This book has one of the most unique magic systems I have come across in a long time. It takes the metaphysical properties of tea and weaves it into the ancient art of tea brewing in all the best ways. Tea is at the very center of this novel as it is both the antagonist and protagonist over all the other characters.
Ning is desperate. After accidentally poisoning her mother and sister she is determined to go the heart of the empire and win the competition to become the next shennong-shi to serve the emperor. And save her sister in the process. Due to the nature of the competition Ning finds herself in the middle of murderous plots, political intrigue, and a boy who could very well steal her heart. But can she muster up the courage to win the competition and save her sister's life or will her magic continue to bring her grief and heartbreak?
This is so wonderfully written and I could not put it down. It does have a lot of over used tropes and that is probably my only complaint. Having Ning save her sister (who is way better at this than Ning) is a story I have read so many times it seems to be a pattern for me. But the rest of the book is so unique and the storytelling powerful. I loved it.
Ning is desperate. After accidentally poisoning her mother and sister she is determined to go the heart of the empire and win the competition to become the next shennong-shi to serve the emperor. And save her sister in the process. Due to the nature of the competition Ning finds herself in the middle of murderous plots, political intrigue, and a boy who could very well steal her heart. But can she muster up the courage to win the competition and save her sister's life or will her magic continue to bring her grief and heartbreak?
This is so wonderfully written and I could not put it down. It does have a lot of over used tropes and that is probably my only complaint. Having Ning save her sister (who is way better at this than Ning) is a story I have read so many times it seems to be a pattern for me. But the rest of the book is so unique and the storytelling powerful. I loved it.