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menatallah97's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this,
The confusion the hurt the love the betrayal, can't wait to pick up book 2
🍵🍵🍵🫖🫖🫖✨✨✨
The confusion the hurt the love the betrayal, can't wait to pick up book 2
🍵🍵🍵🫖🫖🫖✨✨✨
books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Characters: 6
Atmosphere: 6
Writing: 7
Plot: 6
Intrigue: 5
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 6
❌ Series DNF
Characters: 6
Atmosphere: 6
Writing: 7
Plot: 6
Intrigue: 5
Logic: 6
Enjoyment: 6
❌ Series DNF
heddas_bookgems's review against another edition
3.0
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin is a book that left me with conflicting feelings. While it didn't become an instant favorite, it still provided a unique and engaging journey.
The writing is undeniably captivating, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader in the story's world. However, the heavy focus on descriptive prose sometimes created a sense of detachment, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters.
Speaking of characters, they felt somewhat underdeveloped, with sparse dialogue and actions taking precedence over depth. Despite this, the intricate magic system and rich mythology woven throughout the narrative added layers of intrigue and potential to the story.
One aspect that could have been improved is the pacing, which occasionally stumbled but found its rhythm during moments of competition and adventure. Bo's escapades offered refreshing bursts of excitement and levity, keeping the narrative engaging.
What truly shines in this book are the sensory delights described within its pages. From luxurious garments to vibrant landscapes and delectable treats, every detail is vividly depicted, inviting readers to lose themselves in the sensory experience of the story.
Overall, A Magic Steeped in Poison is a captivating read with its enchanting world-building and immersive descriptions, despite some shortcomings in character development and pacing.
The writing is undeniably captivating, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader in the story's world. However, the heavy focus on descriptive prose sometimes created a sense of detachment, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters.
Speaking of characters, they felt somewhat underdeveloped, with sparse dialogue and actions taking precedence over depth. Despite this, the intricate magic system and rich mythology woven throughout the narrative added layers of intrigue and potential to the story.
One aspect that could have been improved is the pacing, which occasionally stumbled but found its rhythm during moments of competition and adventure. Bo's escapades offered refreshing bursts of excitement and levity, keeping the narrative engaging.
What truly shines in this book are the sensory delights described within its pages. From luxurious garments to vibrant landscapes and delectable treats, every detail is vividly depicted, inviting readers to lose themselves in the sensory experience of the story.
Overall, A Magic Steeped in Poison is a captivating read with its enchanting world-building and immersive descriptions, despite some shortcomings in character development and pacing.
maggiemaed25's review against another edition
5.0
*4.5 stars rounded up. I had so much fun reading this book. The magic was so fascinating, and Ning's journey gripped me.
Some of my predictions were subverted, and some were confirmed, so the plot kept me guessing in the best ways. That cliffhanger, though! Man, I'm glad I already have book 2 because I need to know how this situation turns out.
The political maneuverings behind the scenes were far greater than I initially expected--but it is a YA Fantasy book, so why would I expect any different? I enjoyed the slow unraveling of the history and politics driving the competition and Ning's story.
The tea-related magic is really the selling point (obviously), so it's no surprise my favorite parts were Ning exploring her magic. The connections that form between the shennong-tu and their subject are so cool! I wish I could be more poetic in my appreciation for the magic, but just know it's awesome.
I'm really interested to see how the characters, magic, and politics develop more in book 2! (After I have a resolution to that cliffhanger!!)
Some of my predictions were subverted, and some were confirmed, so the plot kept me guessing in the best ways. That cliffhanger, though! Man, I'm glad I already have book 2 because I need to know how this situation turns out.
The political maneuverings behind the scenes were far greater than I initially expected--but it is a YA Fantasy book, so why would I expect any different? I enjoyed the slow unraveling of the history and politics driving the competition and Ning's story.
The tea-related magic is really the selling point (obviously), so it's no surprise my favorite parts were Ning exploring her magic. The connections that form between the shennong-tu and their subject are so cool! I wish I could be more poetic in my appreciation for the magic, but just know it's awesome.
I'm really interested to see how the characters, magic, and politics develop more in book 2! (After I have a resolution to that cliffhanger!!)
ceri124's review against another edition
4.25
4.25*
It took me a second to get into the book, once I put it down the first time it took me a while to pick it back up. However, I did end up getting into the story and I find the concept of it to be very interesting. That ending though, I’m gonna need to buy the next book like right now omg
It took me a second to get into the book, once I put it down the first time it took me a while to pick it back up. However, I did end up getting into the story and I find the concept of it to be very interesting. That ending though, I’m gonna need to buy the next book like right now omg
camberd1552's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.5
rosyapple's review against another edition
due back at library; might come back to
nicola_95's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
obviously_lene's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
teadregon's review against another edition
3.0
While reading I realized I may have grown away from YA fantasy. That doesn't mean that this book had a poorly written, trope-reliant story—nor the idea I could not ever read YA fantasy seriously again—but from years of reading this type of book, I felt like it was a game: I would guess the upcoming complications and resolutions and read to see myself either corrected or correct. Most of the time I was correct but that didn't make me think the book was boring. I know, for sure, my younger self would be enraptured, with every twist bringing shock. Turning the pages as fast as I was in the present.
So the final breakdown:
Characters - 4
Worldbuilding - 5
Plot -3
Logic - 4
Enjoyment - 5
TOTAL: 4.2
So the final breakdown:
Characters - 4
Worldbuilding - 5
Plot -3
Logic - 4
Enjoyment - 5
TOTAL: 4.2