Book Review: The Wicked Fate (This Poison Heart #2) by Kalynn Bayron

Review by Mariah V. | Chapter and Charms

“Leave it up to fate and lead with your heart.”

📖 Synopsis

In The Wicked Fate, Briseis is racing against time to save her mother. The final piece of the deadly Absyrtus Heart is still out there, and the only way to find it is by trusting the blood family she’s only just discovered. As she learns the truth about her magical lineage and steps into her own power, Briseis faces powerful enemies determined to control the Heart’s magic. With little time and everything at stake, this journey could cost her everything, including the people she loves most.

🌿 My Thoughts

✨ First Impressions

Let’s talk about this cover art ,  it’s stunning. Just like This Poison Heart, it immediately catches your eye and feels like it belongs on an animated Netflix series. If I ever finish writing my own book, I’m definitely looking up this illustrator.

🖊️ Writing Style

Kalynn Bayron’s writing is lyrical, modern, and rooted in earthy magic. She weaves in cultural representation that feels natural and empowering, especially for Black girls and women. Briseis never forgets her bonnet, and I love that level of detail. Her writing gives strong “garden witch with a modern twist” energy, and I’m absolutely here for it.

🌱 The Story

This sequel picks up immediately after the events of This Poison Heart. The pacing is fast and focused, though it’s a shorter book. Briseis is trying to hold it all together, grieving her mother, learning about her family’s past, and stepping up to save the day.

The plot blends magic, Greek mythology, and family legacy in a way that feels fresh and timely. It reminded me of Farrah Rochon’s  Bemused  (Disney Hercules ) (you can check out my review on here ), especially in how it centers magical, powerful women. It gave me Goddess/ Earth Witches  vibes!

💕 Character Dynamics

In my previous review, I mentioned that Marie didn’t really stand out. This time around? She’s front and center, tough, direct, and deeply loyal. I liked seeing her and Briseis’s relationship evolve. That said, I could’ve done without the romance. It felt rushed and a bit too familiar: the immortal love interest falling for a 17-year-old over a few intense days. Just not my favorite trope.

We do learn more about Marie’s origin and immortality, which was interesting. But overall, I wanted a bit more character development across the board. Like the magical plants in the story, some of the characters felt like they needed more time to bloom.

💖 Favorite Moment

What warmed my heart most was how Briseis’s family, especially her mother, made space for her to be soft. She didn’t have to be strong all the time, she could be held, protected, and truly herself. That vulnerability made her power even more compelling.

And Circe? I loved her. She reminded me of myself, fierce, nurturing, and ready to be the protective auntie whenever needed. I don’t have kids, but I’ll always show up for my nieces like Circe showed up for Briseis.

🌸 Final Thoughts

If you love magic, mythology, and plant-based power, this duology is worth your time. The Wicked Fate is a cozy, whimsical, and heartfelt wrap-up to This Poison Heart. It didn’t quite hit every mark for me, but I appreciated the themes of legacy, love, and self-discovery.

⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

For fans of magical realism, mythology, and Black girl magic.

My next read is going to be Cinderella is Dead!