Like the finest tea prepared by a practiced shénnóng-shī, Judy I. Lin’s debut—the first in a YA fantasy duology—engulfs the reader in a swirl of Chinese folklore, familial ties, and dangerous secrets.  After her mother’s death by poisoned tea, Ning leaves her home village and heads to the capital to participate in a competition that could save her sister’s life.  Relying upon the skills she inherited from her mother, Ning must prove herself a talented healer in order to be granted a lifesaving favor by the Princess.  Meanwhile, as political unrest has everyone on edge, will the mysterious boy she meets in the capital lead her towards life or death?