Welcome to Litsy!

I really enjoyed this duology infused with eastern mythology and tea magic. Ning was a driven and strong heroine who also loved her family and aaa loyal to her friends. While there was a romance element, it wasn‘t central to the story. The focus was on Ning‘s journey of self discovery and empowerment.

Characters felt somehow a bit flat, and I couldn't feel all their emotions. They were likable, but nothing more.

This felt so much like many other fantasy YA stories, this wasn't really unique. Plot was also pretty common and predictable. The first 100 pages dragged, and it took that long before starting to be interesting.

This didn't have that special feeling that the first book had, but this was still entertaining story.

#SeriesLove2024

Auditing my 2023 reads & missed this one. Anywhoo, here‘s an interview I wrote with the author: https://wowlit.org/blog/2023/04/01/authors-corner-judy-i-lin/

Although not as good as the first book, this was still a pick for me. I thought the ending was a bit anti climactic after all that build up. I still loved the magic elements and love stories, but this is more about the love between siblings and families. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ooo, so much fun and good pacing. It‘s lovely read an Asian inspired YA fantasy where the sequel is better than the 1st book!
Ning and Kang must decide how to save their kingdom from the dark magic that is descending and determine what they will sacrifice for the people the love.
4/5 stars, nice world building and yay for romance not being the focus. Lots of questioning but not irritating obsession for the romance-magic and action are the focus

Book of Tea Duology 🍵

And yet I have already experienced much of the same ignorance and prejudice, even when I was a child. Saw people who dismissed my mother's abilities, questioned her magic, but would still never share a cup of tea with her, thinking it would put them at risk of falling under her influence. I never understood it. How could they fear something they do not even believe exists in the first place? Our contrary, human natures.

"I remember the loss of those I have not been able to save," she says, voice gruff. "Remember them. It will help you when you need to keep going, even when you feel there is nothing left for you to give."

I yell at her, because it's easier to yell at her than to fall to my knees, crying. When everything else is broken around me, it means I'm not the only one who is broken.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Liked this book better than the first one. More adventure and the lore is amazing!

I just didn't enjoy this one as much as the first book. It wasn't a bad book by any means, I was just expecting more out of it.