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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Good conclusion! Felt a little rushed towards the end but it was just as fun as the first! I love the vibes and world building I am really excited to read her next book soon
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have to give Netgalley a massive thanks for the advanced copy of this book. I loved every second of it!
A Venom Dark and Sweet is the sequel and the conclusion to A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea duology), written by Judy J Lin. And I'm going to be honest, the cover is what made me read this, then the fact that the magic system is based on tea. And then all the rest.
This series is currently sitting at one of my top spots for must read duologies. Both of these books were well paced, had really endearing characters and had a really interesting world based on actual Chinese culture and mythology. And book two was even better than the first.
The sequel continues where the first book leaves off and expands the world and the consequences of the events. It also introduces the reader more to the different regions and their own types of folktales. What I also enjoyed was how the characters keep learning from each other and also grew in their own rights. I can honestly say I am sad to see them go. I hope to hear from them again soon!
If this is the level at which Judy J Lin enters the book world, I cannot wait to read more of her work!
A Venom Dark and Sweet is the sequel and the conclusion to A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea duology), written by Judy J Lin. And I'm going to be honest, the cover is what made me read this, then the fact that the magic system is based on tea. And then all the rest.
This series is currently sitting at one of my top spots for must read duologies. Both of these books were well paced, had really endearing characters and had a really interesting world based on actual Chinese culture and mythology. And book two was even better than the first.
The sequel continues where the first book leaves off and expands the world and the consequences of the events. It also introduces the reader more to the different regions and their own types of folktales. What I also enjoyed was how the characters keep learning from each other and also grew in their own rights. I can honestly say I am sad to see them go. I hope to hear from them again soon!
If this is the level at which Judy J Lin enters the book world, I cannot wait to read more of her work!
I wish we had seen Ning’s father at the end, or been told something about him at least. Ning’s relationship with her family is very important, yet the finale doesn’t tell us a thing about Shu’s and their father’s reaction to Ning having saved Dáxi.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Glad to be able to read the end of Ning’s story, but I found the climax and how everything ended up shaking out a bit uninspired. The first book was amazing, which I feel brought this up from a 3 star book for me.
Actual rating: 2.5 ★
Didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as the first one, and there were two main reasons why:
The first was that the quest-centered plot (so. many. macguffins.) just didn’t interest me nearly as much as the competition and political drama in the first book. It lacked any sense of intrigue – I guess the characters didn’t entirely grasp what was happening, but the reader certainly did.
The second reason was that after two books, the characters and their motivations still felt very underdeveloped and vague. I would have a hard time trying to describe anyone's personality, including the main character. All I really know about Ning is that she wants to save her sister and I guess she's a bit feisty (?)
I’ve also seen some reviewers say that the ending was rushed, which is probably true, but by that time I was already skimming and didn’t care all that much.
Also, and this is a nitpick, they changed Ning’s narrator. I really liked Carolyn Kang’s performance in the first book; it was very calm and pleasant. And while Nancy Wu is a good narrator – her narration in Convenience Store Woman was great! – her performance was such a stark contrast to Kang’s that it took me out of the story.
I still think the first book is worth a read/listen, because of the unique world and magic, but I wouldn’t recommend this.
Didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as the first one, and there were two main reasons why:
The first was that the quest-centered plot (so. many. macguffins.) just didn’t interest me nearly as much as the competition and political drama in the first book. It lacked any sense of intrigue – I guess the characters didn’t entirely grasp what was happening, but the reader certainly did.
The second reason was that after two books, the characters and their motivations still felt very underdeveloped and vague. I would have a hard time trying to describe anyone's personality, including the main character. All I really know about Ning is that she wants to save her sister and I guess she's a bit feisty (?)
I’ve also seen some reviewers say that the ending was rushed, which is probably true, but by that time I was already skimming and didn’t care all that much.
Also, and this is a nitpick, they changed Ning’s narrator. I really liked Carolyn Kang’s performance in the first book; it was very calm and pleasant. And while Nancy Wu is a good narrator – her narration in Convenience Store Woman was great! – her performance was such a stark contrast to Kang’s that it took me out of the story.
I still think the first book is worth a read/listen, because of the unique world and magic, but I wouldn’t recommend this.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Okay okay okay.
Kang redeemed himself (yay) but he’s a pretty flat character regardless. This counts for everyone.
I enjoyed the story but the ending was rushed and the epilogue was unnecessary in my opinion.
Still read it in two days tho so do with that what you will
Kang redeemed himself (yay) but he’s a pretty flat character regardless. This counts for everyone.
I enjoyed the story but the ending was rushed and the epilogue was unnecessary in my opinion.
Still read it in two days tho so do with that what you will