A review by pm_me_book_recs
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The beginning is a slow burn, introducing us carefully and patiently to the world politics and tea magic system, dropping hints of danger and conspiracy to draw us in. About a quarter of the way in, it starts to pick up with the danger and submerges us into the deeply forged ways of Ning's powers with tea. She is a wonderful character, myself being an older sibling I completely resonated with her drive to keep her sister alive. She is indignant toward condescending politicians, sassy with flirtatious strangers, and quick to defend others. I love her and cannot wait to read the second installment to see how this all unfolds. Full of twists, Judy I. Lin leaves us wondering who we can trust. 

Queer representation is pretty good in this one. There is only one relationship (not MC), but it is tender and sweet, fierce, and absolutely normalized and not made a point of. 
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