A review by theespressoedition
A Magic Steeped in Poison, by Judy I. Lin
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Alright, well, that was a book.
Tea-based magic system? Yes, please.
Magical completion almost reminiscent of Spin the Dawn? Sign me up.
Secret prince blamed for his father's actions and no clue whether he's good or bad? Tell me more.
Ridiculously convoluted politics, history, and lore with final chapters so packed that there's no way to really decipher what just happened and you're left feeling dazed and confused about the whole thing? Yeah, that's where things went awry.
I had high hopes for this one. I really did. The cover is absolutely breathtaking and tea magic piqued my interest immediately. However, much of the story was drawn out (reminding me a bit of JLA books with tons of detail and description of what's happening and the events leading up to that moment) and then the last few chapters had so much information crammed into them that I lost track of everything. I would say I needed to go back and reread, but I felt like none of the necessary information had really been divulged earlier on. It just all happened and I was left scrambling for purchase.
I'm on the fence about wanting to read the sequel. On one hand, I'd like to see how everything turns out for Ning. On the other hand, if I read the sequel, WILL I even understand what happens??? The world has yet to know.
Tea-based magic system? Yes, please.
Magical completion almost reminiscent of Spin the Dawn? Sign me up.
Secret prince blamed for his father's actions and no clue whether he's good or bad? Tell me more.
Ridiculously convoluted politics, history, and lore with final chapters so packed that there's no way to really decipher what just happened and you're left feeling dazed and confused about the whole thing? Yeah, that's where things went awry.
I had high hopes for this one. I really did. The cover is absolutely breathtaking and tea magic piqued my interest immediately. However, much of the story was drawn out (reminding me a bit of JLA books with tons of detail and description of what's happening and the events leading up to that moment) and then the last few chapters had so much information crammed into them that I lost track of everything. I would say I needed to go back and reread, but I felt like none of the necessary information had really been divulged earlier on. It just all happened and I was left scrambling for purchase.
I'm on the fence about wanting to read the sequel. On one hand, I'd like to see how everything turns out for Ning. On the other hand, if I read the sequel, WILL I even understand what happens??? The world has yet to know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Violence, Death, and Vomit
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts