Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - A Magic Steeped in Poison

Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

122 reviews

lncolgate's review

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Top tier! I know I’m behind the times a bit, but I was worried about overhype and I knew it ended on a big cliffhanger and I wanted to wait til the second book was out. Well worth waiting for. So good. Great balance of mystery, political intrigue, a touch of romance. Love the magic system and how it’s connected with tea and traditional Chinese medicine. Enjoyed mixing in Chinese mythology —and it wasn’t stereotypical or “traditional” (listened to an interview where she said she blended mythology from different parts of Chinese culture because there are variations —not one solid myth). I loved Ning and her fierce determination and compassion. I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this story-I sort of expected a traditional competition story. But this really surprised me! In some ways I’m reminded of Alanna the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. It’s like s coming of age, learning wisdom, venturing outside home and the familiar to court and intrigue. Learning magic and the extent of her powers. Judy Lin just knocked it out the park first time!

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serendipity421's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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kaneebli's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

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nixieba25f's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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? No

4.5

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alexinitalics's review against another edition

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4.5

I really loved the writing style of this book. It's hard to pinpoint why but Ning's voice just drew me in every time I picked up the book. I also loved the world building and magic system. It's very unique but also consistent and interesting, the use of tea to form connections.
With the book being set at seemingly the start of a revolution, it took me a while to figure out Ning's view, even with the first person perspective. She seems to go from very unaware and neutral to very passionate quite suddenly and I'm not sure if I just missed something in the first half of the book.
Also, my favourite character was probably Lian. We love Lian.

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kirstenf's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

4.75

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monicalaurette's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This book was so fun to read and such a fun concept, magic tea and the magic from those who can pour it. I was so upset that I wasn’t able to actually view them pouring or the magic steam and instead just having to try and imagine it in my head. I may have to try and look up some fanart to see it in action.

I also liked Ning and her love for her father and Shu, the reasons she even went to Jia. So much happened, and sometimes when it would I’d say out loud ‘oh of COURSE this would happen/this person would do that’ but even with those moments that just seemed a little too convenient, the story was surprising and I was gripped to it.

“Strangling me with continuous thoughts of my own inferiority and doubt.”

Very happy that I was able to get both books in a thrift store so I can just start the next one now - so wish me luck!

I just always hated when Shao was in a scene because he was like classic rich boy with connections, but I feel like he might have a change in book 2, or pass away

At first I was like ‘Wenyi no I thought you were chill’ when he messed with Kang’s tea and then when we saw him in the dungeon I literally yelled out ‘OH WAIT YOU’RE STILL CHILL’ and got sad that he wasn’t able to be saved

Was Zhen really going to marry her cousin (adopted or not?) or was she like forced to accept the betrothal?

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