Title: A Magic Steeped In Poison
Author: Judy I. Lin
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 384
Release Date: 29 March 2022
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Hello fellow booklovers,
welcome to my stop on the TBR and Beyond Tours blog tour for A Magic Steeped In Poison. Inspired by Chinese mythology and infused with lyrical prose, Judy I. Lin’s page-turning fantasy debut is a veritable feast for the senses.
Trust me, if the gorgeously descriptive vistas and food references don’t have you completely spellbound (or salivating), then the charmingly original magic system and compelling cast of characters will.
I also just wanted to say a huge thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours and Feiwel & Friends for the e-arc.
You can also find the rest of the Tour Schedule down below.
Synopsis
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.
Review
I absolutely loved this! The world building is utterly breathtaking thanks to Lin’s skillfully lush and vividly detailed prose, which I found both immersive and addictive (honesty I didn’t want to put it down.)
I adored Ning, who’s a strong and intelligent young woman willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family which I loved. I was also really invested in the slow-burn, chemistry between Ning and the mysterious boy (his identity is revealed and it’s good.) The longing looks and tension filled scenes were great but, I feel the pacing was a little too slow to really enjoy it fully.
In fact, all the characters are beautifully complex and multilayered, it definitely played out really well with the political intrigue and backstabbing arc which I found really entertaining (I was on the edge of my seat.)
I have to admit, I did find myself trying to guess the identity of the poisoner and was suspicious of virtually everyone but, I have to admit the big reveal was handled exceptionally well.
Overall, a incredibly strong start to a new YA Fantasy series that fans of Elizabeth Lim are going to love. Also, I need to get ahold of ‘A Venom Dark and Sweet’ because the suspense of that ending is probably going to kill me!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
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