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A review by heddas_bookgems
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
3.0
Tempest of Tea starts off with a fantastic premise, Arthie’s tea room at day, and by night, a cozy little hiding spot where vampires sip on something stronger than just Earl Grey. Sounds like the recipe for a hit, right? But instead of a rich, full-bodied story, what we get is more like a weak brew that’s been steeped a bit too long. The plot is on the thin side, and the world-building? Let’s just say it could use a few more leaves in the pot. It’s like someone started painting a beautiful landscape but got bored halfway through and left it unfinished.
As for the characters, they’re a bit like those tea bags that all look and taste the same, no matter what the label says. Arthie and her crew don’t have much in the way of distinct voices, and after a while, it’s hard to tell who’s who. Throw in some awkward time jumps, and it’s like trying to read a book where someone keeps flipping pages out of order, not exactly the smoothest ride.
That said, the middle section of the book starts to perk up with a heist that’s actually pretty fun. Just when you’re wondering if you should switch to coffee, the story finally gets a bit of a jolt. There are moments where you can see shades of Six of Crows or Peaky Blinders, but the Arthurian elements? They’re more like a dash of cinnamon that you can barely taste. They’re there, but they are more like a nod to something cooler than an integral part of the world.
The saving grace in all this? Mateo. He’s like the one fancy biscuit in the pack that makes you keep reaching for another. He’s got personality, charm, and a spark that the rest of the cast could really use. Honestly, without him, the story would be a bit like trying to drink tea without sugar, just not quite satisfying.
So, Tempest of Tea is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s got a cool idea and a few standout moments, but overall, it doesn’t quite steep long enough to be memorable. You’ll get some enjoyment out of it, but it’s more of a once-in-a-while read than a go-to favorite.
As for the characters, they’re a bit like those tea bags that all look and taste the same, no matter what the label says. Arthie and her crew don’t have much in the way of distinct voices, and after a while, it’s hard to tell who’s who. Throw in some awkward time jumps, and it’s like trying to read a book where someone keeps flipping pages out of order, not exactly the smoothest ride.
That said, the middle section of the book starts to perk up with a heist that’s actually pretty fun. Just when you’re wondering if you should switch to coffee, the story finally gets a bit of a jolt. There are moments where you can see shades of Six of Crows or Peaky Blinders, but the Arthurian elements? They’re more like a dash of cinnamon that you can barely taste. They’re there, but they are more like a nod to something cooler than an integral part of the world.
The saving grace in all this? Mateo. He’s like the one fancy biscuit in the pack that makes you keep reaching for another. He’s got personality, charm, and a spark that the rest of the cast could really use. Honestly, without him, the story would be a bit like trying to drink tea without sugar, just not quite satisfying.
So, Tempest of Tea is a bit of a mixed bag. It’s got a cool idea and a few standout moments, but overall, it doesn’t quite steep long enough to be memorable. You’ll get some enjoyment out of it, but it’s more of a once-in-a-while read than a go-to favorite.