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gracerennie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
allivenger's review against another edition
5.0
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.
karty_v's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Fantasy, adventure, found family, first love, finding yourself
abookaddictsbookshelves's review against another edition
2.5
*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley*
Ning's life was changed forever on the day her mother died from drinking poisoned tea. Tea that Ning herself brewed.
Now Ning's sister has also been poisoned, and Ning finds herself making her way to the imperial city to compete in the competition that will appoint the new palace shennong-shi (tea master). Ning hopes that by winning she will save her sister's life through a favour from the princess.
Once in the imperial city, Ning finds herself embroiled in court politics and discovers secrets that threaten the future of the empire.
Can Ning survive the competition long enough to save her sister?
The gorgeous cover drew me to this book, as did the concept of magical tea.
Ning was a likeable protagonist. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
Whilst I liked several of the supporting characters, I didn't have a favourite character overall.
The setting was interesting, and we are told a little bit of history.
The concept of tea masters - shennong-shi - and the tea magic was my favourite aspect of the book. I found it really interesting and would have liked to find out more.
The plot was mixed for me as I preferred the first half and lost interest a little in the second half. I wasn't very invested in what happened and nothing particularly surprised me.
I am a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.
Overall, this was a mixed read.
scarletwillow's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Overwhelmingly "meh"
milkteaser's review against another edition
3.0
i'll be honest and say that i picked this up because of the gorgeous cover but this took me FOREVER to finish. i think maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea (yeah i know) because i'm impatient. although i loved the writing and magic system, the plot was pretty slow up until the last maybe 15 chapters. the last couple of chapters and plot twists did kind of make up for the rest of the book, so i'll probably be reading the sequel!
liesbeth_cpr's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
berbs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sammy357's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0