Are you ready to add a stunning new fantasy novel to your TBR pile? A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin is a sweeping, lush, and enchanting tale full of magic, tea, and bloody court politics that will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very last page. But if you need some extra incentive to pick this one up, be sure to check out this interview with the author! What makes Ning fierce? Ning starts her journey hesitant and afraid. She feels like she is an imposter, but there is too much for her to lose if she does not embrace her mother’s magic. She’s fierce because she continues to fight for her family even as she faces her own self-doubt and outside sabotage. What’s the most interesting thing you learned while researching A Magic Steeped in Poison? I was really fascinated by my research into Traditional Chinese Medicine as tea was a common ingredient present in many recipes. But many of the ingredients are mythical in nature or present in folklore. The jīncán, the gold silkworm, which makes an appearance in the book, has supernatural properties in variations on the legend. Some believe that the silkworm is actually a bound spirit that does your bidding, and can perform benign tasks like cleaning your house or vicious ones like assassinating your enemies. What’s one fun fact most people don’t know about you? One of my favorite hobbies to do when I can take a break from writing is to play board games! I also like to paint minis for the games as a way to relax. What’s your favorite part of being an author? I live in a smaller city in Canada and there is not a big arts community here. But it’s been wonderful connecting with readers, booksellers, librarians, and also other authors virtually! I love seeing where my readers are located all over the world, and I’m still amazed that my book will be translated into various languages I don’t even speak! What’s the most challenging part of being an author? Trying to accept that there are lots of things out of my control. All I can do is write a story that is true to me and hope those who pick up my books enjoy them, but there is always a nagging worry in the back of my mind about whether I am ‘good enough’ to do this. I have to fight through that when I sit down and write. What 3 words would you use to describe A Magic Steeped in Poison? Family, tea, intrigue. ABOUT THE BOOK Judy I. Lin's sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo. I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, "These are the hands that buried my mother." For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life. But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.