A Magic Steeped In Poison Judy I. Lin

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.

The magic system in this is so incredibly creative. A person with the gift uses the preparation of certain teas to enact incredible effects, from a power boost to forcing someone to tell the truth. All of it was intricate and beautiful.

This story is steeped in betrayal and being able to trust anyone. From the people Ning is competing against in the competition to the people running it. No one is to be trusted not even the mysterious stranger she meets when she arrived in the city.

All in all it was a great debut novel and I am looking forward to the sequel and seeing what this author does next. Especially considering this book leaves off on a heck of a cliff hanger.