This Poison Heart

Black History Month

Staff recommendations, guest essays, and curated reading lists.

Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron's new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power.

Briseis has a gift: with a single touch she can grow plants from tiny seeds to rich blooms.

When Briseis's aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York, Bri and her parents hope that surrounded by plants and flowers, she will finally learn to control her gift. But their new home is sinister in ways they never expected — it comes with a mysterious set of instructions, a walled garden filled with the deadliest botanicals in the world, and generations of secrets. There is more to Bri's sudden inheritance than she could have imagined, and she is determined to uncover it.

From the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead comes an enchanting story about a young woman with the power to conquer the dark forces descending around her.

"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 weaves science and Greek mythology into a captivating lore that lends weight to this fantastical contemporary story." 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 conjures a world filled with magic and mystery. Brings much-needed inclusivity and contemporary flavor to the teen fantasy genre." Kirkus Reviews

"The twists and turns of this fantasy tale will keep readers engaged…Readers will be inspired." School Library Connection

Kalynn Bayron is the author of Cinderella Is Dead and is classically trained vocalist. She grew up in Anchorage, Alaska. When she's not writing you can find her listening to Ella Fitzgerald on loop, attending the theater, watching scary movies, and spending time with her kids. She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with her family.