Ning’s life all changes when she accidentally brews poisoned tea for her mother. Her sister also ingested the tea and is at risk of dying herself. Ning’s only chance to save her sister is to travel to the imperial city and compete in the kingdom’s tea-making competition, in order to win a boon.

I found myself decently enjoying Lin’s writing style as it really flowed and built up an assortment of scented descriptions. You can really tell how much the author found comfort in the variety of teas out there, and how memories are tied to tastes. This book also made me quite peckish a number of times as the food was described in just as much decadent detail.

There is such obvious passion behind, and potential for, Lin’s writing. This was, by all means, a pretty solid debut novel. By no means could I comprehend writing a book myself, however I have read quite a few, and I did find that the rest of this novel's elements fell a bit flat. My biggest gripe is that the romantic subplot felt quite anti-climactic to the point where it really wasn’t needed. I don’t want to spoil anything but let me just say that I don’t think we would have missed much if the mysterious boy stayed that way… mysterious.

Maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood for this one, but it wasn’t quite for me. However, a three star read is still one I would recommend. So, if you like a bit more of a slow and pastel (?? it just feels right) paced book, this might be for you. Also, if you like novels which have a focus on the sense of taste, pick this up!

Triggers include death, manslaughter, depression, classism, trauma.

As per the Australian age rating classifications, I would rate this book as suitable for a mature audience.