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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
'A Venom Dark and Sweet' is the second book in the 'The Book of Tea' duology.
The story picks up right where the first book left things off, with two POV narrations this time, as the author allows us to get a glimpse into Kang's perspective and hence into the palace's secrets and politics.
To be honest, this time around, the story got pretty basic for a YA fantasy, as it expanded from Ning being a girl from a province who was trying to save her sister by mastering the magic of tea, to someone who has to fight against an ancient god enemy. The tea magic was missing, the connection with the main character was lost, and the story got lost in the many plotlines and twists.
However, there were some parts that were really enjoyable, like Ning's encounter with the old monk in the mountains, or Kang's pov.
The story picks up right where the first book left things off, with two POV narrations this time, as the author allows us to get a glimpse into Kang's perspective and hence into the palace's secrets and politics.
To be honest, this time around, the story got pretty basic for a YA fantasy, as it expanded from Ning being a girl from a province who was trying to save her sister by mastering the magic of tea, to someone who has to fight against an ancient god enemy. The tea magic was missing, the connection with the main character was lost, and the story got lost in the many plotlines and twists.
However, there were some parts that were really enjoyable, like Ning's encounter with the old monk in the mountains, or Kang's pov.
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
A bit of a forgettable resolution to the duology, I wish there had been a bit more punch and a lot more depth, but I still enjoyed it. First book was much better, I think I was more of a fan of the political intrigue of the first one rather than the wide-spread adventure of the second one. There was a lot of jumps when it came to relationships between characters, I really wish there had been more scenes to really fully develop those relationships. This book really could have been fleshed out more.
Beautiful prose and imagery, as always! I loved the way the artistry of Chinese culture was really showcased in both books. The food, the decor, the architecture was all described in such visceral detail, I loved that.
Beautiful prose and imagery, as always! I loved the way the artistry of Chinese culture was really showcased in both books. The food, the decor, the architecture was all described in such visceral detail, I loved that.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A bit disappointed by this one honestly. It’s not bad at all, but the confrontation was SO rushed while the build up was really dragged out. The real confrontation happened in the last 30 pages and it made me think “how the f is this going to end in only 30 pages?” Yeah well, by rushing it. Could’ve been way better.
Honestly I loved the book, but the ending/climax felt so out of place with the rest of the story that it kind of left a bad last impression. The tone and pacing were so out of touch with the language and flow of the rest of the story that it felt like I was dumped into a new book right at the end.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
“There are those who refuse to see things even when the truth is right before them— sometimes it is better to work around them than to try to convince them of a truth they cannot comprehend.”
My favourite thing to read is a plot within a plot. I enjoy a story that not only takes its time to unravel but does so in a way that makes me hooked to every page!
I loved the dual POV in the second book and the paralleled ways in which Kang and Ning’s story comes together.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No