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Poison Tides
Book Review
It has excellent world-building, and I felt very immersed in this beautiful fantasy universe
Poison Tides is a fantasy novel. It is the sequel to Blood Flowers, the first book in the series. I had not read the first book, but it stands alone as a great read, and I am now looking forward to reading the first book. This story takes place in a fantasy realm of witches and magic, and focuses on the protagonist, Bear. He has been taken in by a group of witches, trying to find their lost sister, After he and his friend Felix have been separated from each other. The city of Calleston, where Bear resides has a new ruler, Highlady Meya, succeeding her much less forgiving father as ruler. As Bear tries to reunite with Felix, they are both beset by obstacles.
Although it is a fantasy story, it contains some very real and important themes.This book contained a very powerful message about discrimination, and the unfairness of society through the conflict between Calleston and Scarmont. It has excellent world-building, and I felt very immersed in this beautiful fantasy universe.
My favourite character was Felix, as I had a lot of sympathy for him in the moments when his character was being mistreated due to him being a Fennex, and the idea of a character, who despite their abilities and feats, is still constantly in danger. However, he still has a positive outlook on the world, despite the discrimination he faces.
If you like fantasy novels, this is a great book to read. If you enjoy books by authors like C.S. Lewis or Tolkien then you will enjoy this book. This book also reminded me a little bit of Songlight by Moira Buffini. I would say this book is probably aimed at ages thirteen and up, but there is no content that should stop somebody younger from reading it.
A Short Introduction to the Story
Bear has lived in Calleston his entire life, closed in by the walls that surround the queendom, but now he has the chance for freedom as he traverses the great wildernesses on a small black narrowboat, accompanied by three powerful witches. But Bear soon discovers the witches have welcomed him on their journey in exchange for his help to free their captive sister. Bear’s best friend, Felix, is being hunted for being a Fennex, and he must do everything in his power to save him, even if it means leaving everything he has known behind him… for good.
But behind Calleston’s walls sits a new ruler, the High Lady Meya, who is ready to set right the wrongs of her cruel father. Distracted, she is haunted by premonitions of Bear’s death. Though she cannot save Bear in her visions, she sees herself sitting by his side.
But how can Bear and Meya be reunited with vast distances between them?
Author
Jay McGuiness
James McGuiness is a British singer, songwriter and actor best known as a vocalist with boy band The Wanted. In 2015, partnered with Aliona Vilani, he won the 13th series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. 'Blood Flowers' was his first book.
Reviewer Profile
Ivan, 14
- Reviews: 12
- Likes: origami, pizza and drawing
- Dislikes: peas and Donald Trump
- Favourite Book: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Favourite Song: Space Oddity by David Bowie
- Favourite Film: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
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