"Stars are not a straight road but a split stream, each breaking into smaller ones, infinite possibilities outlined across the sky."
Thank you Macmillan's Children Publishing for the eARC via NetGalley. The following review is my own opinion.
Ning has set out to the city to compete in being the best shennong-shi to save her sister. She has accidentally poisoned her sister and her mother from a tea she made. Unfortunately, her mother didn't make it but was able to quickly brew tea to save Shu, but the poison is still coursing through her body. It's suspected that someone laced poison in the tea bricks and poisoning the people but the big question is why? There's unrest among the empire, a possible uprising, and more questions arise as Ning tries to win the competition and solve the mystery.
I love the beautifully woven story inspired by rich Chinese culture that is centered around crafts such as embroidery and different provinces that are known for their unique cuisines and pairing it with tea. There's an amazing magic system where these tea makers can infuse it with magic to give temporary powers, but it always comes at a cost either taking the tea maker or the recipient. The magic can be for show like making shapes from the steam to giving endurance for a long journey.
I could not put this book down. I wanted to devour every word. It's such an amazing read and I anxiously await for the next book.
Thank you Macmillan's Children Publishing for the eARC via NetGalley. The following review is my own opinion.
Ning has set out to the city to compete in being the best shennong-shi to save her sister. She has accidentally poisoned her sister and her mother from a tea she made. Unfortunately, her mother didn't make it but was able to quickly brew tea to save Shu, but the poison is still coursing through her body. It's suspected that someone laced poison in the tea bricks and poisoning the people but the big question is why? There's unrest among the empire, a possible uprising, and more questions arise as Ning tries to win the competition and solve the mystery.
I love the beautifully woven story inspired by rich Chinese culture that is centered around crafts such as embroidery and different provinces that are known for their unique cuisines and pairing it with tea. There's an amazing magic system where these tea makers can infuse it with magic to give temporary powers, but it always comes at a cost either taking the tea maker or the recipient. The magic can be for show like making shapes from the steam to giving endurance for a long journey.
I could not put this book down. I wanted to devour every word. It's such an amazing read and I anxiously await for the next book.