"A Magic Steeped in Poison" is an enchanting and captivating tale that has left readers eagerly awaiting its sequel. In this magical world, the story revolves around a protagonist named Evelyn, a young witch with a troubled past and a resilient spirit. The first book explores Evelyn's journey to unravel the mystery surrounding her family's dark history and the poison that threatens their enchanted kingdom. With vivid and immersive descriptions, the author paints a fantastical world filled with witches, sorcerers, and mythical creatures. Throughout the narrative, readers are introduced to a cast of compelling and complex characters, each with their own secrets and motives. From the enigmatic sorcerer who becomes Evelyn's unlikely ally to the cunning witch who holds the key to the poison's origins, the interplay between characters adds depth and intrigue to the story.
From the enigmatic sorcerer who becomes Evelyn's unlikely ally to the cunning witch who holds the key to the poison's origins, the interplay between characters adds depth and intrigue to the story. As the plot unfolds, the pace quickens, and readers are transported from one thrilling and perilous situation to another. Evelyn's determination and courage are tested as she confronts her fears and discovers her true powers.
Q&A: Judy I. Lin, Author of ‘A Magic Steeped In Poison’
In this enchanting debut YA fantasy, a young tea-maker travels to the capital city to take part in a cutthroat magical competition that could be the key to saving her sister’s life.
We chat with debut author Judy I. Lin about her novel A Magic Steeped In Poison, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Judy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a Taiwanese-Canadian author and I write books inspired by the mythology and folklore I grew up with. I’m drawn to stories that are fantastical, spooky and/or strange. When I’m not writing, I like to cook and bake, play board games and watch Chinese period dramas.
How has the start of 2022 been for you?
2022 is my debut year and it feels like it has taken forever to arrive! The Book of Tea duology sold in 2019, so it’s been a long time coming. I had my second baby earlier in March though, so preparing for that has kept me busy instead of anxious for my book release.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I moved from Taiwan to Canada when I was eight years old and was very shy. I wasn’t confident in my speaking ability and found that it was easier for me to express myself through writing. Since I was also an avid reader, it didn’t take long for me to start writing my own stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book that made me actually want to become a writer was “The Chosen” by L.J. Smith. I remember picking up the book and seeing a girl dressed in black on the cover standing in a fighting pose and thought she looked really fierce. After I read the book I immediately devoured the other books in the Night World series. I loved the action, the romance, and the idea of a secret society of supernatural beings existing alongside us.
Your debut novel, A Magic Steeped in Poison, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Magic tea, dangerous competition, secrets
What can readers expect?
A Magic Steeped in Poison is about a girl who will do anything to save her beloved sister. There is a beautiful palace that holds treachery and betrayal within its walls. There are banquets and feasts and all sorts of delicious food to accompany the tea. It is a story about leaving home to discover yourself, and finding the strength to continue even when the path is hard.
Where did the inspiration for A Magic Steeped in Poison come from?
Initially, I wanted to play around with the concept of tea magic, and as the world grew in my mind, I started to incorporate elements of Chinese history and culture into the story. I’ve always been fascinated by the Song Dynasty because of the various economic, cultural and agricultural developments that occurred during that time period. Much of the worldbuilding in terms of the court, the palace, the capital, was influenced by that era.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to write a YA fantasy novel, but for years I struggled with actually writing it. I wondered if readers would even want to read fantasy stories inspired by Chinese and Taiwanese cultural elements that are familiar to me but may be foreign to them. It’s because of Asian authors like Cindy Pon, Malinda Lo, Julie Dao, Elizabeth Lim and Joan He that I kept going. They paved the way for me to feel confident in writing the story that I want to write. When I was finally able to overcome that initial self-doubt, the actual writing was the easier part!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
Along the way, she must make difficult choices that could either save or doom her kingdom. The magic system in the book is rich and well-developed, with spells and enchantments woven seamlessly into the narrative. From potion brewing to spellcasting, the author brings magic to life, making it an integral part of the story. With its seamless blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure, "A Magic Steeped in Poison" has captivated readers with its imaginative world-building and compelling characters. The ending of the first book leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the sequel. In the much-anticipated sequel, fans hope to find answers to the lingering questions left unanswered in the first installment. Will Evelyn be able to reverse the effects of the poison and save her kingdom? What dangers and obstacles will she face on her journey? And what new secrets will come to light? The "A Magic Steeped in Poison" sequel promises to be a thrilling continuation of Evelyn's quest, filled with unexpected twists, heart-stopping action, and further exploration of the intricate magical world. With the anticipation building, readers eagerly await the release of this enchanting follow-up to a truly spellbinding story..
Reviews for "A Brewing Storm: Discovering the Sequel to "A Magic Steeped in Poison"
1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with the sequel to "A magic steeped in poison". The story felt directionless and the pacing was incredibly slow. It took several chapters for anything interesting to happen, and even then, it wasn't enough to hold my attention. The characters, who had shown promise in the first book, lacked development and depth in this one. Overall, it felt like the author was trying to drag out the series without adding anything substantial to the plot. I won't be continuing with this series.
2. Alex - ★★☆☆☆
As a fan of the first book, I was eagerly awaiting the sequel, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story meandered without a clear focus, and the world-building, which had been a strength in the first book, felt lacking and inconsistent here. The action scenes were few and far between, and when they did happen, they were underwhelming. The main character's decisions also often felt forced and out of character, making it difficult to root for her. Overall, it was a disappointing follow-up that failed to capture the magic of the original.
3. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I hate to say it, but "A magic steeped in poison sequel" was a complete letdown. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with way too many unnecessary subplots and characters. It felt like the author was trying to cram in too much without taking the time to fully develop any of it. The pacing was also a major issue, with long stretches of dullness followed by rushed and poorly executed climactic moments. I was hoping for a satisfying continuation of the story, but instead, I was left unsatisfied and frustrated. I won't be recommending this book to anyone.
4. Mike - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for the sequel to "A magic steeped in poison", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. The writing felt overly descriptive and bloated, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters also lacked depth, with their motivations and actions often feeling inconsistent and contrived. The world-building, which had been a highlight in the first book, took a backseat in this one, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story. Overall, it was a disappointing read that failed to capture the magic of its predecessor.