Series Review: The Book of Tea, Judy I. Lin

Series Review: The Book of Tea, Judy I. Lin

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The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin is a YA fantasy duology that will blow your mind. For a debut, this series has so much that fans of the genre will enjoy. The world-building and the characters are well-crafted, and Lin has a lyrical way with words that makes this an unputdownable read.

Series Review: The Book of Tea, Judy I. LinTitle: The Book of Tea
Series: The Book of Tea
Author: Judy I. Lin
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March - August 2022
Rating: four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

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 shennong-shi—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 might actually be the one in more danger.

Amazon “iBooks”

❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Reasons to Read The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin

A Magic Steeped in Poison & A Venom Dark and sweet

  • Incredible world-building
  • Well-developed characters
  • Tea competition
  • Taiwanese mythology
  • Themes of family and friendship
  • Court politics
  • Amazing magic system
  • Vivid and descriptive writing
  • Suspenseful atmosphere
  • Dual POVs in Book Two,  A Venom Dark and Sweet

Aesthetic: The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin

the book of tea judy lin


Quotes: The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin

Grief has a taste, bitter and lingering, but so soft it sometimes disguises itself as sweetness.

If you can feel someone else’s suffering, how can you look away?

We all believe we are the center of the universe, but we forget we are merely specks among the stars.

To be human is to be vulnerable. To be human is to have more power than the gods will ever wield, Ning.

About Judy I. Lin

Judy Lin

Judy Lin was born in Taiwan and moved to Canada when she was eight years old. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now divides her time between working as an occupational therapist and creating imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughter.

isobel avatar

About Isobel

Engineering student. Daydreamer. Compulsive Crafter.

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