A Venom Dark and Sweet (The Book of Tea #2) by Judy I. Lin
Published by Feiwel & Friends
Young Adult Fantasy
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound
Release Date : August 23rd 2022
SYNOPSIS
The enthralling conclusion to Judy I. Lin’s Book of Tea duology—A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet—is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.
A great evil has come to the kingdom of Dàxi. The Banished Prince has returned to seize power, his rise to the dragon throne aided by the mass poisonings that have kept the people bound in fear and distrust.
Ning, a young but powerful shénnóng-shi—a wielder of magic using the ancient and delicate art of tea-making—has escorted Princess Zhen into exile. Joining them is the princess’ loyal bodyguard, Ruyi, and Ning’s newly healed sister, Shu. Together the four young women travel throughout the kingdom in search of allies to help oust the invaders and take back Zhen’s rightful throne.
But the golden serpent still haunts Ning’s nightmares with visions of war and bloodshed. An evil far more ancient than the petty conflicts of men has awoken, and all the magic in the land may not be enough to stop it from consuming the world…
Rep: Chinese and Taiwanese, Lesbian & Nonbinary
Content Warning: violence, fight scenes, witnessed torture, death, disturbing events (mutilation, body horror, forced suicide, possession, and fire).
Review
In this complicated tapestry, what is my thread meant to be?
ARC provided by the publisher Feiwel & Friends through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Venom Dark and Sweet is the deliciously sweet ending to a duology that significantly improved in many aspects proving Judy I. Lin’s as the one of the best debuts in 2022.
First and foremost I would like to thank TBR and Beyond Tours for choosing me as one of the many amazing book bloggers for A Venom Dark and Sweet tour from August 22nd to August 28th. Thank you as well to the author and publisher Feiwel & Friends for providing an ARC (Advance Readers Copy) as part of this blog tour.
A Venom Dark and Sweet is the second book to The Book of Tea duology and sequel to the phenomenal young adult debut that was released earlier this year, A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin. First and foremost this book has been on my radar since it was first announced back in 2021 with an eye catching cover reveal. The artist responsible for the masterpiece of the illustrated covers of the duology is Sija Hong. It is one of the most beautiful book covers I’ve ever laid eyes on and I am so happy I bought the first book because it looks so good on my bookshelf.
Before I get into my review of A Venom Dark and Sweet I would like to recap A Magic Steeped in Poison. I will be open and honest that I did not quite like the first book when I initially read it. There are certain things that, for me, wasn’t as I expected. But when I picked up the sequel right after let’s just say my opinion has changed and I am pleasantly surprised.
We all believe we are the center of the universe, but we forget we are merely specks among the stars. Moving through the streams of possible futures, sometimes colliding.
Without revealing much, A Venom Dark and Sweet continuous on immediately after the last events that transpired in A Magic Steeped in Poison. After saving her sister, Shu, from the grasp of the poison the stakes are higher for Ning as she goes on the run with Zhen and Ruyi. The capital is taken over by the banished general’s forces with the help of his son Kang and they are fast in following up their coup by slaying those who are loyal to Zhen. Yet there is something dark looming on the horizon that is threatening the peace and is planning to destroy everything in their way.
The first thing that differentiates the sequel from the first book is the addition of Kang’s perspective into the story. This added POV gives fresh new eyes that offers perspective into what is happening on the antagonist side that is currently in position of power. It also solidifies Kang’s importance in the story as one of the main characters in the story because before, in my opinion, he was an awkward character that didn’t have a lot of depth. This gives readers a chance to get to know Kang’s character a little deeper and form an attachment to him.
He will not stand by idly while the people suffer. Not anymore.
Kang’s characterization is night and day compared to the previous book. I’d say I liked him more in the sequel than in the first book. His motivation and intent is much clearer complete with a more distinct voice that stands out. Same goes for Ning, she developed and has grown significantly to becoming a strong minded and brave character. All the trauma Ning has faced throughout her journey has shaped her to becoming more wise and smart in making decisions.
Yet there is something that I didn’t fully comprehend the first time reading. It is that there is more tell than do in the story. Let me explain, Lin’s characterization relies upon telling readers, through flashbacks usually, when revealing things about a character. While reading I lived in the character’s mind more than seeing the character actually doing things. Though it is not as apparent in the first book and have much improved in shaping the characters through their actions.
If this is what the gods have asked of me, then I will do it.
Next is the world building. I can’t say it enough that the world is much more expansive and vivid compared to the first book. The descriptions of the places that Ning gets to see is beautifully described from the lush mountain tops, eery villages, and, one of my favourite places in this second book, the magical bamboo forest. Lin continues on tempting readers with descriptions of delicious food that stood out in the first book into A Venom Dark and Sweet. I kid you not if you read any descriptions of food you will be hungry so bring snacks while reading.
Then the magic system is next level in A Venom Dark and Sweet. It went beyond my expectations, the way that the magic is used is reminiscent of Chinese wuxia dramas. The magic is also tied close to the gods that is common in legends and myths of the world. It really opens up the world more from being centralized in politics and scheming to being a war against an ancient god. The chosen one trope didn’t fully come to fruition until A Venom Dark and Sweet, it’s good to see Ning embracing this role as the heroine leading the story.
Our strange, shared intimacy. A bond that is solely our own.
The character relationships has improved as well. From the sisterly relationship between Ning and Shu, the romance between Ning and Kang, the sapphic romance between Zhen and Ruyi, lastly the friendship between Zhen, Ning, Ruyi, Kang, and xx. Though some relationships lacked interaction in the series as a whole it is still nice to see them on page even though it is only a glimpse.
Now the antagonist a. k. a. the big villain. I liked that the villain isn’t a human, I think that is why the story improved for me because the characters are fighting corruption that is leaking into the world and manipulating people to reach their end goal of wrecking havoc. There are certain scenes that is quite questionable and sometimes ‘moustache twirling’ it is still fun to read. Lin did a great job in building up the tension and stakes of the plot that kept me at the edge of my seat. And oh boy when it hit that climax it exploded in a very satisfying way.
To be human is to be vulnerable. To be human is to have more power than the gods will ever wield, Ning.
Final thoughts, A Venom Dark and Sweet is fantastic and neat conclusion to an enchanting duology. This sequel reignited my love for fantasy even though there were a lot of bumps on the road leading up to this sequel, it redeemed itself spectacularly. The magic is utilized to its full potential showing many of it versatility within the story line as an effective plot device that is not only brilliant but powerful. Judy I. Lin have grown a lot in this sequel with her characterization as seen through Ning and Kang. The world Lin created is cohesive and vivid in this sequel as well adding another layer of intrigue and wonder to push readers further immersing themselves into the story.
I recommend this series to readers that love a story with an interesting magic system, wonderful character growth, an epic scale of conflict, and a lot of fun adventuring. Though I would like to remind readers to have patience with this series as the first book isn’t as hard hitting as A Venom Dark and Sweet. Go pre order for the beautiful covers, for Ning and Kang, and for a fun immersive experience!
The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
Playlist
This is a playlist of songs I compiled to capture the image and mood of The Book of Tea duology based of my own interpretations of certain scenes in the duology.
About the Author
Judy I. Lin was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now works as an occupational therapist, and still spends her nights dreaming up imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughter. A Magic Steeped in Poison is her debut novel.
Judy I. Lin was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She grew up with her nose in a book and loved to escape to imaginary worlds. She now works as an occupational therapist, and still spends her nights dreaming up imaginary worlds of her own. She lives on the Canadian prairies with her husband and daughter. A Magic Steeped in Poison is her debut novel.
A Venom Dark and Sweet Book Tour Information
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