This Wicked Fate

Briseis follows the trail of the last Living Water on Earth as she races to save her mother's life. The search leads her through underground gardens and secret tunnels while she grapples with her growing powers over plants and poison. Her quest becomes more complex when she discovers others are pursuing the same goal. With help from her girlfriend Marie and her found family, Briseis must stay ahead of dangerous rivals who will stop at nothing to claim the Living Water. The story builds on Greek mythology and family legacies as Briseis confronts both supernatural and human threats. Her heritage as a descendant of the poisoner Medea shapes her journey and choices. This young adult fantasy explores themes of sacrifice, power, and what people will do to protect the ones they love. The novel examines how family bonds - both blood and chosen - influence identity and destiny.

Readers call this sequel darker and more emotionally intense than the first book, with higher stakes and deeper character development. Positive feedback focuses on: - The exploration of complex family relationships - Briseis's growth and determination - The expansion of plant magic lore - LGBTQ+ representation Common criticisms include: - A slower middle section - Less romance compared to book one - Some plot points feel rushed in the final chapters Multiple readers note that while the book works as a duology conclusion, they wanted more time with certain supporting characters. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) StoryGraph: 4.2/5 "The magical elements feel more developed and the stakes hit harder," writes one Goodreads reviewer. Another notes: "The pacing dragged in places but the emotional payoff was worth it." Most readers recommend reading This Poison Heart first to fully appreciate the story and character arcs.

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🌿 This Wicked Fate is the sequel to This Poison Heart, both following protagonist Briseis, who has the power to control plants and bring them back from the dead. 🏺 The series draws inspiration from Greek mythology, particularly the story of Medea, a powerful sorceress in ancient Greek legends. 🌺 Author Kalynn Bayron is also known for her queer retelling of Cinderella called Cinderella Is Dead, which features a Black protagonist and challenges traditional fairy tale narratives. 🌱 The book explores themes of family legacy, specifically through a Black queer lens, while weaving together elements of contemporary fantasy and ancient mythology. 💫 Like its predecessor, This Wicked Fate maintains strong representation of LGBTQ+ characters and features a prominent f/f romance storyline.