A Magic Steeped in Poison

About the book

Explore this captivating debut set in a world of Chinese mythology, where the art of tea brewing holds enchanting power and a decisive tournament determines the fate of a nation. Fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo are sure to be thrilled by this tale.

Once, I used to admire my hands. Now, all I can see is that these hands are the ones responsible for burying my mother.

For Ning, the grief of losing her mother is compounded by the guilt of knowing it was her own mistake. She unknowingly brewed the poisonous tea that took her mother's life, and now threatens to claim her sister, Shu, as well.

Upon learning of a competition to identify the kingdom's most skilled shennong-shi, practitioners of the mystical art of tea-making, Ning embarks on a journey to the imperial city to participate. The victor will earn a favor from the princess, a potential lifeline for Ning's sister.

However, amidst the treacherous competition, political intrigue, and a mysterious (and captivating) boy harboring a shocking secret, Ning realizes that she may be facing greater dangers than she ever anticipated.