunliches Wissen über Pflanzen zu verfügen scheint. Und er hütet ein Geheimnis, dem Thomas Luxton, Jessamines Vater, um jeden Preis auf die Schliche kommen möchte. Jessamine selbst verfällt dem mysteriösen Jungen mit den absinthgrünen Augen, auch wenn sie ihn zuerst aus der Versenkung locken muss.
Ich fand die Idee hörte sich wunderschön an. Allerdings muss ich zugeben, dass ich da vermutlich voreingenommen war, da Pflanzen und Gifte mich vorher schon immer interessierten (zumindest in Geschichten). Jedoch muss ich leider sagen: Der Spannungsboden in dem Buch ist meiner Meinung nach sehr mau. Das „Geheimnis“ von Weed war für mich von Anfang an durchschaubar und ich wusste es lange bevor er es Jessamine eröffnet. Das gilt für fast jedes Geheimnis, dass in den Büchern angesprochen wurden: bis vielleicht auf einen Punkt fand ich alles sehr vorhersehbar.
Der zweite Teil war um einiges düsterer und (bis auf ein paar Stellen) nicht mehr ganz so vorhersehbar. Trotzdem fiel es mir hier schwer, die Geschichte wirklich zu mögen. Es geschah zwar viel mehr, doch oft hatte ich das Gefühl, dass wir uns in einer Abwärtsspirale bewegen: die Charaktere machen immer mehr schlechte Entscheidungen (sowohl auf menschlicher, als auch auf erzählerischer Ebene) und besonders Jessamine wird zu einem Charakter, den ich nicht mehr nachvollziehen kann.

Die Charaktere:
Generell scheinen die Charaktere sehr inkohärent gestaltet. Als Weed das erste Mal vorgestellt wird, hatte ich ihn als Kleinkind vor Augen, denn er verhält sich auch so. Als er dann als Jugendlicher beschrieben wird, dauerte es etwas, bis ich ihn mir auch so vorstellen konnte. Ein paar Seiten später verhält er sich augenscheinlich wieder ganz anders, so dass ich beinahe die Vermutung hatte, er hätte eine gespaltene Persönlichkeit (hat er nicht, sein Charakter ist nur etwas verwirrend dargestellt worden). Generell bleiben viele andere Charaktere (von denen es sowieso nur wenig gibt) sehr eindimensional, man kann keinen wirklich als echt empfinden und sich noch weniger mit einem identifizieren, was sich manchmal angesichts der etwas verqueren Handlung als hilfreich geäußert hätte.

Der Schreibstil:
Zwischendurch war es ein wunderschöner Schreibstil, der die düstere Atmosphäre perfekt beschrieb und sich zauberhaft dazu eignete, das 18. Jahrhundert darzustellen (da etwas später ja die Schauermärchen große Beliebtheit gefunden haben. Ich persönlich mag die Gothik-Literatur mit Dracula, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre und so weiter wirklich gerne).
Aber dann waren zwischendurch manche Passagen sehr plump formuliert. Kurze, stumpfe Sätze haben den Leserhythmus unterbrochen und es klang einfach nicht wirklich schön.
Dazu kommt, dass die Romane in einer ich-Perspektive geschrieben worden sind, die wechselt: Manchmal erzählt Jessamine, später aber auch Weed. Leider wurde nie genau gekennzeichnet, wer denn jetzt spricht und ich habe oft über eine Seite gebraucht, um die Handlung richtig einordnen zu können.
Generell konnte ich die beiden Bücher recht schnell lesen, doch das führe ich eher darauf zurück, dass beide mit nicht einmal dreihundert Seiten recht kurz sind.

Die Aufmachung:
Im Ganzen finde ich die beiden Bücher wirklich hübsch aufgemacht. Das ist vermutlich auch der einzige Grund, warum sie erstmal in meinem Regal stehenbleiben dürfen. Auch wenn das zweite etwas faul gestaltet worden ist (einfach das erste in einer etwas anderen Farbe), finde ich, dass die goldene und bronzene Aufschrift, den Büchern etwas leicht Edles gibt. Auch ohne Schutzumschlag sind sie ganz hübsch: rein schwarz mit einer goldenen oder bronzenen Prägung.
Die Kapitel werden immer mit einer Blütenranke eingeleitet und innerhalb der Geschichte variiert die Kalligraphie, wenn ein Auszug aus Jessamines Gartentagebuch gezeigt wird.
Der erste Teil hat außerdem noch eine kleine Besonderheit: Auf dem Buchschnitt ist eine Pflanzenranke dargestellt.

Fazit:
Leider hat mir die Geschichte nicht ausreichend gefallen, um mich wirklich in ihren Bann zu ziehen. Es gab immer wieder schöne Stellen, doch schlussendlich konnte es mich nicht hundertprozentig überzeugen: Es war okay, aber nicht mehr.
Außerdem wird es auch noch von der Tatsache überschattet, dass die Reihe abgebrochen wurde: Der zweite Band endet abrupt und ohne irgendeinen Vorausblick auf eventuell folgende Geschehnisse. Nachdem ich den zweiten Teil beendet hatte, sah ich mir ein paar englische Rezensionen über den dritten Band an: scheinbar hat der neue Autor auch eine neue Geschichte angefangen und die Fragen, die nach den ersten beiden Bänden offen sind, bleiben unbeantwortet, da sich die Geschichte dann nur noch um Weed dreht und nicht mehr um Jessamine (einen Sprung den ich nicht ganz nachvollziehen kann), also habe ich mich entschieden, die Reihe auf sich beruhen zu lassen. Ein wenig schade, denn die Idee um den Giftgarten im 18. Jahrhundert fand ich so gut.
Also: für beide Bücher jeweils: 2,5 Sterne
Kennt ihr vielleicht Bücher, die sich mit ähnlichen Themen befassen? Könnt ihr davon welche empfehlen?

[Dijana Čop Nešić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merirouz Vud-'' Dnevnik otrova'' , ''Beladona'' i ''Korov''
(Trilogija The Poison diaries)

Ono što je zanimljivo je najpre misterija oko spisateljice. Prve dve knjige potpisane su sa Merirouz Vud, i one su prevedene kod nas, medjutim treća knjiga je dostupna samo na engleskom, i malo sam se pomučila da je nabavim, ali vredelo je i rešiti misteriju i ukompletirati priču.
Treća knjiga, je, dakle, potpisana imenom spisateljice koje je durgačije a to je Vojvotkinja od Nortamberlenda, Džejn Persi.
Koliko sam mogla da istražim , to bi trebalo da je jedna ista osoba , pošto Merirouz ima sakriven identitet na websajtu a na wikipediji vojvotkinji se pripisuje cela trilogija, i još jedna zanimljivost je zapravo da se sama vojvotkinja bavi otrovnim biljem i uzgojom specijalne bašte. Želela je da kroz ovu YA fantaziju dospe do većeg broja čitalaca koji bi cenili moć prirode, otrova i misterije biljaka.
Koliko je misteriozno ovo delo, toliko je zanimljiva i istorija samog porekla vojvotkinje, koja pripada jednoj od najpoznatijih rojalnih porodica Engleske, i vezana je baš za zamak Alnvik ,koji ima više od 900 godina starosti sopstvenih misterija i postojanja, a izgleda impozantno i danas je apsolutna turistička atrakcija, kao drugi najzastupljeniji zamak Engleske, korišćen i za filmove.
Ujedno, bašta koja je inspirisala ove knjige jeste upravo Alnvik bašta koja se prostire na ogromnoj površini i koja sadrži sve moguće bilje i semena sveta, čak i ono što se nikad nije pre moglo gajiti na engleskom tlu, a Otrovna bašta, srž ove knjige, najveća je turistička atrakcija i lični je hobi same vojvotkinje iako je bašta poznata i po svojim vodopadima, kući na drvetu i mnoštvu drugih lepota.
A sada da pređemo na knjige .
''Ako je jedna doza prejaka, sve je otrov, čak i ljubav.''
Mlada Džasemin živela je vrlo skroman život pokraj svog oca u skromnoj kućici. Ali iza te kućice otac je imao veliku i tajnu baštu koja je bila zabranjena za posete. Otac je gajio otrove a Džasemin je postala vrlo radoznala i buntovna devojka.
Otac je gajio i medicinsko bilje, ali ono nije bilo dovoljno interesantno kao biljke koje mogu da ubiju, začaraju um, oslepe na kratko, zavaraju čula i izvrše neku drugu ''magiju''.
Jednoga dana, misteriozan mladić je došao kod njenog oca u potrazi za poslom i dobio priliku i da radi i da pomaže u otrovnoj bašti, a sudbina se poigrala opasnošću, hirovitošću mladih srca ali i ohološću Džasemininog oca, te će napraviti svojevrsnu misteriju koja omamljuje sva čula.
''Skriveno duboko u hladnom, mračnom tlu, seme može da bude maltene besmrtno. Čak i posle mnogo godina, ako se ponovo nađe izloženo svetlu i kiši, moguće je da se ponovo pojavi neka davno zaboravljena biljka, velike moći.''
Prvi deo knjige, Dnevnik otrova ima pravi mračan uvod u nepoznato, a poetično predstavljanje istančanosti moći nekih biljaka, saživota sa njima, dovodi nas u iskušenje da više saznamo o toj otrovnoj bašti. Džasemin je vrlo mračna, radoznala,neobična, nesvakidašnja devojka. Sve ovo ima neki mračan ton koji će se samo produbljivati u mrak rkoz naredne knjige.
Ujedno, ovo nije samo fantazija i bajkovita priča, ovo je i triler jer će jedno ubistvo napraviti izuzetne preokrete.
Beladona, prelepa i smrtonosna, je drugi deo koji nas odvlači dublje u priču, uz bol i razočarenje onoga što je moglo biti izuzetno pozitivna i legendarna priča izmedju dvoje ljudi. Ali nije.
Ljubav ume da bude ta prejaka doza.
Pogotvo kada se tome suprotstavi neko moćan ko poznaje slabosti ženskog srca i ima načine da ga preokrene protiv onoga što najviše voli.
Saznaćemo ko je princ otrova, Oleander i zašto ima veliku ulogu u ovoj priči. Nekada nas sopstveno slepilo omađija do te mere da ne prepoznajemo sopstvene instikte.
U tom slučaju, otrovi nisu potrebni.
Sami smo otrov.
''Ja sam isceliteljka, pomišljam, neću nikoga da ubijem. Ali me nekako neobično teši što znam da mogu.''
Druga knjiga je kulminacija uspeha u pisanju ove vojvotkinje jer je briljirala sa maštom, neobičnim ishodima i idejama, sa primenjenom gotikom i hororičnom atmosferom, dovoljno doziranom da bude slična ljubavnoj drami, a dovoljno smelom da sledi okrutnost bođena strahom i nepoznatim.
Melanholija, krah, lom srca i tuga, najbolje opisuju ovaj ritam druge knjige. Džasemin se menja, ali njeno srce ne može to da izdrži.
Razapeta između savesti i borbe za istinom u sebi, nedovoljno jaka da odabere, biva povučena u jednu halucinativnu predstavu koju ima o tome što ume i zna, umalo izgubljena u lavirintu bez izlaza.
Druga knjiga mi se najviše dopala jer mi ne nudi rešenje, a ostavlja apsolutno devastirajući osećaj.

''Sada žudim za melemom zaborava. Polako uvidjam koliko su biljke srećne što umiru i vraćaju se svake godine sa obnovljenom nadom i nevinošću.''

Takodje, detalj koji me je fascinirao je nagli rast naše glavne protogonistkinje, od uplašene mlade devojke koja je poslušna iako previpše preispituje očeve odluke ali i misterije, do buntovne žene sa slomljenim srcom i užasima koji joj kucaju na vrata, a ona je dovoljno hrabra da im se suprotstavi bez oklevanja.

Korov, čije je ime poneo misteriozni muškarac, je ime treće knjige koja dovodi do apsolutnog zaokreta sveg ašto smo mogli pretpostaviti tu prethodnim knjigama. Ujedno je i kompleksniji stil pisanja jer je vojvotkinja podelila zadatak sa producentom Hju SIngtonom, poznatom po tome kako daje mračan ton ekranizovanju knjiga, od kojih su najpoznatije Kingove.

Tako da je ova završnica izuzetno bolna za svakoga ko je imao neku pozitivnu nadu da se ova mračna bajka završava onako kako bi želeli, a cela knjiga govori u prilog padanja u ponor.

Neko ko je nestao u knjizi dva, sada se pojavljuje ali u potpuno drugačije zamišljenom ruhu i misiji, ovekovečen izdajom, omamljen nekim sa kime nije trebalo da se petlja, jer je time izdao sebe i slomio nečiju dušu. Ali on je ključan za priču a dodatan začin jeste samo pominjanje vojvotkinje , zamkla Alnvik i famozne bašte otrova.
Sada će neko , ko je bio u prilici da naškodi sa ovim opasnim biljkama, morati da napravi protivotrov od otrova.
Iako je treća knjiga malo slabijeh intenziteta, ili možda sa preterano naglašenim teškim situacijama koje previše ''udaraju na bolno mesto'', sveobuhvatna priča je zaista dobra, i nije mi najjasnije zašto nije prevedena.
Nakon ove trilogije postoji takodje, neprevedena knjiga otrova same vojvotkinje, koja sadrži recepte pisane u kraljevskoj formi, sakupljena znanja o medicinskim svojstvima i otrovnim svojvima kao i afrodizijacima (Mala knjiga otrova, napitaka i afrodizijaka vojvotkinje od Nortamberlenda). Knjigu nisam imala način da nabavim za sebe, što je šteta, ali je biblioteka uspela da uradi svoje.
Na kraju, ovakve knjige i ovakve teme zaista ostaju urezane u srcu i pamte se dugo ,kao da su nas omađijale.
Vuku da im se vratimo.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: This is a dark tale filled with betrayal, passion, and murder. With interesting characters and a fascinating plot.

Opening Sentence: I wake, as I usually do, to the sound of Weed’s voice.

The Review:

Jessamine is devastated. She survived the strange illness that over took her body recently, but she woke to find that her beloved Weed had abandoned her. She was brought back to health by her father and he told her that Weed no longer cared for her and fled. She never quite believed him, and she had strange dreams while she was ill. Dreams of her father and his true nature. As the seasons pass Jessamine becomes more and more desperate to find Weed. Help comes in an unexpected way. Prince Oleander is the Prince of Poison and he offers to help reunite Jessamine with Weed. The Prince is from the poison garden, he is not flesh and blood but his influence is all too real. He has a steep price that must be paid for his help: Jessamine must kill her father. After the deed is done Jessamine abandons the only home she has ever known and the Dark Prince is her only companion. As she searches for Weed, the Dark Prince pulls her more and more into his dark web until she is no longer the girl she used to be. She becomes an assassin for hire, and soon she loses herself and starts to forget. She still loves Weed but will he love the girl she has become?

Weed left Jessamine to save her life. He left to live in the forest by himself where he still could ask the plants how his beautiful Jessamine faired. He soon comes to learn that she has left her home and is under the power of the Dark Poison Prince. Weed knows that Jessamine needs help but he has no way of finding her. He asks the plants for help but they refuse to give it out of fear. He decides to travel to a special garden in Venice to seek help from the plants there. Upon arrival, he is able to learn much about his talent and the evil plot the Prince is planning. He knows that Jessamine is in trouble and he hopes that he can save her before it is too late.

Jessamine was a very interesting character in this book. She changes drastically from the first book. She was so innocent and naïve before and now she has become quite a vixen. She felt so lost after Weed left that she turns to the evil Prince for comfort. She becomes a murderer with no remorse and no feelings. The only thing that stirs her old self is the thought of Weed. I liked this version of Jessamine a little bit better than the first book. It felt like she actually did something instead of just standing idly by while her life slips away. She still is very easily persuaded which is frustrating. I don’t like the decisions she makes in this book, but I found her intriguing.

Weed grows to be a better person. He still loves Jessamine very much, but I feel that he won’t let his love for her hinder his decisions as much. He is very devoted to Jessamine and he does everything in his power to be with her again. He knows that she isn’t herself right now and he is a very forgiving person for he too is not perfect. I felt that he was able to take his evil side and use it for good. I really enjoyed his character and I am excited to see where his story leads.

This book was darker and more sinister than the first one. The plot kept me very interested the whole way through. I loved the story and I quite enjoyed getting to know the characters better. It was interesting to read from Jessamine’s point of view now that she has become more of a villain than a heroine, but I found that I really enjoyed it. There was defiantly a cliffhanger ending and I honestly can’t wait for the next book to come out. I would highly recommend this series to fans of dark fantasy books it will not disappoint.

Notable Scene:

Thank you for your bounty, Oleander, Prince of Poisons, I think. Thank you for all that Mr. Pratt has already received, and all that my father is receiving still, as the poison twists like bramble in his gut, burns within his brain, presses like a boulder upon his heart.

I am ready. I see myself in the mirror: myself, and not myself. Father thought I had grown to look like my mother. No more.

I pause for a moment on my way out of the cottage, to say a silent good-bye to my kitchen garden, my cooking herbs and medicinal plants, my teas and dyes. They have served me well, for so many years. I am sorry they will soon be neglected and over grown.

But that is the way of gardens. Old plants wither, and new ones sprout. The strongest plants survive at the expense of the weak. Even the most well-tended bed turns to a jungle in a season, without the gardener’s restraining hand.

You learn quickly, lovely. I am impressed.

Take me to Weed. I am ready.

FTC Advisory: Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Nightshade. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading last year's The Poison Diaries, the first addition in this series, I had been eagerly anticipating Nightshade, the newest addition. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next to Jessamine and Weed. Would Jessamine finally be able to escape the grip of her controlling father? Would Weed be able to reunite with Jessamine before it was too late? Only Nightshade would let me know, so as soon as I received the book in the mail, I quickly gobbled it up. While my questions were indeed answered, I didn't find this addition to be nearly as good as the first one sadly enough.

Nightshade picks up shortly after The Poison Diaries ended. Jessamine is missing Weed as well as wondering what caused his sudden and rash disappearance. Jessamine's father Thomas argues that it was all Weed's decision to leave, but Jessamine knows there's more to the story, and this time she's not going to let her father's word be the final ruling. However, on the search for the truth, Jessamine makes allies with some surprising and dangerous plants, plants that are to change her for the worst. What will happen to Jessamine? Will Weed be able to save her before it's too late? Only time and more pages can tell in this fast paced addition!

With Nightshade came some surprising developments. One of the biggest, though, was Jessamine's transformation from a quiet, sweet girl into a daring and dauntless murderess. It was a surprising twist from the previous book, and while I love fierce characters, there's was something just off about this transformation. I never found it to be that believable nor did I really see a point to it in the long run. Yes, it created plenty of tension in this one. But is really going to do much in the long run? I'm not really sure... I did like the development with Weed's character though. It was also a treat to see the POV change from Jessamine's to his, because not only did he bring some freshness to the story, but it was also fun yet bittersweet to see his journey to rescue Jessamine from the danger of the dark plants.

The plot in this one was interesting, yet it never really managed to capture my attention fully. The whole plot line with Jessamine tended to get on my nerves in more ways than one, because really how naive can one girl be? Plus, the whole thing with the Dark Prince as well as her promiscuous adventures in this one were just a bit too much, in my opinion. I did enjoy the ending, though. It was dramatic and provided some conclusion, but I'm still unsure for the most part on how everything is going to end.

In all, Nightshade didn't end up being my favorite addition to The Poisson Diaries series, sadly enough, and while I'm curious to see what's going to occur in the next book, I don't think it's going to be a book I'm going to run out in get...

However, I still recommend this one those of you who enjoyed the first one...hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it more than I did.

Grade: C

[Trisha Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I didn’t read the first book, THE POISON DIAREIS, but now I have to. I need to see how Jessamine and Weed fell in love, and understand more of her relationship with her father. But, I do think you can dive into the second book without having read the first. It’s easy to see where the story started and get to know the characters. I can envision Jessamine being very timid and accommodating, maybe almost weak, in the first book. I’m glad she wasn’t like that in this one. She was dark and disturbed. She was taunted and pulled along by a dark force, Prince Oleander.

This is the kind of story that I get lost in. I loved the poetry of the writing, and the haunting feel, the wickedness and the history. Jessamine is in a very dark place, being seduced and lured in by Oleander, and she’s full of guilt. She chases the guilt away by deadening her senses and finding oblivion in Absinthe. And as the prince continues to feed her lies and mold her into an assassin, Weed searches for her. He’s not giving up on her. I would have liked them to find each other a little sooner in the book, but I loved how this story ended. **Spoiler* Except for Jessamine giving herself to the king. I know it was necessary, but I would have liked her to stay true to Weed. I’m a hopeless romantic.*

This story was imaginative and gripping and never let me go. It only makes me wonder what will happen next and how the author will conclude the series. I’m hoping for a resolution for Jessamine and Weed, a way for them to purge themselves of all the evil they’ve committed and find a way to be together . . . but, I also wouldn’t be disappointed with a darker twist ending. I just can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I can only say, if you’re looking for a story full of dark passion and lyrical writing, this is an amazing series. Recommended for older readers of YA: Sex, murder, and drug use.

[Brina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Es war ja schon fast zu erwarten, dass ich dieses Buch abbrechen werde. Warum ich mir den zweiten Teil der "Poison Diaries" noch angetan habe, verstehe ich selbst nicht.

Da mir bereits der erste Band eher weniger gefallen hat, war meine Motiviation für dieses Buch schon fast unterirdisch, aber dennoch wollte ich der Geschichte nochmal die Chance geben, sich zu entwickeln. Aber das war nichts.

Jessamine macht da weiter, wo sie im ersten Band aufgehört hat: Sie nervt. Sie versucht immer sehr erwachsen zu tun und will an allem beteiligt sein, gleichzeitig beweist sie aber auch immer wieder, dass sie noch sehr naiv und kindlich ist. Einige mögen sowas ja ganz niedlich finden, ich eher weniger. Sie suhlt sich förmlich in Selbstmitleid und Verzweiflung, was ihr alles andere als gut steht.

Auch sonst dümpelt die Geschichte nur vor sich hin. Weed ist weg und Jessamine versteht die Welt nicht mehr. Sie erinnert sich immer wieder an seine Schönheit (Ja, DAS ist Liebe!) und vermisst ihn. Ihrem Vater gibt sie am Verschwinden die Schuld, aber dann auch wieder nicht. Die Autorin schreibt und schreibt und schreibt, kommt dabei aber überhaupt nicht den Punkt.

Wieso Maryrose Wood hier das Buch zu einem niemals endenen Drama verkommen lässt, ist mir schleierhaft. Die Geschichte hatte bereits im ersten Band eine Menge Potential und man hätte sie richtig gut entwickeln lassen können, aber leider wurde daraus nichts. Die Gedanken drehen sich immer nur um ein Thema, die Charaktere bleiben schwach und die Botanik interessiert mich immer noch nicht besonders.

Von Maryrose Wood werde ich in Zukunft einen großen Bogen machen und mich nicht mehr von den wunderschönen Covern blenden lassen. Abgebrochen auf Seite 117!

[Yin Chien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nightshade picks up where Poison Diaries end. Now awaken, Jessamine is heartbroken to find out that Weed has left, his whereabouts unknown. Her father tells her about how Weed, feeling helpless, left her to die because he knew that he could not save her. However, Jessamine doubts her father’s words, for when she was in a delirium, the Prince of Poison, Oleander had shown her everything.

When she finds out the truth behind her mother’s death, she wants to get revenge… and no other way is better than using what she knows best: poison. After she gets a taste of revenge, she flees from the place she once called home in a quest to search for Weed. On the journey, Oleander seduces her to do bad things and causes her to degrade both mentally and morally. She changes into a whole new person: a beautiful, seductive and heartless woman called Belladonna. (Sounds familiar? Yes, that is the name of the deadly plant which her father planted in the Poison Garden.)

Weed, on the other hand, embarks on a journey to search for his beloved Jessamine, and eventually reaches Italy. He learns about a plot to overthrow the King and set the world in chaos, and he knows that the perfect medium for killing the King is poison. He is determined to stop this from happening.

In this installment, the story turns toward the dark side. It is fast-paced, gripping and infused with elements of fantasy, but there is some confusion between the narratives as the point of view shifts from Jessamine to Weed and then back again. Nightshade ends drastically, leaving readers anticipating the final book in the Poison Diaries trilogy.

[Cesya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Nightshade in return for a review. What more can I say about this book than BRILLIANT! Everything Jessamine had to put up with in this book was heartbreaking. She lost all faith in herself and was willing to do anything to be with Weed again. And I mean anything! With Oleander’s guidance, she became an assassin and went by the name Belladonna—a beautiful but deadly flower—because that’s how she felt.

I enjoyed hearing from Weed throughout the story too. He went through so much to save Jessamine. His main goal was to get her back and away from Oleander. It was a great goal. Save the one you love. So Weed did what he does best—talked to the plants. He also traveled to Spain to learn more about plants and to see if they had heard the whereabouts of Jessamine but the plants feared Oleander so they were afraid to speak. When Weed finally found Jessamine, she was a mess and not the same girl he fell in love with but he still wanted her with him.

We heard more from Oleander too because he was Jessamine’s guide to finding Weed. Oh Oleander, Prince of Poisons. He is sweetly evil and a master manipulator and I hated how Jessamine believed every word that fell from his mouth.

The ending was the worst. No, I’m not saying it was an awful ending. I’m saying it was sad. I yelled at my book because I couldn’t believe what was happening. I’d tell you what happened but I don’t want to ruin it for you. Five stars to Nightshade for holding the suspense over my head the entire way.

[emmegail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Link to full review: http://emmegailsbookshelf.wordpress.c...

Nightshade starts off right where The Poison Diaries left off. The poisoned spiral is still spinning out of control and continues to get worse and worse. I think many YA readers will love the Gothic feel of this book. Overall, I enjoyed finding out what becomes of Jessamine and Weed. I was, however, turned off a little by the overwhelming feeling of doom and gloom. I didn’t want Jessamine to be so willing under Oleander’s seduction.

Jessamine has barely been cured from her near death experience, thanks to Weed’s deals with Oleander, but he will never forgive himself for what he had to do in order to save her and has ultimately started running away from her and himself. Jessamine, meanwhile, lost and alone starts her own dealings with Oleander to find out where Weed has run off to. Through various circumstances, she can never return to her father’s cottage, and runs away from all that she has ever known. But where can a young woman go? She joins a troupe of vagrants and lowlifes, but Oleander is in control – keeping her drugged up to do all of his evil deeds.

Will Oleander completely consume her before she can ever see Weed again? And can Weed find someone who just might be able to save them all…

[Daph (Loving Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being pleasantly surprised by The Poison Diaries, I was curious to see where the sequel would take me - and it didn't disappoint! Going down a dark and twisty path, Nightshade explores a dark side of YA that had me absolutely enthralled.

While I wouldn't usually pick up books in the historical fiction segment, this was an exciting new road for me to take. Some scenes were so vividly described that I felt like I was there, for example the scene at the river. What I liked most about this book was the fact that just when you think it can't get any worse, it does. Wood writes in a way that spares nothing from the characters in her story, taking them in places they wouldn't go when they weren't driven by desperation. I love that.

The writing in Nightshade is much easier to read than the writing in the first installment. I read the book in a couple of hours, flipping the pages to find out where it was going to take me. And it took me down an even darker path than the first book, luring me in. I wish there was some more Weed in this book, but hopefully that problem will be solved in the final installment - for which I'm impatiently the release.


Rating: 4/5

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This review was published on Loving Books.

[Savannah (Books With Bite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the change in the characters. It was not the turn most characters take, but I loved that the author surpirsed me with something real.

The plot line picks up right where it left off. Both characters are now on the run, and the king is now running the show. I loved how the plot kept the reader going. It was intense and full of so much new information that I was just taking it all in.

What I really liked it how dark the book got. So many dark emotions and thoughts. As the reader, you filled with angry and rage. Learning the secrets that was held back from the characters for years, made it easy for the reader to see. Ms. Wood did a great job in taking every detailed emotions fueling it in her writing.

The best part of this story is the king. I was gald to see things from his point of view. It was a very interesting point of view, I might add. Seeing him play two different sides really perked up my interest. The ending was what I expected and not so. What the king did at the end, left me gasping.

Nightshade, darkly written plagued me to finish it to the end. So many new turns, dark feelings, and the taste of poison lied in my mouth. If you want to enjoy a whole new spin on plants read this book.

[Clarissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://thebooksweread.com/2011/11/nig... probably should have read the back of the book before I committed to reading it. I'm not interested in reading really creepy books, and this one is really creepy. If I had known, it would have been less of a shock when she remorselessly kills her own father in the first 20 pages of the novel. I was shocked then, and I never had a chance to recover. This book took me places I never expected. I read the first book of this series last year and liked it. This book was very different from the first one, unnaturally so. I was constantly surprised by Jessamine’s behaviour and choices. Reading this book felt a bit like watching a plane in a downward spiral. You’re hoping for a recovery, but not sure of one. There was no recovery in this book, maybe it’s waiting in the next one, but I’m not sticking around to find out. As far as I’m concerned me and The Poison Diaries Series are through. Out.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say I really liked this book as a whole, but there were several parts I really did like. The one thing that stands out most in my mind is Wood seems to have the courage to take her YA heroine places no other YA heroine has ever seen before. I don't think I've ever read another YA novel where the heroine gets to do things that "debase" and "ruin" her. But Jessamine does. AND IT IS AWESOME. So many YA authors shy away from ugliness, or else present it in a less offensive light, and all because of the all-important "virtue". Maryrose Wood, thank you for not doing that.

I also liked seeing how the characters had actually changed and grown because of their struggles. Dramatically, in some cases. This book was a continuation of the first, yet a reaction to it as well. I was a little bored during most of my reading, but the ending really picked up for me. WOW. I thought it was great. So different from the usual YA. I can't wait to see what happens in the third book.

[Michael (Mai) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to get this from the Poison Diaries team. I am now a steadfast Poison Diaries fan and not so patiently waiting for the third installment.



This book is darker and a little racier then the first. Weed is awesome but my tastes sometimes run a little darker so I have the biggest book crush on Oleander the poison king! And Jessamine, our little heroine isn't so pure now, is she? I think that was a big move on Maryrose Wood to take her female lead to such a dark place.



How many times can I mention dark in this review? I don't know it's just so necessary. I think Wood needs to take a stab at horror because while it wasn't scary, the ending had some definitely creep out value to it. Such an amazing ending!!

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooi en spannend vervolg. Niet altijd even duidelijk waarom er dingen gebeuren en waarom de titel nachtschade is (ik heb die plant niet voorbij zien komen?).
Het heeft een soort Romeo en Julia einde, duister en raar. Het voelt een beetje als einde maar er is nog een boek, hoe zal het verder gaan? Ik ben wel benieuwd maar er is geen vertaling, en ik ben bang dat ik het Engels niet geheel zal begrijpen; ook in NL worden aantal moeilijke woorden gebruikt.
Ik heb wel veel negatieve reacties gelezen over deel drie, als ik de samenvatting lees lijkt het ook niet echt een vervolg. Dus ik laat het hier denk ik bij.
Ik ben blij dat ik de twee boeken heb gelezen en het zijn zoiezo pareltjes, de cover met goud!

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love this series quite a lot, but I cannot help feeling a bit let down by this one. The first book was one of my favorite books last year, and I kept expecting this one to live up to its predecessor, which didn't happen. The dark fairy tale feeling that reigned over the first one didn't translate well into this one and many twists along the plot didn't feel right to me. I love that the story is still dark and merciless with its characters, but I expected a bit more from this one. I'm still eager for the last book in the series, I just hope it is more like the first one.