

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Title: A Magic Steeped in Poison
Author: Judy I. Lin
Format: hardcover (borrowed)
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 3/29/22
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Categories: Fantasy, Tea, Politics, Romance, Chinese Mythology, Young Adult

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.

Content Warning: poison, death
I’ve been wanting to read this book since I saw the gorgeous cover. It’s even more beautiful in person! I really enjoyed this story.
+ The magic system of the shennong-shi, is unique and cool! The magic is in the tea and the preparer and I totally believe it because whenever I drink a hot cup of tea, it’s a healing experience – so I loved learning about the shennong-shi. The competition to be the shennong-shi for the Emperor gives the story high stakes.
+ Ning’s story is relatable in that she’s doing the competition for the love of her sick sister. I love her memories of her family and of home. I like Ning’s bravery and her ability to think on her feet whenever difficult situations arose. She goes through a lot of challenges in the competition.
+ I enjoyed the politics taking place in the story as well. The emperor hasn’t been seen, so the Princess has been present for the shennong-shi competition. Ning meets a boy who happens to be the son of the emperor’s brother who was banished and exiled. There is talk of unrest in the empire and Ning is caught in the intrigue. She’s labeled a traitor and rebel but we learn more about what’s going on in the empire and the role of the Princess.
+ The little romance storyline between Ning and Kang is sweet, in a way it’s a forbidden kind of love, since Ning isn’t sure where his loyalties lie. It doesn’t overtake the story though which is nice and I look forward to seeing what happens in book two.
+ The author did a great job with the setting! I was definitely transported in Ning’s world of tea and the palace. Lovely world-building.
~ Would love to learn more about Kang in book two because we do learn some things about him but he still stays a bit mysterious.

Why you should read it:
- it’s a magic tea brewing competition! so unique
- lush world-building
- Ning’s love for her family, the politics she gets embroiled in and the romance that’s brewing for her
Why you might not want to read it:
- it’s a little bit of insta-love-ish but I think it was okay because the story didn’t fully focus on the romance
My Thoughts:
The gorgeous cover lured me in and then I was hooked by the tea competition and lush world building. I found this a quick read and with a unique concept. I loved this one and I’m glad I finally got to read it!
📚 ~ Yolanda
Quotes From the Book:
Life has a way of taking the wind out of our dreams sometimes…”
Judy I. Lin, A Magic Steeped in Poison
Tea for me is home, is joy, is family.”
Judy I. Lin, A Magic Steeped in Poison
Human hands make mistakes, Ning, but they are the hands the gods gave us. We use them to make amends, to do good things.”
Judy I. Lin, A Magic Steeped in Poison