Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, MacMillan Children's/Feiwel & Friends for the eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

4/5 stars

Judy I Lin kept us on the edge of our seats yet again for the conclusion to this duology! The magic system was just as beautiful as it was within the first book, and I really loved the expansion of the mythology/lore of the gods and their symbols and powers being pulled into the overall plot! All of the characters were just as lovable in this installment, and there were a lot of exciting action moments throughout the book. The imagery, food, and magic descriptions were just as beautiful and vivid as they were in the first book as well!

Although I did love the book and it was a nice finish for a debut duology, there were a few things that felt missing or different in this installment, compared to the first book. While the first book was perfectly paced, had constant action and emotion throughout, and we were easily able to connect to the characters, that somehow felt missing in this installment. The beginning 20% was much slower, and the first 80% almost felt like solely a set-up for the last 20% of the book instead of shining in it's own right. I'm not sure if it was the story set-up or the writing, but I know it felt as though Ning's inner monologue was more of the focus this time and that she tended to be very "matter of fact" or blunt. The ending was very big, exciting, and unexpected, but it also felt very quick (dare I say rushed) compared to the prior 80%, and I just wish we would've had a bit lengthier of a story climax.

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

Accused of murdering the Emperor, Ning and Princess Zhen escape the palace and travel the kingdom looking for allies to take the throne back from the Banished Prince and his son, Kang. However, the golden serpent stalks Ning's every move, filling her nightmares with war and bloodshed.

Ning finally seems to come into her own in this book. I remember loving how dedicated she was to her family, but not loving how apathetic she was to basically everything else. Here, we see her finally decide what she wants to do, and then follows through with that.

Typically, I reread a series when the next book comes out; since I read book one in May, I decided that wasn't necessary this time. Boy, do I wish I had reread it. So much is packed into a book, and I spent the first third of the book just trying to remember what had happened, let alone trying to pick up on all the new threads that were being weaved. The pacing was a bit slow, which was weird because there were so many plot lines happening. Once I made it past the first third though, things picked up.

I don't particularly dislike multiple POV's, but it's also not something I love. However, I did enjoy getting to know Kang a little bit more, and seeing who he was and why. I still love the idea of tea magic, but unfortunately, I still didn't get the in-depth look at it, so I'm left feeling a little confused about the world.

I still really enjoyed this book, and will most likely get myself the hardcovers, because look at that cover, absolutely stunning!

This was a wonderful follow up to A Magic Steeped in Poison! The magic system remains unmatched and absolutely stunning to read about. This was a story of struggle and ultimately finding yourself despite your family's history. I absolutely would recommend this if you've read the first - and if not I recommend both. I can't wait to see what else Lin has to offer with her talents.

Thank you to @fiercereads for including me on the book tour and providing a gifted copy for A VENOM DARK AND SWEET, the second book in the Book of Tea Duology by @judyilinauthor. The first book, A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON was an early 2022 favorite. A VENOM DARK AND SWEET was released this past Tuesday on August 23, 2022.

A VENOM DARK AND SWEET picks up where A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON concluded. However rather than go directly to the battlefields and the action, the first third of the book is about logistics and strategy

It's a book that slowly moves forward, in the second third the plans start to take shape and things start to come together, before we get to the final showdown in the last third.

At the heart of this book, it's still about family, and what you will do to help save family members. Not just family through blood, but found family. We learn more about the families of many of our characters - Ning and Shu's bond, Wenyi's family, Kang and the General.

Overall, I enjoyed this second book, but the pacing was a bit slower than my liking. Additionally, this book is in disk POV. While in Ning's POV, it is first person present letting you jump right into the action. However in Kang's POV it's third person past - making him seem to be an observer. I understand the reason behind this, but it took some adjusting and might have led to the slower pace.

I hope you get a chance to pick up the book soon. As an aside, I forgot what happened in A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON, so I borrowed the audiobook from there library, Carolyn Kang did a great job bringing life and nuance to Ning in that book.

For this photo, I chose to include some boxes of Chrysanthemum tea, as Ning brews that tea a few times during the book. It took me back to my childhood and the days of brining these drinks to school. I've also included a husband and a wife cookie, as they reminded me of some of the pastries made by the kitchen.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: A Venom Dark and Sweet

Author: Judy I. Lin

Book Series: The Book of Tea book 2

Rating: 3.5/5

Diversity: Chinese MC and characters

Recommended For...: young adult readers, Chinese mythology, fantasy

Publication Date: August 23, 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

Age Relevance: 14+ (death, murder, violence, gore)

Explanation of Above: There is death and murder shown in the book. There is violence due to poisonings and weapons. There is vomit and blood gore shown and mentioned in the book.

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Pages: 352

Synopsis: A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust.

Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi—a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making—has escorted Princess Zhen into exile. Joining them is the princess' loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning's newly healed sister, Shu. Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen's rightful throne.

But the golden serpent still haunts Ning's nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world...

Chinese mythology Little confusing in beginning Picks up immediately after last book Multi POV I've lost the plot it gone I don't understand the necessity for this other POV I think this book would be better if you read it back to back with the first one but alone it is a confusing mess Quick paced

Review: This was a decent sequel to the first book. I loved the Chinese mythology used in the book and the book picks up immediately after the ending of the first one. The book is multi-POV and had great character development and world building. I also loved the ending and thought it did well to sum up the novels.

However, I was confused throughout the book because it had been awhile since I had read the first book, so this is definitely one you need to read the first book again to understand what’s happening in this book. I also lost the plot a couple of times in this book and I didn’t understand the necessity for the other POV outside of Ning’s. I think the book is decent, but it’s also a fast paced read that you need to enjoy with the first book to get the full experience out of it.

Verdict: It’s ok!

4 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this duology my main complaint would be I wish it was longer. The lord and world building and magic are all so unique and cool and yet familiar, this was definitely a comfort read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed how the lord got massively expanded upon in this book and if you are a sucker for the gods among us trope than book 2 is where it’s at!! Did things wrap up a little cleanly and quickly? Sure. Do I mind? Not really I had a great time with this one and would highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun quick YA fantasy duology with super unique magic.

This is the finale of the Book of Tea duology and we get right back into the story. Stuff got a bit more dire than they were previously. Just a giant nightmare snake and a coup going on, no big deal. We follow Ning and Kang's povs as they put the pieces of their nation's history together, meddle with magics mortals have forgotten, and come to grips with their own pasts.

Reasons to read:
-That cover by @sijahongart, until I had it in my hands I didn't realize they were snakes and those colors
-It's just one more book, when had that ever hurt you?
-Just adding new recipes I need to learn to cook with the food descriptions
-The foreshadowing is even in geographic details 👏
-It gets kinda metal there for a bit
-Ominous bamboo
-Pronunciation guides! My limited Mandarin helps with the tone marks, but I love to be sure

Cons
-I have to get another book shelf somehow because I just ran out of room with this one off the tbr pile

An absolutely stunning conclusion to a beautiful duology! Higher stakes, increased action - but still that almost whimsical sort of cozy vibe.

I've already ordered copies at my store and can't wait to see them in the hands of readers who will love them!

Lovely, beautiful, wonderful conclusion to the duology. While 'A Magic Steeped in Poison' was a slow burn, ASMRy introduction to Ning and her world, the sequel is more action with higher stakes, so take that into consideration. The story moves beyond the palace as it picks up right where it left off, with Ning and her friends on the run. The magic is explored more in this one, and introduces more of the mythology. Adding in Kang's POV helped build the story as well, as Lin was able to add in a beautiful redemption story. This character driven story is a strong follow up and just amazing.

While I really adored the first book in this duology, something about this title didn't completely work out for me. I am not someone who is a fan of multiple perspectives, especially when it is completely different from how the first book is written. I see WHY the author did it for this novel, but it pulled me out of the story and I kept getting frustrated when it switched from Ning's POV.

The writing, like the first book, was simple yet lyrical, with gorgeous descriptions of landscapes and foods. The writing itself is immersive and really lends itself to the story.

The plot was slow going, and I found myself skimming many times just because I wanted something to happen. I also wanted to see Ning grow in her magical capabilities a bit more than she actually did as it seemed like things were easily won instead of true character growth.

My true rating is 3.5, rounded up. I would still absolutely put this series in the hands of readers who enjoyed books such as Six Crimson Cranes or Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

We are back with the conclusion and final thoughts of A Venom Dark and Sweet. AVDAS was an okay book and series. The world-building is something you wish you could hop on a plane and find, the food and tea-making descriptions are still immaculate as hell, and well, we get to see a female protagonist whoop ass, and that's what I'm here for.

The new multiple POV format didn't really do it for me, as I didn't care for Kang's version of events. And the story started to drag a little, but still an okay book.

I am interested in seeing what Lin comes up with in the future because I know it will be magical!

I was ecstatic about this book and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. This book picks up where book one leaves off, and I quite enjoyed it. I missed these characters and the politics.

I enjoyed the dual points of view; it was awesome to get other perspectives, and I felt like I learned more about Kang. I still have my issues with him, but he is a well-written character. Ning continues to be my hero. She is still the strong, brave and kind; with everything she has been through in book one, for me, she fully stepped into the role of heroine.

The writing is still phenomenal. The magic and world-building still leave me in awe. While not every page was an action-packed page-turner, the pacing worked for me. However, as I was reading, I had difficulty remembering what happened in the first book. While it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, sometimes, I had to take a second to remember how we got to specific points.

This duology is great for anyone interested in reading fantasy but doesn’t know where to start. The writing is exceptional, and the character development, along with the world-building is a clinic on how it should be done.

Amazing followup to the first novel. This installment keeps the same magic and excitement as the first.

picking up where a magic steeped in poison left off, a venom dark and sweet finds ning and the princess fleeing until they can find a way for zhen to reclaim the throne from her uncle. kang is left to watch his father—who is not quite the man he remembers—assume power as an ancient evil threatens the kingdom.

as much as i wanted to love a venom dark and sweet, it didn’t quite live up to the first novel. while it was a solid conclusion to the duology, i missed the more intimate setting of the first book and i think this one tried to do too much, too quickly and the character development and relationships suffered as a result. i did enjoy the continued exploration of the magic system and how that played into the conclusion.

Thank you for a copy of this book!! It is a stunning sequel and I love the way the world opened up bigger and hearing from multiple perspectives and new voices. The pacing was really well done and it didn't feel like a lot of stalling for time.

In the conclusion to The Book of Tea duology, A Venom Dark and Sweet picks up where A Magic Steeped in Poison left off. Ning and Kang are separated. Ning has been reunited with her sister Shu and they are aiding the exiled princess Zhen to help her reclaim her throne. Meanwhile, Kang is dealing with his own problems, namely his awful dad.

There was a certain bit of magic that I felt this book was lacking, and I don't mean that literally. First of all, Lin made an interesting choice in telling this book from dual POVs. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, but here we have Ning telling the story from 1st person and Kang from 3rd. To be honest, it felt awkward and was a bit jarring with every switch. The 3rd person also creates some distance between the reader and Kang. If that was Lin's intent, I mean, good job, but I didn't enjoy it. The world building was great, but I'm less interested in that than characters. I felt including Kang's POV did little for his character. This book was slow at times, and I wasn't as invested in the story as with the first. The ending was wrapped up in a nice little bow, so no worries there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Title: A Venom Dark and Sweet
Author: Judy I. Lin
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4.0 out of 5

A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust.

Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi—a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making—has escorted Princess Zhen into exile. Joining them is the princess' loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning's newly healed sister, Shu. Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen's rightful throne.

But the golden serpent still haunts Ning's nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world...

I loved the first book in this duology, A Magic Steeped in Poison, but I don’t think this book quite lived up to that first one. I still loved the characters and the world, but the last half of the book felt a bit rushed and almost superficial, like the author was describing what happened—but not actually letting the reader experience it.

Judy I. Lin lives in Canada. A Venom Dark and Sweet is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Macmillan/Feiwel & Friends in exchange for an honest review.)

This is the exciting conclusion to the Book of Tea duology by Judy Lin - what beautiful covers am I right? The last book left off with Ning, Ruyi, and Princess Zhen on the run, along with Ning's sister Shu. This book is a little different in that we get two POV's - Ning and Kang! As with the first book, we get a beautiful mixture of Chinese mythology with amazing world-building and solid character development.

Ning is yet again a fierce, kick-ass female lead. She will stop at nothing to ensure her sister's safety as well as the safety of her newfound friends. Her compassion, loyalty, and strength really shine through in this book. It was also such a treat to get Kang's side of the story in such detail this time around. We finally get to delve deep into his mind, and see his motivations and whether or not he is deserving of redemption.

The writing style here is yet again brilliant! I love this author's ability to weave such an intricate story into the pages. The end was good, but could have perhaps been just a tad longer. Not to say it didn't end well, just a bit quick is all! Regardless, I look forward to seeing what else Judy Lin comes out with!

A great continuation to the first book. I loved just as much. The covers are SUPERDUPERPRETTYYYYY. I Thank you so much for the copy.

Star Rating: —> 5 Stars

LOVED THIS DUOLOGY SO FREAKING MUCH!

A high-stakes, utterly transportive, action packed conclusion to The Book Of Tea Duology!

“Soon there will no longer be an empire to rule, and we'll all reside in the serpent's realm of nightmares.
Soon none of it will matter at all.”

This was a beautifully laid out Chinese mythology-based tale of Gods, monsters, & the legends of shénnóng-shī. I cannot express enough how lush, beautiful, yet absolutely readable prose was! I fell even harder for this story than I could have ever imagined! Judy I. Lin’s take on the magical tea makers of Chinese legend is just SO original— an absolute breath of fresh air. I look forward to reading so much more from her!

I LOVED having Kang’s POV this time around! His tale of redemption was woven with care, and this tale is as much his, as Ning’s.

Ning was as kick ass as EVER ! I love seeing female POCs in SUCH. STRONG. ROLES! Ning is both lovely and kind, & cutthroat & vicious! She is a character I couldn’t help but fall deeper & deeper in love with !

“I want to kiss him, and hit him, in equal measure.”

Lmfao! Yas we loves this!
I ADORED (duh) the enemies to lovers dynamic present here, as I always do, haha. This is more of a background theme, but you can definitely still feel that tension!

Gah I just fell head over heels for this duology!

1000% recommend!!!


Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher—Fewel & Friends/ Macmillan, & Judy I. Lin for the e-arc!!!!

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these covers are just… my god… PLSSSSSSSS
🥹😍🤩