The Poison Season

"Mara Rutherford's The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!" - Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique

Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake. Either way, they're never heard from again.

Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.

When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she's supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.

Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake-and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

About the author

Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her Marine-turned-diplomat husband. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a master''''s degree in cultural studies from the University of London. When she''''s not writing or chasing after her two sons, she can usually be found pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, whether at a traditional Russian banya or an Incan archaeological site. 

Mara Rutherford resides in Rome, Italy

Product details

• Authors: Mara Rutherford
• Publisher: Harper Collins (US)
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 13
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 21.12.2023
• EAN: 9781335012432
• ISBN: 978-1-335-01243-2
• Dimensions: 133 mm x 203 mm x 24 mm
• Weight: 270 g
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books > Non-fiction books / Non-fiction picture books > Art, music; YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / General, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Epic, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Performing Arts / Music, Romance & relationships stories (Children's / Teenage), General fiction (Children's / Teenage), Fantasy & magical realism (Children's / Teenage), Music: general interest (Children's / Teenage), Children’s / teenage fiction: dark fantasy, Children’s / teenage fiction: epic fantasy / heroic fantasy, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Music and musicians, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Romance and love stories