The tea in the kingdom is being poisoned and Ning wants to find an antidote. Ning feels responsible for her mother's death since she made the tea for her, and unfortunately, Ning's sister also drank some of the poisoned tea and is slowly wasting away. When Ning hears of a competition to become a shennong-shi, tea master, for the entire kingdom and to become an advisor the the princess, she travels to the capital to compete. What Ning quickly learns is that the competition is more than simply who is the most skilled, but who is the most ruthless as well. As Ning slowly builds the trust of the princess, she also starts to see how many plots are afoot in the kingdom and how much danger she is in. She is betrayed by friends and has to turn to (possible) enemies to try to save her sister and the kingdom.

This book was great. I have been in a fantasy reading slump for a while. I don't really think that it helped. But otherwise, it was great.

I liked this book. The writing flows really nicely, and I thought the descriptions of everything from the different types of teas to the appearance of the palace were great. I did think it was a little slow at times, and I found myself getting bored about halfway through. But, I liked the competition aspect a lot (it reminded me a little of Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim), and I’m excited for the next book!

Fantastic book! Ning is a great character; sympathetic, caring, intelligent, self aware and talented in her craft. Her love for her family was beautiful and the connection to her sister and mother nearly woven into the tale..I enjoyed the magic and the intrigue and the descriptions of everything; I could taste the tea and smell the food. I can't wait for the follow-up. I also am happy that my recent dive into books featuring Chinese folklore has made me familiar with so many of the stories throughout the book. Recommended!

Ning's sister is dying from the same poison that killed her mother. Ning decides to enter a competition to find the next master of tea making. Winning will mean she is granted a wish from the from the princess which will ensure her sister gets the best care she can. Then Ning get's swept up in court politics,
This book is lush. The descriptions of the tea and food are enchanting and the court politics are intriguing and add a layer to the story that I loved. I love a competition plot and this delivered!

Thank you for the ARC!

I read somewhere - likely on Twitter - that this book was inspired by The Descendant of the Crane. I certainly see it. The flowing prose, the vivid worldbuilding, the themes of family, betrayal and unravelling of difficult truths. I enjoyed The Descendant of the Crane, and for the same reasons I did like some aspects of A Magic Steeped in Poison quite a bit. Don't get me wrong - though I mention similarities, they are two different books that stand separately - firmly on their own strengths.

I just wish the pacing of this book wasn't this much of a mess. Sure, the writing flows so smoothly that I almost felt as if I'd been swept away by a stream, but it was as though I was simply carried from plot point to plot point, never once immersed. It was hard to follow the story for this reason, and even harder to keep myself from losing interest.

(The same could be said about the characters, even though I followed them for a greater part of 400 pages. It was as if I hadn't really met them at all? Ning especially - and she's the protagonist whose perspective we follow. It was like I thought I knew her, but she always acted the complete opposite of internal monologue. This could just be me - I was too distracted, fighting off my growing disinterest.)

A Magic Steeped in Poison contains all the ingredients for a wonderful story. And, as I've mentioned, the writing had so much potential. But I won't lie and say I wasn't disappointed. As it stands, I'm not sure if I will be continuing on with this series.

Still, I'm excited for the novel's debut. I'm absolutely certain that a lot of people will enjoy this. It was just not for me.

Big thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings: assassination, death, disease, poison, violence.

Really enjoyed this one. Lovely world building and the magic is top notch. Can't wait to read more about this world!

Unfortunately I did not enjoy my reading experience with this book. It reads like a first draft and time wasn’t taken with any of the characters to really get to know them or get me to care what happens to them. And despite it being about a competition, there’s been no actual competing. The main character doesn’t get a chance to compete in the first round of the competition, then the second round uses strange magic to pass. I was really hoping for a smart and cunning main character who had a good understanding of her magic and that that would be the main showcase, but instead the competition took a major backseat and the main focus is political machinations she stumbles into and gets pulled in multiple directions. It also has a lot of instalove right off the bat between her and Bo/Kang. You never really get to know Kang well enough to understand why she is so vexed by him. I wish this had been better, I had high hopes for it.

I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did! The writing was descriptive and stunning, our main character was determined and strong, and I was lost in this world of tea and magic. What a wonderful debut!

Ning is driven by guilt- the tea that she served her mother and sister was poisoned, and now she sets off to try to save her sister, with their mother succumbing to the poison. Along the way she makes friends and enemies, and falls victim to politics and court.

Even though they are competitors, Ning and Lian established a wonderful friendship in the story. It's always refreshing to see girls supporting girls instead of being tossed in for jealousy or development reasons. Conversely, Ning's love interest Kang completely threw everything out of sync and I found that it still worked- their romance added tension to the story while remaining a slow-burn, and the angst at the end!!

The magic system is complicated, and I would like more world-building in the sequel to discuss this more. I like that the different teas were explained with cultural insights, but in the end I'm still left confused as to how the magic works. Four stars because I inhaled this book in one sitting and should have savored it more.

This book had an intirguing premise and an unconventially strong main character. I recommend it to those who like driven female leads and Asian culture

This book! Magic, tea brewing, competition, what’s not to love?! It took me a minute to get into this book but once I did…I devoured it!

Rating: 4.5/5
I recommend it to everyone!!!

"The tree may stand strong, but the rot starts from within."

Wow. Okay, this book officially gave me a hangover. I have not been able to start another book as A Magic Steeped In Poison rules my thoughts and feelings. For fans of Caraval and Throne of Glass, this story is fast-paced with many twists and turns along the way to make you question everything you thought you knew.

"And that is what this brew is about. The taste of being human. Of making mistakes. Of being young again. The reminder that sometimes we are the laborer and sometimes we are the one at rest."

Where to start..... how about the characters? Ning is strong-willed and loyal. She's a character you root for. She is willing to risk everything to defy the odds to save her sister. Kang is shrouded with mystery and intrigue. He is swoon-worthy but cannot be trusted. Zhen was so unbothered it was actually kind of funny. But her relationship with Ruyi really brings out more of her personality. OMG RUYI. LET ME JUST SAY I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING HOLY.

Next is world-building. Lord do I hope there is a map in the finished copy. I have NO sense of direction and have no idea where to place things in my mind. This is definitely a preference but who doesn't love a good map???

MY FAVORITE PART OF ALL IS THE IMAGERY. And I cannot stress this enough. Judy I. Lin really brings you into the story and the power of the tea. When Ning makes her connections through the tea it felt like I was there. And it is just so beautiful to read. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK PLEASE.

"Keep betting against me. I'd love to see what else you'll lose."

The only things I had issues with were the pacing and mythology. The pacing of the book itself is okay, it is slow in the beginning but the last 100 pages you don't know up from down. But in the very beginning when Ning goes to the market, the bell is mentioned a lot as if she's running out of time and needs to hurry, but then the chapter keeps dragging on. The gods and goddesses should have been flushed out a bit more because even when they are mentioned, it's surface level, and the reader doesn't know much about them.

BTW...there's a cliffhanger. Just a warning LOL

Overall I am in love with this book and cannot wait to buy a physical copy next year to reread.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Yallfest for this ARC. This review is completely my own opinion.

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin (releasing on March 22, 2022) is the first in a duology and a Chinese-mythology inspired fantasy. The novel follows Ning as she enters an magical tea-brewing competition in the imperial city to save her sister from dying from tea poisoning. There, she finds herself tangled into a complication of court politics and tensions between competitors. A Magic Steeped in Poison is a fast paced and enthralling page turner, and I ended up staying up late to finish the last half of the eARC.

I was immediately interested when I read the summary that it had a magic tea-brewing competition, and the book definitely did not disappoint my expectations. I think my favourite thing about A Magic Steeped in Poison was the magic system and how it incorporated elements of Chinese culture with the mythological creatures, traditional medicine, and gongfu cha ceremonies. The inclusion of the art of traditional tea brewing was really meaningful to me, especially as I've been learning more about it recently to connect to my culture. Additionally, the world of A Magic Steeped in Poison is magically vibrant and expansive and incredibly unique, unlike any fantasy I've ever read.

I also really loved the characters of A Magic Steeped in Poison, especially Ning and Lian. I also really appreciated their supportive friendship. I think that the book really makes every character feel different and compelling, even the supporting characters. I really liked the narration of the book and Ning's character voice and the way that Judy I. Lin writes dialogue.

I really enjoyed reading A Magic Steeped in Poison, and I'm so excited for the sequel, especially after that ending. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to read an ARC of A Magic Steeped in Poison, one of my most anticipated books of 2022. Thank you so much to @macmillanusa @fiercereads for the eARC :)

Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Fierce Reads and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.2 /5 stars I enjoyed this story. It had beautiful world building and imagery. I felt like I was right there and could smell and see the tea and magic being brewed. The entire concept of the magical tea competition was captivating and intriguing.

I really enjoyed all of the different aspects of the competition and the overall mystery of the poisoned tea. The characters really fit well together Princess Zhen and Ruyi really worked well with Ning the main character. I did enjoy Kang the love interest but wish he has more time in the book.

The pacing was okay but I felt the beginning of the book was a little slower and the last 15% really flew by. I think the whole premise was to set up the first book so the ending wasn’t completely satisfying. I still have a lot of questions but I do think it was set up well for creating interests in reading the next book.

Overall I enjoyed this and would recommend it. It’s an interesting and magical debut. Can’t wait to see where the next book goes.

4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
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Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for giving me a copy of this book! This is my honest review, all views are my own.
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A Magic Steeped in Poison is a beautiful debut filled with stunning descriptions and an intricate plot line. Deadly poison taints the tea that Ning pours for her mother and sister, which kills her mother and leaves her sister bedridden with a threatening sickness. Out of desperation, Ning travels to the capital to win the shénnóng-shī competition, where one part of the prize is a favor from the Princess. Hiding her deceit proves difficult as Ning advances in the competition, especially when she becomes entangled in the court politics and a giant web of secrets and lies.
This book blew me away. I really enjoyed the writing style—the descriptions of the magic and the various settings are very pretty, and I felt sucked into the world in terms of the history of the kingdom and the present day politics. I thought the story was engaging from the first chapter, although the plot definitely picked up more in the second half… which makes sense because that’s when the action happens! The main character, Ning, is brave and strong, and some may say reckless, but I did get a little lost as to her motivations and emotions. Obviously we know she cares about others, especially her family, but there were parts of her personality that felt thrown in or brought up simply to drive the plot—for example, her hatred of the Governor. Another thing that was somewhat bothersome was her relationship with Kang; the idea of the Golden Key tea linking them was brought up a few times too many, and then there was a minor revelation about how the Golden Key was actually her denying her romantic connection with Kang. It felt sudden and unprompted, and I wish it was introduced more gradually with better (or simply different?) foreshadowing. Overall, I really enjoyed the side characters and their interactions with Ning, and I could easily see them being well-rounded people in their own right. My only issues stem from the insertion of details and minor plot points, as mentioned above.
A Magic Steeped in Poison reminded me of Spin the Dawn a little bit, what with the competition of craftsmanship and the magical world, but this is a compelling story that stands very well on its own. I had minor frustrations that did affect my enjoyment, but I was ultimately captivated by the plot and hooked until the very last sentence. 4.5 stars.

OMG this was awesome and a great blend of so many different elements, I can decide on a rating for now but will update the the review when it will be decided , rtc !

I really loved the concept of a competition surrounding the making of magical tea. The writing is so beautiful and it really just sucks you right into the story. The way that food is described with its smell and taste just made me hungry the entire time I was reading the book.

The book doesn't really pick up that much until the very end. It was like the characters were going for a pleasant stroll for about 80% of the runtime, then started sprinting for the last 20%. It wasn't bad by any means but a lot of this book felt like setup for its sequel. I was still enjoying the magical tea competition but I felt a little unclear where the story was going for a lot of it.

The characters grew on me as the story progressed. My favorites were definitely Princess Zhen, Ruyi, and Ning because they just worked so well together and I loved all the scenes they had with one another. I really liked Ning's friend, Lian, but I wanted a little more from her and I felt like she didn't get enough page time. The semi-love interest, Kang, was a little underwhelming. He doesn't do much and he kind of drops in and out of the book periodically and just doesn't show up for large chunks of time without a real explanation. I wish he had more to do because he seemed to be there mainly for the characters to be suspicious of him the entire time.

All the reveals and tension at the end were what really sold me on this one. There's quite a big cliffhanger, which makes me pretty excited for the sequel.

note: since the link buttons aren't working for some of my links, here are the links to my reviews on my bookstagram, goodreads, and blog:
blog: https://sites.google.com/view/elainaexcessivereading/asian-reads
bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWzKEF2PDx9/
goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4343316015?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

~👑Special thanks to Netgalley and Fierce Reads for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!👑~

I'm so happy with how this book ended.

Rating: 🫖🫖🫖🫖 4.3

That was sarcasm, by the way.

When I requested this ARC I was pretty certain that nothing was going to come of it. I've been rejected before on that subject, so I was ready. Well, I thought I was ready. And then... Natgalley and Fierce Reads (for the giveaway win *mom, dad! I actually won something other than failure!*) Actually noticed this fangirl screaming from the top of her lungs 'NO YEAH, TRY TO IGNORE ME. I CAN SING OFF PITCH IF YOU WANT TOO' and right now? I'm slightly giving them the side eye for not preparing me better for the journey I was about to embark on.

No umbrella for the fictitious tears.
No map for the jumble of emotions I was going to have to sort through.
No socks to embrace my cold feet when trying not to read this in hopes that it would stay as perfection in my mind and not as another hyped read that fell from the heavens to Tartarus.

Forget everything I said up there, thank you.
You still owe me therapy.
And a way out of post good book funkiness.
Also, chocolate.

Every page, sentence and metaphor in this book was infused with such meaning and complexity that I felt somehow equally aghast and puzzled as to how a person could so perfectly describe things like THAT.

A normal meal? Nah, let's describe it like it's the final thing someone would ever taste and then add ✨sparkle✨ to it as well.
I read past midnight, people. I cannot be eating at that hour. But I did with this book.

I am still trying to make sense of everything that transferred in this book, please bear with me.
no really, i'm pulling these thread from literal fangirlnism as I go

The plot was spell binding and bewitching for me to watch unfold. Honestly, I thought it was similar to books I'd read previously. In terms of the whole 'main character' is forced to go into a competition in search for a cure or vengeance, later falls for some forbidden love interest and has to choose between that person and their mission. Yet the way it was described, how it fell into place in a mist of poison and magic, was what truly made this feel unique to me.

*screams into load of pillows because she can't try to seem sane for more time*
*fixes her wig and proceeds to continue*

IT WAS A MAGICAL TEA BREWING COMPETITION, Y'ALL. Nuh-uh, I was doomed to resist from the start.
I just realized I missed the opportunity of drinking tea whilst reading.
I hate myself right now.

The pace was properly thought out, not too fast nor too slow. Considering all the details that were woven into the story, I am really thankful the author didn't skim over some things because those small pearls spread throughout the worldbuilding really added the spark I long for when reading fantasy books. I was literally drooling as the things that didn't make sense fell into place, the betrayal, the angst, the wonderful way the pages tore me limb from limb and called me uneducated in 56 languages.

Definitely that.
I obviously loved that last thing.

I'm pushing through with a nail at the edge of a cliff holding me up, I swear

I'm not even talking about the world building because there's so much to unpack, and I'm really not ready to faint again.
Okay wait, let me say one thing real quick.
HOW THE HECK DID THE AUTHOR SURVIVE SACRIFICING THEIR SOUL TO HADES--
That's it.

Then after all that, how can I possibly forget about the writing. The star at the end of the world, the supernova, the black hole that exploded after I had to put down the book (yet again) so I could properly breathe through my 'how is this so perfect, what is this, how can I ever write something like this, how can I ever FIND something like this'. Did it work, though? Pfft, of course not. I still felt like a cloud being carried unto Mount Olympus to rest beneath the gods, I still felt like my world was gluing itself to the words spoken and described. Even when I didn't understand the language (there was a glossary at the end, and I was ever so smart to not search for it until I read the Acknowledgements. I know, I surprise myself too) the sentences burrowed beneath my skin with the delicacy of a dagger cutting away tissue.
It was entrancing and poignant and powerful and UGH, I wish I could have a whole recipe book of every dish and tea in this story.

I wish I had the letters to put together, so I could properly die again and again over the writing.
Oh wait, I actually do, wait a sec.

*pulls out katana sword*
*starts calmly cutting off fingers*

The writing deserved them.
Also yes, the visual does help a lot, doesn't it? (I'm not evil, I promise)

The characters were well-developed, lush in their background stories. Holding a torch to my previous favorite characters (ahem, Cardan. AHEM, JACK HUNTER) is never an easy thing to do, and I can happily say that they held a bit more than a candle and for that, I am forever thankful.

That sounded salty but I meant it. *smile like you're not in pain because those favorite characters will never ever pay attention to you)

The main character, Ning, was a courageous young woman that had more personality than a dehydrated piece of cloth so I'm on a high mountain right now. My standards for YA MCs keep lowering, I don't know what else to compare it to. She was smart (ish), so kind and goshdarnit I wished to have seen a more multidimensional development, yet I know the second book will add more to her. I knew her, but I didn't KNOW her. You get me? I don't even get myself but okay, we'll go with it. *snort* I want to know the intricate workings of her mind, not only surface level. Honestly? She was an extremely likable character most of the time, and I had no idea how much that meant to me until now, when I'm finally sitting down to write this review that for sure will cost me some sleep as I try to push along.

Following her, there are the background characters. Look at me using actual words and not GYUIJNHBGTYGUHINJH. It won't last, but I'm proud, pfft. They added this sort of flair to the story, with the different stories and experiences. They weren't talking cardboards, yet I didn't get overly attached (thank goodness) and I'm not mad about that. Going into this, I needed something light and something that wouldn't hold my heart hostage until the sequel and I accomplished my mission.
Kind of.

The only thing I had a problem with was the romance. I know, I'm notorious for hating romances even when I crave for them on a daily basis. I love steam, okay? It warms my freezing soul. It was too connection type of romance, string in between lives, I'm-offended-he doesn't-trust-me-even-when-we-just-met type, in other words... the trope I dread the most.

Insta hatred. For myself, but for them, it's insta love. For me to hate and for them to bond over. So nice! I despised that aspect with a passion. Is it too much to ask for them to fall for each other gradually? Without a 'we just met, but I already feel like we've known each other our whole lives' and well, without the 'after meeting five times, let's kiss please'.

Am I ranting? Absolutely... not. Just kindly expressing the vitriol I would throw up on that goshforsaken trope of the devil.

All it needs to do is choke in poison.
That is all.
Really.
Just that.

On a closing note, if you don't mind the whole romance thing, I really liked this book! It was captivating, immersive, spine tingling with the food descriptions, haunting with the tragedy scent looming in the air of a coming war... I truly did enjoy every second of it. Even when I was gripping my heart in frustration at some dumb decisions some characters took, even when I ranted to one of my friends for about 15 minutes, even after all that. My breath is taken and for now, it can keep it.

Until I have the second book in my hands.

You thought I wouldn't lightly threaten people for the sequel? Oh darling, I may not be evil, but I still like to sharpen my claws from time to time.

On people who don't give me second books when THE FIRST ONE ENDS LIKE IT DID. EXCUSE ME NO. YOU GAVE ME THE WRONG BOOK-

From the first page, this book reels the reader in with its beautiful use of language and the artful way it paints a clear picture for the reader of what Ning experiences throughout the story. Ning is the perfect narrator as she is experiencing the riches and the splendor of the palace for the first time. She captures the beauty and the small cracks within the system in a way that introduces much of the world without feeling rushed. So much of this book feels like a love letter, only adding to the sincerity of the book.

The vivid descriptions of food and the tea served by the characters in this book were gorgeous and made me desperately want to sit down to eat with Ning and Lian. This book provided a great escape and I flew through its pages. It’s the perfect beginning of what I know will be an iconic duology!

Before starting this book, I highly recommend you replenish your tea collection as you’ll be craving a cup after the first page! If you’re a fan of tea, the inner workings of royal politics, and strong female characters, I highly recommend picking up A Magic Steeped in Poison!

✨4/5✨

I really enjoyed this story. Right from the word go, it was rich in imagery, culture, and language.

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this. The story about being a shénnóng-tú who uses magic through tea is so imaginative.

The one complaint I have is there is other magic used, but never really explained. Especially with Kang.

Speaking of Kang, I love him as a love interest. Their story is so complicated, but done in such a believable way.

Of course I have to mention the main character, Ning. Ning only wants one thing, to protect and save her sister. She's strong, resourceful, and smart. We barely get a description of how she looks until maybe the end of the book and even then it's vague....which I kind of enjoyed.

The book ends on a huge cliffhanger so beware when picking it up. I definitely recommend reading this book! Book 2 comes out in August 2022, so not a huge wait.

Thank you to MacMillan and Judy Lin for giving me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Happy reading!