In the highly anticipated sequel to "A Magic Steeped in Poison," readers embark on a riveting journey through a world teetering on the brink of chaos. Set in a fantastical realm where magic and power collide, this gripping tale picks up where the first installment left off, immersing readers in a captivating narrative filled with mystery, adventure, and danger. As the story unfolds, our courageous protagonist, Alexia, finds herself thrust into a web of treachery and deception. With her newfound powers and a legion of loyal allies at her side, she must navigate through a labyrinthine plot designed to upend the delicate balance of power within the magical realm. Captivated by the allure of forbidden knowledge, Alexia delves deeper into the secrets of her own magic, uncovering a dark and sinister force that threatens to consume everything she holds dear. Haunted by visions and plagued by doubt, she must confront her own demons and unveil the truth before it is too late.
Magic tea, dangerous competition, secrets
And though Ning has some experience in both working with tea and the art of healing thanks to her parent s gifts and experiences she feels woefully out of her depth. Imani One of the reasons I love reading fantasy is the ability to get lost in a completely different world and that is how I felt reading Magic Steeped in Poison.
Haunted by visions and plagued by doubt, she must confront her own demons and unveil the truth before it is too late. Along her journey, she encounters a gallery of intriguing characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. From enigmatic sorcerers to cunning villains, the cast of this enthralling tale keeps readers guessing at every turn.
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!
As alliances are formed and broken, friendships tested, and betrayals revealed, the intricate tapestry of the narrative unfolds in spellbinding fashion. In this sequel, the stakes are higher, the dangers greater, and the conflicts more intense. As the forces of darkness gather, Alexia must muster all her strength and harness her growing magic to navigate the intricate web of intrigue that threatens to tear apart the world she loves. With its expertly crafted prose, vivid world-building, and compelling characters, "A Magic Steeped in Poison" sequel is sure to captivate readers from the first page to the last. Filled with pulse-pounding action, heart-wrenching romance, and thought-provoking themes, this story will leave readers on the edge of their seats and craving for more. As readers immerse themselves in the enchanting world of this magical sequel, they will be transported to a realm where danger lurks around every corner, and the line between good and evil becomes increasingly blurred. In this captivating tale, the true power of magic lies not in its ability to create, but in its ability to corrupt and destroy. Will Alexia be able to overcome the darkness within and triumph over the formidable forces aligned against her? Only time will tell..
Reviews for "The Cursed Magic: Continuing the Poisoned Legacy"
1. Alice - 2/5 - I was really disappointed by the sequel to "A Magic Steeped in Poison". The story seemed to lack focus and the characters were poorly developed. It felt like the author was just trying to capitalize on the success of the first book without putting in the effort to create a compelling storyline. I was also disappointed by the lack of originality, as it felt like the same tropes and themes were being rehashed from the first book. Overall, I would not recommend this sequel to fans of the first book.
2. John - 1/5 - I couldn't stand the sequel to "A Magic Steeped in Poison". It felt like a rushed cash grab from the author. The plot was convoluted and unclear, making it difficult to follow and stay engaged. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, which made it hard to care about their journey. I found myself constantly checking how many pages were left, just hoping it would end soon. I would not recommend wasting your time on this disappointing sequel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited to read the sequel to "A Magic Steeped in Poison", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with major plot points feeling rushed and unresolved. The writing style also felt lackluster compared to the first book, as if the author had lost their spark. Additionally, I felt disconnected from the characters, which made it difficult to invest in their struggles and triumphs. Overall, this sequel left me feeling unsatisfied and wishing I hadn't bothered with it.