I have to give Netgalley a massive thanks for the advanced copy of this book. I loved every second of it!

A Venom Dark and Sweet is the sequel and the conclusion to A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea duology), written by Judy J Lin. And I'm going to be honest, the cover is what made me read this, then the fact that the magic system is based on tea. And then all the rest.

This series is currently sitting at one of my top spots for must read duologies. Both of these books were well paced, had really endearing characters and had a really interesting world based on actual Chinese culture and mythology. And book two was even better than the first.

The sequel continues where the first book leaves off and expands the world and the consequences of the events. It also introduces the reader more to the different regions and their own types of folktales. What I also enjoyed was how the characters keep learning from each other and also grew in their own rights. I can honestly say I am sad to see them go. I hope to hear from them again soon!

If this is the level at which Judy J Lin enters the book world, I cannot wait to read more of her work!

if you were engrossed in the first, you will enjoy the other half of this duology. lin remains an excellent worldbuilder and a master at getting us to enjoy flawed characters. like others, i did find the shift in point of view structure a bit jarring. ultimately, i think most of us are here for the beautiful writing, the inventive magic system, and the closure of the story, and that will satisfy anyone who came to this book on the strength of the first.

This was an excellent conclusion to Lin's Book of Tea duology. If you enjoyed the first book, you are sure to be pleased with this one. There's intrigue, magic, and danger. The ending is not what I was expecting at all, but still satisfying.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! This book continues where the first left off and the author does a stellar job with details, imagery and flawed characters.

Ning is traveling with the Princess, they come to several examples of Kang's father's troops' cruelty (they killed a bunch of monks, I mean seriously). They make their way to Ning's friend's family, Lian, whose father is ready to support the Princess and fight Kang's father. Ning is still reeling from Kang's betrayal.

The serpent from her sister's poison is able to track her because he bit her and when they arrive to Kellah the Astronomer says Ning must go because of her connection with the serpent. She and her sister leave with some help and run into Kang. She is tasked with visiting this tea master who lives in a gorge and whom others have tried to find and have failed (like literally they die/become shells). She must take this magical orb from the tea woman and give it to the Chancellor (who is possessed by the serpent god).

She is able to achieve what no one else can with the woman's blessing and some hints on how to defeat the God. The god gets what he wants, Ning and Kang kind of repair their relationship once he sees how evil the Chancellor is and learns more about the Chancellor and his father's evil doings. It's fairly certain the Chancellor was possessed very early and is responsible for the killing of Kang's father, the former Emperor and the tea poisonings).

They give the serpent god what he asks for but this is his downfall. He takes over Kang's father's body and when he is human he is able to be trapped again thanks to the gods relics and Ning who has been blessed by all of the gods. The Princess is restored to power and the Kingdom begins to heal.

I do wish we had a little bit more of a concrete epilogue like are Ning and Kang for sure going to make the distance work? Is the Princess with Ruyi? What is her sister's new magic? But other than lacking some answers to questions I would have liked this book is truly magical.

While not as intriguing as the first book in this duology, A Venom Dark and Sweet is a well-written book with lovely flushed out characters and scenes. The journey is different in this book than in book one, and it was almost impossible to believe this was a duology and would be finished at the end. It all wrapped up very nicely.

What a fantastic ending to the story started in A Magic Steeped in Poison! Now that the banished prince has taken control of Daxi, Ning is on the run with the princess, along with her recently healed sister and the princess's bodyguard. As they race to try to find a place of safety, Ning discovers that she has a connection to the golden serpent. Ning finds that this ancient evil can only be fought in one way and it will take all of her strength and knowledge of tea in order to save her friends, family, and her homeland.

After reading A Magic Steeped in Poison, I knew I would be begging to get my hands on the conclusion of this duology. Luckily they had mercy on me and granted my wish.

A Venom Dark and Sweet picks up with the banished Prince in control and Princess
Zhan on the run with Ning and their companions. They are fighting an evil magic unlike they’ve ever seen and unsure who they can trust.

Told in the perspectives of both Ning and Khan as they work to determine how to save the people in their kingdom when evil is infiltrating the communities around them, I loved seeing both of their viewpoints and it propelled the story along so beautifully. Both filled with guilt for those they’ve lost along the way and trying to hold on to hope that eachorher is who they seem to be.

Again we have the magic of the tea ceremonies but in life or death situations rather than the competition. A dangerous quest for magical relics on both side of the political unrest. Each character is even more fully developed than before and connected in their struggles.

This duology tells such a unique story and focuses on the lengths people will go to in order to protect their families and loved ones. The friendships and relationships bloom and I sad that this is the end of the series.

Thank you to @Netgalley and @Feiwelandfriends for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for allowing me the chance to read this arc copy of the book.

This is the second book of the Book of Tea duology. This one picks up almost right where the first leaves off. Ning and co. are running from the general and trying to find people to help them. It was good to see a lot more of the world as they traveled and the devastation that had been happening before even the first book took place.

Also, this one is written in dual pov with Ning and Kang. The first was not dual pov. This was a bit off-putting slightly, but it was the only way to see both sides of the story.

I liked Kang's side too as you get to see his opinions on things unlike the first book. There is a definite growth arc there as he learns to determine what his own honor is as he finds out horrible things that he only accepted at first.

I was confused by something that happens at the end but that could because I may have missed something when I read it. It was a crucial something at the climax of the ending action that I should have reread but didn't.

It was a wonderful tale filled with action and suspense as well as hints of romance.

Thank you again NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends.

This book was a DNF for me. I really, really wanted to like it, but I just couldn't. I had some issues with the first book that I was hoping would be resolved in this one but only got worse in this one.
I think the concept of this world and this magic system are brilliant ideas, but the execution was not it. My biggest issue with this book was Ning's chapters being 1st person POV and Kang's chapters being 3rd person. It was jarring for me as a reader to switch back and forth and made Kang's already weak character harder to relate to. Again, great concept, poor execution.
I want to like Kang and Ning as a couple but I just don't see it. Maybe that's because I didn't finish, but I also skimmed through the last half of the book and I just didn't see what I want to see from the main couple. They have a strong infatuation at best.
As far as Ning's character, she was incredibly unlikeable in this book. Everything she does in the first book to save her sister only to treat her sister like crap in this book, it's not a good look.
I kind of see the motivations of the war and all of the players but I wanted to see them more defined.
As far as the magic system, this could just be me being dumb, but I really don't understand it. I don't like info dumps bur I feel like this book and the first one could have benefited from ab info dump on what shennong-shi is and how it works, its rules, etc...
I think there was a lot going on but there was never a pause to explain anything.

I really, truly wanted to like this book but sadly it was not for me. I do plan on picking it up again down the road, so maybe my opinion will change.

A grim circumstance, a handsome exile, and a threat to an empire. In Judy I. Lin’s debut novel, A Magic Steeped In Poison, we’re privy to the demanding trials Ning has to face in order for the chance to become a recognized shennong-shi, or divine master of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. If she succeeds, she will earn a favor from the princess. Will it be enough to save her sister’s life? Can she overcome the obstacles of not only the trial, but the dangerous events that unfold?

In an incredible feat from a first-time author, we are graced with not only A Magic Steeped in Poison, but a quick wait for book #2 of The Book of Tea series, A Venom Dark and Sweet. Normally I’m one to wait for a series to finish before diving in. (I’m overly patient because I’m impatient; I like to read one book after another when it’s in a series.) However, after stumbling across this book, I was compelled to get my hands on it sooner rather than later. Five months isn’t too horrible a wait. It doesn’t matter whether you wait to grab both in August or pick them up as they come, you should definitely add them to your list. Once the second one is out, don’t be surprised when you see a follow-up review from me.

So, how did Ning find herself in such a harrowing situation? The catalyst begins with a fateful brew, made by the hands of Ning herself. In a single sip, she loses her mother and finds her sister’s life at risk due to a poisoned tea brick. Though no fault of her own, and likely directly the result of the infamous and mysterious Shadow, it’s knowledge that plagues our protagonist and provides momentum to the story. Will Ning redeem herself and save a life most precious to her? What more is at stake?

I appreciate that we’re not jumping around or switching perspectives. It’s chronologically situated on a steady-moving timeline, so it never drags. Moments between characters are constantly perpetuating the narrative and don’t feel stagnant. Even when we encounter more simplistic action sequences (shopping at the market, lunch with other characters), we’re still being pulled forward in the story without feeling like it’s forcefully placed and fabricated. More eventful, dramatic instances aren’t jarring and out of place because of the consistent momentum we see throughout the book. The way it’s crafted feels almost like an honest retelling of events, not a story driven by the author’s need to expose the plot.

The plot itself is layered and complex. There’s a lot going on, all seemingly interwoven on a macro and micro scale. The empire is threatened by a shadowy figure seemingly to blame for poisoning the denizens across the land–including, perhaps, Ning’s family. There’s an air of deception and unrest throughout the empire with multiple assassination attempts on the princess, and threats to the current status quo that trickle down and instill a general unease nationwide. That unrest is mirrored in Ning’s own personal struggles of deciding who to trust with what information. As a result, I was nervously covering the tensest moments, so my eyes didn’t wander ahead in anticipation of the outcome.

This book is a gorgeous world to get whisked away into. Details unfurl like the dried tea leaves steeping in the cup I made myself every time I sat down to read. (It seemed an appropriate ritual.) It features vibrant depictions of smells, tastes, and color. Lin intentionally flavors every scene with the sights and smells that make you want to take in a deep breath as if they aren’t just words on paper. For you Studio Ghibli or Shokugeki no Soma fans out there, reader be warned–the way Lin describes food is reminiscent of these master food visualizers. I felt whole and connected to this world and lamented having to leave it (thank the gods for a sequel). It truly lives up to its beautifully evocative cover art.

If the details aren’t what keeps you thumbing for the next page, the charming relationships will. Along Ning’s journey, she interacts with a diverse spectrum of people–commonfolk, scholars, snively competition, fickle advisors, royalty. Even the rival interactions between persons of status or threat are intriguing and rewarding. It’s the kind of book you scrunch your nose and huff at or find yourself audibly chortling with a gleeful smile. Dialog between characters is endearing and leaves you wanting for the next interaction. Even the unspoken connections characters have with each other add a level of realness, making the story more and more enveloping.

Lin has a clearly developed voice that I find delightfully unique. I often find authors latching on to favorite words or stylistic choices and tropes, but I felt as though Lin couldn’t limit herself. Though that may speak more to the fact it’s her first published work, it’s really refreshing to read and I hope it’s a trend that remains in her writing.

Truth be told, it’s difficult to pinpoint things I’m not particularly a fan of in the book. The chapters are well-paced and I obviously care a lot for the imagery and world-building. I’m not entirely sure I have a specific negative critique and I generally rate this book very well. As always, my aim is not to spoil, so I’m not delving into some of the intrigue I’ve alluded to: i.e. that handsome exile. Instead, I implore you to discover that relationship as it’s relayed in the book, the author will do a much better job at it, I promise.

Picking up directly where the first book leaves off, this is a fast paced story that ramps up the stakes from Magic Steeped in Poison. Branded a murderer falsely, Ning flees with the princess and end up on a quest to save the kingdom of Daxi from a reborn evil that threatens to destroy it. I love how there is emphasis on love and trust in the relationships, and the love interest arc has a focus on trust and healing from the hurts of the previous book. Very enjoyable!

I don't know what Judy I. Lin puts into her books, but this duology is an addiction! I love how she flipped the tradition of tea making on its head in this fantasy world. The characters are so powerful that I will definitely be remembering them for a long time. The author also has a poetic writing style that entrapped me in the story and wouldn't let go! I highly recommend this series.

This is the sequel to A Magic Steeped in Poison and the conclusion for this duology. I think this series is an incredible new YA fantasy. The magic system is so unique and interesting to read. The way they use tea for magic was my favorite part of this series. The friendships that the main character develops on her journey are really wonderful to read too. Really great for fans of Spin the Dawn.

Picking up from the previous book, this one is told in two points of view: Ning’s first person and Kang’s third-person. I like this, as it gives us the opportunity to see Kang’s conflict more clearly.

And he is conflicted. As the adopted child of his soon-to-be-emperor father, he yearns for his father’s approval. But he is not blind to the plotting that takes place to bring his father to the throne. He knows something’s up, and hopes earnestly that his father is not responsible for the poisoned tea that initiated the action of the previous book.

Ning is a little less naïve, but nonetheless earnest. Having healed her sister of the poison’s effects, she understands somewhat the evil force behind what is happening, and is determined to fight it, despite her relative insignificance.

This is a book of faith in the gods, that they will put a person in the right place to help achieve their ends in the battle against evil. Ning learns to have more confidence in her gifts and in the people she is with.

The resolution of the conflict is logical and pleasing as Ning works together with others to bring it about—even though the risks are great.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Magic. Multiple gods. Same-gender couples. Violence, none of it graphic.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like East Asian culture and mythology, fantasy in general.

Thank you to the publisher who provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-magic-of-tea.html

A wonderful conclusion to the duology! I enjoyed every second I spent reading this. The character arcs were executed wonderfully and the writing style is still as beautiful as the previous book. The way Lin writes just has me foaming on the mouth. Easy 5 stars for me.

This was really such an enjoyable duology. I'm often pretty let down when I read a sequel, because they often don't live up to the first book. But this one was just as good as the first one! I loved that it was dual POV, because I loved Kang from the start. And I also loved the writing - the writing style is beautiful, and I often read a line twice because I loved it so much, but it was also a really fast read because the writing flowed so easily.

Was So excited to get a review copy of this after so quickly reading the first! This book felt so different from the first but not in a bad way. I love the magic system of this world so getting to see more of that was great and the mythology of the world was really interesting. Satisfying conclusion to the duology and yet another gorgeous cover!

A worthy conclusion to this high-stakes unique fantasy! I appreciated the double POV of Kang and Ning. I also love seeing the strengthening of Ning and Shu and seeing them come into their own. Kang's character arc was also amazing to witness, as he goes from doubt and questioning himself to what he eventually accepts. I would have preferred a more closed ending to their relationship, however. Still, a solid fantasy that I'm sure our readers will appreciate! Kudos to the author and publisher for not trying to stretch this out to a trilogy!

Okay, I might have ignored all of my other books to read this sequel. Thank you SOOOOO much Feiwel & Friends for giving me the privilege to read this amazing book!

I was so shocked to see that I had gotten approved to read this…especially after I just finished reading the first book. BLESS.

This book DOES NOT disappoint! It lives up to the brilliant magnificence of the first book.

Interestingly enough, it’s an entirely different type of book. The first book was a lot of court politics and world-building. I felt like this book was definitely more plot-building and the hero’s journey. It also has dual POV to give you an idea of what’s going on in two very different places (that’s all I’ll say so that I don’t give anything from the first book away). I felt like it also really built up the supporting characters from the first book and I got to know them on a better level and understand the complexities of their stories and personalities. They all worked their way into my heart and I adore all of them.

The magic in this book is more complex and complicated than in the first book. It’s amazing to watch Ning expand her powers and grow into her role. She’s such an admirable character. I also enjoyed learning more about the system of magic and gods in their world. It adds to the overall richness of the story. Plus, their stories are all unique as well, adding to the overall intrigue. Understanding their stories gives context to the brevity of the situation they find themselves in and gave me a feeling of urgency that I didn’t have in the first book. Knowing more about the magic helped me understand just how high-stakes everything was.

Overall, a great conclusion to a wonderful duology! I felt very invested in Ning and Kang’s story and was so impressed with how it all played out. There were plot twists I couldn’t predict, characters I grew to love, and a world I could fall into. I adore this series and recommend it to anybody who loves YA fantasy! The duology structure is reminiscent of the Fable series, but the world-building and magic system are so unique that I’m not sure what else to compare it to! I highly suggest picking this series up, and if you do, please let me know your thoughts. (Even if it sits for a little while on your shelf…because who can resist those covers!? I know I can’t!)

I will post my review to Goodreads, Bookstagram, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble the week of publication. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone too soon! Thank you again so much!

much like the first one, i really enjoyed this and loved this duology so much. it’s so enriched with culture and so magical