A Magic Steeped in Poison
January 14, 2024
First of all, this cover is stunning.
I really loved the worldbuilding around the magic. The shennong shi and the way that the various skills can be specialized just through the brewing of the tea, Ning's own talents with the plants, the way that shennong shi are integrated in their society - it was all so intriguing.
I enjoyed unraveling the different people that Ning met, but I will admit that the palace intrigue was less interesting to me than the tea competition itself. Kang confused me as much as he did Ning, and I hope we learn more about him in the sequel.
I also thought that the way the antidote to saving Ning's sister was found was a bit lame given that it was Ning's focus and motivation the entire story - it still makes sense characterization and background wise, I just wish it was different than how it unfolded in the book.
I plan on picking up the sequel to this book.
A thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the ARC.
More about A Magic Steeped in Poison here:
Title: A Magic Steeped in Poison
Author: Judy I. Lin
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.