The Situation: When Venus is on the clock, working for the family business, she knows what is at stake. Or at least, she likes to believe she does. Once her mother receives a phone call from a client, Venus receives her directions and must be careful, for many reasons. Brewing love potions is already a dangerous and delicate (and illegal) business. And matters are not helped by the massive amount of animosity and fear that is directed at the witcher population every day. But brewing love potions pays the bills, and Venus will do whatever is needed to help provide for her mom and her younger sister, Janus.
The Problem: Venus was already suspicious that something was not quite right. Her feelings are more than confirmed when a bullet made of iron, the substance that is harmful to witchers, kills her mother. Now Venus is more determined than ever to find answers, and also exact revenge. And when the head of her coven, the Grand Witcher, gives her the opportunity for both, Venus takes it, despite the chance for incredibly steep consequences should things go wrong. Naturally, the Grand Witcher's offer is not a free one, and in exchange, Venus must brew potions that will help sway powerful politicians against anti-witcher legislation. It is not long before Venus is again suspicious, and it becomes nearly impossible to know who can be trusted.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fantasy novel set in modern-day Washington, D.C, with 18 year-old Venus at the center. As a witcher, her calling is as a brewer, just like her mother. But since the existence of witchers was made known to the general population, there has been much animosity between the human and witcher population. And because witchers are incredibly weak to iron, many groups and businesses have been using the metal to keep them out of certain places, or have forged the material into weapons to use to force, harm, and even kill. The story explores grief, trust, vengeance, and trauma, as well as discrimination, political violence, and hatred.
My Verdict: This book checks many boxes, and not just the ones for those who love a good fantasy novel. There is potion brewing, and shape-shifting, with portals opening, and fierce familiars such as cats and frogs ready to jump into battle to fight for the people they have pledged to protect. But there are also strong family and friendship bonds, the kind that causes characters to react without thinking, with only the loved ones' safety being the chief concern. The interactions between family members were the most intense, and frustrating, of all of the interactions in the book. The villains were indeed larger than life, but the struggles with blood relations will feel all too real for many. It is a colorful world that has a lot going on, but for any reader ready for a fast-paced adventure full of magic, this book will be ideal.
Favorite Moment: One thing that Venus is continually discovering is just how much information has been kept from her. So every little reveal is satisfying in its own way, and provides an answer that has often been hidden for too long.
Favorite Character: I would have loved more of Uncle Bram. In the earlier parts of the book, his power is only hinted at. But then it shows up in full force and it is like the scene in an action movie when the hero gets to let loose.
Recommended Reading: I recommend Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis.
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