Bisma knows three things to be true: the Enchanted Forest will always be her home, she would go to the ends of the Earth to protect her sisters, and Xander Chapman is the most irritating guy she's ever met.
Since finding a home in the Enchanted Forest, Bisma - a garden witch with a penchant for potions - has always been protective of other runaways. So, if a drop of one of her poisons finds its way into the porridge of those who have hurt them . . . that's none of her business.
But Xander, the charmingly handsome son of the apothecary, sees things differently and is fast becoming known for creating cures - much to Bisma's annoyance.
When her sisters are poisoned themselves, Bisma will need to put her feelings aside and enlist Xander's help to find out who is responsible and save the only family she has, before it's too late.
Look at that amazing cover! The colours, the details (which all mean something once you've read the story.) This book will really catch the eye when it's sitting on a shelf.
Bisma is a fantastic protagonist - sharp-edged, fiercely protective, and shaped by past hurt. Her wariness toward outsiders, particularly Xander, makes perfect sense given what she and the Unwanted Girls have endured. The contrast between her potion-making and Xander’s skill in creating cures adds an interesting dynamic to their relationship and the story’s magic system.
Xander himself, while undeniably the perfect book boyfriend - handsome, wealthy, educated, endlessly kind and self-sacrificing - feels a little too flawless to be truly real. But for readers looking for an idealized love interest, he absolutely fits the bill.
The novel is well-paced, revealing backstory at just the right moments, and the cosy elements shine through beautifully. The treehouse the Girls call home, along with the descriptions of food and daily life, make the world feel warm and inviting. As for the mystery, I had the right villain pegged early on but misjudged the cause-and-effect behind their actions - which, to the book’s credit, still made complete sense in the end.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, blending fairytale whimsy with emotional depth. I expect it will do well, especially with readers who love lush, magical settings and a soft, romantic hero.
Book Recommendation: If you enjoyed the plant magic and deep familial bonds in The Poisoned Garden, you might love Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore. This lush, magical novel follows the Nomeolvides women, who have spent generations tending the mysterious gardens of La Pradera. Their flowers bloom with a touch, but their family is cursed - if they love too deeply, the person they cherish vanishes. When a strange boy appears in the gardens with no memory of how he got there, secrets begin to unravel, forcing them to confront the magic and tragedies of their past. Full of beautifully written prose and rich atmosphere, Wild Beauty is a perfect read for those who love stories where nature itself feels alive.
Movie Recommendation: For the themes of magic, sisterly love and curses gone wrong, it has to be Practical Magic. Sally and Gillian are sisters in a family cursed to lose the ones they love. They must find the solution to the curse before it takes the next generation of their family. Love, potions and magic make this story a great match.
A Witch's Guide to Love and Poisons publishes on the 13th of March, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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