Yes, yes, yes...today's book has a gorgeous cover. This is at least the third time I have said that this year for a book on this blog. For the second week of YA fest, we will look at A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin, a ya fantasy novel filled with all of the elements that make for a great adventure: magic, intrigue, skilled warriors, a mysterious boy, betrayal, and a thirst for vengeance.
The Situation: Ning is desperate, but the only thing worse than the ache of being in an impossible situation is knowing that she is the cause of it. When her mother died as a result of poison, it was Ning's own tea that was the source. And now, it seems her younger sister Shu will suffer the same fate. The answer may be in an upcoming competition to find the kingdom's greatest master of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. If Ning were to win, she would receive a favor from the princess, and if the rumors are true, the princess will have the one thing that can save Shu's life. Attending the competition means Ning must leave her home (against her father's wishes), and her sister's side, but it is her only option.
The Problem: It is clear to Ning, as well as a few others in and around the imperial city, that Ning does not belong. In the first round of the competition, she manages to make a grievous error that draws the attention and the ire of one of the presiding officials. As she continues to make one blunder after another, Ning begins to doubt if she has what it takes. It does not help that a few competitors seem to have an unfair advantage, and then there are the added distractions of a mysterious but handsome stranger; the many attempts on the Princess' life; and the rumor that the emperor is fighting for his life after also ingesting the same poison as Ning's mother. The competition has higher stakes than even Ning thought it would, and it may be her own life that hangs in the balance.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fantasy novel that follows Ning from her humble home with her father and younger sister, to the imperial city where she will compete to be named the greatest shennong-shi in the kingdom. These competitors are able to brew a cup of tea that can cause a man to only tell the truth; give him enough strength and endurance to survive even the most grueling fight; make his facial features look different to an observer; and of course, poison or even heal him. This novel is rich in lore, and history, and with it being The Book of Tea #1, there will be at least one more book to continue the story.
My Verdict: If you love a fantasy novel with a great deal of world building, with all of the details and history a reader could ask for, then this book is for you. And yet, with as much as there is, it never felt overwhelming or that the story was sacrificed as a result. Every detail has a purpose and only adds to the experience. Even with such a fantastic environment, I think what I am most impressed with is the book's overall pace. Given how many shifting alliances Ning must keep track of, as well as the potential dangers, plus the actual competition, I am amazed at how smoothly everything moved along, bringing the story to an ending appropriate for the first book of an at least two-book series.
Favorite Moment: Ning manages to make one friend during the competition named Lian. There are certain points in the story where it is not clear how much Lian can be trusted, if at all. Lin manages to keep that tension for a large portion of the novel.
Favorite Character: I wish we could have seen more of Steward Yang. She is an earnest and hard-working woman who is devoted to her family and her job.
Recommended Reading: I keep recommending Traci Chee's Sea of Ink and Gold series, but I will also mention the Legacy of Orisha series by Tomi Adeyemi.
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