I have too many incoherent, happy thoughts to produce a put-together review of A Tempest of Tea, but I'll try my best.
Let's get into everything I loved.
· The main character, Arthie, is a woman who wears suits and spends her time kicking butt and taking names, I love that she doesn't lean into her femininity with her clothes. It's a subtle way of saying women aren't obligated to express themselves in a certain way.
· This book screams bi panic. Arthie and her crew are all mysterious and capable, two very attractive qualities. If you're looking to swoon, you're in the right place with this book.
· Speaking of the ensemble cast, I love the racial diversity of the characters. Reading about the different countries and the people who come from these places made this book so much more entertaining. I love it when fantasy novels have heavy world-building. Plus, there's a map!
· Vampires. There are vampires. I was an impressionable tween during the vampires-in-every-book era. This book is for everyone who is still obsessed with vampires but has been wishing for them to be smarter.
I have a lot of love for A Tempest of Tea, but some elements didn't work for me.
· While there is a heist in this novel, the actual heist is over and done in a few pages. In my opinion, the heist element is overpromised.
· I love that this book doesn't shy away from heavy themes like colonization, but how it's handled doesn't sit right with me.
The author has already announced that this is the start of a series! I am super excited to read the sequel.
Bottom line: As a religious tea drinker, A Tempest of Tea made me feel seen.
Let's get into everything I loved.
· The main character, Arthie, is a woman who wears suits and spends her time kicking butt and taking names, I love that she doesn't lean into her femininity with her clothes. It's a subtle way of saying women aren't obligated to express themselves in a certain way.
· This book screams bi panic. Arthie and her crew are all mysterious and capable, two very attractive qualities. If you're looking to swoon, you're in the right place with this book.
· Speaking of the ensemble cast, I love the racial diversity of the characters. Reading about the different countries and the people who come from these places made this book so much more entertaining. I love it when fantasy novels have heavy world-building. Plus, there's a map!
· Vampires. There are vampires. I was an impressionable tween during the vampires-in-every-book era. This book is for everyone who is still obsessed with vampires but has been wishing for them to be smarter.
I have a lot of love for A Tempest of Tea, but some elements didn't work for me.
· While there is a heist in this novel, the actual heist is over and done in a few pages. In my opinion, the heist element is overpromised.
· I love that this book doesn't shy away from heavy themes like colonization, but how it's handled doesn't sit right with me.
The author has already announced that this is the start of a series! I am super excited to read the sequel.
Bottom line: As a religious tea drinker, A Tempest of Tea made me feel seen.