A Venom Dark and Sweet is a delightful sequel to Judy I. Lin's first novel. Lin tied things up in the series in a satisfying way that will leave teens wanting more - not for lack of explanation but for disappointment that it is over.

After loving A Magic Steeped in Poison, I was glad that I would only have a short wait before the sequel and conclusion to this duology was released. Unfortunately, A Venom Dark and Sweet fails to live up to its predecessor.

The thing I loved most about AMSiP was the tea—the details of its brewing, the intricacies of the tea ceremonies, the magic it could create and bestow. Tea is still an element of AVDaS, but it’s not the main element, and that takes away from what made the first book so unique. Additionally, while AMSiP is best described as a competition fantasy, AVDaS is an adventure/travel fantasy, and again, it loses some of that uniqueness and feels more generic. I’ve read countless books over the years where the characters must venture forth on an epic quest to find ancient relics and save the kingdom, and although the inclusion of Chinese mythology here adds a different aspect, it’s not enough to make the story feel special.

The split points of view between Ning and Kang allow for the story to continue in two places at once, and although some readers have complained about this aspect, I think it’s fine. It is a bit strange that Ning’s chapters continue to be in first-person while Kang’s are in third-person, but it’s not that big of a deal.

I also feel that, although the stakes are higher in this book, they don’t actually feel as high. Everything Ning did in AVDaS directly impacted her, and her every move was scrutinized and judged. Here, everyone has their own parts to play, and although Ning is basically “the Chosen One,” her role seems oddly lessened.

Maybe part of that is due to rather anticlimactic showdown between Ning and The Big Bad. It just sort of…happens? I kept thinking, “Is this it?” and flipping to see if there was some big twist that would wow me. Sadly, I think the twist that was meant to be The Big Twist was obvious all along, so things just sort of fizzled out.

The conclusion was fine. After being disappointed by the final showdown, I was hoping for a nice ending, but it’s a bit bland, and I realized I don’t necessarily care.

I had big hopes for A Venom Dark and Sweet, but the magic of the first novel—the stakes of the competition, the intricacies of tea making, the complex relationships—is missing, making this follow up little more than a generic quest story.

This was a fun conclusion to the duology. It was fast paced and I loved that we got more of Kangs character. The change from 1sr to 3rd pov between perspectives though was a little annoying at first but othing that really pulled me out of the story. I think it wrapped up well

Wonderful conclusion and beautifully written. I can’t get over how cool the magic system is and liked getting into a different POV.

Because I read the first part of Lin's "Book of Tea" duology right before this one, I could really see the story in its entirety. The second book is just as beautifully written as the first one, with gorgeous, though slightly detached prose and vibrant descriptions. I loved that we got to delve more into the mythological aspects of the series this time, and the tea magic is still a wonderful idea.

The two books weave seamlessly into each other and this second book picks up right where the last one ended. I really enjoyed that we got a second pov this time around, with Ning's part of the story still being told in first person while her love interest Kang's chapters are written in third person. I liked his perspective and it added a lot to his character, although the generally detached writing, third person perspective and the present tense in which the book is written made his voice a rather... robotic telling of the events happening. I might have preferred two first person narratives here.

It's an exciting story full of wonder and gods, though it also suffers from same issues as its predecessor. The romance is not very interesting and the characters never manage to live up to their potential, though Ning undergoes much needed character development. The emotional parts of the story never really worked for me that well because of how detached we are from the characters, especially Kang in the later chapters.
The pacing is still fast, but a bit slower than in the first book because where once was a competition, there now is an adventurous quest leading to the characters travelling a lot. Honestly, the first part of the book is a bit too slow even, and in comparison made the ending chapters seem rather hectic.

There is definitely room for improvement, but the beautiful prose, the cool magic and the mythological aspects make this a fun duology that's also a very quick read.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Feiwel & Friends in exchange for an honest review.

While the first half of A VENOM DARK AND SWEET is slow and took a bit to get in to, overall it is a satisfying conclusion to The Book of Tea duology. I appreciate that Lin gave readers chapters from both Ning and Kang's experiences this time around, though I'm not sure I loved that Ning's were written in the first person, while Kang's were in the third person.

The plot and the pace pick up once Ning and Kang cross paths and Lin does an excellent job with explaining the rules and parameters of magic in this world. I wish there had been some more character growth (it's there for Ning, but none of the other characters are given that space), and as much as part of the message is the power of friends and family... those friends and family take a backseat through most of the plot (example: even though Shu is alive and well, readers don't really get to know her).

Even though there are things that I felt missed the mark, or that I had hoped were done differently, I do think this is a solid duology that readers of mythology and fantasy will enjoy.

The stakes are high following the aftermath of 'A Magic Steeped in Poison', and every character is about to be tested on how far they will go to save the people they love.

In the first book, Ning goes to the palace to enter a competition in hopes that she could save her sister. Now, she is finally reunited with Shu but the two of them are on the run alongside Princess Zhen and her bodyguard. Ning is marked as a criminal by the palace and she’s determined to prove her innocence while helping Princess Zhen regain the throne.

My favorite part of this book was this group of women! I loved the trust and friendship they built between each other. It was also fun getting to know Shu better since we’ve only known her from Ning’s perspective. My favorite relationship was the one that grows between Princess Zhen and Ning, mainly because I enjoyed Princess Zhen so much. It would have been interesting to have a POV from her to make her more of a complex character.

Unlike 'A Magic Steeped in Poison', this book is told from a dual POV between Ning and Kang. Since the two of them are now separated, we get Ning’s viewpoint as she’s traveling and trying to find answers behind the mass poisonings. Then we get a glimpse into Kang’s new life as the Banished Prince in the palace.

It was difficult to connect with Kang in this book up until the final act. I felt for him on a certain level considering that his new life isn’t all glitz and glamour. He had a lot to prove not only to the people of Dàxi but to his father as well. Kang feels torn between being a loyal son and doing what his heart believes is right.

The story picks up when Ning and Kang’s paths cross once again. The world grows more enchanting and we get a better sense of the magic being used. I enjoyed each moment when Ning explores her magic. It felt as if I have never read something like this in a fantasy story.

I think Judy I. Lin did an amazing job with details of how the magic works and with the blending of tea making. Everything was so fun to read! This story is rich in culture and I believe that’s why every word pulled me into these characters and their adventure.

Overall, I found the ending satisfying. There were a few questions that I felt were left unanswered even after reading the epilogue, but who is to say there won’t be another story set in this world in the future?

'A Venom Dark and Sweet' starts off a bit slow but once you hit the middle the pace starts to pick up right until the final page. This series is one for every fantasy reader because it’s an exciting adventure with fun magic inside!

This was a delightful conclusion to a very entertaining duology. I really came to love these characters, the world, and the writing is truly stunning.
I will definitely be checking out what Lin writes in the future.

Tea taking center stage was something I hesitated about in the first book, but I'm so glad that I picked it up and then got approved for this ARC. It is a very cultural inclusion of something that I am wholly unfamiliar in, and I enjoyed reading about it in both of these books, and also doing some of my own research on the side.

I also really enjoyed getting a multiple POV story with this one, seeing Ning and Kang's story juxtaposed against each other kept me interested throughout.

4/5 stars, thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

I love a tidy conclusion as much as the next person, especially when it's a duology. We delve further into the magic of this world and even get chapters from Kang's perspective. Understanding what's going on in his head amidst a coup strongly contrasted Ning's from the previous book. We also get to explore The Shift more, the beautifully deadly limbo space. And not to mention, we actually can see the world that Judy I Lin created! We spend so much time in the palatial grounds in the first book, but here we see so much more. It's fast-paced and unputdownable, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.

*Thank you to B2Weird, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the gifted ARC and finished copy*

First off, this series has some seriously beautiful covers. I literally have the first one faced out on my shelves because I’m just *obsessed*.

Unfortunately though, the second one didn’t pull me in as much as the first. I really loved the competition aspect of the first one, I’m a sucker for that trope, and the second book obviously didn’t have that anymore. I still enjoyed the world, and the originality of the tea having magic. It also had a very tidy ending which is fine for me but not as dramatic as a like a fantasy to be haha.

Overall, a really interesting and unique duology that I would recommend for any ya fantasy beginner!

Faith, Trust & Pearl Dust

First, thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel and Friends for an advanced copy of the spectacular sequel I have been waiting for!!

This book has wonderful themes about what it means to love in all forms of the word. It has notes on faith, trust, family, friends, allies, enemies and how it makes us human. Not everything is as it seems and the complexity that makes us who we are is how we should see everyone and everything. It is beautiful and a perfect accompaniment to the action. The rush of life shouldn't push aside your humanity. I definitely cried. It's fine.

I love the element of surprise this book was able to have given what was revealed in the last book. Even after finishing the book, I still have some lingering questions. However, they don't take away from the plot's resolution and I love the detail of the characters even mentioning some of these remaining unknowns. Overall, I love the characters, their struggles and what they come to represent.

Excellent use of a duology format. Each book takes a unique plot, setting and tone while connecting in a way that makes sense. I love these books and I can't wait to see what Judy I. Lin brings for us in the future!

A Venom Dark and Sweet by Judy Lin is the second book in this duology.

Things I appreciated:
-quick release of the second book in this duology (didn’t have to reread the first book to refresh myself)
-brought us deeper into the world of magical tea

Things I wish for:
-more background on the magic tea/magic in this world
-more character development of the princess Zhen

Overall, a nice wrap up to this short series!

In the final installment of The Book of Tea duology, Ning, the Princess, Ruyi, and Shu are on the run from the Emperor-regent's men who seek to snuff out the loyalists' counter-rebellion and who accuse Ning of the poisoning of a dozen court members. While on the surface it seems like petty political affairs, Ning senses the forces of evil growing in the empire and will have to harness new magic and power to combat it and save the people of Daxi.

I loved book one in this series and could not wait to pick up book two and see how the series is concluded! Judy Lin's writing is so clear and concise, and I loved the YA atmosphere without all the teenage drama that typically accompanies YA fantasy novels. Ning is conflicted, yes, and she isolates herself, yes, but the telling is so relatable and doesn't drown the narrative in over-the-top feelings. Additionally, one of the things I loved most about book 1 - the writing of the tea ceremonies, the food and culinary diversity from across the empire, and the cultural and mythological diversity included - were also wonderful in this installment. These scenes are what drew me into the world-building and magic system and I was glad to see the author incorporate more of them into this book.

At the same time, I am very conflicted about this book because I do not feel it was loyal to the story of the first novel. The first book was very low-stakes fantasy (yes, she is trying to save a dying family member, but she is doing magic, making friends, sneaking into the kitchens, meeting a boy in the night) and book 2 is very much not that. In book 2, the end of the world is coming and Ning is the only one who can stop it; there are massacres, hauntings, death is close at hand. In book 1 there was a fun magic competition and mostly children; book 2 is about war preparations, a quest to gather allies and magical relics. Then, the magic system has also leveled up - it is no longer focused on tea and natural essences to draw out people's inner most thoughts or manipulate their bodily health; no, Ning is now gods-blessed and visited by multiple deities, attacked by deities, in fact. The story lost a lot of the playfulness and joy of the first book and in exchange we got a LOT of plot.

The author packed so much into this book and I'm not sure all of it was explained thoroughly enough - I did not really understand what the relics were or were for until they were all being used at the very end. I did not really understand what the Shift is in comparison to the other place she can go with tea; I did not really understand why Ning's magic has become so powerful or what changed it; I still do not understand why her sister's magic failed completely; I didn't really understand the grand plan of the serpent deity to be honest, did he want to be a human? But humans are fallible, couldn't we have just let him become a human and then killed him?

Other gripes I have include the lack of character development: Kang gets his own POV in this book, but he is very dry and distant from the audience, what do I really know of Kang's personality other than he hopes for his father's approval? Shu, Ruyi, and Zhen are Ning's closest allies but I don't feel I know much about them either. And, of course, all of the relationship development we go through just to end up as - what - friends? Long distance relationship? We actually don't know because the author didn't tell us. If the relationship is over but the author needs it to be an open ending so the audience can imagine the two might come back together at a later date, then ok, just say that. But the way it ended now is very much like "Welp it was real, see ya later man, thanks for being there for me," and we're not even sure if the two ever actually got together. They've spent a year together at the epilogue's conclusion - have they not kissed, not dated? Were the betrayals of the coup too much to overcome? We have no idea.

That all being said, I think I would've enjoyed this book had it been a standalone and unattached to the first book, which I liked so much. I really enjoy the author's writing style - especially for YA - and I will definitely read whatever they write next. The 4 stars are what I would have given this book had it been a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Venom Dark and Sweet is the fast-paced conclusion to the Book of Tea duology that all began with A Magic Steeped in Poison. After the courtly competition falls apart, Ning finds herself on the run with her sister, the princess, and the princess’ bodyguard/lover. Over their journey, Ning is plagued by a mysterious and threatening being she encountered when saving her sister’s life. Meanwhile, Kang is stuck in court trying to pick up the pieces of this broken empire and get to the bottom of his father’s sudden personality shift. He’s also trying hard not to think about Ning, and the mess they’ve found themselves in: infatuated, and on seemingly opposite sides of a power struggle.

My feelings about this book are a bit complicated. I feel as though it suffered from a weak start, and while it eventually recovered, it felt like too little, too late. One of the major sources of the narrative imbalance was the shifting perspectives. In the first book, we almost excllusively experienced the story from Ning’s POV. She’s the character I fell in love with at the beginning. However, this book kicks off with Kang’s POV in a voice that falls a bit flat, and doesn’t have enough of a personality. This is compounded by the fact that Kang’s side of the story is told from a third-person lens, while Ning’s is told from first-person. Couple that with the present tense, and you get a very robotic and distant recounting of event’s every time we’re with Kang.

I think the story could have benefitted by starting where the reader’s interest was: with Ning. Folding Kang’s POV over time, in a first-person perspective to create some personality, would have strengthened the overall atmosphere.

Once I got to the mid-point of the book, I had the rhythm down well enough that it didn’t pull me from the story, and I was able to focus more on the prose. Ning was a strong character throughout the book, and when she had her chance to shine, she really shone. Her use of magic, her care for others, and her determination to do what she must are so brilliant.

I thoroughly enjoyed the direction of the plot, in the end, and I’m happy with where we left these characters. I only wish the conclusion of the “big bad evil” of this book had been a bit more drawn out. In the end, it didn’t feel personal the way that it should have, and I truly think it lacked impact because the reader is kept at arm’s length from Kang and his experience.

While I found there was some room for improvement, I think this was an enjoyable duology, and I’m glad I read it. I think I’d like to read both books in one go, next time.

Oh. My. Goodness. This was such an incredibly ending to this duology!

This book picks up RIGHT where we left off in A Magic Steeped in Poison, and the stakes are so high. I am completely in awe of how brilliantly Judy I. Lin continued to build this world, especially as well learned so much about the lore, gods and magic in this installment. There is not even a single moment of info dumping, and yet I consistently felt sure of what was happening, what the protagonists were facing, and how it tied into a grander history of magic and gods and monsters.

One thing that surprised me a bit was that romance really took a backseat in this book. I don't actually mind that, as in the first book I liked but didn't LOVE the chemistry between Ning & Kang. They still very clearly care for one another here, and it makes for some very interesting and tense dynamics for how both of their positions on different sides of the conflict effect the story. I found myself so completely sucked into the action and adventure that I barely noticed the romance, which is very much a sub-plot to the threat.

I absolutely did not expect this story to take the turn from political intrigue and unrest to a darker, higher being making power plays in the world, but I was so incredibly here for it. The history of our big bad is so well fleshed out, and the way all of these pieces interacted with the magic system we already had was immaculate.

This brings me to my overall praise of the magic in this series. I was endeared and interested in the tea magic in book one, and it kept all the same charm. But even further, it became more complex and fantastical and heart pounding. Ning grew so flawlessly into herself both through magic as well as leaning into her strength and morality. I loved her interactions with the various gods and the hermit, I loved how viscerally I could feel her passion and care for the people she was saving through her magic. I just have nothing but positive things to say.

I can't articulate how blown away I was by this book. I read it in just two sittings, I quite literally could not put it down. I will absolutely be recommending this to every YA fantasy fan I know, and will be keeping a close eye on this author's releases in the future!

Thank you SO much to Macmillan Childrens, Feiwei & Friends and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title before publishing!

Myth: 4/5

The conclusion of The Book of Tea duology picks up with Ning’s story at the end A Magic Steeped in Poison. To keep us apprised of the goings on at the palace while Ning is on the move, Kang is also give a POV. It did take me a minute to get used to his perspective in third person instead of first as Ning’s is, but overall I was very glad that the story included some of his perspective.



Magic: 4/5

After the rollercoaster of events at the end of book one, it’s a little bit of a slow build to dive into the action in book two, it’s probably 40% of the way into the story before we’re back to Ning commanding her story, her actions and her magic. From then on it’s a stead build to the final showdown.

Overall: 4/5

I enjoyed the conclusion, though a little bit of a slow build up, the story came together and sure packed a punch at the end. Ning is a fantastic heroine, I loved her approach, her determination and her continuous focus on the people of Dàxi.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Venom Dark and Sweet is a beautifully crafted conclusion to the Book of Tea duology. The story starts right where we left off: Kang and his father, the Banished Prince, are at the palace and Kang is unsure if he wants to follow his father's leadership or continue to try and protect Ning. Ning cured her sister and she, Shu, Princess Zhen and Ruyi are travelling to gain support to take down the Banished Prince. Along the way a mythical creature is becoming a threat and Ning will need help to defeat it.

The very beginning is slow, not until about 20 to 30% does the pacing pick up. Afterwards, you are in for a wild ride alongside Ning and Kang's POVs. I am so happy we do get Kang's side and we receive a lot more development into his character and see what is brewing in the palace.

I absolutely love Judy I. Lin's story telling and the Chinese mythology is spectacularly written. You do not want to miss out on the ending to a brilliant duology.

4.5 stars

✨ 𝕒𝕣𝕔 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ✨

𝑨 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒆𝒂, 2) 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐈. 𝐋𝐢𝐧

𝑀𝓎 𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: ★★★★☆
𝒢𝑜𝑜𝒹𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈: 𝟦.𝟤𝟣/𝟧

A huge thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NeGalley for access to a highly anticipated YA sequel. A bigger thank you for the opportunity at an advance reading; what a thrilling conclusion to 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒆𝒂 duology!

What was already built on a solid foundation, Lin's new release improved greatly on her original debut. I sang high praises for 𝑨 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 and as its successor, 𝑨 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 was everything that I hoped for and more. I would rate this as a strong 4.5★'s; my biggest gripe (more-so a small wish) being that I wanted more of an impact in AVDAS's conclusion. I would have honestly loved to see this turned into a trilogy! 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂!

𝑨 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 kept me enthralled until the very last page; this is what I want from a sequel, especially when it comes to a conclusion to a story. AVDAS's beautiful writing style was superior to its predecessor, a feat I didn't think possible for Lin. Words cannot express how I look forward to what she creates apart from her 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒆𝒂 duology,

𝑨 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒎 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 releases on August 23 and I am so excited for those that are also looking forward to AMSIP's sequel. You have something to look forward too.

4 Stars

Lin has done it again. This sequel was the perfect wrap up to A Magic Steeped in Poison. I do wish it moved a bit faster as the plot was very slow and boring in the first 30% but otherwise it was perfect. The magic has always drawn me in and it's a shame I have to leave this world behind :(
I hope this book has the same amount of success as the first and more, they are to good to forget.

I loved A Magic Steeped in Poison and this book was just as good! A wonderful conclusion to the duology! Wonderful characters and a great story! Highly recommend!