I also liked the fact the chapters are from different character POV’s. Her world is one of fabulous gowns, masquerade balls and privilege, yet she longs for something more. Formerly published as Venom, Fiona Pauls first installment of the Secrets of the Eternal Rose is perfect for fans of Jennifer Donnellys These Shallow. The world building is just as exemplary, and the book is rich with vivid details and descriptions and fantastic places and characters. Title: Venom, Book 1 in The Secrets of the Eternal Rose series Author: Fiona Paul Publisher: Harper Collins Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Mystery Links: Book Depository Blurb: Cassandra is part of Venice’s wealthy elite. Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose) Paperback Jby Fiona Paul (Author) 102 ratings Book 1 of 3: Secrets of the Eternal Rose See all formats and editions Hardcover 14.45 38 Used from 1.48 2 New from 14.45 Paperback 15.90 42 Used from 2.50 4 New from 18.36 1 Collectible from 19. This picks up soon after the events of the last book. I really enjoyed the previous book, A Magic Steeped In Poison so knew I had to read this. (Titan Books, 17 January 2023, e-book, 400 pages, copy from the publisher via NetGalley) When he was a young boy, Kang dreamed of returning to the palace. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world… Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen’s rightful throne.īut the golden serpent still haunts Ning’s nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed.

Joining them is the princess’ loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning’s newly healed sister, Shu. Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi-a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making-has escorted Princess Zhen into exile.

The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust. Look, I’ve seen some negative reviews and you can judge the hell out of me, but I freakin am not ashamed of my LOVE for Venom. A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. Y’all, Venom by Fiona Paul was a book that I unabashedly loved.