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

Emma Miller

Alli

You cannot commune with the Gods in silence. 

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

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

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. 

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

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

Julia Rutgers

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

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.

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.

A Magic Steeped in Poison quotes

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