Review Detail

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.