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lyakimov's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enjoyable read, but it was actually so much like The Scarlet Alchemist, which I just read a couple days ago so the similarities were strong in my mind. It is a pretty similar kind of story but I think with this kind of generic storyline that there can be something unique about it. I liked the unique idea of having tea be used as a power. Maybe because I read something similar too soon and it stunted my enjoyment a little, or maybe I was not in the right headspace to read it. I might be interested enough in reading the sequel.
vahalaemma's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
caidyn's review against another edition
I wasn't interested or drawn into the story or characters, sadly.
killahb94's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jessicastephenson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm continuing on my journey through "books I purchased because the cover was so pretty but I still haven't read", and this turned out to be such an enjoyable book with a unique magic system. It's not perfect - I feel like the story was a very even plateau throughout, and ended in a cliffhanger which is understandably meant to entice the reader to go to the next book but feels a bit ill-timed. However, I really liked the competition aspect and all the tea content and I'm intrigued where the story will go next.
thimi_time's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Can’t believe it would end on a cliffhanger like that. But all in all, I quite enjoyed this novel. It took me a little to get into it (about 1/4 of the way through) but after that I was hooked. I will definitely be seeking out the sequel.
pumpkinspice_25's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.0
amschelly153's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A good YA duology with some really intriguing twists and turns, beautifully written
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
rickireadss's review against another edition
4.0
i really liked this one!! lin does a great job at writing plot twists and the last 20% really had me on the edge of my seat. i'm eager to continue the duology!
representation: Taiwanese MCs
content warnings:death of parent, violence, murder, torture, confinement, blood, grief, death, war, vomit, animal cruelty, body horror, gore, medical content, medical trauma, bullying
representation: Taiwanese MCs
content warnings: