Judy I. Lin

In this enchanting debut YA fantasy, a young tea-maker travels to the capital city to take part in a cutthroat magical competition that could be the key to saving her sister's life.

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.

The Book of Tea #1

A Magic Steeped in Poison

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 kingdoms greatest shénnóng-shī -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 Nings 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's life might actually be the one in more danger.

A Magic Steeped In Poison

Julia Rutgers

I have always tracked the natural pattern of living things, having grown up depending on these signs for our food. Birds flying across the sky to signal an early winter, or marks of disturbance in the forest, hinting at the arrival of spring. What are the guards if not another pattern to notice?

I would make my way to the orchard beyond the tea garden and find solace in climbing the trees. I liked the feel of the bark in my hands, finding the footholds and handholds, sending me higher and higher. The soothing rustle of the wind through the trees and the sound of the cicadas were music that I understood.

Even though the princess's ceremonial robe must be heavy on her shoulders, she does not give any indication of straining under its weight. The robe is colored a shade of purple so dark it is almost black. As she moves, it sways behind her, and the threads shimmer and ripple, revealing mountain peaks and winding rivers in silver thread. She wears the kingdom on her back.

Courage burns bright and strong in my chest, hot as a sunbaked river rock.

Alli

…to remember that even the sun can be shot down from the sky."

I am selfish, and I know now that I will no longer apologize for it. 

The passages centered around brewing tea and cooking food in this book are my favorite - I need more fantasy books centered around food. There’s just so much care & effort that goes into the process of this magic, I love it. 

The leaves steep, then I pour the tea into a cup, followed by two tiny osmanthus blooms. They float to the surface of the tea, caressed by bubbles. 

"The more you ask of the magic," I say, "the more it takes, either from the one who casts or the one who receives."

Mother always told me I had the gift. Raw and uncultivated, but mine to reject and mine to embrace.

You cannot commune with the Gods in silence. 

Emma Miller

Fantastically written fantasy YA. The descriptions of food and tea were enchanting. The magic was so unique and well thought out. Ning’s point of view narration is engrossing, a credit to the author’s well developed voice for her main character. I devoured this book and I cannot wait to read the sequel. 

Cecilia Bala

tori 👻

Bria

Ellie M.

What a clever way of sharing ancient Chinese mythology to readers. A Magic Steeped in Poison is without a doubt, a very unique story infused with the charm of tea, fantasy, and tantalizing, twisted court politics. The author has managed to configure a fantasy book that unites archaic texts with the richness of legends and folklore. I initially set my eyes on the beautiful cover, and I expected to like this, so I’m dissatisfied at my own rating, but I just felt detached from the lengthy style this book was narrated in. Nothing happened for the majority of the book and the extreme information overload and poor pacing did not endear me to this tale at all. Halfway through and still no emphasis of tension or conflict. Zhen was more appealing to me than Kang and Ning’s passing affection for each other. I found that the characters were poorly developed, especially that of a potential love interest, and I feel so bad for not caring at all. Nevertheless, I liked how strategic and smart the women are in this book, and I am still looking forward to the sequel, with hope of it being better.

an mid, but enjoyable and easy read. the 神農荼 magic system felt a little all over the place and the romance definitely felt shoehorned in, but i think the biggest problem is just that i didn't find anyone to be terribly compelling. despite that, the story moves along well enough that i'll stick to it for the sequel. 10/10 for the cover though!

rin 🐇

Lovers of cultivation novels/dramas should not pass this one up. It's everything I love about that type of fantasy setting, but with tea lore and magic. 

Claire

dnf at 77%. i just didnt care enough. honestly the only thing that kept me going up to that point was how cool the magic system and tea brewing part was (the only reason why i didnt give it a 1 star tbh) but everything else is just.. not for me

none of the character really sticks out to me, i feel like they’re all cut from the same cookie cutter YA fantasy character maker. the insta-love trope is just a big no i dont like that trope sorry. there was no chemistry between the main character and the love interest and suddenly they kissed and i wanted to dnf right there (idk why i didnt tbh). the story was messy and all over the place (i found myself being like what ? huh ? ?!;!!;$;!?;?????) (though maybe thats just because i skimmed most parts lmfao) but anyway yeah

i contemplated finishing this book but i just. didnt want to waste my time

just not for me i guess

beautiful word building but it’s paired with a weaker character building which threw me off a little. the tea magic slayed though and i loved the main characters motivations 

jing 🐇

Apiecalypse Jen

The beginning of this book drags and moves slowly. Although the writing is beautiful and the exposition was important to the plot later in the book, it took me a while to really get into. Stress and my allergies knocking me down made me desperate for an escape this week, so I turned to this book and I devoured it.

Ning is a beautifully complex, fascinating character with just enough self-awareness that make her mistakes forgivable and understandable, and that takes all the frustration out of the few times she stumbles. 

The writing, history, and mythology in this book are all beautiful and fascinating, and once I really got into the book, I was hooked on the politics and magic of it all. A great read, and I can't wait to read the sequel!

Ashlee

The beginning of this book drags and moves slowly. Although the writing is beautiful and the exposition was important to the plot later in the book, it took me a while to really get into. Stress and my allergies knocking me down made me desperate for an escape this week, so I turned to this book and I devoured it.

Ning is a beautifully complex, fascinating character with just enough self-awareness that make her mistakes forgivable and understandable, and that takes all the frustration out of the few times she stumbles. 

The writing, history, and mythology in this book are all beautiful and fascinating, and once I really got into the book, I was hooked on the politics and magic of it all. A great read, and I can't wait to read the sequel!

M.G Derio 

4.5 🌟
Definitely one of my favorites reads of the year.

Beautiful world building. Fast paced story telling. Complex characters that you can’t help but feel connected to. 

Kennedy Eitmann

Amanda

Loved it! Can't wait to read the next book. You can read my full thoughts here. 
https://certifiednoonas.com/2022/07/0...

Starting off, the cover is gorgeous and really sets the tone of the book. The tea magic was fascinating and enchanting. Everything was so beautifully described, I really enjoyed the writing style. Also, the food sounded delicious 🤤.

But in all honesty, I'm not really emotionally invested in the characters. They could have been a bit more fleshed out, especially Lian, who hopefully does reappear in the sequel. For now, it feels like she was there just for the purpose of being Ning's ally, to help her succeed in the competition, rather than a genuine spontaneous friendship. On the other hand, I didn't get the feel of Ning's sister being just a plot device.

I've come to realize that court politics is a theme I really love in books. The ending took a turn I did not expect. Overall a solid debut, I will continue with the sequel. 

Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Starting off, the cover is gorgeous and really sets the tone of the book. The tea magic was fascinating and enchanting. Everything was so beautifully described, I really enjoyed the writing style. Also, the food sounded delicious 🤤.

But in all honesty, I'm not really emotionally invested in the characters. They could have been a bit more fleshed out, especially Lian, who hopefully does reappear in the sequel. For now, it feels like she was there just for the purpose of being Ning's ally, to help her succeed in the competition, rather than a genuine spontaneous friendship. On the other hand, I didn't get the feel of Ning's sister being just a plot device.

I've come to realize that court politics is a theme I really love in books. The ending took a turn I did not expect. Overall a solid debut, I will continue with the sequel. 

Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stephanie Ridiculous

3.5 rounded down

This was a little bit of a frustrating read, but it eventually delivered. To be frank, I was pretty checked out for the first 60%. Angsty teen romance that isn't all that believable, lots of different flavors of the miscommunication trope, VERY predictable plot (a classic YA equation to boot), and entirely too little of the titular magic. 

Around 60%, though, things finally took off and got interesting. I'll for sure be checking out book two but I am a little salty about this book being mostly obnoxious.

Filled with mythology, political intrigue, decadent descriptions of food, mystery and the most beautiful magic system - this book was so fun to read. Following a main character who will do anything to save her sister, including put herself in danger, this story unfolds in the most dynamic and unpredictable ways. I look forward to reading the sequel and seeing how the main character’s magic & relationships develop.

Jolyn

A Magic Seeped in Poison was such a sweet story yet incorporated with the general theme in fantasy. I absolutely loved Judy I. Lin’s adaptation of blending tea and magic to create something original and new, something I have never seen before. 

The names, the places, the vibe all intermingled and related very much to myself as a Chinese person. It represented the essence of the culture, shown through the soft writing of the author. 

AMSiP is not only a fantasy novel, but a story that highlights the bond between sisters: as when Ning, the main character, faces all troubles to provide her sister, Shu, with an antidote to the widespread poison.

Overall, I would 100% read again just to fill my mind with the peace and serenity that Lin’s writings provide.

Lia Yuliana

Update 16/07/2022

You can find the rest of my reviews at  An Ode to Fiction. | Subscribe to my Booktube channel 

Official Release Date : March 29th 2022
Buy the book :
Amazon|Book Depository|Bookshop.org (affiliate)

3/5 ⭐️


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


A Magic Steeped in Poison is the first book to The Book of Tea duology both releasing within the same year. This book first caught my eye when the cover was revealed in late 2021. The cover is done by Sija Hong. It is absolutely stunning; from the colors, illustration, and design. Though I didn't cave in until about three months after its release date to buy the book. 

With young adult fantasy I am always a bit cautious and wary. In 2021 I keep getting disappointed because they all have beautiful covers and interesting premise but when it comes to execution it is questionable. After reading reviews from friends that can only be described as a mix bag I decided to try and read this duology. I even signed up for a blog tour for the second book releasing August 2022, A Venom Dark and Sweet.


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


The story of this duology follows the main protagonist Ning. A young girl that just recently lost her mother to poisoning and is trying to find a way to save her dying younger sister. Ning decides to runaway from home setting forth to the imperial city to join a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. There Ning competes with the kingdoms best tea makers, befriend a fellow competitor, beat the odds, and uncover a dark scheme plaguing the kingdom that is possibly linked to her mother's death. 

In the middle of the competition Ning meets a handsome mysterious boy at the market. This boy thought to be a son of a merchant acquainted himself with Ning and forms a deep connection with her. But something about this boy nags at Ning's heart strings and occupies her mind that this boy is hiding something from her. What he is hiding, Ning will find it soon enough.


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


A Magic Steeped in Poison a brilliant and fresh debut by Judy I. Lyn that weaves Chinese mythos and the art of tea making into the plot of the story. Judy's writing is vivid when it comes to world building and consistent throughout the book. My favorite parts has to be the descriptions of food. Judy really goes into detail of the dishes served in the story down to the garnish. I fear I got really hungry every time I read this book. The themes about family and camaraderie is the main take away that fuels the story. The relationships between the characters are explored deeply except the one between Ning and the boy, that's the only exception. I will explain later on in this review.

The magic in the story has to be one of the most intricate ones that I have ever read in a young adult book. Even though the magic is a simple technically speaking, with shennong-shi being able to imbue physical strength into someone's body, heal, being able to channel the patient's sickness/ailments experiencing first hand their pain, some times able to manipulate emotion of patients, create illusions, and so many more through tea. The brew they make can result in many forms of magic that solely comes from the shennong-shi. There is also a checks and balance in the magic system that takes toll on the shennong-shi if they reach a certain subjective threshold. Though the magic system is still looser and forgiving compared to a strict 50:50, action v. consequence, magic system. It is more 70:30 as I observed throughout the book in my opinion.


  
    Tea for me is home, is joy, is family.
  


The characterization in A Magic Steeped in Poison is sadly quite surface level and one noted. I say this frankly because Ning, the protagonist, is like any other YA protagonist though the difference is that Ning is given multiple chances to fumble her way into victory. There are certain parts in her journey that didn't make sense that ties in with the whole plot progression of the story. 

Lin added a lot of scenes involving political machinations and scheming that disturbed the competition. But the way these scenes are written is blatantly enabling Ning to progress in the competition on the express train. Once I've read how the first round ended I just had a feeling its gonna keep happening in the other rounds. Its as though Lin is juggling competition and political intrigue separately even though both can intertwine and add a lot of stakes to the story. 


  
    “She is my family, and they tried to hurt me through her. I’ve tried to send her away for her own protection, and she crossed the entire empire to save me. I will never leave her again.”
  


Another thing that bothered me is how Ning is dragged into the political scene. Ning is an amateur shennong-shi, lets say it as it is, she is an amateur that learned the art from observing her mother. She refers to her mother a lot in the story remembering her advices and stories. It is too obvious how predictable Ning is put in the situations she's in. All of a sudden she knows what she is doing, no longer clumsy, has a "natural" talent for the art, etc. She seems to able to skirt her way out of things so easily every time. It's just frustrating as reader to witness it, because it feels like the build up and stakes are so low. Honestly, the climax didn't pay off nor was it satisfying.

Now to the main love interest, Kang. His characterization lacked a lot of dimensions. It isn't clear what his motivation is or his intent throughout the book. It seems as though he is skirting between betraying Ning and not betraying her. And it is reflected through Lin's writing whenever his character pops up. His words are wholesome and pure yet his position in the story is a red flag. An obvious red flag. I don't understand his purpose aside from being the heartthrob, he didn't add anything either to the politics or to Ning's character growth. 


  
    “But the distance between us is too far, as vast as the divide between brothers who fought for a throne, or gods who tore apart a continent.”
  


Final thoughts, A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin had a lot of potential as a story with it's unique magic system, interesting premise, characters that have potential to grow and develop, and many more. Yet the execution lacked finesse and a bit of ruthlessness. I understand characters are something authors hold close to them but in this story, in my opinion, they are coddled. This review is a subjective point of view from me and readers that have the same taste as me proceed with caution. 

If you are a reader that read more young adult books and love young adult fantasy I think you will like this book more than me. But if you are like me and you read more adult fantasy that like to see good characterization in a story you can either like this book or not like it. 
I still highly recommend it because I really like the magic system that is presented as it is one of the best I read in YA. I hope the sequel will conclude this story with a bang because this first book did disappoint me a bit.

Livia

2.5/5 stars


Sigh... the one thing I like about this book was the tea magic and how it works, because that was truly fascinating, and the princess. other than that, this was painfully mediocre, super boring to the point where I almost decided to dnf it, and I don't feel much for the characters nor the plot. It also has insta-love and it develops so quickly, I thought I missed something when reading it (read: I don't like it much). That ending was also very abrupt and, frankly, not in a good, cliff-hanger way.

Minor spoiler, maybe, but I do wish more asian fantasy will have other plotline aside from a usurper for the throne is surfacing and the mcs have to deal with it.

Holly

I wish the pacing was a wee bit faster, but overall a very intriguing read with a very lush atmosphere. The magic system could have been a bit more fleshed out, but overall enjoyable.

Ryan Angel

3.8⭐️ if only the magic was more magical, and the competition was more fierce, I would have rated this higher. I really liked the culture and imagery, and even the characters, but they could have had more depth. Some of the plot turns were great as well, but I didn’t like how it ended. There was a good plot endpoint, but the last chapter was just lame.

Elizabeth Hagenlocher

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for offering me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. 

A Magic Steeped in Poison is the powerful tale of Ning, a girl who only wishes to set right her greatest wrong. That is, administering poison (albeit accidentally) to her mother and sister. While her mother did not make it, her sister still has a chance, if Ning can win the favor of the Princess and gain access to resources. Ning decides to go to the capital to earn her place as a shennong-shi, a master tea maker, skilled in the magical sod elf tea making. If she can advance in the competition, she may be able to brew a tea to cure her sister. 

What can I say? I LOVED this book. Ning is an admirable character who wishes to help her sister above all else, though she also envisions a better world. One where people are not taken advantage of; a world where threats of poison are taken seriously. 

What really blew me away was Just Lon’s writing. Her prose is consistently beautiful, without feeling ~purple~. She illustrates the magic of tea brilliantly, and what an incredibly unique magic system it is! I truly enjoyed watching this competition unfold, and getting to see the myriad ways in which tea magic can be expressed. I found it truly I vent I’ve and refreshing. 

I also enjoyed that the story delivered what was promised: a competition story with political intrigue. Some stories imply a competition is occurring, yet forget to clue the reader in on the competition. With AMSiP, the competition is integral to the story and the world building. I think we could have seen a bit more of the contestants, but really I’m so satisfied with what we got. 

Final note: Lin has accomplished with her writing what Studio Ghibli has accomplished with their animation: making the food so utterly irresistible. It’s a true gift. 

The book left off on quite the cliffhanger, so I’ll be eagerly awaiting the sequel. Which apparently won’t be a long wait!

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.

Marissa Metzler

** spoiler alert **
           I cannot get over the intricate details this magic system and book contain. First off, our MC is totally loveable and awesome. Her BFF is someone who always sticks by her side and will always have her back, and her motivation to save her sister is never lacking. I also really enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation in both side and main characters! 

This books is for anyone who values reading, as I am upset it took me this long to read it. You will never set it down. Never be disappointed. Never be bored. 

I truly cannot get over how I was constantly wondering what was next. I felt like I was always on the edge of my seat. The trials were very intriguing and reminded me heavily of Feyre’s trials in ACOTAR. 

The pacing of this book was never slow because not only was our girl trying to win a competition, but she was also sneaking off with a cute boy and the princess??!! She had her hands full and I was LOVING it.

This book both made me really hungry and really thirsty. The descriptions of food and tea was just amazing throughout. The magic system is absolutely magical, I love the combination of mythology and folklore, with horticulture and herbal medicine. A world where one sip can change everything. It can forge connections, show you the future and cure most ills. It can cause death to creep closer and illness to seep in. A world where gods speak through omens and taste. Where magic flows through little buds and well grown bark. A world where the Emperor and his people know little of each other, where politics and lives live far apart.

 From a world of life, Ning must venture into this land of politics, of veiled threats and hidden alliances. To help her family, to save her sister. Ning knows the secrets of plants, and the secrets of tea, like the back of her hand. She learned their uses working with her mother - nurturing fields and trees, she knows their stories. Can Nings wildness and knowledge be enough ?

Alice Hyman

This book both made me really hungry and really thirsty. The descriptions of food and tea was just amazing throughout. The magic system is absolutely magical, I love the combination of mythology and folklore, with horticulture and herbal medicine. A world where one sip can change everything. It can forge connections, show you the future and cure most ills. It can cause death to creep closer and illness to seep in. A world where gods speak through omens and taste. Where magic flows through little buds and well grown bark. A world where the Emperor and his people know little of each other, where politics and lives live far apart.

 From a world of life, Ning must venture into this land of politics, of veiled threats and hidden alliances. To help her family, to save her sister. Ning knows the secrets of plants, and the secrets of tea, like the back of her hand. She learned their uses working with her mother - nurturing fields and trees, she knows their stories. Can Nings wildness and knowledge be enough ?

A Magic Steeped in Poison The Book of Tea #1

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