This is my favorite YA book in quite a while. It involves a lot of similar mythology to that in Daughter of the Moon Goddess, which I also loved, but it leans on an entirely different type of magic.
The author clearly spent a great deal of time researching the traditional medicinal properties of the ingredients in this book, and with them she weaves together a tale of magic, tea, betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice. Even many of the more minor characters in A Magic Steeped in Poison have great moments that define their character and give them depth for the reader, while other characters are left shrouded in mystery for the second book in this duology.
The world building is excellent, but it feels natural. I never felt bogged down in it or confused as to what was happening in the world surrounding the main character, Ning.
What’s more, Ning is a great character to follow. She is driven but rational and cares deeply but isn’t rash or impulsive. At one point, I was afraid she was going to make a decision that often sours other YA stories for me—to abandon everything in a moment of emotion, but she did not disappoint me. Ning is the kind of protagonist who doesn’t break in her beliefs, even when she is afraid or anxious. She may be used by other characters, but she never abandons her core beliefs, even when it is difficult to tell what is right or wrong.
I also love books with strong friendships, and really enjoyed the loyalty that develops between Ning and Lien throughout the book.
This is the first book of a duology, and since it ends on a cliffhanger, I can’t overstate how happy I am that the second book is set to release in August of this year. Lin has built an enchanting world and a fascinating magic system, and I can’t wait to see where Ning will follow her gifts and her loyalties in A Venom Dark and Sweet in just a few months.
The author clearly spent a great deal of time researching the traditional medicinal properties of the ingredients in this book, and with them she weaves together a tale of magic, tea, betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice. Even many of the more minor characters in A Magic Steeped in Poison have great moments that define their character and give them depth for the reader, while other characters are left shrouded in mystery for the second book in this duology.
The world building is excellent, but it feels natural. I never felt bogged down in it or confused as to what was happening in the world surrounding the main character, Ning.
What’s more, Ning is a great character to follow. She is driven but rational and cares deeply but isn’t rash or impulsive. At one point, I was afraid she was going to make a decision that often sours other YA stories for me—to abandon everything in a moment of emotion, but she did not disappoint me. Ning is the kind of protagonist who doesn’t break in her beliefs, even when she is afraid or anxious. She may be used by other characters, but she never abandons her core beliefs, even when it is difficult to tell what is right or wrong.
I also love books with strong friendships, and really enjoyed the loyalty that develops between Ning and Lien throughout the book.
This is the first book of a duology, and since it ends on a cliffhanger, I can’t overstate how happy I am that the second book is set to release in August of this year. Lin has built an enchanting world and a fascinating magic system, and I can’t wait to see where Ning will follow her gifts and her loyalties in A Venom Dark and Sweet in just a few months.