Rating: 4⭐️
I will admit that I’ve struggled with this book and rating because I’ve enjoyed so much of this story and characters. It’s got really interesting elements and the makings of a terrific fantasy tale of a young woman who is trying to find her way of service in a tumultuous magical world.
And in many cases it does work. The writing is descriptively detailed, rich in elements and emotional imagery. It’s magical in many respects.
Author Blair sets out a terrific foundation of a kingdom of rulers that’s based around service, an intriguing idea. And it opens up as the fourth daughter of the ruling family is about to enter the ceremony to determine the course of her career and life’s path of service to her family and people of Istalam.
Let’s just say the ceremony doesn’t go as planned. And Princess Miyara finds herself with another life journey in store for her.
One that ends in a small tea shop in the city of Sayorsen which sits on the edge of a cataclysmic event that separates an entire realm of unstable magic. Here Miyara finds her way to her true self, and it’s a beautiful thoughtful and deeply caring journey.
Miyara’s new life involves her working with people of various backgrounds, cultures and traditions, all new to someone of her previous status. As she grows stronger and adapts to her new life, finding new friends of all kinds, witches included, political and social changes start to happen.
Casey Blair’s story incorporates important such elements such as the need for societal change, highlighting the impact of racism, exploitation, environmental degradation, and the importance of service. All that through Miyara, her development, her role in the community and with the family. And her dedication to becoming a Tea Master with the beautiful magical tea ceremony, dragons , and more.
Is it perfect? No there a few odd phrases that don’t make sense here, especially when spoken by a Princess who for most of the story has trouble remembering that “court language “ isn’t common for the type of person she’s trying to portray now.
Here’s a quick example.
“I laugh, a little hysterically. “Thank you for not telling me I’m batty.”
In a strange mystical magical kingdom that sentence and use of batty, especially from a palace princess, feels so much very out of place.
Strange bits of narrative weirdness that jar the reader out of the story.
However, the whole plot and character is marvelous. And as someone who has read ahead, I can say that book 2 is even better.
A definite winner. And another recommendation! A cozy fantasy adventure with a complete set!
Love these covers.
Cover design by Hampton Lamoureux of TS95 Studios
Tea Princess Chronicles:
A Coup Of Tea #1
Tea Set and Match #2
Royal Tea Service #3
Short story sequel:
Saiyana’s Challenge: A Story of the Tea Princess Chronicles
Tales from a Magical Teashop: Stories of the Tea Princess Chronicles
Buy Link
Book 1 of 3: Tea Princess Chronicles
Description
A complete, bestselling cozy fantasy series available to binge now!
“There will always be work for those who know how to listen.”
When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.
In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.
Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power.
A Coup of Tea is the first book of the Tea Princess Chronicles, a cozy fantasy series full of magic tea, found family, and lifting people up even when the odds seem impossible.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 