A Magic Steeped in Poison

title: A Magic Steeped in Poison
author: Judy I. Lin
series: The Book of Tea #1
published: 29 March 2022
publisher: Feiwel & Friends
genre(s): fantasy
pages: 364
source: library
format: hardcover
buy/shelve it: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

rating: | series rating:

the blurb

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.

my review

This is such a beautiful book. From the gorgeous cover, to the beauty that lies within the pages, this is a book that is truly art. A Magic Steeped in Poison is the first in The Book of Tea duology, soon to be followed by A Venom Dark and Sweet.

The book reads like mythology, set a world that the author paints vividly. It’s very lyrical, almost having the feel of a song. The use of tea as a magical system is intricate and fascinating, weaving culture and fantasy together in such an engrossing way. The shénnóng-shi, essentially masters of their art, are the wielders of tea magic. Ning is a commoner, her mother a shénnóng-shi in their small village. Once they were far from the treachery of the Court, but someone has been poisoning tea leaves, spreading them around the country and creating unrest. Ning’s own mother has succumbed to the poison, and now her sister is ill, too. Her only choice is to find her way to the Court to take part in an intense competion, the prize being the honored position of shénnóng-shi of the Court. But Ning quickly realizes there is more at play than the cutthroat competition.

There are so many elements to love beyond the beautiful prose. The use of tea-making as the basis of magic is so unique, something that is an inherent part of Asian culture. The magic of it is found just as much in the ingredients the practioner uses as it is in the ritual itself, which felt very appropriate and beautiful. And there are hints of romance for Ning, even as she’s staked everything on winning the competition. There’s a certain beauty in seeing her burgeoning friendship with Lian, her roommate and fellow competitor. And it was wonderful to watch her grow in a world of which she’s never seen even a hint, learning and experiencing beyond the borders of her small village. But there are dark moments as well, those of intrigue, secrets, betrayal, and fear of failure. All of it weaves together a story that is impossible to put down.

some quotes to love

“Grief has a taste, bitter and lingering, but so soft it sometimes disguises itself as sweetness.”

“How can I give another part of myself to someone else, when I already have so little to give?”

“If you can feel someone else’s suffering, how can you look away?”

Rating Report
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reading challenges:

• 2022 Library Love Reading Challenge
• 2022 Linz the Bookworm Reading Challenge