Scan barcode
saratonin_stories's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book was beautiful, in this case definitely judge a book by the cover. This gorgeous cover absolutely
encompasses the beauty of this book, from the magic of the tea, to the flowery prose, and the magestic
landscapes, Lin builds a world that captivates readers. The magic system was fascinating, and one of a kind; learning about the significance of tea and ceremony around it was wondrous. Definitely don't be fooled because the contrast to all this beauty is the dark rooted political games that lead to tenuous situations that Ning finds herself. Some of the relationship development between Ning and other characters was a bit clunky to me, but it didn't impact the story line significantly and ultimately the character relationships came to fruition. Ning's twisty relationship with Kang didn't quite hit the way it was intended, it felt like it needed more build-up and tension. Ning's friendship and partnership with Zheng and Ruyi equally needed more development. That being said, the gay tension between Zheng and Ruyi was perfection, and hopefully in the sequel we get to see more of their relationship. Ning and her sister's relationship is also something to hopefully look forward to in the next book Ultimately excited to read more about this magical world in the sequel.
encompasses the beauty of this book, from the magic of the tea, to the flowery prose, and the magestic
landscapes, Lin builds a world that captivates readers. The magic system was fascinating, and one of a kind; learning about the significance of tea and ceremony around it was wondrous. Definitely don't be fooled because the contrast to all this beauty is the dark rooted political games that lead to tenuous situations that Ning finds herself. Some of the relationship development between Ning and other characters was a bit clunky to me, but it didn't impact the story line significantly and ultimately the character relationships came to fruition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Death, Murder, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Child abuse, War, and Medical trauma
bookishpriest's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An engaging young adult (YA) fantasy novel in a setting inspired by imperial Chinese history. The magic system is fascinating and meshes well with the worldbuilding going on around it. The plot is surrounded and influenced by politics, court intrigue, and family secrets from more than one tree.
The characters are interesting, though both they and the resulting plot are frequently predictable. In the middle section of the book there were a few moments where the characters' motivation for their actions was unclear and I had to do a double-take to figure out why events were unfolding as they did, but none of it was derailing. Just a few speed-bumps. There was good 2SLGBTQ+ representation in the cast with characters who had personalities and roles beyond their sexualities while also demonstrating some of the necessary nuances of living as members of a minority group in this world.
Carolyn Kang does an excellent job narrating the audiobook, giving an easy to listen to performance with plenty of drama but never overtaking the story with her own personality.
Overall a very enjoyabler read and definitely recommended if you like mystery, tension, and a great fantasy setting.
The characters are interesting, though both they and the resulting plot are frequently predictable. In the middle section of the book there were a few moments where the characters' motivation for their actions was unclear and I had to do a double-take to figure out why events were unfolding as they did, but none of it was derailing. Just a few speed-bumps. There was good 2SLGBTQ+ representation in the cast with characters who had personalities and roles beyond their sexualities while also demonstrating some of the necessary nuances of living as members of a minority group in this world.
Carolyn Kang does an excellent job narrating the audiobook, giving an easy to listen to performance with plenty of drama but never overtaking the story with her own personality.
Overall a very enjoyabler read and definitely recommended if you like mystery, tension, and a great fantasy setting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Classism, Confinement, Gore, and Medical content
theespressoedition's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Alright, well, that was a book.
Tea-based magic system? Yes, please.
Magical completion almost reminiscent of Spin the Dawn? Sign me up.
Secret prince blamed for his father's actions and no clue whether he's good or bad? Tell me more.
Ridiculously convoluted politics, history, and lore with final chapters so packed that there's no way to really decipher what just happened and you're left feeling dazed and confused about the whole thing? Yeah, that's where things went awry.
I had high hopes for this one. I really did. The cover is absolutely breathtaking and tea magic piqued my interest immediately. However, much of the story was drawn out (reminding me a bit of JLA books with tons of detail and description of what's happening and the events leading up to that moment) and then the last few chapters had so much information crammed into them that I lost track of everything. I would say I needed to go back and reread, but I felt like none of the necessary information had really been divulged earlier on. It just all happened and I was left scrambling for purchase.
I'm on the fence about wanting to read the sequel. On one hand, I'd like to see how everything turns out for Ning. On the other hand, if I read the sequel, WILL I even understand what happens??? The world has yet to know.
Tea-based magic system? Yes, please.
Magical completion almost reminiscent of Spin the Dawn? Sign me up.
Secret prince blamed for his father's actions and no clue whether he's good or bad? Tell me more.
Ridiculously convoluted politics, history, and lore with final chapters so packed that there's no way to really decipher what just happened and you're left feeling dazed and confused about the whole thing? Yeah, that's where things went awry.
I had high hopes for this one. I really did. The cover is absolutely breathtaking and tea magic piqued my interest immediately. However, much of the story was drawn out (reminding me a bit of JLA books with tons of detail and description of what's happening and the events leading up to that moment) and then the last few chapters had so much information crammed into them that I lost track of everything. I would say I needed to go back and reread, but I felt like none of the necessary information had really been divulged earlier on. It just all happened and I was left scrambling for purchase.
I'm on the fence about wanting to read the sequel. On one hand, I'd like to see how everything turns out for Ning. On the other hand, if I read the sequel, WILL I even understand what happens??? The world has yet to know.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Violence, Death, and Vomit
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts
karcitis's review
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, War, Vomit, Torture, Bullying, Sexism, Animal death, Death of parent, Blood, Murder, Gore, Confinement, and Classism
Minor: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Police brutality
More...