I haven't finished A Magic Steeped in Poison yet, but in just a few chapters Judy I. Lin's YA novel has impressed me with her lyrical style. Set in ancient China, the atmosphere created by her style can be described as morose, or remorseful. The narrative reveals the protagonist Ning's soul-shattering remorse at having brewed tea for her family which killed her mother and almost killed her sister. The brick of tea was poisoned; it was not her intent. Ning had a loving family and been very content to learn her mother's tea-brewing secrets. Her mother was a shennong-shi and was invited to a tea-making competition in Jia, the imperial capital. Ning takes her mother's place; she must win,for the winner will receive a favor from the princess. Ning will beg for a remedy to her sister's illness, which is something that Ning herself was unable to find. I anticipate that Ning will face many hardships along the way to Jia because the novel's circumstances are pointing towards difficulties commensurate with the depth of her heartfelt grief. Perhaps there will also be some light for her, an enlightenment that will bear her up and fulfill her wish. I received a free preview of this book from BookishFirst. This is an honest review.