A verdant read as rich as the greenery within it, This Poison Heart will wrap its vines around you and never let go. * Kayla Ancrum, author of THE WICKER KING *
Bayron takes an old story, turns it on its head, and makes it her own with a stunning display of pacing, character, and legacy. * #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston *
Thrilling and magnetic, This Poison Heart pulses with true Black girl magic and endless mystery. * Julian Winters, award-winning author of RUNNING WITH LIONS *
Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale . . . She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after. * Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *
Bayron weaves science and Greek mythology into a captivating lore that lends weight to this fantastical contemporary story. She conjures entertaining and realistic dialogue and attentive characterization, while incisive descriptions and sumptuous prose evoke a wonderfully gothic atmosphere. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *
This Poison Heart masterfully weaves a unique story grounded in the depths of Greek mythology and Black girlhood, ideal for lovers of folklore or those who enjoy the thrill of a well-paced and unanticipated adventure. * Booklist, starred review *
Bayron strikes just the right balance of mystical and modern, bringing elements of mythology and spirituality to Bri's family roots while situating her securely in a relatable adolescence. * The Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books *
Bayron conjures a world filled with magic and mystery. Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre. * Kirkus Reviews *
I'm a big fan of tropes and love seeing how marginalized authors take them in new and interesting directions, something Bayron does very well here, and a big part of that is due to how well-developed her characters are. . . . . It's a fast-paced mystery with a clever twist on the myth of Medea. The story is full of queer Black girl magic, and I can't wait to see where Kalynn Bayron takes it. * Locus Magazine *
The twists and turns of this fantasy tale will keep readers engaged . . . . Readers will be inspired. * School Library Connection *
Flipping the Cinderella tale on its head, Bayron's take challenges patriarchy with kick-butt heroines and a counter-story that will forever change how readers perceive fairy tales. * Booklist, starred review, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *
Readers looking for dystopia, queer romance, LGBTQ inclusiveness, and women sticking it to the patriarchy will be pleased. * SLJ on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *
A queer dystopian fantasy that questions written history and societal expectations. * Shelf Awareness on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *
Bayron's deconstructive reimagining of the classic fairy tale is ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone. * Publishers Weekly on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *