Staff Pick
I promptly fell in love with the dreamy cover of A Magic Steeped in Poison, and the story itself. Ning's strength and determination are perfectly balanced with her vulnerability and grief. Plus, this duology has one of the most unique magic systems I've seen. Luckily for me and many other YA fantasy fans, we won't be waiting years for the sequel, A Venom Dark & Sweet, a miracle! We'll rejoin Ning on her journey and see how her tea magic abilities grow, along with discovering Kang's true intentions. Recommended By Charlotte S., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The enthralling conclusion to Judy I. Lin's Book of Tea duology — #1 New York Times bestseller A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet — is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.
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 — as 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...
Review
“A breathtaking tale with a stunning magic system rooted deep in Chinese mythology and tea-making traditions. Lin's originality truly blew my mind. Love and magic overflows past the brim in this work of beauty.” — Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow
Review
“Lush, descriptive prose sells the well-built magic system of this world, and every plot twist surprises and delights, making this a rich fantasy page-turner.” — School Library Journal
Review
“Ning's unforgettable voice and the lush, atmospheric settings will enchant readers in this high-stakes story of deadly magic…Lin blends Chinese folklore with a thrilling mystery. It's the perfect recipe for a page-turner.” — Booklist (Starred Review)
About the Author
Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology (A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet), was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now works as an occupational therapist and still spends her nights dreaming up imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughters.