This was definitely an interesting new read. The ending has peaked my interest in the next book but I am expecting more. For me it will determine if this is a must read or skip it duology.
Ning sees no other option than to make her way to the royal palace in her mother's place. Shu, her younger sister is sick. Poisoned by tea leaves that no one knows where they came from, why or how to cure the sickness that leads to death brings. Ning will partake in a competition of tea brewing. Tea leaves with magic that is dependent on how you make it and the brewers capabilities.
What I did not like was how the entire story of the tea competition unfolded.. it felt very rushed after the 2nd round and seemed to take a back seat to Ning trying to find the mysterious figure who she believes is the one responsible for the poison tea leaves. The fued and drama between the competitors was lacking as well. Although the idea of the competition makes sense and has great potential, it wasn't capitalized on by the author and fell slightly short of what a great read this could have been.
Ning meeting Kang felt very out of place. Suddenly as the story progresses their relationship falls apart within a few sentences. It felt a lot like since the tea competition took the backseat, Kang now moved to the passenger side only to be ejected before reaching the destination. He then shows up unexpectedly with company to get back in the driver's seat. It was rather an unwanted scenario and I hope in the next book it makes better sense.
Overall it was a good book I enjoyed majority of it especially the tea magic. I really wish there would have been more of it and not so much if what I'd call story fluff. The politics were just right and the mystery factor is definitely there.
Ning sees no other option than to make her way to the royal palace in her mother's place. Shu, her younger sister is sick. Poisoned by tea leaves that no one knows where they came from, why or how to cure the sickness that leads to death brings. Ning will partake in a competition of tea brewing. Tea leaves with magic that is dependent on how you make it and the brewers capabilities.
What I did not like was how the entire story of the tea competition unfolded.. it felt very rushed after the 2nd round and seemed to take a back seat to Ning trying to find the mysterious figure who she believes is the one responsible for the poison tea leaves. The fued and drama between the competitors was lacking as well. Although the idea of the competition makes sense and has great potential, it wasn't capitalized on by the author and fell slightly short of what a great read this could have been.
Ning meeting Kang felt very out of place. Suddenly as the story progresses their relationship falls apart within a few sentences. It felt a lot like since the tea competition took the backseat, Kang now moved to the passenger side only to be ejected before reaching the destination. He then shows up unexpectedly with company to get back in the driver's seat. It was rather an unwanted scenario and I hope in the next book it makes better sense.
Overall it was a good book I enjoyed majority of it especially the tea magic. I really wish there would have been more of it and not so much if what I'd call story fluff. The politics were just right and the mystery factor is definitely there.