Such a charming idea to have magic in the form of tea!

With thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for this copy.

This was a book that always interested me, and I’m so glad I have had the opportunity to read it! I was kept on the edge of my seat at many turns during this story. I love the character of Ning and I feel that the need to succeed in order to save her sister is very visceral.

I cannot wait to read the sequel!

*2,5 stars*

Thank you Netgally and Titan for providing me with an arc of this book.

A Magic Steeped in Poison is a fun, fast-paced book, but I really disliked the writing. It was just so awkwardly written, I couldn’t get into the story. I didn’t care about any of the cliche characters and relationships. The YA fantasy surrounding a magical competition has been done so many times before and this one just didn’t add anything new. The book does exactly what you expect it to do. The cool tea magic saves it a little though.

Such an incredible magic system!! The magic system in this book is what made me want to read it and it did not disappoint! I loved the story so much that I ordered my own physical copies of both the first book & the sequel.

All the love in the world to Netgalley and this book's publisher for this eARC ♥️

A Magic Steeped in Poison brings us into the world of magical tea brewing and the tricky politics of Emperial China. This is a great book for fantasy beginners as it is engaging and highly entertaining.

But for someone who's deep into fantasy, I find the world building and magic system to be very mild. I crave for more depth especially when it comes to the magic system, as it is not often that I could come upon traditional tea brewing as a form of magic. It's authentic and very intrigueing if done right.

Characters to me are hits and misses. They all have their own agenda within this story, which made them motivational. But not enough character development to make me fall super super hard on any character. Ning is a basic common citizen with the purest intention. The princess is pretty gray but her colour is very predictable as the story progresses. Kang is probably the most unpredictable, but I'm sure he'd turn out exactly what we expect of him in the next book.

The pace of this book is pretty fast. Plots would unfold very quickly between chapters. But not in the most organic way. What disappoint me the is the tournament itself. Its the center of the plot, yet it's dealt in a very flimsy way. The politic stuffs are what carry the book for me. And I am a hopeless romantic, I don't care what his intention is, but I want more Kang-Ning scenes.

Rounded up from 4.5 stars

I've been so excited for this book since I first heard about it and I was not disappointed in the slightest. I enjoyed this so much. Once I had time to get stuck in I was completely hooked. It was so beautifully crafted. I loved the characters, the plot, and the magic system.

It was pretty fast paced and sometimes I needed to go back and check what had just happened but that might have been because I was so invested in finding out what was going on, I was speed reading it.

What drew me to this book was obviously the cover - it’s gorgeous and I love it even more because it fits the vibe of the book so well.
But I enjoyed the book itself nearly as much as looking on the cover as well, so - success! Double success?

I was hooked from the first chapter; Ning’s story is really fast paces in the beginning and without realizing I’ve read so much I was already 1/3 through the book. It was a really captivating read, the magic system surrounding the art of tea brewing was really cool and special to read about.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the whole competition plot but that was mostly because I 1) read too many books about competitions in my life and rarely there’s one that surprises me and 2) it felt like Ning wasn’t winning anyway from the beginning, what she wanted out of the win - a cure for her sister - seemed so far fetched that it was sometimes hard for me to root for her because it was so obvious that she wouldn’t reach her goal.
But the court politics and in general the politic discussion about the world made up for that, I really enjoyed these aspects of the story, especially during the last third of the book.

I’m also really glad there wasn’t a whole romance plot, there were only hints of romance. I could have lived without those as well, but overall I was just happy to read a YA fantasy without a romance because it’s hard to find those. (And I get it, I love romance, but not every book needs one.)

But the best thing about the book was definitely the ending - I loved the cliffhanger, it was so mean, but so well written and I actually didn’t saw it coming! I’m just super excited for the second book right now.

I loved this book, I am feeling very lucky that all the books I am reading this month are so good. The only reasons I won't give this book 5 stars is because for around 30% of the book it felt like a book I had already read, it was very similar to others, which is fine, many books drink from the same myths and legends and is normal that some parts feel similar, that's the reason I didn't mind and continued reading. But it quickly became its own with the most original magic system through tea. I absolutely loved the magic system center on tea and medicinal plants.
I loved how all the characters in the book except one are strong women, there is a bit of romance but is not the main plot, that focus more on the friendships. It flows great and it was difficult to stop reading, I ended up reading most of the night because I couldn't put it down.
I cannot wait to read the next one, what a clifhanger. 😱 and I am seriously considering ordering B&N exclusive box set, as in UK this books aren't coming in hardback.

For those in the UK, go pre-order this, it's out in just 14 days!!!
And for those in the US this is already released, what are you waiting for??

A Magic Steeped in Poison follows Ning, our protagonist, whose mother is a skilled shennong-shi - someone who has studied and mastered the magical and ancient art of tea making. However, when her mother dies from a poisoned tea which Ning unknowingly served her, and the same poison now threatens the life of her sister Shu, Ning embarks on a mission to save her sister and find the culprit.

When the imperial princess summons the greatest shennong-shi in the land to compete to be the next official court shennong-shi, Ning knows she must go to the capital and enter. If she were to win, she would gain a favour from the princess herself and be able to save her family. The only problem is, Ning was never her mother’s apprentice, and if her lie is discovered it will have deadly consequences for both her and Shu...

Magic, backstabbing, court politics, twists, handsome princes and morally grey characters galore - I loved it. Appearances are deceiving in this novel, and the blend of Chinese mythology and folklore with ancient tea-making traditions was fascinating. Ning is such a relatable MC who I was rooting for throughout and with that ending I can’t wait for the sequel!

A Magic Steeped in Poison is a tense, gripping read which will make you want to stay up late (like I did!) just to finish it off. It is out in the UK on Sept 6th. Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the e-arc.

“The more you ask of the magic, the more it takes, either from the one who casts or the one receives.”

Overview

When Ning’s mother is killed and her sister is gravely ill from poisoned tea, Ning decides to enter the competition to become the court shennong-shi and use the favour the Emperor will grant to save her sister. However when she gets to the capital Ning is embroiled in rumours of rebellion, and struggles against the discrimination she faces.

What I Liked

I love Ning and the strength of her character! I loved seeing her develop and make friendships throughout the competition, and her dynamic with Kang is fantastic.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the world-building. The magic system is fascinating, and I love how it is all linked to tea - as a tea drinker myself, it was really interesting to find just how many plants and brews I recognised! The writing style is very descriptive and lyrical without being overly flowery or verbose. It reads like a fairytale, and reminds me a lot of Daughter of the Moon Goddess but with a faster pace.

The main characters were all well developed, and the plot flowed well. The pacing was consistent and I never found myself getting bored or lost.

What I Didn’t Like

Nothing of the plot or writing, but the characters… lets just say that Kang’s father needs to be stopped… permanently!

Oh, and the ending. What a brutal cliffhanger! Great ending, but I don’t want to wait months until I can read the sequel haha

Other Impressions

Overall, I absolutely loved A Magic Steeped In Poison! It swept me away into this world brimming with mystery and magic, and I felt like I was immersed the whole time. It also made me want tea, so if you’re a tea lover, I highly recommend! Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Lim and Axie Oh.

“Beautiful and Magical”
*full review up on my blog:
https://raynasoreads.wordpress.com/2022/08/20/a-magic-steeped-in-poison/

A Magic Steeped in Poison’s stunning artwork in vibrant pastel hues will be hard to resist and it’s matched beautifully with Judy I. Lin’s lyrical and evocative prose. The writing is lush with abundant descriptions of food, locations and of course, teas immersing you fully into the world that Lin has created.

The story begins by introducing you to Zhang Ning, a young woman racked with guilt over the recent death of her mother and determined to save her younger sister, Shu from the same poisoned tea that Ning had unknowingly prepared for them both. The invitation to participate in an imperial competition for talented Shennong-shi, masters of the magical art of tea-making, may be the only chance to save her sister’s life. What she wasn’t prepared for was the relentless court politics, sabotage, royal assassination attempts and a mysterious man with questionable intentions standing between her and redemption.

I absolutely loved the magic system; a blend of traditional tea ceremonies and Chinese herbal medicine. It’s something I haven’t come across before and one of the main reasons I was drawn to the book in the first place. Lin makes an admirable effort to showcase a diverse range of teas from all the different regions of China, using it as a tool to ground her universe and make it feel authentic and expansive. The type of magic varies widely based on the specialisations of the Shennong-shi (Masters) or Shennong-Tu (Apprentices), but I really love the idea of the endless possibilities for customization and the different approaches each individual competitor took to achieve their end goal. I’ve never come across a book that weaves its central theme into its narrative so seamlessly and effortlessly as well as Lin has. Tea is steeped into every facet of this book, but never once does it feel forced or gimmicky.

The story itself is multi-layered with twists, subplots and enough political intrigue to keep the narrative moving at a steady pace, but I did wish that I could have spent a bit more time with certain characters, especially Lian, whose mischievous nature and fierce protectiveness of Ning helped to soften the tension of the palace politics and vindictive backstabbing from fellow competitors. Their genuine friendship and comradery in the face of male chauvinism was a real highlight.

My only real criticism of the book is the cliffhanger ending. While it isn’t uncommon with books that are part of a series to want to leave readers wanting more, I did find this particular ending jarring as it felt really abrupt. I flipped the last page back and forth not quite believing that there wasn’t another chapter left to read.

I might be overly critical due to being relatively spoilt recently with the publishing of some amazing fantasy duologies over the past few years. The first books in those series have had very satisfying endings that wrapped up most of the main plots narratives, leaving behind only the overarching “bigger picture” storylines in tact to explore. You obviously want to read the next book, but it’s wrapped up neatly enough that the long wait between releases isn’t too painful. Like being given a warm hug and gentle wave goodbye until next we meet again. A Magic Steeped in Poison on the other hand has left me screaming for the opening chapter of the following book and lamenting over how I will cope during the long wait until January 2023 for the UK release.

Honestly it’s not really much of a criticism as it shows just how much I want to read the conclusion, but it’ll definitely be a series I’ll be recommending purchasing as a set when A Venom Dark and Sweet is published. With a story this rich and inviting, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.

If you love east Asian inspired fantasy, dreamy lyrical writing and strong female characters then you’ll absolutely love, A Magic Steeped in Poison. And by god, if you love pretty books your bookshelf will thank you for it.

Really enjoyed this. Beautiful magic system based on the art of tea service.
Forbidden romance, unexpected allies.
Can’t wait to read the next.

Evocatively and beautifully brought to life, A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON is an enchanting, atmospheric tale of the power of love, loss, and a good cup of tea.

I liked this a lot! It's evocative, beautifully written, and stunningly vibrant. Very much in the same vein of Elizabeth Lim's SPIN THE DAWN books, Lin has a talent for her prose, sweeping you away to a Chinese-esque fantasy world that oozes courtly intrigue and strange magic. The tournament keeps you engrossed and the trials are entertaining, even if not so much for Ning, our heroine struggling to keep up with her more elite male counterparts.

Ning and the supporting cast aren't completely enamouring and memorable, but they fit into the world well and service the story fine, though you might get a little leery with the speed at which she and her love interest Kang develop a romance. The book is also non-topical about inclusiveness of different sexualities; quite rare of high fantasies, which is refreshing.

I'm interested to see where the story goes next!

A great YA debut.
I really enjoyed the mythology that was weaved well into the story creating a beautiful and magical narrative.
The different teas and food descriptions were just lovely.
The story develops really well and I couldn’t wait to find out what the next stage was during the competition was!
Thanks so much for the E-ARC.

Posted to Goodreads and Waterstones

This book was amazing. I adored every part of it, from the explanation of the tea ceremonies and the magic system, to how Ning's character is developed over the first book. Racked by grief from her mother's death and reeling from the blame she puts on herself, she sends herself off with the only thought of saving her sister from the poisonous tea.

tea is a monumental part of this book, from the magical bonds between the users, the skills developed and how Ning is able to see into peoples mind and ease their pain, a powerful and rare skill that not many people have

I also loved the subtle romantic relationships between Kang and Ning, and the princess and her warrior. It wasn't the main focus of the book but we were given the chance by Judy to see into their relationships but without overpowering the book

I will be buying this book and the sequel for when it comes out!

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: A Magic Steeped in Poison
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Book 1 of 2 of the Book of Tea series
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Judy I. Lin
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Fantasy
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 6th September 2022
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5

“We all have people we care about, those we would give our lives for. It puts us in danger, or makes us dangerous.”

Ning’s life changes irrevocably when she accidentally brews a tea for her mother and sister that contains poison. Weighed under with the grief and the guilt of losing her mother and kept going by the sheer determination to save her sister, Ning enters the kingdom’s competition to be appointed the kingdom’s next shennong-shi (master of the ancient art of brewing tea), needing to win to be granted a favour from the Princess to save her sisters life. But, who can Ning trust when the plot to poison citizens seems to originate from the palace itself?

What struck me most about this book is that it is absolutely jam-packed with gorgeous cultural references to Asian mythologies. It reads like a love letter to the Chinese culture and for that reason, the story makes it really easy for the reader to fall in love with the culture too.

Unfortunately, I think it may be a bit too overpacked. There were so many ideologies mentioned that they seemed to be mentioned once (in the case of the ‘three souls’ theology), mentioned a couple of times (the moon goddess mythology), or mentioned intermittently with no real backstory (in the case of the hour of the thief, hour of the ghost). I simply needed more than a mention of these references to fully realise the relevance they had to the story. Although I felt these mythological references need a fuller explanation in the story, there was no denying the beauty of them and the fairytale-esque quality they lent the story. Perhaps this is me being overly invested in fairytales though, which can often be the case.

I’m about to point out the obvious, but for the first book in a series where the series is called ’Book of Tea’ the tea really does act as the magical system of the book, instead of acting as a tool which is what I was expecting. And that is why this book exceeded my expectations. The tea making was utterly enthralling. This may be a fantasy book but it also provides the reader with a magical insight into the ancient art of tea making and my glimpse into that world was spectacular.

“I understand now. The magic is not in the ceremony of pouring the tea or the sharing of the cup. It is in the connection, the brief joining of souls. The tea leaves are a channel, the ingredients the signposts.”

Plot wise, it’s a lot packed into one book. I often found myself scrambling, needing to reread to make the scene make sense. However, it is a book that is really well written, with an original plot that shook me to my core in the last 15% of the book.

This story is enjoyable, beautiful, and easily worth picking up. I absolutely need to quench my thirst with A Venom Dark and Sweet now.

Have you read Daughter of the Moon Goddess and enjoyed it? Make A Magic Steeped in Poison your next delve into the rich culture of Chinese mythology.

🧚🏻‍♀️

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This was a good book, with an interesting magic system and some gorgeous descriptions but overall I felt a little underwhelmed by it.

Our tale follows Ning on her journey to save her sister, via the way of a royal competition. By taking part in the competition to become the next "Shennong-Shi" (master of magical tea-making), she will receive a favour from the princess and heal her sister from the poison she's ingested. Along the way she discovers its not just the art of tea she needs to learn, but also politics and intrigue.

Let's start with the good stuff about this book!

I really enjoyed the descriptions in this book, particularly the way the author describes food which genuinely had me salivating throughout the book. The language used was evocative and I found myself enjoying the minutiae of the tea ceremonies throughout the book. I also enjoyed the Asian mythology throughout the book, as this is something that I've loved reading about for years (and something I want to see more of in books!)

The magic system as well I thought was unique, heavily reliant on the tea ceremonies previously mentioned and a really fun twist. As mentioned the language used amplified this for me and I found myself enjoying these portions of the book immensely.

The characters we encounter throughout the book all had their differentiating roles to play and I thought that the LGBTQ+ representation throughout the book was great, which surprised me. There are multiple LGBTQ+ characters throughout and I never felt like they were added to fit a quota, in fact the mundanity of some of their relationships is what made me enjoy it more!

The negative side of this book in my opinion is the protagonist, Ning. I've finished the book and I still don't feel like I really understand her as a person. I didn't feel like there was enough growth for her throughout the book and that her personality chopped and changed to fit whatever situation she was in. Admittedly towards the end of the book, she improved and I think I understood her better but even still, I wasn't invested in her by this point to really care enough about the trials and tribulations she was going through (as awful as that may sound!)

I'm hoping the next book in this series keeps up the gorgeous writing and the great mythological setting but works a little more on rounding out the protagonist - which is why I've given it a 3 out of 5.

A Magic Steeped in Poison has a great premise (the magic of traditional tea making) and a promising finale (where both political and supernatural threat is established ready for book 2). However, I really struggled for most of this, for a few reasons. I can appreciate the work that has gone into a detailed representation of the preparation of different teas, but I personally really didn't get anything from those passages (maybe because I don't have a strong visual imagination?). And the other main component of this book is a very straightforward YA story with all the familiar elements: a girl speaking out against power, a noble love interest with baggage, a competition with rude rivals, and an uncomplicated political setup with well-meaning politicians versus conniving ones. These tropes are not bad in themselvea, and the style, while a bit plain, is not obstructive, but it's just a matter of this book, despite such a distinctive central premise, struggling to stand out against comparable YA I've read. That being said, I was enjoying myself by the end, and I hope book 2 can keep the momentum and truly become its own thing.

I loved this book!

The magic concept was so beautifully original & well written, easy to understand but still with a complexity that could lead the story anywhere.

The plot was fast paced & seemed well thought out, although a few things here or there seemed a bit far reaching, overall I enjoyed the story (but not that little cliffhanger!).

The characters were all well rounded & for the most part believable. I liked the relationships Ning found along the way & although the love interest was a bit “insta-love” for my tastes, I do really hope they end up together by the end of the duology!

Thank you to Titan & Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Full review to be posted on Goodreads & StoryGraph on 1/9.

Magic based on different tea? Sign me up. This was so cool! With everything revolving around the tea and the characters this book was so enjoyable. With mythology and romance this is a fantastic story.

This is a fantastic fantasy book steeped in myths and legend. The characters draw you in and the storytelling really captures your imagination and the pace never slows down. It is cinematic in its quality and I really hope it gets picked up for a film of TV series - it richly deserves this.
The main characters are really well constructed and you end up really rooting for them - though you never really know who to trust as the book progresses.
Being a fan of Japanese/Chinese fiction this really does not disappoint and is probably one of the best books in the genre I have read for a very long time.