A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea, 1)

***4.75*** Overall I loved this book, it was a beautiful original story with a very interesting magic system (Tea!). The author has a way with descriptive words that just draws you in to every scene. The book feels incredibly sensory to me. Ning will do anything to save her sister from the poison that is slowly killing her. She enters a competition in hopes that it will give her enough sway to get the palace physicians to heal her. Throughout the competition and book Ning is unsure who she can trust but does make quite a few friends along the way. There is a little hint of romance but not much. Narration I listened to the audiobook for the majority of this book and I am so glad that I did. The text is a bit small in the hardback copy that I own and I butchered many of the names and places because they are not western. The Narrator does an absolutely amazing job pronouncing the terms as they were meant to be read and I am so grateful for that because it amplified the story even more for me. Cover The cover is absolutely stunning. Honestly, I would have bought this for the cover alone. Recommendation This is a YA fantasy book with a unique magic system that draws heavily from Asian mythology and folklore. This is the first book in a duology and I am excited to read what happens next. If you are into YA fantasy this is a must read.

Content Warning: poison, death I’ve been wanting to read this book since I saw the gorgeous cover. It’s even more beautiful in person! I really enjoyed this story. + The magic system of the shennong-shi, is unique and cool! The magic is in the tea and the preparer and I totally believe it because whenever I drink a hot cup of tea, it’s a healing experience – so I loved learning about the shennong-shi. The competition to be the shennong-shi for the Emperor gives the story high stakes. + Ning’s story is relatable in that she’s doing the competition for the love of her sick sister. I love her memories of her family and of home. I like Ning’s bravery and her ability to think on her feet whenever difficult situations arose. She goes through a lot of challenges in the competition. + I enjoyed the politics taking place in the story as well. The emperor hasn’t been seen, so the Princess has been present for the shennong-shi competition. Ning meets a boy who happens to be the son of the emperor’s brother who was banished and exiled. There is talk of unrest in the empire and Ning is caught in the intrigue. She’s labeled a traitor and rebel but we learn more about what’s going on in the empire and the role of the Princess. + The little romance storyline between Ning and Kang is sweet, in a way it’s a forbidden kind of love, since Ning isn’t sure where his loyalties lie. It doesn’t overtake the story though which is nice and I look forward to seeing what happens in book two. + The author did a great job with the setting! I was definitely transported in Ning’s world of tea and the palace. Lovely world-building. ~ Would love to learn more about Kang in book two because we do learn some things about him but he still stays a bit mysterious. Why you should read it: it’s a magic tea brewing competition! so unique lush world-building Ning’s love for her family, the politics she gets embroiled in and the romance that’s brewing for her Why you might not want to read it: it’s a little bit of insta-love-ish but I think it was okay because the story didn’t fully focus on the romance My Thoughts: The gorgeous cover lured me in and then I was hooked by the tea competition and lush world building. I found this a quick read and with a unique concept. I loved this one and I’m glad I finally got to read it!

I read this book in two nights- I literally only put it down because my medications knocked me out before I could finish it! In terms of anime, I would compare it to both Mushi-shi and Apothecary Diaries in terms of mystical ambiance and tone. I can very vividly imagine the story and easily immerse myself in the world the story takes place in- the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes are all very well thought out to make it that much easier to enjoy~♡ The characters are so mesmerizing, too: Ning is an amazing lead, Lian is an amazing best friend, Shu is a lovable sister, Ruyi is unflappable, Zhang is the best girlboss there ever was, Small Wu makes me laugh, and Kang is sincere to a fault. I am happy that there is a pronunciation guide, because not everyone knows how to read these names. I am disappointed that it seems to have cost us a map though, which would have helped me just a smidge but I understand the preference for the linguistic aid.

Saw this book in a list at my library and cannot recommend it enough. The world building is rich and complex, there is political intrigue, insight into Chinese royal and medicinal culture, twists and turns, high stakes, and a protagonist that slowly comes into her power while doubting herself. The main character is incredibly well written and believable - not hyperbolizing in any of her traits like sass or doubt or abilities so as to make them seem like the chosen one Mary sue. The tea magic is incredibly intricate and interesting - tying to Chinese natural medicine and herbal remedies. Incredibly fun and unique to learn and read Chinese fantasy and magic in a sea of Anglo-inspired witches and fae books out there lately!!! The child in my that read the gold edge process diaries with their little ribbon bookmarks is delighted to be back in the beautiful royal courts of China reading about women from that era. I can’t wait to read the next one. This is on my list of favorite magical fantasy books I have ever read!!!!

The condition of the actual product was fine. My issues were with the contents themselves. I was genuinely surprised to see so much praise and high ratings for this book. although i don’t think this book is bad, it’s undeniably lacking in a lot of areas. first off, the characters are incredibly boring. our main character, Ning, lacks personality. her ambitions, though motivating her actions, do not substitute for this dire lack of any character or development throughout the story. The main love interest is met too soon and with too much unbelievable coincidence. Next thing you know, they’re suddenly farewelling and yearning to be with one another again?? it’s like this weird insta love. his later explanation to her as to why he was intrigued with her lacks reasoning—he wanted a normal life and to hit on this girl in the market, essentially. okay… but why her?? why go out of your way for this random girl?? the lack of believability takes me away from the story each and every time. the coincidences are too extreme, as is the irrationality in Ning’s actions. Let me EXPLAIN to you how irrational Ning’s actions are. At one point, she paraded around as a cook servant girl something. She’s already an imposter, posing as her mother or something, she should be wary of making herself a target, but she never does. she lacks wit and logic entirely. when parading as this servant, she then attends this weird little party where she sees the other applicants with this marquis guy, who hates her. she knows he might recognize her face—BUT GET THIS. this guy at the party hits on her. kinda creepy, okay, but he doesn’t do anything drastic AT ALL. he literally just makes her a little uncomfy. but guess what this girl does?? she shatters his shins and launches a fist or something into his stomach. BRO. first of all, that was so unnecessary. secondly, WHY ARE YOU MAKING YOURSELF SUCH A TARGET?? huh, i guess i’m being kinda mean. listen, this book is fine. but if you’re someone used to books with more believable plots, enticing characters, and beautiful worldbuilding, this will sorely disappoint you. i suppose my biggest issue was that i never related enough to the characters (which doesn’t mean i need to share the same experiences, just that their justifications and their actions as a HUMAN need to be believable). as i didn’t, i was never drawn in. especially considering this is a first person POV (in present tense, which is a choice…), there’s so much more opportunity for character internal voice and really getting into their mentality. but all of that is wasted. this book overall just feels like a waste of potential.

I liked this one. The characters and the world building were great. I liked the main character a lot and this had so many strong female characters. The magic was great, I loved how it was based on tea. This ends unresolved in some ways, but is worth the read.

At first, it took a while before I understood what's going on. The author places you directly in the world and there isn't much exposition on what or how everything works (thank goodness), only that the MC "may" have been someone bad? She poisoned her mother and sister, why did she do that? It isn't until a few more pages that the reader understands what's happening. From the first page, there is mystery and action and it's all very exciting but confusing. I'm loving Bo/Kang. I wish there was a bit more romance in this book, if not the sequel, they both really have some spark that I wish were explored more (I hope it will be in the second book, or I will be very, very sad). I also like how descriptive all the foods are, I can picture all of them in real life, and they're all foods you can eat now too. I also love how the author actually kept the Chinese names of things; it's a way to learn about Chinese culture and vocabs at the same time. The world of tea is so interesting and original. There hasn't been anyone else who writes about this, and the author really makes it a viable and interesting type of magic. There's mystery, palace intrigue, politics, hidden secrets, hidden tunnels, hidden identities, prince, princess, loyal bodyguard, assassinations, this book got exciting really fast. And that ending.... Thank goodness, August 2022 is fast approaching!

As soon as I saw this book was about tea magic, I had to read it, and it didn’t disappoint! This is a great book to read with a cup of tea, but you’ll always want a snack, because that tea is often paired with delicious food. (Side note: I am so happy that a new dim sum place opened near me, because this book had me craving dumplings!) The stakes are high for Ning from the start because her mother is dead and her sister is succumbing to the same poison. Ning enters a competition for tea masters in the imperial capital because she’s hoping to win a cure. Instead, she gets involved in a huge conspiracy and she doesn’t know who to trust. The action doesn’t stop as Ning battles assassins, rival tea masters, and corrupt court officials. She also makes some unexpected friends along the way. But the best part of the story is all the details about the tea magic. The competition stretches her to learn new techniques and flavors to achieve different magical effects. It also describes different styles of Asian cooking from all the regions of the Empire. The romantic subplot was a little confusing, but I enjoyed Ning’s friendships and her love for her sister. I can’t wait for the next book!