Another Review at MyShelf.Com

The Poison Garden

by Sarah Singleton

     

Young Thomas first enters the garden at his grandmother’s funeral, and it is here that he learns that his bequest from her will is an apprenticeship—to a chemist in London. But first he sees murder done and hears about the Guild of Medical Herbalists. One day he too might be admitted to this guild and learn all about the magical boxes and the wonders they contain. But power has a price, and somebody doesn’t want the other members to have a share of the extraordinary phenomenon that is Eden...

If you are tired of modern adult fantasy, pick up a juvenile title instead and discover what you have been missing. There is more imagination between these few pages (under 300) than in most of the adult "speculative fiction" novels I’ve read for some time now, and it left me feeling impressed. Also bereft that the brief pleasure was over, as there is so much to enjoy in here. A murder mystery for one, a glimpse of an alternative Victorian age that ought to appeal to steampunk fans (although this is not a steampunk novel), lush descriptions, a teasing plot and some interesting characters. I had no idea how it was all going to end, but the ending seemed the most fitting thing that could have happened and left me feeling satisfied. Apart from the lack of sex, blood and guts, this could be an adult novel, elegant and polished while retaining that "sense of wonder" that all good speculative fiction should possess. One of this year’s top ten novels.

The Book

Simon and Schuster UK
June 2009
Paperback
1847382975 / 9781847382979
Historical Fantasy / 1850s / London and environs / Teenage
More at Amazon.com UK
Excerpt
NOTE: Not yet up on Amazon US site

The Reviewer

Rachel A Hyde
Reviewed 2009
NOTE:
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