Eerie, Atmospheric, and Poisonous

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Do you ever read a synopsis for a book and not only think, "I already know I'm going to like this book?" Because this was exactly the case. The second I read what this book was about, I was hooked. And from the start of the book, I was already engrossed in the plot and our main character.

The Poison Season revolves around seventeen year old Leelo. Leelo is a watcher, which is someone who looks out for trasspassers in her community (I will get to the setting in a second, I promise!) She's one of those protagonist who are extremely loyal. You can see how much she cares about her family easy and doing the right thing. She's also easy to connect with. She values her morals and her job, even when she starts to question her world, community, and everything she was taught.

Okay, the setting! The Poison Season takes place in a small, isolated community that just so happens to be surrounded by a bloodthirsty forest and a poisonous lake. The atmosphere is eerie and claustrophobic. The writing really brings to life the world building. On one hand, it is a really small setting, but that's what I liked about it. We get to focus more on the community and less distracted by everything else. I also really like the idea of the forest, which I don't want to reveal too much, but let's just say this sentient forest keeps them safe in exchange for a few not so nice acts.

And then there's Jaren. He's a mysterious stranger that ends up on the edge of leelo's community and instead of reporting him like she's supposed to, she decides to help him. As they grow closer, she begins to question her life, her community, and everything she was taught. They had a slow burn type of romance that developed over time.

And of course, I can't review The Poison Season without mentioning that gorgeous cover. Charlie Bowater is an amazing artist and this cover is definitely in my top favorite that she's done. If I were browsing books at a bookstore, this one would definitely be eye catching.

Over all, I really enjoyed this book. It was well paced and well written. I liked the characters and I especially liked the setting. It was eerie and haunting and claustrophobic and it will leave you, not necessarily unsettled, but on the edge of wondering what is going on.