Let’s Gab
A fierce and Subtle Poison was incredibly interesting! I didn’t really know what to expect, but what I got was an intriguing story that pulled me in right away.
Samantha Mabry is a wonderful story-teller. From page one, I was drawn into the rich world of Lucas Knight, whose father builds fancy hotels in Puerto Rico. Lucas grew up spending summers on the island, which included growing up with the myths and legends told by the señoras.
The book opens up by explaining the story of a cursed girl, who is said to be deadly, full of poison, but able to grant wishes. From there, though, we follow the life of Lucas as he and the few friends he has on the island engage in questionable teenage debauchery. The story ends up being about figuring out the mystery of the disappearing girls, and how they are linked to Lucas and Isabel.
What made this story so interesting was how mystical and mysterious elements were seamlessly woven into the every day life on the island. I haven’t read a ton of magical realism, but I was so into this story that I have a feeling I will love other works from this genre!
I started A Fierce and Subtle Poison on my way back to California from Seattle for spring break! Perfect travel read, I never felt bored!
The characters themselves felt very real to me, although we really only get much development for Lucas, Isabel, and only a little for Lucas’ friends. It was okay though, because I found this to be a story about Lucas being drawn to Isabel, his whole life, and his journey to lift the curse from the house at the end of Calle Sol.
The setting was perfect for such a dark yet whimsical story- the Caribbean island city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was full of hurricanes, storms, myths, curses, and ghost stories. Lucas finds that not all the stories he’s grown up hearing are pure myth, and has to confront the terrifying reality causing the disappearing girls to show up dead.
Overall impression:
I found this story to be wonderfully weird and darkly whimsical. I loved the writing and story telling going on in A Fierce and Subtle Poison, and was engrossed from page one! I hated every time I had to put this book down, I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. I somewhat expected it to be a it weirder, or to have more of the curse/myth elements, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the story as is! I would definitely recommend this book if you want a mystical, quick read or if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary!
4 out of 5 stars to A Fierce and Subtle Poison!
Have you read anything weird or mystical lately? Or have any magical realism books to recommend me? Let’s gab in the comments below!
I don’t remember anything that would pass as weird for me. But I would like to read this one, it seems interesting!!