The Poison Diaries audiobook

For the longest time, it’s just been Jessamine Luxton and her father, a skilled apothecary. Her mother died long ago, and when her father is away to heal people, she is alone except for the plants in the gardens. She wishes more than anything to have a companion, but when Weed arrives, little does she know what kind of companion he’ll turn out to be. Weed is a shy and mysterious boy who knows little more about himself than others do. He has a strange knowledge of plants that fascinates both Jessamine and her father, but in different ways. Jessamine wants to know Weed, but her father wants to know Weed’s knowledge—and will stop at nothing to get it, even if it means tragedy ensues.The Poison Diaries has reminded my why Wood is one of my favorite authors. I loved her clever humor in Why I Let My Hair Grow Out, but her writing in The Poison Diaries is completely different, in a good way of course. Mainly from young Jessamine’s perspective, Wood’s writing takes on the detailed mindset of a hopeful botanist. It’s fascinating to see inside Jessamine’s mind; her curiosity and attention to nature make her seem so innocent and likable—and unfortunately, also the perfect victim. I could not forget this story of great romance and tragedy after I read it. I attribute this all to Wood’s skill. The development of her main characters is superb. They are all so vivid with their fears and desires. The inclusion of Weed’s interesting ability is just another plus. Wood doesn’t need an aura of the mysterious and supernatural to boost her stories; her writing is enough to draw the reader in. I fell in love with this story, so I will be extremely disappointed if there is not a sequel because it will make this story’s ending so unsatisfying. Those who enjoyed Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, the Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare, and The Abhorsen Chronicles by Garth Nix will not want to miss The Poison Diaries. reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

Jessamine, o tanara de 16 ani a fost crescuta de tatal ei, intr-un cottage facut din ruinele unei manastiri. Singurul lucru pe care il stie este rostul plantelor. Invata in fiecare zi, de la tatal sau, ce binecuvantare sau blestem pot fi plantele, totul pana intr-o zi, cand in pragul casei lor este adus tanarul Weed. Intre cei doi se creeaza o conexiune puternica si Jessamine este vrajita de talentul nativ si secretul atat de bine ascuns al baiatului. Oare Weed ii va fi iubirea sau pierirea? O carte care m-a tinut curioasa pana la final si al carui sfarsit m-a emotionat.4✨ de la mine🥰

When I bought The Poison Diaries, I really didn’t know all that much about it. I knew that it’s based on a concept by The Duchess Of Northumberland, and her famous Poison Gardens at Alnwick Castle. Being not at all far away from where I live, and a place I’ve been meaning to visit for ages but have never got round to going, this intrigued me along with the amazing synopsis but other than that I didn’t really know quite what to expect of this novel. I’d suggest this is really the best way to go into The Poison Diaries as it turned out to be a complete surprise with me never actually knowing where it was going.The book begins with Jessamine and her apothecarist father. They live an isolated life, in an abandoned run down cottage in the grounds of Alnwick castle. Her father is obsessed with plants and discovering new cures from them, but in particular poisonous plants. The setting was described perfectly; Maryrose Wood really brought to life the deliciously wild and wondrous Northumberland countryside. Over shadowed by the magnificent Alnwick castle (which was actually used as Hogwarts in the Harry potter Films) the atmosphere and setting had a real gothic feel. I’ve now made a trip to the castle and gardens a must do this summer as I want to see them for myself! Wood’s knowledge and passion for the plants used by the characters in the book is also clear and fascinating to read.I did find it slow to start with, the language used is a little stilted to read and doesn’t immediately flow easily but is authentic to it’s time in history. After just a few pages though I found it easy to adapt to and the formality of the speech really did give it a genuine historical feel. To begin with Jessamine isn’t all that interesting and the book, told in the most part as a ‘loose’ version of her diary, centres around her day to day life in her isolated cottage and frustration with her obsessive father, who treats her as a child.However when Weed appears in a shroud of mystery only a few chapters in, things take a fascinating and sinister turn. While I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, I certainly wasn’t expecting the supernatural twist! But this is one I’ve never seen done before. It risked being ridiculous, at first I thought ‘oh no way!’ but thanks to the authors fantastic writing it isn’t. I was sucked in, fascinated, horrified and completely hooked! Weed himself is an intriguing character, cloaked in secrets, dangerous and wild yet vulnerable, naïve and fascinatingly loveable. There is still a lot to learn about him and his past, which I hope to do in the following books in the series.I ended up really enjoying The Poison Diaries and finished it the same day. It isn’t a long book at just over 230 pages, but there is a lot packed in. There’s a beautiful and touching romance with the kind of heartache that takes your breath away, a sinister and menacing undercurrent which you’re never quite sure where it’s actually coming from and a unique twist that kept me eagerly turning pages. Immensely atmospheric and thrilling, The Poison Diaries is a successful beginning to what promises to be a fantastic series and I’m really looking forward to the next instalment. Recommended!

Jessamine and her father Thomas live a quiet life in the ruins of Hulne Abbey spending most of their time tending to their gardens. There is one garden that it is forbidden for Jessamine to enter though - her father's poison garden where he keeps the dangerous plants he uses to make medicines. Thomas is the local apothecary and is constantly searching for new uses for his plants. One day a stranger arrives, bringing with him an orphan who is said to have an incredible knowledge of plants. Thomas takes in the orphan hoping to learn from him but Weed is determined to keep his secrets.It is so nice to come across a book that is so different to anything I've read before, The Poison Diaries is a beautifully descriptive tale full of mystery, love and deceit. I really felt for Jessamine, her father is so wrapped up in his research that he often leaves her alone for days at a time. She isn't allowed to talk to the other villagers in case she gives away some of his secrets so her life is a lonely one. She spends her time taking care of the gardens, looking after the house and cooking for her father but although she longs for company she doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself. She is thrilled when her father allows Weed to live with them, finally she has someone to talk to and I enjoyed watching their friendship develop.When Weed first arrives he is nervous and withdrawn, he has never had a family and is afraid to trust Jessamine and her father. As Jessamine takes him under her wing he gradually comes out of himself and begins to trust her but is still scared to tell her his deepest secret. I'm not going to tell you what that secret is because I don't want to spoil the story for you but it added a wonderful element to the book and I was completely hooked from the moment it was revealed. The more we learn about Weed the more likable he becomes and I can't wait to get to know him better in the next installment. What I loved most about Weed and Jessamine's relationship was that it wasn't another case of instant love, the two characters spend time together and their feelings develop slowly which made their relationship so much more believable.The setting of the story is almost a character in it's own right. It was easy to picture the ruins of Hulne Abbey and the surrounding gardens that Thomas has created and I felt like I was walking alongside Jessamine and Weed as they explored the area. From the first time they step foot in the poison garden you feel a real sense of foreboding and this only increases as you discover more about Weed's special abilities. When Jessamine falls ill Weed has no choice but to face his fears if he wants to save her but it isn't going to be easy for him. I did have a fairly good guess at part of the ending but there were quite a few twists that took me by surprise and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series takes us. If you're looking for a magical tale that is a little different from the usual paranormal stories then I would definitely recommend checking out The Poison Diaries.

After hearing excellent things about Wood's other YA series, I had high expectations for The Poison Diaries. I wasn't in the least bit disappointed, and I really hope it's the first book in a series. Wood's writing was fantastic, and the imagery she created within her words was just beautiful. Her description of the monastery cottage and its surrounding gardens was also a pleasure to read, and she really brought the setting to life.The story itself was somewhat unusual, with plants, poison and a carefully guarded apothecary at the forefront of the plot. I loved how everything unfolded into a tale of love and sacrifice, and I was surprised by the actions forced in the last chapter. The Poison Diaries starts off at a steady pace and, at first, it isn't clear where it will end up. All that changes when a new character is introduced, and from then on the book spirals into a web of secrecy and deceit.Weed was an excellent character, and I would like to see more of him, as well as more of his background and history. I didn't feel like I knew him as well as I could have done, but maybe Wood is saving him for a future instalment in the series? (Fingers crossed). Jessamine was easy to get along with, and I particularly enjoyed her personal thoughts and the extracts from her poison diary. Weed and Oleander, the Prince of Poisons, were the best characters to appear on the pages, and they easily stole the show.The Poison Diaries was inspired by the current Duchess of Northumberland's public English gardens, of which I now want to visit. I'm sure they're fascinating! Maryrose Wood definitely delivered with this book, and I think I need to dig out my copies of her other series. She certainly has a way with words, not to mention a great knowledge of plants and their poisons.

I keep wavering between giving this one three and four stars. I read it for free on-line, so perhaps it should be 4. I like the idea of being able to read books for free. You can too at this address http://browseinside.harpercollins.com... Jessamine is young innocent 16 year old, and the story is set in England at the turn of the 19th Century. She lives alone in part of the ruins of an old Castle with her emotionally absent father. Her father has kept her alone and friendless her entire life. Until one day a man from a neighbouring parish storms in and leaves her father a gift. The gift is a boy who known as Weed who has a knack with plants. The boy has startling green eyes, and black hair and appears to be about Jessamine's age. Jessamine takes care of Weeds and the two eventually fall in love. But Weeds has a secret... I found myself quickly swept up in the story and anxious to learn all about Weed's secret. The pacing was good, characters were believable. It didn't leave me changed or a better person, but it was a good summer read. I imagine since the book is called Poison Diaries #1 that there will be more to follow, if they are again offered for free on the internet, I'll read them.

A dark fairytale...The heroine has been raised by her father (who is a botanic) in a remote place,ever since her mother died its just been the two of them. One day a man arrives with a strange boy,that he claims to be crazy.Jessamin takes care of the boy and comes to learn that the boy who calls himself Weed, believes himself able to communicate with plants and flowers.They bond and eventually starts to feel something stronger...love. But things happen and Jessamyn gets sick and falls into a deep sleep.Can Weed save her?The writing is both simplistic and imaginative.The plot is something quite extra.I dont think ive ever read a book about people being able to talk and see plants as humans.The ending was a real cliffhanger,but still finished up the book very well.I cant wait for the next installment!

A very good read. I liked the format, characters, plot and more traditional language style. Though I worried that it was getting a little too simple/immature towards the end of the book, it pulled itself back up and impressed me. I enjoyed the way the book was written and the descriptions really helped to create a somewhat mystical atmosphere. The dreams and change of speaking character helped add to the tension and I found it very effective. The book couldve been even further developed and I'd quite like to see a sequel. The fact that this was set in Northumberland only made the book feel a little more special to me.

The first book in the Poison Diaries series, in the right dose everything is a poison. This book delves into the world of the different poisonous plants and a boy they called 'Weed' who can hear and talk to plants. It's about his journey and his knowledge of the plants in the poison garden.