How much would you risk to save the ones you love? Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate?
Briseis has one chance to save her mother, but she’ll need to do the impossible: find the last fragment of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. If she is to locate the missing piece, she must turn to the blood relatives she’s never known, learn about their secret powers, and take her place in their ancient lineage. Briseis is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies will stop at nothing to fulfill their own ruthless plans. The fates tell of a truly dangerous journey, one that could end in more heartache, more death. Bolstered by the sisterhood of ancient magic, can Briseis harness her power to save the people she loves most?
The cliffhanger at the end of This Poison Heart absolutely gutted me, so this sequel was high on my list of anticipated books this year. And Briseis’s moms stole nearly every scene in that book, so I couldn’t wait to see what happened with them.
Briseis and her friends are given one cycle of the moon – twenty-eight days – to save her mother, and the clock starts from page one. That length of time may sound like a lot, but they’re charged with finding the last piece of the Absyrtus Heart – something no one has been able to locate in centuries. Joining in the search is Briseis’s biological aunt, Circe, and seeing their relationship develop, as well as Circe’s relationship with Briseis’s adoptive moms, is one of my favorite parts of the novel. Whether romantic, platonic, or familial, all the relationships in this duology are heartwarming and written so well. As an added challenge, adversaries are racing against Briseis and friends to locate the heart fragment.
As with the first book, it’s clear the author did extensive research in botany, and she explains the benefits of plants and their medicinal uses. And also how certain types are poisonous and fatal. She incorporates vivid descriptions of them to set beautiful backgrounds for these characters. Plants are drawn to Briseis, and she still controls them, but newfound abilities also help in her quest. As a fan of Greek mythology, I’ve really enjoyed how it’s been woven into this duology. Parts of it were kind of a refresher course from middle school.
I get that arrangements had to be made, but with a limited amount of time to save Briseis’s mom, I expected the pacing to be a little faster. It could just be me – patience isn’t one of my strengths. Once things started moving though, it was a brisk pace until the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this duology and highly recommend it to fans of urban fantasy blended with mythology and magic. I’ll be looking for future releases by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Thanks for sharing this, Teri. You mentioned the first book leaving you with a gut-wrenching cliffhanger and I cringed. I cannot happily read a book that doesn’t have some sort of satisfying conclusion, although I understand why some authors do it – to segue into the next.
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Although it leaves me gutted sometimes, I can go either way with cliffhangers, Jan. I’m not saying I’m patient about it, lol. Even without the big one at the end of the first book, I’d still continue with this one. Just loved these characters, and found family gets me every time.
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I still have book 1 and haven’t picked it up! I really need to though because I love the Botany aspect. The covers are stunning too. I’m glad you enjoyed the duology! 🙂
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I’ve always loved plants, so the botany aspect fascinated me, Leslie. I also learned about poisonous plants I’d never heard of – the author did tons of research. Hope you can dive into this series soon!
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Me too! I own sooo many plants. I’m a plant & book lady. 😂 I actually made a separate herb garden this year! It’s amazing how mature can have so many remedies!
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With the exception of one basil plant, my herbs are doing pretty well this year. Tried Italian parsley for the first time and it’s flourishing.
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Ohh, I almost got Italian parsley! I will have to next year. My thyme, lavender, and parlsey are doing well. My basil did not.. it’s been so hot though!
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Botany wasn’t my favorite subject in pharma degree college but I like reading about it in books. Amazing review, Teri!
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Sounds like a good series and I like that botany is weaved into it.
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Thanks, Yesha! I really liked how the author included plants for healing and other types of remedies. The MC runs a kind of pharmacy for locals out of her home.
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I like the idea that the author did some extensive research into botany. I’m always interested in the healing powers of plants.
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Same, Wendy, and she mentions several. Makes me wonder how many pills/meds we could skip altogether, lol.
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I would have had trouble with the slow pace at the beginning too. I don’t have a lot of patience for a slow moving story. Otherwise, this sounds like a wonderful story full of complex relationships. Excellent review!
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The relationships between the characters were one of my favorite parts, Tessa. A wonderful example of found/extended family. I was really impatient at the beginning for the characters to kick it into gear, but I understood why they had to wait a bit.
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I’m a fan of Greek mythology also, Teri. And I’m fascinated by the benefit of herbs and plants. It’s wonderful that Kalynn did her research and explains the benefits of plants and their medicinal uses. Excellent review, Teri!
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It almost makes you think about chucking the drug stores altogether, Miriam, lol. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story, and it makes me want to investigate some of the natural remedies a little more.
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Not all drugs are goof, Teri. I used to take medication for sleeping, the one I took was habit forming. I couldn’t sleep without it. It took me a year to wean it off. I’m taking valerian and melatonin.
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Sounds like a great read, Teri. I was worried this one might end on a cliffhanger too, but was relieved to see that it was a duology. Not bad at all. Thanks for the recommendation!
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I had my doubts about how the story might end, but I was happy with the way the author wrapped up everything, Diana. No loose threads!
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That’s great to hear. 🙂
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