Ok, so this is a slow burn novel, but stick with it, because once the action gets going, you'll be so engrossed in the narrative that you'll forget to breathe. A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON combines Chinese mythology and magic with the art of tea in such a good way. Ning is both naïve and strong, she's flawed and makes mistakes. But the contrast between Ning and the politics of court that she has no experience with will keep readers on their toes. The side characters are amazing, the douchey spoiled kid is well, a perfect jerk, and there are some plot twists that I didn't see coming. The world building is superb and the magic system is well executed... and based enough within the real-world to honestly be believable which makes it even better.
Lin's novel will encourage you to never look at a mug of tea the same way ever again. But that ending?! Now that's a cliffhanger that is going to make me need the next book in my hands immediately.
Lin's novel will encourage you to never look at a mug of tea the same way ever again. But that ending?! Now that's a cliffhanger that is going to make me need the next book in my hands immediately.