Poison in the Shadows

Ivy, a shifter with a tragic past, leads a double life as Poison, a seductive assassin targeting supernatural predators. Her latest kill—a vampire—demonstrates her ruthlessness and skill, but also the emotional toll of her work. Ivy's world is gritty and dangerous, and her alter ego is both armor and weapon. After each job, she sheds Poison's persona, returning to her mundane life at Thornfield University, where she hides in plain sight. The thrill of the hunt is matched only by the risk of exposure, and Ivy's sense of justice is as much about vengeance for her murdered parents as it is about protecting others. The line between predator and prey blurs, and Ivy's isolation grows with every kill.

Kings of Thornfield Strike

Torin, Bram, and Tate—the self-styled Kings of Thornfield—are feared and desired in equal measure. They are cruel, magnetic, and obsessed with Poison, not knowing she is also Ivy. Their encounters with her are violent, charged with dominance and twisted desire, each man vying for control. Ivy, as Poison, is both victim and participant, using their obsession to her advantage while risking her own safety. The Kings' power games are a microcosm of the academy's dark underbelly, where supernatural politics and personal vendettas collide. Their fixation on Poison is as much about power as it is about lust, and their inability to let her go sets the stage for a dangerous entanglement.

Ivy's Double Life

By day, Ivy is a seemingly ordinary university student, blending in with her shifter peers and maintaining a close friendship with her handler, Ramsey. By night, she becomes Poison, the Syndicate's most effective weapon. The tension between these identities is constant, as Ivy must conceal her true nature from friends and enemies alike. Her work is both a calling and a curse, driven by the unsolved murder of her parents and a need for control in a world that once left her powerless. Ivy's relationship with Ramsey is her only anchor, but even he cannot shield her from the escalating dangers of her assignments or the emotional cost of her duplicity.

The Syndicate's Deadly Game

The Syndicate, a shadowy supernatural organization, tasks Ivy with her most dangerous mission yet: infiltrate the powerful Ainsley Coven and eliminate its leader, Walcott Ashford—Torin's father. The job is a death sentence, pitting Ivy against ancient vampires and forcing her to get close to the very men who hunt Poison. The Syndicate's manipulations are ruthless, and refusal is not an option. Ivy's survival depends on her ability to deceive, seduce, and outwit both her enemies and her employers. The assignment's stakes are personal and political, and Ivy's every move is watched by those who would see her fail.

Obsession and Power Plays

The Kings' obsession with Poison intensifies, especially for Bram, whose fixation borders on madness. Each man's desire is laced with violence and a need to possess, but Poison remains elusive, always slipping through their grasp. Their rivalry is as much with each other as with Poison, and their power struggles threaten to unravel their alliance. Meanwhile, Ivy uses their obsession to gather information and further her mission, but the emotional cost grows. The lines between hunter and hunted, lover and enemy, blur as the Kings' pursuit becomes both a threat and a twisted form of protection.

Origins of an Assassin

Flashbacks reveal Ivy's recruitment into the Syndicate, her training, and the trauma that forged her into Poison. Orphaned by supernatural violence and failed by the justice system, Ivy's quest for vengeance becomes her raison d'être. The Syndicate offers her purpose and the promise of answers about her parents' deaths, but at the cost of her soul. Ivy's transformation from victim to predator is both empowering and isolating, and her willingness to kill is tempered by a strict moral code. The past is never far behind, and Ivy's unresolved grief fuels her every decision.

New Abilities, New Dangers

During a shifter meditation class, Ivy discovers a rare ability: she can transform into poison ivy, manifesting plant-based powers previously thought impossible for her kind. This new skill is both a weapon and a liability, drawing the attention of the Syndicate and her enemies. The revelation complicates her mission and makes her a target for those who fear or covet her abilities. Ivy's struggle to control her powers mirrors her internal battle with identity and agency, and the discovery marks a turning point in her journey from tool to player in the supernatural game.

Tangled Loyalties

Ivy's relationships with Ramsey, Vex (a dangerous warlock), and the Kings become increasingly complex. Tate begins to suspect Ivy's true identity, and their interactions take on a new intensity. Vex's involvement blurs the lines between ally and adversary, offering both aid and threat. The Syndicate's surveillance tightens, and Ivy's every move is scrutinized. Loyalties are tested as Ivy must decide whom to trust, and the cost of betrayal becomes ever more lethal. The web of secrets grows tighter, and the risk of exposure looms over every encounter.

The Assignment: Ashford

Ivy's mission to eliminate Torin's father takes her deep into the heart of vampire politics and personal vendettas. The Kings, unaware of her true identity, become both obstacles and unwitting accomplices. The assignment is complicated by shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and the ever-present threat of discovery. Ivy's infiltration requires her to navigate a world of ancient power, seductive danger, and supernatural intrigue. The lines between duty and desire blur as Ivy is forced to confront the possibility that her enemies may also be her only hope for survival.

Seduction and Survival

Ivy's encounters with the Kings grow more intense, blending seduction with survival. Each sexual encounter is a battle for dominance, information, and emotional connection. The Kings' obsession with Poison becomes a double-edged sword, offering both protection and peril. Ivy uses her sexuality as a weapon, but the emotional toll mounts as genuine feelings begin to surface. The interplay of pleasure and pain, trust and betrayal, becomes the crucible in which Ivy's fate—and the fate of those around her—will be decided.

Ivy's Secret Unraveling

The Kings begin to piece together Ivy's secret, with Tate discovering her dual identity first. The revelation shifts the power dynamic, forcing Ivy to confront the consequences of her deception. The Kings' reactions are a mix of anger, desire, and possessiveness, and their obsession with Poison deepens now that they know she is also Ivy. The exposure of her secret makes Ivy more vulnerable than ever, but also opens the door to new alliances and possibilities. The stakes are raised as the Syndicate's surveillance intensifies and the threat of retribution grows.

Fated Bonds and Betrayals

Tate and Ivy form a fated bond, deepening their connection and complicating the already tangled web of relationships. The Kings' possessiveness turns protective, and their willingness to fight for Ivy becomes a source of both strength and danger. Betrayals—real and perceived—threaten to tear the group apart, and the Syndicate's manipulations push Ivy to the brink. The emotional stakes are as high as the physical ones, and Ivy must decide where her true loyalties lie. The possibility of love offers hope, but also makes her more vulnerable to loss.

The Trap is Set

Torin, seeking power and revenge, sets a trap for Poison by ordering a hit on himself through the Syndicate. The plan backfires, ensnaring Ivy in an impossible situation: kill Torin or face the Syndicate's wrath. The Kings, now aware of Ivy's identity, scramble to protect her, but their efforts are thwarted by the Syndicate's unyielding control. The trap exposes the limits of their power and the ruthlessness of their enemies. Ivy's agency is tested as she must choose between survival and her newfound connections.

Poison Ivy Unleashed

Forced to confront her enemies and her own limitations, Ivy unleashes the full extent of her abilities. Her plant-based powers, shifter skills, and assassin training make her a formidable force, but also a target for those who fear her potential. The Kings, now united in their desire to protect and possess her, become both allies and liabilities. The Syndicate's grip tightens, and Ivy's choices become more desperate. The convergence of her identities—Poison, Ivy, and even Aspen—marks a new chapter in her struggle for autonomy and survival.

Death's Ultimatum

Ivy is confronted by Death itself, the true power behind the Syndicate. Death demands that she kill the Kings—Torin, Bram, and Tate—or forfeit her soul. The ultimatum is absolute, and the consequences of refusal are dire. Ivy's sense of agency is shattered, and the cost of her loyalty becomes unbearable. The revelation that Death is her ultimate employer reframes her entire journey, casting her struggle in a new, existential light. The stakes are no longer just life and death, but the fate of her soul and the possibility of love.

Running from Fate

Unable to kill the men she has come to love, Ivy runs, aided by Vex and her own shifter abilities. The escape is fraught with danger, as the Syndicate's reach is long and Death's power is absolute. Ivy's flight is both literal and metaphorical, a desperate bid for autonomy in a world determined to control her. The Kings, now fully aware of her plight, risk everything to find and save her. The chase is a crucible, testing the limits of love, loyalty, and self-determination.

Allies and Enemies

Ivy's escape brings her into contact with new players—rival organizations, supernatural allies, and enemies with their own agendas. The lines between friend and foe blur, and Ivy must navigate a world where trust is a rare and precious commodity. The Kings, Vex, and Ramsey become her only hope, but their ability to protect her is uncertain. The Syndicate's power is challenged, but its response is swift and brutal. Ivy's journey becomes a fight not just for survival, but for the right to choose her own destiny.

Choosing Sides

As the story closes, Ivy stands at a crossroads. The Syndicate, Death, and the Kings all vie for her allegiance, each offering a different vision of power, love, and freedom. Ivy's choices will determine not only her fate, but the fate of those she loves and the balance of power in the supernatural world. The battle for her soul is both internal and external, a struggle between agency and control, love and duty, life and death. The stage is set for a new conflict, and Ivy's journey is far from over.

Characters

Ivy Hammond / Poison

Ivy is a shifter orphaned by supernatural violence, driven by vengeance and a need for justice. As Poison, she is a seductive, ruthless assassin for the Syndicate, using her sexuality and cunning to eliminate predators who escape justice. Ivy's dual life is a source of both strength and torment, isolating her from those who might care for her. Her relationships are transactional, but genuine connections with Ramsey and, eventually, the Kings, reveal her vulnerability. Ivy's rare plant-based powers and evolving sense of agency mark her as unique and dangerous. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she struggles to reconcile her identities, claim her autonomy, and find love in a world that seeks to control her.

Torin Ashford

Torin is a vampire-mage, heir to the Ainsley Coven, and one of the Kings of Thornfield. He is both a predator and protector, obsessed with Poison and determined to carve his own path to power. Torin's relationship with his family is fraught with resentment and ambition, and his willingness to manipulate and dominate is matched by a capacity for loyalty and passion. His obsession with Poison/Ivy is both a weakness and a source of strength, driving him to risk everything for control and connection. Torin's journey is one of self-realization, as he confronts the limits of power and the cost of love.

Tate Blackwell

Tate is a warlock with a traumatic past, fiercely loyal to Torin and Bram but increasingly drawn to Ivy. His discovery of Ivy's true identity marks a turning point, as he becomes her protector and, ultimately, her fated mate. Tate's internal conflict—between duty to his friends and love for Ivy—drives much of the story's emotional tension. His willingness to share his power and risk everything for Ivy reveals a depth of feeling that contrasts with his outward cruelty. Tate's journey is one of vulnerability, as he learns to trust, love, and fight for something greater than himself.

Bram Sinclair

Bram is a dark fae, the most unpredictable and dangerous of the Kings. His obsession with Poison borders on madness, and his desire for control is matched only by his capacity for violence. Bram's fixation is both a source of danger and, paradoxically, a path to redemption, as his feelings for Ivy force him to confront his own demons. His relationship with the other Kings is fraught with rivalry and loyalty, and his willingness to risk everything for Poison/Ivy reveals a complexity beneath his brutal exterior. Bram's journey is one of transformation, as he moves from predator to partner.

Ramsey

Ramsey is Ivy's handler, best friend, and confidant. A warlock with a sharp mind and a dry wit, he is Ivy's anchor in a world of shifting loyalties and constant danger. Ramsey's role is both practical—managing assignments, providing support—and emotional, offering Ivy the only unconditional friendship she knows. His relationship with Josh adds warmth and humanity to the story, and his willingness to risk his own safety for Ivy underscores his loyalty. Ramsey's journey is one of quiet heroism, as he navigates the dangers of the supernatural world to protect those he loves.

Vex

Vex is a powerful warlock with a penchant for chaos and a complicated relationship with Ivy. He is both ally and adversary, offering aid while pursuing his own agenda. Vex's attraction to Ivy is laced with danger, and his willingness to help her escape the Syndicate reveals a capacity for empathy beneath his ruthless exterior. His knowledge of the supernatural underworld and his own entanglements with the Syndicate make him a valuable but unpredictable ally. Vex's journey is one of self-interest, but his actions suggest a deeper connection to Ivy's fate.

Professor Swann

Swann is Ivy's Syndicate handler and a constant reminder of the organization's control. He is both mentor and threat, dispensing assignments with cold efficiency and little regard for Ivy's well-being. Swann's true motives are opaque, and his surveillance of Ivy adds a layer of paranoia to her life. His role as the Syndicate's face makes him a symbol of the system Ivy seeks to escape, and his manipulations drive much of the story's conflict.

Death / The Syndicate

Death is revealed as the true power behind the Syndicate, embodying the ultimate authority and threat. As Ivy's employer, Death is both judge and executioner, demanding absolute loyalty and punishing defiance with existential consequences. Death's ultimatum—to kill those she loves or forfeit her soul—forces Ivy to confront the limits of agency and the meaning of freedom. Death's presence is both literal and metaphorical, representing the inescapable cost of power and the existential stakes of Ivy's journey.

Josh

Josh is Ramsey's boyfriend and a source of warmth and humor in Ivy's life. His presence offers a glimpse of normalcy and friendship, contrasting with the darkness of Ivy's world. Josh's acceptance and support provide Ivy with a sense of belonging, and his relationship with Ramsey adds depth to the story's emotional landscape.

Vera

Vera is the Syndicate agent who recruits Ivy, offering her purpose and the promise of answers. She is both mentor and manipulator, guiding Ivy's transformation from victim to assassin. Vera's motives are complex, and her role in the Syndicate's hierarchy is ambiguous. She represents the seductive allure of power and the cost of survival in a world where trust is a luxury.

Plot Devices

Dual Identity and Shapeshifting

The central device of the novel is Ivy's ability to shift between identities—Poison, Ivy, and even Aspen—allowing her to navigate different worlds and evade detection. This duality creates dramatic irony, as the reader knows more than the other characters, and heightens the stakes as her secret comes under threat. The device also explores themes of agency, autonomy, and the cost of living a lie.

Reverse Harem and Power Dynamics

The reverse harem structure—three powerful, dangerous men vying for Ivy's affection—fuels the story's erotic and psychological intensity. The shifting alliances, rivalries, and obsessions among the Kings create a volatile environment where love, lust, and violence are inseparable. The power dynamics are constantly in flux, reflecting the broader themes of control, vulnerability, and the search for belonging.

The Syndicate and Surveillance

The Syndicate's control over Ivy's life is a constant source of tension, with surveillance, manipulation, and existential threats shaping every decision. The organization's true nature—as an extension of Death—raises the stakes from personal survival to metaphysical consequence. The device of the all-seeing, all-knowing employer explores themes of agency, fate, and the cost of power.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The use of poison ivy as both a name and a power foreshadows Ivy's unique role in the supernatural world. The recurring imagery of shadows, mirrors, and transformation underscores the novel's exploration of identity and self-discovery. Foreshadowing is used to build suspense, hinting at betrayals, revelations, and the ultimate confrontation with Death.

Fated Bonds and Magical Contracts

The concept of fated mates, magical bonds, and unbreakable contracts drives much of the emotional and narrative tension. These devices explore the limits of free will, the power of love, and the dangers of surrendering agency. The contracts with the Syndicate—and with Death—raise the stakes from personal to cosmic, making every choice a matter of life, death, and the soul.

Analysis

Eve Newton's Poison Ivy is a dark, erotic, and emotionally charged exploration of power, agency, and identity in a supernatural world where nothing is as it seems. At its core, the novel interrogates the cost of survival in a system designed to exploit and control, using the lens of reverse harem romance and paranormal intrigue to examine deeper questions of autonomy, loyalty, and self-worth. Ivy's journey—from orphaned victim to assassin, from tool to player—mirrors the struggles of anyone seeking to reclaim agency in a world that demands conformity and obedience. The Kings of Thornfield, with their blend of cruelty and vulnerability, serve as both obstacles and catalysts, forcing Ivy to confront her own desires and limitations. The Syndicate's omnipresent surveillance and Death's ultimatum elevate the stakes, transforming personal conflict into existential crisis. Ultimately, Poison Ivy is a story about the power of choice, the dangers of obsession, and the possibility of redemption in even the darkest of worlds. The novel's blend of violence, sexuality, and psychological depth offers a modern, unflinching look at the complexities of love, power, and survival.

Last updated: January 18, 2026