A Magic Steeped In Poison

by Judy I Lin

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Pub Date 6 Sep 2022 | Archive Date 6 Sep 2022

Sci Fi & Fantasy | Teens & YA

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Description

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's life might actually be the one in more danger.

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...

Advance Praise

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

Beautifully written, from the setting to the magic system, A Magic Steeped in Poison is sure to enchant both fantasy lovers and C-drama aficionados. I’ll be inhaling whatever Judy I. Lin brews up next. —Joan He, New York Times-bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant to Find

Blend threads of Chinese and Taiwanese mythology with a generous pinch of courage, a hint of romance, and a underlying note of mystery, then steep in a pot of court intrigue and serve in a bowl of evocative storytelling … Who could resist a fantasy about the magic of tea? —Juliet Marillier, award-winning author of the Warrior Bards series

[A] fast-paced, immersive debut ... The Chinese mythology–inspired world captivates and enthralls, and Lin’s lush descriptions―combined with Ning’s calm yet determined voice―are a feast for the senses. ―Publishers Weekly, starred 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

With intrigue, inventive magic, and the sequel scheduled for August, make reading this one a priori-tea! ―Buzzfeed

Creative and compelling ... Food as magic is a favorite trope of mine, and tea, with all its variations and real-life medical applications, is a very clever medium to focus on. ―NPR

Blends traditional tea-making with familiar tropes about magic and medicine to create something that feels wonderfully new. ―Paste Magazine

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. As much a political thriller as a fantasy, this is a quieter, excellent companion to Xiran Jay Zhao’s Iron Widow and Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights. The ending will have readers begging for the sequel. ―School Library Journal

Vivid descriptions of foods and scents of tea delight the senses, while cinematic prose captures the beauty of the landscapes ... The magic system is unique, and the tea competition, with its well-established importance to the protagonist, adds tension. ... This sophisticated fantasy is as refreshing as a freshly brewed pot of tea, and readers will eagerly await the sequel. ―The Bulletin