The Poison Diaries (Poison Diaries, #1) by Maryrose Wood
- Reading level: Ages 13 and up
- Paperback: 304 pages
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray; Reprint edition (June 21, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0061802387
- ISBN-13: 978-0061802386
- Available on: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Synopsis
In the right dose, everything is a poison. Even love . . .
Jessamine Luxton has lived all her sixteen years in an isolated cottage near Alnwick Castle, with little company apart from the plants in her garden. Her father, Thomas, a feared and respected apothecary, has taught her much about the incredible powers of plants: that even the most innocent-looking weed can cure -- or kill.
When Jessamine begins to fall in love with a mysterious boy who claims to communicate with plants, she is drawn into the dangerous world of the poison garden in a way she never could have imagined . . .
Jessamine Luxton has never been away from the ancient stone chapel she calls home, or her estranged father who seems more interested in the plants in his apothecary than his own daughter. Her life was boring; she has no friends or anyone to talk to. However, this situation changed when Weed arrived.
Weed is a most fascinating character – he has an uncanny ability which he keeps hidden for fear of being intolerated by most people. He shuts himself to the world, but a new understanding was born when he met Jessamine, who showered him with love and kindness.
The book was realistic at the beginning, but later it shifted towards the paranormal, when the Prince of Poison, Oleander suddenly gained power to communicate with Jessamine, who was in a delirium due to her strange sickness. The story became so dark and twisted, and the villains so cruel and wicked that it was almost impossible for the young lovers to survive.
Albeit I had some problems with the starting chapters of the book, I managed to delve into the story following the arrival of Weed, and it kept my attention until the last page. Maryrose Wood’s writing is atmospheric and beautiful, and she cleverly presents an unexpected twist at the end of the novel. Overall, Poison Diaries is a captivating read, though I personally feel the pacing of the novel can be further improved.
Rating: 
Note: I received this book as part of the Nightshade Online Book Tour program hosted by KDotOnline. Thanks to Leanne for sending me a paperback copy of this book for review.
About The Author
Maryrose Wood began writing fiction after many years performing, directing, and writing for the theater. Her novels for teen readers include The Poison Diaries, Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, and My Life: The Musical. She is also the author of a series for younger readers, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. You can follow her on Twitter at @Maryrose_Wood.
The Poison Diaries is available on Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
3 creative remarks:
This is really original concept, and I have to admit, that alone draws me in. I think I'll give this one a try.
Have never heard of this but a friend of my that blogs books recommended it too. I am truly taken with the book cover. I also like how it centers on the paranormal romance using a new concept- plants. Very curious and hope to-read in the future.
I was really excited to read this, but ended up being a bit disappointed.. Really like the cover though :)
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