A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

Abstract

Reviewed by: A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin Aaren Tucker Lin , Judy I. A Magic Steeped in Poison . Feiwel , 2022 [ 384 p] (The Book of Tea) Trade ed. ISBN 9781250767080 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781250767097 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 7-12 The unrest in the empire of Dàxī became all too personal for Zhang Ning when she brewed tea from a poisoned tea brick, which killed her mother and sickened her sister. Now the imperial princess is holding a competition to bring a new shénnóng-shī—a master of tea magic—to her court. If Ning is to have any hope of saving her sister, she must enter and win the competition, following in her mother's footsteps by becoming a practitioner of Shénnóng. Ning finds the capital city beautiful and lavish but also rife with danger and political intrigues. The plot tracks a familiar path: Ning enters an unfamiliar setting that both thrills and intimidates her, where she has new experiences and makes new friends and enemies from the cast of fully developed side characters. Vivid descriptions of foods and scents of tea delight the senses, while cinematic prose captures the beauty of the landscapes, including the family's provincial pomelo orchard and the dizzying markets of the capital. The magic system is unique, and the tea competition, with its well-established importance to the protagonist, adds tension. Although a rushed romance and palace gamesmanship threaten to trip up the plot, the book finds its footing once Ning enters into the princess' confidence and the stakes become clearer. Overall, this sophisticated fantasy is as refreshing as a freshly brewed pot of tea, and readers will eagerly await the sequel. Back matter includes a glossary of Chinese terms, pronunciation guides for character and place names, as well as medicinal ingredients, and an author's note. [End Page 194] Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois