Judy Lin’s debut, A Magic Steeped in Poison is a beautiful, lush fantasy set is historical China. As suggested in the title, the magic system is embedded in tea and the world bruising around teas and foods is done so well! It really drew me into the world in an all-the-senses kind of way.
However, I felt that the pacing of the plot and various side plots were a bit off, moving too quickly at times and much too slowly at others. In addition to this, there were many threads that were not tied off, which left me feeling dissatisfied rather than eager for book two.
I also thought that the romance thread could h be gone deeper. Instead, much of it felt unearned.
Despite those flaws, the book was fun to read and was able to hold my attention by the beautiful, descriptive writing and the sympathetic protagonist. I would still recommend this book to readers seeking non-western historical fantasy and I’m looking forward to the second book in this duology!
However, I felt that the pacing of the plot and various side plots were a bit off, moving too quickly at times and much too slowly at others. In addition to this, there were many threads that were not tied off, which left me feeling dissatisfied rather than eager for book two.
I also thought that the romance thread could h be gone deeper. Instead, much of it felt unearned.
Despite those flaws, the book was fun to read and was able to hold my attention by the beautiful, descriptive writing and the sympathetic protagonist. I would still recommend this book to readers seeking non-western historical fantasy and I’m looking forward to the second book in this duology!