From the gorgeous artwork cover to the incredibly unique premise, this book was a must read for me and I loved every minute of reading time. Now I need book two and am delighted that I ONLY have to wait until this August to continue on Ning's journey.
Ning is immediately a character to root for with so much already at stake right from the beginning; her mother has died from poisoning from an unknown source and her sister is riddled with fever and sickness from the very same poison. Ning's only hope to save her sister is to compete in a dangerous and possibly deadly tea competition to secure the finest physicians to treat her beloved sister. But using her magic always comes with a cost and learning how this magic system works as I read seemed flawless and so well thought out that I never even considered it wasn't happening.
The writing is lyrical and feels like storytelling at its best. I'm amazed that this is the work of a debut author. This is more than just a fantasy; this is a story of family, sacrifice, secrets, friendships, loyalty, hints of romance, and so many unforeseen twists and deceptions.
Ning is immediately a character to root for with so much already at stake right from the beginning; her mother has died from poisoning from an unknown source and her sister is riddled with fever and sickness from the very same poison. Ning's only hope to save her sister is to compete in a dangerous and possibly deadly tea competition to secure the finest physicians to treat her beloved sister. But using her magic always comes with a cost and learning how this magic system works as I read seemed flawless and so well thought out that I never even considered it wasn't happening.
The writing is lyrical and feels like storytelling at its best. I'm amazed that this is the work of a debut author. This is more than just a fantasy; this is a story of family, sacrifice, secrets, friendships, loyalty, hints of romance, and so many unforeseen twists and deceptions.