The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
yaoipaddle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I like this book and I'm glad it's so popular!
I am really excited that more books in Chinese inspired settings, lore, everything are being published and recognized.
The world Lin has built for this book feels like it's a real fully fledged place that exists. Nothing about it is described in an annoying high fantasy info dump. Instead I feel like the world is integrated well with the plot and characters.
I love the cast of characters and their interactions with Ning are some of my favorite parts of the story. Some of it is a little predictable like oh this is the new friend, this is the boy she likes, this is xyz but I still found it fun.
My biggest gripe was that some of the characterization of Ning felt poorly paced. Without spoilers, I think she was very flip-flop and intense about things that came as a surprise to me as a reader. It felt like "Whoa since when did she feel THIS strongly about it and had the balls to say it?" Ning also had a lot of "I'm not like other girls" moments in the first third of the book, but it tapers off as the book continues. Kang also at times felt too overly forgiving and flat as a character.
The magic being in tea would seem kind of strange or lame to some people, but it's very well done. It's interesting and unique and almost feels like mixing potions! I really liked the problem solving Ning demonstrated throughout the book in regards to her tea skills.
Some of the plot details felt predictable and like I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this is YA and maybe for the target age range it's less predictable. I would go into it with an open mind but gosh sometimes Ning is irritating with her flip-flopping.
I recommend the book a lot! I was intrigued, I teared up at moments, and I'm excited for the sequel.
PS in the back of the book there's a glossary with pronunciation, definitions, and the characters for various terms and character names! (I didn't find it until the end... woops)
I am really excited that more books in Chinese inspired settings, lore, everything are being published and recognized.
The world Lin has built for this book feels like it's a real fully fledged place that exists. Nothing about it is described in an annoying high fantasy info dump. Instead I feel like the world is integrated well with the plot and characters.
I love the cast of characters and their interactions with Ning are some of my favorite parts of the story. Some of it is a little predictable like oh this is the new friend, this is the boy she likes, this is xyz but I still found it fun.
My biggest gripe was that some of the characterization of Ning felt poorly paced. Without spoilers, I think she was very flip-flop and intense about things that came as a surprise to me as a reader. It felt like "Whoa since when did she feel THIS strongly about it and had the balls to say it?" Ning also had a lot of "I'm not like other girls" moments in the first third of the book, but it tapers off as the book continues. Kang also at times felt too overly forgiving and flat as a character.
The magic being in tea would seem kind of strange or lame to some people, but it's very well done. It's interesting and unique and almost feels like mixing potions! I really liked the problem solving Ning demonstrated throughout the book in regards to her tea skills.
Some of the plot details felt predictable and like I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this is YA and maybe for the target age range it's less predictable. I would go into it with an open mind but gosh sometimes Ning is irritating with her flip-flopping.
I recommend the book a lot! I was intrigued, I teared up at moments, and I'm excited for the sequel.
PS in the back of the book there's a glossary with pronunciation, definitions, and the characters for various terms and character names! (I didn't find it until the end... woops)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Sexism
mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Writing: 4⭐️/5
The writing is strong throughout the book and yet a few sections throughout the novel really pulled me from the story. When the writing is good, it’s great. When it’s not, I wished an editor had pushed a little harder on the prose because it’s jarring. The weaker sections of writing – mixed with a few grammatical errors that really screwed with my head – really marred the otherwise strong writing in other sections.
Characters: 4⭐️/5
The characters were lovable and felt mostly rounded. A few side characters relied on us just innately understanding that they were worth knowing, though, which I didn’t love. I wanted a bit more exploration of these characters to understand why they were so worthy of our love and faith.
Plot: 4.25⭐️/5
A few moments of “trust me even though I’m your enemy shit talking your friend” aside, I did like the overarching plot. It seems like the second book (which I have yet to read) is going to dive into the main story. This book started to feel like its main job was to set up the next plot, which isn’t a bad thing as it makes me more excited to read the next one.
Post-Reading Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
Should have bought book two already.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of YA fantasy
- Someone looking for a fun and often well-written book, who doesn’t mind a few errors
- A unique plot mixing magic and nobility
CW: Death, death of a parent, vomiting, animal abuse
Final Rating: 4⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Blood, Animal cruelty, and Classism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Torture, Murder, Death, Grief, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, War, and Violence
kwkich's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The cover art is absolutely stunning and was the first thing to catch my eye but even better than the beautiful illustration is the world building and characters within!
The magic system and framework for the world is a mesmerizing mix of a Chinese mythology, ancient tea traditions and wuxia and xianxia influences. There’s such a beautiful lyricism to the descriptions and a haunting mystery just waiting under the surface. This is a world that is just bursting with layers upon layers of secrets, devious backstabbing and courtly intrigue. Dreams and schemes living alongside immense greed and growing fear all wrapped up around a magic-infused tea competition.
But beyond the politics, at its heart, this is a story about how far a young woman would go to protect and save her family. It’s a beautifully woven tale of perseverance and strength and familial devotion.
Judy I. Lin has crafted an absolutely brilliant debut novel that is sure to thrill and delight. Without a doubt, Lin is a new author to watch for and what I can only expect to be a rising star in the YA fantasy world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Classism, Death of parent, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse and Slavery
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