This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron captivates readers with its unique magical realism and strong LGBTQ+ representation. Positive insights highlight the rich, immersive world-building and the protagonist's compelling journey of self-discovery. Some reviews point to a slow-paced plot and underdeveloped side characters, but overall, it remains an engaging and inclusive read.

Readers who enjoy This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron typically appreciate young adult fantasy with a strong, empowered female lead. Fans of diverse, LGBTQ+ inclusive narratives and mythological elements, akin to books like Cinderella Is Dead or Legendborn, will find this book enchanting and compelling.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron follows Briseis Greene, a teenager with the secret magical ability to control plants, who inherits a house from her biological aunt. As she explores her new home, she uncovers family secrets, hidden talents, and learns about her magical heritage in a journey that reshapes her understanding of family and identity, all while dealing with competing magical threats. The book contains descriptions of violence, racism, and the death of a parent by violence.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Emotional

- Kalynn Bayron is known for crafting young adult fiction that combines elements of fantasy and mystery with a modern take on mythology and folklore.
- This Poison Heart draws inspiration from classic myths and fairy tales, providing a fresh and diverse twist on traditional stories.
- Kalynn Bayron’s debut novel, Cinderella is Dead, received widespread acclaim, establishing her as an important voice in the young adult genre.

**Briseis Greene**  
The protagonist and narrator with magical plant-growing powers, navigating the challenges of keeping her abilities secret while trying to understand them and build better relationships.

**Thandie Greene/“Mom”**  
One of Briseis’s protective and thoughtful mothers, cautious by nature and devoted to putting her family's needs first, even in challenging situations.

**Angie Greene/“Mo”**  
Briseis’s other mother, known for her optimistic and playful approach, who is open about her feelings and handles life's difficulties with a candid and loving nature.

**Karter Redmond**  
Briseis’s first friend in Rhinebeck who appears impressed by her powers and grapples with a complicated relationship with his mother.

**Marie Morris**  
An immortal girl with a mysterious past and a protective nature, who slowly reveals her secrets and becomes Briseis’s love interest.

Kalynn Bayron

Novel

This Poison Heart

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore This Poison Heart reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read This Poison Heart | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore This Poison Heart and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

This Poison Heart Summary and Study Guide

Background

This Poison Heart Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

This Poison Heart Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-13

This Poison Heart Chapters 6-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19

This Poison Heart Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

This Poison Heart Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-31

This Poison Heart Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

This Poison Heart Character Analysis

theme

Themes

This Poison Heart Themes

Symbols & Motifs

This Poison Heart Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

This Poison Heart Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

This Poison Heart Essay Topics

This Poison Heart

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read This Poison Heart?

Reading Age

Book Details