Lavinia Maud craves the moment the last wisps of life leave her victims’ bodies–to behold the effects of her own poison creations. Believing confession erases the sin of murder, her morbid desires are in unity with faith, though she could never justify her skill to the magistrate she loves.At the start of the 16th century in Tudor England, Lavinia’s marks grow from tavern drunks to nobility, but … nobility, but rising prestige brings increased risk. When the magistrate suspects her ruse, he pressures the priest into breaking her confessional seal, pitting Lavinia’s instincts as an assassin against the tenets of love and faith. She balances revenge with her struggle to develop a tasteless poison and avoid the wrath of her ruthless patron.
With her ideals in conflict, Lavinia must decide which will satisfy her heart: love, faith, or murder–but the betrayals are just beginning.
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When I first started reading this book, I was really hoping for a romance. Yet, as the story progressed, I realized a romance would never work. The main character, Lavina, while wanting love could never (spoiler). So, I stopped wishing for it and instead immersed myself in a world full of twists and turns and a protagonist that isn’t quite likeable. But that did not stop me from reading. Lavina had gumption in spades!!! I fear if I go into too much detail, I will give so much away. So, what I will say is that you HAVE TO read this book to understand the reason I kept turning the pages. The reason my heart stayed in a place of hope and at the end, wished for the second story. Luckily, I was able to read the next book right away or I was going to be in for some sleepless nights!
Loved it. What an original concept that kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep.
Great historical fantasy with a compelling protagonist who makes her own choices in a world that tries to limit them! Interesting characters and very vivid world-building.
An extremely powerful story of the complication of decisions. Is faith strong enough to overcome your wrongs? This is a beautiful, fast-paced novel, written by a new author. I can’t wait for the sequel.
This book was recommended by a friend, and admittedly I’m more of a sci-fi geek. I had no idea what I was getting into. I was immediately captured by this book and couldn’t put it down. First, the description of the characters and scenes really drew me in. Second, I thought I had the whole thing figured out by the third chapter and I DID NOT. The author put a lot of love and attention to the description of creating the potions and poisons; the conflict of her profession; the romantic tension. Ok, I guess I’m converted from the usual. I really hope there’s a sequel coming. I recommended this to all my friends.
KM Pohlkamp delivers a haunting tale of Lavinia Maud, 16th century Poison Master. Lavinia justifies her foray into a profession dominated by men as her only option as a woman on her own. Or is she really just out for revenge?
As an avid reader and writer of historic fiction there aren’t too many topics which surprise me. Pohlkamp’s tale drew me in and tossed me around. Could I really side with a murderess? Hope that the stubborn priest would hear her confession? The suspense of this tale had me looking over my shoulder for the ghosts of her victims.
Robin Martinez Rice, author of Imperfect and Hidden Within the Stones
Apricots and Wolfsbane is a beautifully written novel about a woman who is a poison assassin. I thought the descriptions of the historical time period were superb and the characterizations very realistic. What most surprised me as a reader was how much I rooted for the main character while despising what she did for a living. It was a delicate balance to strike and the author did a tremendous job. There were also multiple unexpected plot twists. I pride myself on being able to guess and ending but this one had me guessing wrong again and again. Ten out of ten. Highly recommend!!!!
A female assassin in Tudor England in the early 16th century, Lavinia Maud, (I love her name), has a garden full of deadly foliage. She works tediously to find the exact poison for her contracted hits. Her little cottage conceals her preparations for deadly deeds, as does the secret society, sending her information about interested clients. Pohlkamp weaves Lavinia’s secret life into her daily life in her village, involving her confessions to her priest. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and this work fits all my likes, with the addition of suspense and twists. I also liked the voice in this novel. I’m looking forward to the sequel.