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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
frankieclc's review against another edition
3.5
Super interesting magic system involving tea!! don’t think I’ve ever seen a magic system done like that. Definitely for cosy, low stake fantasy lovers as it didn’t necessarily feel too intense at any point. Still a little bit of action but did feel like it could have been shorter? As if it was setting up for a second book the whole time so I hope there is another book otherwise that’s such a waste
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent
bearbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow! A fast-paced, intriguing fantasy that I couldn't put down! I really enjoyed the way Lin threw the reader straight into the action and let the world build in harmony with it instead of just parallel to it. What an intricate magic-system, thought out political landscape, and cultural clarity. The characters presented themselves only in as much as the narrator/main character Ning could understand them, and this maintained the tension and suspense across the narrative as Ning's perspective melded with our own and our understanding of the text was guided by Ning's own emotional landscape.
It is infrequent that I find Young Adult Fantasy so spell-binding. I tend to get bored by the break-neck speed of the plot and crave more character insight. Lin, however, struck the perfect balance for a reader like myself. If you like a fantasy read with delicate and detailed magic systems, mystery, political intrigue, emotional depth, and class-based commentary, this is a read for you.
It is infrequent that I find Young Adult Fantasy so spell-binding. I tend to get bored by the break-neck speed of the plot and crave more character insight. Lin, however, struck the perfect balance for a reader like myself. If you like a fantasy read with delicate and detailed magic systems, mystery, political intrigue, emotional depth, and class-based commentary, this is a read for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
cattheteawitchfairy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Really interesting text with a complex yet well thought out magic system and beautiful relations to Chinese mythology.
I really enjoyed this text but I would have liked to see some of the other characters a little more fleshed out i.e. The Princess etc.
The cliffhanger ending was infuriating but it just means I need to read the next book!
Would recommend, especially if you like tea!
I really enjoyed this text but I would have liked to see some of the other characters a little more fleshed out i.e. The Princess etc.
The cliffhanger ending was infuriating but it just means I need to read the next book!
Would recommend, especially if you like tea!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Terminal illness, Vomit, Death of parent, and Classism
rtaire's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
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: Animal cruelty, Blood, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
bookishkale's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I kept hearing about this book on BookTok. Of course, what I noticed first is the beautiful cover, and I am always a slut for a good cover.
I am kind of a fantasy snob, where if the book has any magical element to it, I am all for it. It has to be intriguing however, and this book hits it right on the head. This book is inspired by both Chinese and Taiwanese mythology, and Lin does an amazing job. Her writing is so magical and poetic. Any time Ning brews a cup of tea, the descriptions are so fluid and delightful, that I found myself craving a cup of tea any time I picked up the book. I was fully immersed in this world, and if this ever gets picked up by a production company, the only format that would do it justice is animation. I loved the descriptions of food, it made my mouth water every time.
I wasn't surprised by the plot in anyway, I felt like for the first time in a while a cover blurb actually did the book justice! The plot moves a bit slower than I wanted it too, however that doesn't mean it's bad at all. When it was moving, I couldn't tear my eyes off the page. Parts of me wishes the competition part of the book was longer, but I understand why it was wrapped up the way it was. I thought all of the rounds in the book made sense, with ample explanation as to why it was going in this direction. The book was very easy to understand, making sure that even people who don't understand Chinese and Taiwanese culture, or tea culture that well can still follow along easily. The plot twists make sense and add suspense without adding any unnecessary drama. There's a hint of a miscommunication trope, which I don't usually care for, but it does actually add to the plot so I am not upset about it. The end of the book moves a lot faster than the rest of the book. I wish it was either fully expanded upon and added another two-three big chapters, or we had a much bigger cliffhanger earlier and it was expanded upon in the sequel. I can look passed this since there is a sequel to the book, so I feel like anyone who reads these back to back won't feel that as much.
The characters are somewhat lackluster in some places, but I have a feeling that the second book will flesh them all out some more. I think as a whole, from start to finish there was a ton of character development. That to say, it's a bad thing, especially with another book in this series to expand on everyone. Ning has a lot of flaws, but it's not really the main point of the book, but it's not ignored either. She tends to get herself in trouble because she doesn't fully think through her actions. All Ning wants to do is save her sister, so she's focused on winning the competition to do so. Ning is an easy character to relate to and understand her motives. However, parts of her character do lack depth. Everything was about her saving her sister and avenging her mother's death. I just wish that it was emphasized more by the end of the book how much she has grown to love being and practicing as a shénnóng-shi, but I think we'll see more of that in the sequel. I still love Ning though, and she is a great character to base these books around. I am going to talk briefly about some characters that I feel are spoilers to the book, since it does a fantastic job at revealing characters as it goes along. Kang is a character I wish was either fully expanded on or put at more of a distance from Ning. Don't get me wrong, I love the hint at romance, but it feels a little disjointed at times. I am really hoping that the second book expands on him more, especially seeing the ending of the book. I do believe he cares for Ning and I would like to see them together. I just felt like he was a little flat at times. Zhen, the princess, was probably my favorite character other than Lian. The way we meet her, as Zhen, and not just the princess is my favorite scene in the whole book. Riyu and Zhen add to each other's depth, which has me excited for the next book. I was so scared that Lian was going to betray Ning the whole book. She is so sweet and loveable, an excellent foil to Ning's character. I really enjoyed their interactions throughout the book, I hope we see more of her!
Overall, highly recommend as good end of summer read, as the nights get longer again and the weather gets a bit chiller.
I am kind of a fantasy snob, where if the book has any magical element to it, I am all for it. It has to be intriguing however, and this book hits it right on the head. This book is inspired by both Chinese and Taiwanese mythology, and Lin does an amazing job. Her writing is so magical and poetic. Any time Ning brews a cup of tea, the descriptions are so fluid and delightful, that I found myself craving a cup of tea any time I picked up the book. I was fully immersed in this world, and if this ever gets picked up by a production company, the only format that would do it justice is animation. I loved the descriptions of food, it made my mouth water every time.
I wasn't surprised by the plot in anyway, I felt like for the first time in a while a cover blurb actually did the book justice! The plot moves a bit slower than I wanted it too, however that doesn't mean it's bad at all. When it was moving, I couldn't tear my eyes off the page. Parts of me wishes the competition part of the book was longer, but I understand why it was wrapped up the way it was. I thought all of the rounds in the book made sense, with ample explanation as to why it was going in this direction. The book was very easy to understand, making sure that even people who don't understand Chinese and Taiwanese culture, or tea culture that well can still follow along easily. The plot twists make sense and add suspense without adding any unnecessary drama. There's a hint of a miscommunication trope, which I don't usually care for, but it does actually add to the plot so I am not upset about it. The end of the book moves a lot faster than the rest of the book. I wish it was either fully expanded upon and added another two-three big chapters, or we had a much bigger cliffhanger earlier and it was expanded upon in the sequel. I can look passed this since there is a sequel to the book, so I feel like anyone who reads these back to back won't feel that as much.
The characters are somewhat lackluster in some places, but I have a feeling that the second book will flesh them all out some more. I think as a whole, from start to finish there was a ton of character development. That to say, it's a bad thing, especially with another book in this series to expand on everyone. Ning has a lot of flaws, but it's not really the main point of the book, but it's not ignored either. She tends to get herself in trouble because she doesn't fully think through her actions. All Ning wants to do is save her sister, so she's focused on winning the competition to do so. Ning is an easy character to relate to and understand her motives. However, parts of her character do lack depth. Everything was about her saving her sister and avenging her mother's death.
Overall, highly recommend as good end of summer read, as the nights get longer again and the weather gets a bit chiller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, and War
rory1387's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
pros:
- literally everything
- CASUAL QUEER REPRESENTATION??!!!! (it's TWO side/peripheral couples)
cons:
- made me crave good tea but I don’t have anywhere to buy it
- made me say "Alexa play folklore by Taylor Swift" 37859437 times, except I don't have an Alexa, so it pissed off my Siri
- literally everything
- CASUAL QUEER REPRESENTATION??!!!! (it's TWO side/peripheral couples)
cons:
- made me crave good tea but I don’t have anywhere to buy it
- made me say "Alexa play folklore by Taylor Swift" 37859437 times, except I don't have an Alexa, so it pissed off my Siri
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, and Murder
Minor: Animal death, Torture, Vomit, and War
schnaucl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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? No
4.0
I enjoyed it. I liked the use of tea as a medium for magic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Violence, Vomit, Death of parent, and War
booksthatburn's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Ning leaves her village to try and save her sister's life, joining a competition in the palace in hopes of winning a favor from the princess.
A lot of the worldbuilding revolves around every bit of her surroundings looks. The descriptions are usually brief enough to not slow things down too much, but this is a book that makes sure you get a sense of how most rooms (or at least the people in them) appear. There's also a lot of sensory information related to the tea. The magic system is consistent enough to make sense but loose enough to allow for a bunch of cool stuff which fits the kind of thing we know can be done even if it wasn't mentioned before it initially appears.
The audiobook narrator is great, her style fit the story and it was pretty easy to tell everyone apart (even minor characters).
One thing which was a bit frustrating is that Ning kept obsessing (and trying not to obsess) about this guy who at first appears unconnected to the palace but turns out to be much more than he appears. He works well as a plot device but I don't feel like I know anything about him and I don't get why she's interested in him (other than him being mysterious). Plots where people are lying stress me out, and having Ning not seem to know why she was so interested in him made it a bit harder for me to believe their romantic tension as well.
I'm confused by some of the strategies in the competition and the treatment of animals. It's so morally grey (even within the book, as evidenced by the judges' reactions) that it made me wonder if this is actually a villain arc rather than a hero arc. It establishes how far Ning will go to try to get this position and save her sister, but I can't tell whether that's meant to be good or bad.
As the first book in a duology, this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Most major things from early in the book get a resolution, but right at the end several things happen which set up a direction for the sequel, but leave this book frustratingly unresolved on some key points. It works in the book, but whether it works for any reader will depend on your tolerance (or desire) for unresolved endings. This is the first half of a specific longer story, and it shows. I'm interested enough to finish that story and find out.
A lot of the worldbuilding revolves around every bit of her surroundings looks. The descriptions are usually brief enough to not slow things down too much, but this is a book that makes sure you get a sense of how most rooms (or at least the people in them) appear. There's also a lot of sensory information related to the tea. The magic system is consistent enough to make sense but loose enough to allow for a bunch of cool stuff which fits the kind of thing we know can be done even if it wasn't mentioned before it initially appears.
The audiobook narrator is great, her style fit the story and it was pretty easy to tell everyone apart (even minor characters).
One thing which was a bit frustrating is that Ning kept obsessing (and trying not to obsess) about this guy who at first appears unconnected to the palace but turns out to be much more than he appears. He works well as a plot device but I don't feel like I know anything about him and I don't get why she's interested in him (other than him being mysterious). Plots where people are lying stress me out, and having Ning not seem to know why she was so interested in him made it a bit harder for me to believe their romantic tension as well.
I'm confused by some of the strategies in the competition and the treatment of animals. It's so morally grey (even within the book, as evidenced by the judges' reactions) that it made me wonder if this is actually a villain arc rather than a hero arc. It establishes how far Ning will go to try to get this position and save her sister, but I can't tell whether that's meant to be good or bad.
As the first book in a duology, this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Most major things from early in the book get a resolution, but right at the end several things happen which set up a direction for the sequel, but leave this book frustratingly unresolved on some key points. It works in the book, but whether it works for any reader will depend on your tolerance (or desire) for unresolved endings. This is the first half of a specific longer story, and it shows. I'm interested enough to finish that story and find out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Vomit