The Poison Within by Kasia Bacon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Black clouds of xenophobia gather over Radvadur, the western province of the Empire. The political climate is strained and fragile. A surge of Nymph refugees has stirred widespread hostility towards non-humans. When the investigation of a gruesome triple murder linked to the refugee camp ensues, it takes Inspector Käyru Skaer and his lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn, along an unusual path, at the end of which a precious gift awaits.
Käyru and Elly are worlds apart in social standing, but they have found common ground in the bedroom—up against the wall and the stable doors, too. The arrangement between them ought to have been temporary and of no consequence. As their circumstances change, will they find the courage to risk their hearts?
Warning: Contains mentions of off page sexual assault
This is the second book by Kasia Bacon I’ve read and again I can say: it has impressed me, really deep in fact. Typically more a non-fantasy reader Kasia is really able to catch my attention and keep it… Signs of creating a page-turner. :3
Though the story is only 51 pages long you get a wide insight of the universe, the same you got a glimpse in The Mutt, the really short story and my first adventure in this fantasy universe.
This time it is about two human character, Käyru and Elly, short for Ellydhar, an earl and therefore an aristocrat. Käyru is his total opposite – in his social position as well as his appearance – with being an investigator and tall, broard and sturdy looking.
I enjoyed the dynamics in the book, the crime case was really intriguing, it was a mix of thrill, suspence and the display/discription of violence. In fact the whole story wasn’t “nice and fluffy” but according to the plot it would have been weird. The story is set in a fantasy, medieval world, with all the different social ranks and ruled by those who have the most power and influence.
Ms Kasia knows how to capture the reader’s attention, I was hooked from the frist page and with a really confident, pleasant writing the story was enveloped.
There is a kind of poetic way of writing in Kasia’s words, an eloquently use of fitting and propper words, the different “voices” of the character clear and the differences very neat illustrated.
I won’t go to deep into the actions of the story because otherwise I would kill the reader’s suspense. I can only say I am really excited to read the next, full book by Ms Kasia Bacon and how the strings are (maybe) combined.
She has shown in her former short story and in this novella-like short story that she is more than capable in giving the reader an enjoyable story. A story where you turn page after page because you want to know more about the character and the actions.
The fact that Kasia Bacon included current events, political themes only diversified illustrated (and named) but still a slight mirroring of the present time is really witty but on the other hand very brave. Some may not happy about it, but I give kudos to this, I am fond of those facts. She is able to mix it pleasantly into her own universe. Very well done.
I could go on, I will end my review with giving 5 out of 5 stars. Keep going, Ms Kasia, I am really fond of your way of writing and no, this isn’t a way of bribing you. xD
Mikku-chan 
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