A Magic Steeped in Poison

Reading this felt like everything and nothing simultaneously happened. There was an attempt at political intrigue, but it didn't feel well executed. The magic system was fascinating, but it felt as if the plot only skimmed the surface - perhaps the author attempting to too much, all at once. I think the story would have been stronger if it went all in on one or the other.

All things considered, I enjoyed Ning as a protagonist, but felt that all other characters within the story fell flat. The story felt too short to have properly fleshed out all the side characters, and even the male lead/main antagonists. While Ning made a compelling protagonist, the pacing (and perhaps even overall plot) of the story let her down.

Overall, not bad, but not great. Would not re-read.