The Poisons We Drink is Bethany Baptiste's debut novel and one that is filled with expressive world-building where people are divided between humans and witches and animosity between the two groups is high and has been for decades.

Venus Stoneheart, an eighteen-year-old Witcher is our protagonist and works hard doing all that she can to support her family. Laws have to be broken, and risks taken because survival in this world for Witchers is paramount. She's strong-willed, and fierce despite her fragile place in society because of who and what she is and I thought she was the perfectly written underdog.

The magical aspects are refreshing and one I've not seen that often, specifically the concept of brewing the potions that witchers can create which adds to making the book stand out. The author takes time to lay down the fabric of the magical aspects without dragging the raider down with too much lore which given the length of the book is ideal. There's a perfect balance between knowledge and plot that ensures you can understand the more fantasy elements.

Whilst it may seem that the book is somewhat slow at first because such lores need to be laid out? The Poisons We Drink is a book I didn't want to put down, I became eager to know just how Violet would manage to balance protecting her family and facing the dire situations that arose thanks to the antagonism between the humans and Witchers. 

The racism that exists between the two (primarily human > Witcher) is written with the severity that is warranted and whilst yes, it's fantasy?  Would easily be placed as an example of racial issues across the world today. Baptiste's writing is so good in this area, and you as the reader will find yourself wanting to scream at characters to do better to not be beyond cruel because you do end up walking alongside Violet throughout the book.

I can't wait to see what is next for this author.