A magic steeped in poison

Fantastic Fiction/Audiobook

A Magic steeped in poison

By Judy I. Lin

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover

Published: March 29, 2022 by Feiwel and Friends

ISBN: 9781250767080 (ISBN10: 1250767083)

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.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story of a teenage girl determined to save her family and her kingdom from ruin. Tea ceremonies flow throughout the story as a way to immerse the reader in the comforts and challenges Ning faces as she navigates a world of ritual, culture, class, dangerous tasks, and political intrigue. Don't read this on an empty stomach or the mouthwatering descriptions of food and drink will fuel cravings for steamed buns, noodles, and delicate pastries! Or maybe you should-- it will give you the perfect excuse to try cooking a new dish or ordering from a local restaurant!

This book is the first part of a duology and I'm excited to read the sequel. This work of fantastical fiction is a gripping story of magic, culture, and spirit. It would be great for a "Books are Magic" feature, for inspiring creative writing, and reading for pleasure.