Books like A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

Ning, weighed down by the accidental death of her mother caused by a poisoned tea she brewed, vows to save her sister from the same fate. When a contest to crown the kingdom’s greatest shennong‑shi—a master of magical tea‑making—offers a favor from the princess, she journeys to the imperial city. What begins as a quest for redemption turns into a perilous battle: rival competitors, brutal court politics, and a handsome boy with a shocking secret threaten to reverse her fortunes. With the stakes rising, Ning must navigate treachery and secrets while mastering the ancient art of tea. Her hope spirals between the possibility of a cure for her sister and the danger lurking in every cup. "A Magic Steeped in Poison" blends personal guilt, cultural rituals of tea, and courtly intrigue in a high‑stakes competition that tests both skill and conscience.

First publish date: 2022