A Magic Steeped in Poison

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Author(s)

Judy I. Lin

Publisher

Feiwel and Friends

Genre(s)

Age Range

13+

Release Date

March 29, 2022

ISBN

978-1250767080

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Judy I. Lin's sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.

I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her―the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi―masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making―she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.

But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

Editor review

1 review

Magical tea and a battle for a sister life

April 17, 2022

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

What I liked:
Ning is desperate to save her sister from the poison that killed her mother. When she hears about a competition to become the next Shennong-shi, she could win favor from the princess and the chance to save her sister. Competition stories are always a winner as you never know who will betray who, who will be discovered when they are not there, and what they will do to win. The blend of a cultural staple, like tea, with traditional medicine and magic makes for an immersive story.
Final Verdict:
If you love lush food descriptions, a unique magic system, and intriguing competition with lives in the balance, this is the audiobook for you. I was on the edge of my seat while immersed in this fantastical competition.
Audiobook Review: The soothing voice of our narrator echoes the softness of our author, whose writing is just as soft. However, the dire situations in this young adult novel are just as dangerous as any other.

Jan Farnworth, Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 242 reviews

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Overall rating

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Beautiful tea magic with a brave heroine

June 25, 2022

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

A Magic Steeped in Poison follows, Ning, a teenage girl, as she travels to the Imperial Capitol to enter a competition to become the Princess' Shennong-Shi, a master of the art of tea making, who instills tea with magical powers. She hopes to receive a favor from the Princess so that she can find a cure for her sister, after a poisoned brick of tea she brewed killed her mother and caused her sister to be gravely ill.
Ning must face a challenging contest, backstabbing competitors, dangerous politics and the secret that she is impersonating her sister in the contest. She also meets an alluring boy with many secrets.
The plot keeps the reader intrigued, reeling and tense. The world building is vivid and creative. The magic system is fascinating, unique and based on Taiwanese tea culture and folklore. Judy Lin's writing is beautiful, immersive and lyrical. I loved Ning's character as she bravely and tenaciously sought help for her sister in an unfamiliar and hostile environment. Ning is also admirable in that she envisions a kind and just world.
The story ended on a cliffhanger. Fortunately, the sequel, which I'm anxiously awaiting, is coming out this year.