I am back travelling with Ning, Zhen and Ruyi with addition of Shu, Ning’s little sister in this 2nd and last instalment of the duology. It was more adventurous this time with much profound exploration on Ning’s Shénnóng magic (I think she leveled up after purging the poison out from Shu)— she brought me to travel deeper into the dreamscape world, prying into one’s mind and soul, lurking around into their nightmares; a gripping revelation for the poison and it fascinates me too on how it works as a spirit that draws the memories of those you care for and feeds on your loss and grief— so psychological and intriguing much for me.

I get dual perspectives now with Kang’s chapters alternatingly narrated in between Ning’s narrative. The progress can be draggy at times but I think the cinematic prose really helps in making me hooked and craving for more. The political part gets further intense as the tension arises in between the prophesied princess and the Banished Prince; the villain was as suspected since book 1 so no surprises or twist here but I love that it touches into a vivid family dynamics that can be seen through Ning and Shu relation as well as Kang and his father.

It gets quite hectic nearly the end, bit dreamy too as Ning was sent to travel deeper in the forest for Hermit; love the scenes a lot esp the Bamboo Sea backdrop which so phenomenal to me (it really reminds me to Malay folklore and myth of bunian). Great flow of friendship and enthralling fight of trust that gets me nervous somehow. The ending was fairly executed with pinch of action and magnificent teamwork by Ning, Kang and Ruyi.

The epilogue gets me wanting more from the world as I think the worldbuilding can be made more ‘richly’ and captivating for its unique and authentic magic system. Still beautifully written nevertheless, if you’re new to fantasy or myth related fiction this duology would be a great catch to start with. 3.8 stars to this!

“The art of Shénnóng is a dialogue. Tea for me is home, is joy, is family.” (quoting from A Magic Steeped In Poison)

Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy to review!