Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

A Magical Journey Begins In The Kinder Poison

The Kinder Poison is the debut novel of Natalie Mae, and it has been marketed as perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Holly Black. Naturally, that’s enough to get the attention of many a fan, and with good reason.

It’s the first novel in a series of the same name, and it introduces fans to a world of magic and politics. Zahru is a girl who always dreamed of an adventure, but when she finally found herself neck deep in one, it was nothing like what she imagined. Still, she’s the right girl for the job. She better be, for the fate of Orkena will rest on her shoulders, alongside the friends and allies she makes on this strange and magical journey.

I’m a fan of both authors that Natalie Mae’s writing is being compared to here, and I think it’s a favorable comparison. However, there’s no doubt that she also has her own spin, something I consider to be a positive rather than a negative.

Writing

The Kinder Poison is a thrilling and exciting read from start to finish. From the start, it’s clear this is a world of magic with so much to offer. There’s much to love and appreciate about this series, and I can see the following growing.

The characters are bold and bright. Zahru is arguably one of the most compassionate characters portrayed in quite some time. At least, that is how it felt while reading The Kinder Poison. She’s strong and caring, and the two traits live in harmony. It’s beautiful to see.

Meanwhile, the worldbuilding will leave you breathless. There’s tradition and culture in Orkana, as well as strife and conflict. There’s also this hint that there’s even more to the world, which I’m sure will be further explored in future novels.

On the whole, I enjoyed Natalie Mae’s writing style. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series and simply seeing anything else she’s going to come up with in the future.

Development

The Kinder Poison is a fast-paced and fun read. It felt like I had just sat down to read when I suddenly realized I had finished the book. It is not one you’ll want to put down to leave yourself a bit of time to read here.

I could say many positive things about this novel, but really, it’s the character development that shines brightest of all. Zahru’s plot arc is beautiful and compelling, but it is more impressive how it weaves through the secondary characters and their personal growth.

All of it tied together into something fascinating and complex. Without those elements, I don’t think this novel would have been the same. Yet it was flawlessly done here, showcasing how careful character development can affect a story.

Conclusion

The Kinder Poison was a whirlwind of a read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was so refreshing to dive into a fantasy world like this, and I’m looking forward to more adventures like it.

It’s been a few days since I finished this read, and I’m still reeling from the ending. That shows how much this book got into my head despite the short period of time. I imagine I won’t be the only one feeling that way.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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