Disclaimer: I received this e-arc and finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Magic Steeped in Poison
Author: Judy I. Lin
Book Series: The Book of Tea Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Chinese characters
Recommended For…: young adult readers, fantasy, historical fiction, Chinese mythology, Asian Literature, court intrigue
Publication Date: March 29, 2022
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Relevance: 14+ (death, Grief, Murder, Mugging, Violence, Gore, Classism, Sickness, Romance)
Explanation of Above: There is death shown and mentioned in the book and there is violence, including a mugging and physical violence, shown in the book as well as gore with blood. There is also murder mentioned in the book and grief is shown and described. Classism is discussed and shown in the book. There is sickness mentioned in the book. There is some slight romance in the book.
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 384
Synopsis: For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it’s her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.
When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom’s greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning’s only chance to save her sister’s life.
But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.
Review: I really liked this book! The book is inspired by Chinese mythology and it reminds me a lot of Spin the Dawn with the whole competition thing. The book is a fun read and there’s a bunch of twists and turns. The book was well developed and written. The world building was well done as well as the character development.
The only issues I had with the book are with the intrigue and the pacing. The book contains a lot of political and court intrigue, which I felt muddled the plot down a bit. The book is also a bit weirdly paced. The beginning is fast and confusing, and then it slows down immensely. The book is still full of action, but it’s just a bit weirdly paced.
Verdict: It’s a good book! Highly recommend!
Book Info:
A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea #1) by Judy I. Lin
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing Date: March 29, 2022
Synopsis:
Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.
I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, “These are the hands that buried my mother.”
For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it’s her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.
When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom’s greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning’s only chance to save her sister’s life.
But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.
Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56978089-a-magic-steeped-in-poison
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-magic-steeped-in-poison-judy-i-lin/1138777983?ean=9781250872111
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/A-Magic-Steeped-in-Poison/9781250767080
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250767080
About the Author:
Judy I. Lin was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now works as an occupational therapist, and still spends her nights dreaming up imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughter. A Magic Steeped in Poison is her debut novel.
Author Links:
Website: https://judyilin.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/judyilin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judyilinauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19661255.Judy_I_Lin
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