Scan barcode
simplyammee's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Blood and Vomit
Minor: Murder
euphemiajo's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, and Classism
_andviolet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the best fantasy novel I've read in a while. The authors beautiful descriptions of a dynastic Chinese kingdom embued with magical traditions fuels this story of a girl's entanglement with political strife on her journey to save her family. This truly is a story for Asian drama lovers, expecially if you're a fan of traditional/royal settings and plenty of plot twists that you may, or may not, see coming. I'd even add on if you're a fan of the characters and rebellion of the Hunger Games, the pacing and plot of this novel will feel right for you.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Because the plot is so easy to get into from the beginning, I very quickly read through the first 10 chapters in one day. What really got me hooked was the way the author wrote that first meeting of Ning and Bo (Kang) and the scene at the teahouse.
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.Whatever happens in the sequel, I'm glad to see that Ning's main goal to save her sister was resolved in the end, a full circle that still leaves me left wanting more.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Misogyny
ajozna's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: War and Injury/Injury detail
mpbookreviews's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thought A Magic Steeped in Poison was good, but not great. I appreciate the twist Judy I. Lin employed in this book, leaning in to tea as magic. My understanding is that the tea ceremony and traditions surrounding it are revered by many Asian cultures, and as such, I loved that Judy I. Lin gave tea this additional sway.
That said, the emotions were flat in this book. I’m not sure if it was intentional. The world was interesting enough to bring me in every time I read it, but the characters weren’t so compelling that I felt invested, excited, or disappointed. They simply… were. For that, this gets 3.5 stars instead of 4. The book was interesting and I’m curious to see where it’s going, but I’m not compelled to reread it or own it.
That said, the emotions were flat in this book. I’m not sure if it was intentional. The world was interesting enough to bring me in every time I read it, but the characters weren’t so compelling that I felt invested, excited, or disappointed. They simply… were. For that, this gets 3.5 stars instead of 4. The book was interesting and I’m curious to see where it’s going, but I’m not compelled to reread it or own it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Minor: Torture, Medical content, Grief, and War
The characters in this book and their culture is Asian-coded, albeit it is a fantasy story. The author is Taiwanese and currently lives in Canada.beabooked's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death
allisonbrooke's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
k_aro's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I honestly wished I enjoyed this book more.
This is not to say by any means that this was a bad book, but I think I've grown out of this genre more generally (what genre? Good question. My mind always calls it YA Fic, but then that's a massive genre - so, just think something between Hunger Games, Six of Crows, and Marie Lu's whole oeuvre. I think you get an idea). On the other hand, I also enjoy that there's more Chinese representation in fields I didn't see myself represented in, though on the third, mutant hand, my brain treacherously (and cynically) wonders whether this is just regurgitation of tokenization etc etc. Not to belabor the point.
I enjoyed the way that Lin really does infuse a lot of Chinese culture (but again, third mutant hand, etc etc. I had similar problems with Six Crimson Cranes, which I didn't mention because, like, it's a kid's book lol who cares). I love seeing familiar foods being represented, even without having them named - whoever mentioned that this book has lush food descriptions was totally right. I love the concept of tea as a magic, even if it didn't really turn out the way I entirely expected?
As for my misgivings... well, the culture thing has been mentioned. But I am also kind of ambiguous on how Chinese medicine/tea is being framed as magical, which is obviously the central conceit but does also reflect modern attitudes on Chinese medicine. I mean I don't think it'll heal a broken leg or anything, but it has legitimately helped where "Western" has failed.
I'm also not entirely sure I like the characters. I appreciate that Ning is so headstrong, but, I don't know, I think she exhibits a lot of problems I have with YA Fic headstrong female characters. Something like she's an archetype? It's just, I don't know, been done before. I honestly prefer Lian, even though I don't necessarily agree with some of Lian's actions and words - she just felt more, unconstrained by conventions of characters in YA Fic.
I'm not convinced of Ning and Kang's relationship, either. It feels a little forced, and like it never ends up anywhere before, oh I guess they're kissing now that's great. And this is not to say I am biased against this kind of relationship - one of my favourite books of all time, Alanna: The First Adventure, features a relationship that is honestly pretty close to one-for-one, I guess aside from Kang needing to hide his identity. And like I said, I really like it! And I'm honestly convinced of Alannna and Jonathan's relationship. I do have similar misgivings about Alanna and this book tho, lol.
I also don't know about where the book lands on the monarchy/emperorship (what is the correct term???). I think it's kind of hard about this genre of Chinese drama where, like, on the one hand the monarchy is OBVIOUSLY corrupt to a certain degree because that's how trying to tame an ever-swelling bureaucracy is like. But then like, it's okay? I don't know, I guess I just don't love monarchy generally. I guess the empress is only 19 though. It's difficult.
This is not to say by any means that this was a bad book, but I think I've grown out of this genre more generally (what genre? Good question. My mind always calls it YA Fic, but then that's a massive genre - so, just think something between Hunger Games, Six of Crows, and Marie Lu's whole oeuvre. I think you get an idea). On the other hand, I also enjoy that there's more Chinese representation in fields I didn't see myself represented in, though on the third, mutant hand, my brain treacherously (and cynically) wonders whether this is just regurgitation of tokenization etc etc. Not to belabor the point.
I enjoyed the way that Lin really does infuse a lot of Chinese culture (but again, third mutant hand, etc etc. I had similar problems with Six Crimson Cranes, which I didn't mention because, like, it's a kid's book lol who cares). I love seeing familiar foods being represented, even without having them named - whoever mentioned that this book has lush food descriptions was totally right. I love the concept of tea as a magic, even if it didn't really turn out the way I entirely expected?
As for my misgivings... well, the culture thing has been mentioned. But I am also kind of ambiguous on how Chinese medicine/tea is being framed as magical, which is obviously the central conceit but does also reflect modern attitudes on Chinese medicine. I mean I don't think it'll heal a broken leg or anything, but it has legitimately helped where "Western" has failed.
I'm also not entirely sure I like the characters. I appreciate that Ning is so headstrong, but, I don't know, I think she exhibits a lot of problems I have with YA Fic headstrong female characters. Something like she's an archetype? It's just, I don't know, been done before. I honestly prefer Lian, even though I don't necessarily agree with some of Lian's actions and words - she just felt more, unconstrained by conventions of characters in YA Fic.
I also don't know about where the book lands on the monarchy/emperorship (what is the correct term???). I think it's kind of hard about this genre of Chinese drama where, like, on the one hand the monarchy is OBVIOUSLY corrupt to a certain degree because that's how trying to tame an ever-swelling bureaucracy is like. But then like, it's okay? I don't know, I guess I just don't love monarchy generally. I guess the empress is only 19 though. It's difficult.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
I'm just not invested in either the plot or the characters, so I don't think there's any point in continuing this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Blood