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elaine707's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This ending left me wanting. Ning is on her journey to understand the magic in herself in the hope of stopping the end of the world as she knows it, but her existence is a point of contention.
I had high expectations for this book, but the narration felt flat and boring to read at times. I liked that the story ended without too many open-ended questions. I also loved the female friendships and Asian representation!
I had high expectations for this book, but the narration felt flat and boring to read at times. I liked that the story ended without too many open-ended questions. I also loved the female friendships and Asian representation!
karty_v's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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? No
5.0
Great conclusion! Epic fight scene, great storytelling
noemi1010's review against another edition
4.0
This book was the prefect conclusion to this YA fantasy duology. When I read A Magic Steeped in Poison I fell in love with the author's writing, and this sequel doesn't disappoint.
Apprentice shénnóng-shi Ning has decided to accompany the rightful heir to the throne into exile. But Princess Zhen won't go quietly. The throne is hers, so with the help of her bodyguard, Ning and Ning's sister, they try to find ally to reclaim the throne. Moreover, they still need to put a stop on all of these tea poisonings. Between political intrigues and a love Ning might not trust, she's in for a wild and magical ride.
Apprentice shénnóng-shi Ning has decided to accompany the rightful heir to the throne into exile. But Princess Zhen won't go quietly. The throne is hers, so with the help of her bodyguard, Ning and Ning's sister, they try to find ally to reclaim the throne. Moreover, they still need to put a stop on all of these tea poisonings. Between political intrigues and a love Ning might not trust, she's in for a wild and magical ride.
katom513's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
hamahannah's review against another edition
4.0
A solid read overall! The ending wasn’t as fulfilling as I expected but overall I loved it! :)
alicew's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
spunglass's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC of 'A Venom Dark and Sweet' which is the next book by Judy I. Lin after 'A Magic Steeped in Poison'.
I couldn't pull myself away from the first book, and 'A Venom Dark and Sweet' was no different. The book starts where the last one left off, and things have gotten more serious for Ning, and the princess Zhen. There is danger for them at every turn as the general tries to usurp power.
Being able to see things from Kang's point of view in this novel was interesting. He played such a large role in the first book, and being able to see his perspective this time helped add to the intrigue - we as the reader are now able to see what the general has planned while Ning, the princess, and their companions are on their own journey.
I already told a few of my students that love fantasy about the first book, and I can't wait to be able to really talk about the second in the duo (and post a review) once it's closer to the release date!
I couldn't pull myself away from the first book, and 'A Venom Dark and Sweet' was no different. The book starts where the last one left off, and things have gotten more serious for Ning, and the princess Zhen. There is danger for them at every turn as the general tries to usurp power.
Being able to see things from Kang's point of view in this novel was interesting. He played such a large role in the first book, and being able to see his perspective this time helped add to the intrigue - we as the reader are now able to see what the general has planned while Ning, the princess, and their companions are on their own journey.
I already told a few of my students that love fantasy about the first book, and I can't wait to be able to really talk about the second in the duo (and post a review) once it's closer to the release date!
jessicastephenson's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meg0207's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
4.0
A strong and satisfying conclusion to this duopoly filled with Chinese mythology and magic.
Some have claimed this is a lacklustre finale to the fist novel, but I disagree. I think it's more mature certainly, but still thoroughly compelling, with danger and heartbreak, if a bit of a soft ending.
Some have claimed this is a lacklustre finale to the fist novel, but I disagree. I think it's more mature certainly, but still thoroughly compelling, with danger and heartbreak, if a bit of a soft ending.