Review - A Magic Stepped in Poison (The Book of Tea, #1) by Judy I. Lin

 

Title: A Magic Stepped in Poison (The Book of Tea, #1)

Author: Judy I. Lin

Pages: 380

Publisher: Titan Books

Release Date: 29th March 2022

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."

For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.

When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.

But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.

Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Bookshop

My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley*

Ning's life was changed forever on the day her mother died from drinking poisoned tea. Tea that Ning herself brewed.

Now Ning's sister has also been poisoned, and Ning finds herself making her way to the imperial city to compete in the competition that will appoint the new palace shennong-shi (tea master). Ning hopes that by winning she will save her sister's life through a favour from the princess.

Once in the imperial city, Ning finds herself embroiled in court politics and discovers secrets that threaten the future of the empire.

Can Ning survive the competition long enough to save her sister?

The gorgeous cover drew me to this book, as did the concept of magical tea.

Ning was a likeable protagonist. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

Whilst I liked several of the supporting characters, I didn't have a favourite character overall.

The setting was interesting, and we are told a little bit of history.

The concept of tea masters - shennong-shi - and the tea magic was my favourite aspect of the book. I found it really interesting and would have liked to find out more.

The plot was mixed for me as I preferred the first half and lost interest a little in the second half. I wasn't very invested in what happened and nothing particularly surprised me.

I am a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was a mixed read.