A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

This early review copy was gifted to me by Macmillan Children's Books through BookishFirst. This is no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: A Tempest of Tea

Series: Blood and Tea

Author: Hafsah Faizal

Release Date: February 22, 2024

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Source: hardcover, BookishFirst

TW: blood, colonization, death of parent, fire/fire injury, gun violence, violence, trafficking, stalking, racism

Synopsis

From Hafsah Faizal, New York Times–bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame, comes the first book in a hotly-anticipated new fantasy duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.

On the streets of White Roaring, Arthie Casimir is a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets. Her prestigious tearoom transforms into an illegal bloodhouse by dark, catering to the vampires feared by society. But when her establishment is threatened, Arthie is forced to strike an unlikely deal with an alluring adversary to save it—and she can’t do the job alone.

Calling upon a band of misfits, Arthie formulates a plan to infiltrate the dark and glittering vampire society known as the Athereum. But not every member of her crew is on her side, and as the truth behind the heist unfolds, Arthie finds herself in the midst of a conspiracy that will threaten the world as she knows it. Dark, action-packed, and swoonworthy, this is Hafsah Faizal better than ever.

Thoughts

A Tempest of Tea is a captivating and engaging fantasy heist novel by Hafsah Faizal. The prose is skillfully crafted, keeping the story moving at a brisk pace. One of the highlights of the book is the contrast between the grumpy protagonist, Arthie, and the sunny personality of Jin. Their dynamic adds depth and charm to the story.

The concept of a fantasy heist is executed brilliantly, and the writing effectively captures the camaraderie and tension as a new team of individuals comes together to pull off the impossible. As a fan of heist stories, this book was right up my alley. The twists and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the shocking reveal towards the end left me speechless. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Overall, A Tempest of Tea is an enthralling read that seamlessly blends fantasy, heist elements, and compelling characters. Hafsah Faizal has delivered a masterful story filled with suspense, surprises, and an unforgettable cast. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gripping fantasy tales and thrilling heist adventures.