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pvbobrien's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
thereadingskeleton's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.5
Thank you to B2Weird Book Club, Fierce Reads, and Feiwel & Friends for an ARC in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.
Rep: East Asian cast (Taiwanese author), achillean side character, sapphic side characters
What a gorgeous book—and I’m not just talking about that breathtaking cover. This is such a fun, fast-paced read, and it had me hooked from start to finish.
If I had to choose the shining star of this book, I’d say it’s the unique magic system. I’ve never read anything quite like the tea-making magic of the shennong-shi, and that’s a shame because I absolutely adored it. Tea is such a natural part of the world, so obviously ingrained in every aspect of the culture, and that makes it the perfect venue for the world’s magic.
The characters, too, though, shine. So often, side characters (and even love interests!) end up being dull and flat, but here there are so many compelling characters in the cast that it’s almost a shame (because we don’t get to spend enough time with each of them!). What I loved most about the characters is that many of them have mysterious or murky motives. Their reasons aren’t always immediately clear—and in fact are sometimes downright unfathomable—which is how people really are. People are very rarely easy to read, and I definitely appreciate the author trying to capture that here.
Other highlights include the lyrical prose and a cliffhanger ending (this is the first in a duology) that will have you fighting not to throw the book against the wall.
I will say that this is a pretty plot-heavy book. There’s quite a bit going on, and it does sometimes feel like too much. Because of this, as I mentioned before, we don’t get as much time as I personally would have liked with all of the interesting characters. I think it ultimately balances out (and I imagine YA regulars won’t have many complaints about it), but if you’re happier with books that are character-focused and lighter on plot, this might not be your cup of tea (pun intended).
Rep: East Asian cast (Taiwanese author), achillean side character, sapphic side characters
What a gorgeous book—and I’m not just talking about that breathtaking cover. This is such a fun, fast-paced read, and it had me hooked from start to finish.
If I had to choose the shining star of this book, I’d say it’s the unique magic system. I’ve never read anything quite like the tea-making magic of the shennong-shi, and that’s a shame because I absolutely adored it. Tea is such a natural part of the world, so obviously ingrained in every aspect of the culture, and that makes it the perfect venue for the world’s magic.
The characters, too, though, shine. So often, side characters (and even love interests!) end up being dull and flat, but here there are so many compelling characters in the cast that it’s almost a shame (because we don’t get to spend enough time with each of them!). What I loved most about the characters is that many of them have mysterious or murky motives. Their reasons aren’t always immediately clear—and in fact are sometimes downright unfathomable—which is how people really are. People are very rarely easy to read, and I definitely appreciate the author trying to capture that here.
Other highlights include the lyrical prose and a cliffhanger ending (this is the first in a duology) that will have you fighting not to throw the book against the wall.
I will say that this is a pretty plot-heavy book. There’s quite a bit going on, and it does sometimes feel like too much. Because of this, as I mentioned before, we don’t get as much time as I personally would have liked with all of the interesting characters. I think it ultimately balances out (and I imagine YA regulars won’t have many complaints about it), but if you’re happier with books that are character-focused and lighter on plot, this might not be your cup of tea (pun intended).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Thank you to B2 Weird bookclub, Fierce Reads and Feiwel and Friends for a review copy in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.
4.5/5 rounded up! I need everyone to pick up this book immediately!
A Magic Steeped in Poison features a magic system based on Taiwanese tea culture! This story follows Ning as she navigates the grief over her mother's death and trying to find a cure for her sister who is deathly ill. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi, she travels to the imperial city to compete in the hopes that winning will grant her a favor to cure her sister.
Between dark court politics, backstabbing competitors and the challenging contest, Ning has her hands full. Not to mention Ning wasn't actually her mother's apprentice, so her knowledge about the art of brewing tea is not as strong as other competitors.
I was swept away by the world building and amazing magic system. I loved seeing Ning navigate the challenges of the shennong-shi. Competition books like this are some of my favorite fantasy books to read. The competition is so fun and cool. I loved the various events, except the one that involved birds. Ning's skill and magic was so freaking cool. I loved that she could do so many things with tea and I need her to come over and make me so magic tea.
I loved Ning’s character. She was curious, protective and dedicated. I have a feeling we’ve only seen the tip of her magical abilities and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the sequel.
Chinese coded cast. Cis female MC, sapphic female side characters, achillean male side characters, various side characters are poisoned and terminally ill.
CW: Violence, bullying, grief, death of parent, classism, animal cruelty, animal death, death, attempted murder/murder, blood, medical content, injury/injury detail. Moderate: alcohol consumption, misogyny, sexism, terminal illness. Minor: vomit, confinement, torture, war.
4.5/5 rounded up! I need everyone to pick up this book immediately!
A Magic Steeped in Poison features a magic system based on Taiwanese tea culture! This story follows Ning as she navigates the grief over her mother's death and trying to find a cure for her sister who is deathly ill. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi, she travels to the imperial city to compete in the hopes that winning will grant her a favor to cure her sister.
Between dark court politics, backstabbing competitors and the challenging contest, Ning has her hands full. Not to mention Ning wasn't actually her mother's apprentice, so her knowledge about the art of brewing tea is not as strong as other competitors.
I was swept away by the world building and amazing magic system. I loved seeing Ning navigate the challenges of the shennong-shi. Competition books like this are some of my favorite fantasy books to read. The competition is so fun and cool. I loved the various events, except the one that involved birds. Ning's skill and magic was so freaking cool. I loved that she could do so many things with tea and I need her to come over and make me so magic tea.
I loved Ning’s character. She was curious, protective and dedicated. I have a feeling we’ve only seen the tip of her magical abilities and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the sequel.
Chinese coded cast. Cis female MC, sapphic female side characters, achillean male side characters, various side characters are poisoned and terminally ill.
CW: Violence, bullying, grief, death of parent, classism, animal cruelty, animal death, death, attempted murder/murder, blood, medical content, injury/injury detail. Moderate: alcohol consumption, misogyny, sexism, terminal illness. Minor: vomit, confinement, torture, war.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Minor: Confinement, Torture, Vomit, and War
orchidd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Confinement, Terminal illness, Violence, Medical content, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture and Vomit
nwara's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Violence, Grief, and Classism
kwkich's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The cover art is absolutely stunning and was the first thing to catch my eye but even better than the beautiful illustration is the world building and characters within!
The magic system and framework for the world is a mesmerizing mix of a Chinese mythology, ancient tea traditions and wuxia and xianxia influences. There’s such a beautiful lyricism to the descriptions and a haunting mystery just waiting under the surface. This is a world that is just bursting with layers upon layers of secrets, devious backstabbing and courtly intrigue. Dreams and schemes living alongside immense greed and growing fear all wrapped up around a magic-infused tea competition.
But beyond the politics, at its heart, this is a story about how far a young woman would go to protect and save her family. It’s a beautifully woven tale of perseverance and strength and familial devotion.
Judy I. Lin has crafted an absolutely brilliant debut novel that is sure to thrill and delight. Without a doubt, Lin is a new author to watch for and what I can only expect to be a rising star in the YA fantasy world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Physical abuse and Slavery
caseythereader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thanks to Macmillan for the free copy of this book.
- A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON is gorgeous and action packed. The descriptions of the teas made even this tea hater want to try some of them.
- I did take some issue with the pacing in some parts, and didn't really understand and/or buy the motivations of some characters.
- However, if you're looking for an atmospheric, inventive read with a determined heroine, it's worth giving this book a try.
- A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON is gorgeous and action packed. The descriptions of the teas made even this tea hater want to try some of them.
- I did take some issue with the pacing in some parts, and didn't really understand and/or buy the motivations of some characters.
- However, if you're looking for an atmospheric, inventive read with a determined heroine, it's worth giving this book a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
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