A Magic Steeped In Poison
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- USD 8.99
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- USD 8.99
Publisher Description
A #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Discover this sweeping debut steeped in Chinese mythology, the enchanting power of brewing tea, and a magical tournament to decide a country's fate, sure to thrill fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.
"I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother."
For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.
When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shénnóng-shī—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making--she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.
But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning's life might actually be the one in more danger.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lin's fast-paced, immersive debut, a duology opener, follows 17-year-old Zhang Ning, who is a shénnóng-tú, an apprentice of the magical art of tea-making. Something she once took pride in, the ancient magic of Shénnóng now only recalls bad memories of the tea that killed her mother and now threatens the life of her younger sister, Shu—a tea that Ning herself unknowingly brewed with poisoned leaves. When she receives an invitation to compete in the kingdom's tea steeping competition, whose grand prize is a royal favor that could save her sister, Ning travels to Jia, the rich and elegant imperial city that is a far cry from her village in the homely Sù province. But sabotage and bloody court politics threaten her chance at winning, and Ning's life is further complicated when encounters with a handsome stranger distract her from her goal. The Chinese mythology–inspired world captivates and enthralls, and Lin's lush descriptions—combined with Ning's calm yet determined voice—are a feast for the senses ("Memories slip from beneath the opened lid with a sigh, as if they've been waiting for me there in the tea-scented dark"). Back matter includes a pronunciation guide and an author's note. Ages 13–up.
