UptownOracle in Book Reviews

Uptown Oracle Reads… A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Step into the enchanting world of A Tempest of Tea, where fantasy and adventure collide in a tale of courage, loyalty, and resilience. In this riveting novel by Hafsah Faizal, readers are transported to the bustling tearoom of Spindrift, where a band of unlikely heroes embarks on a daring mission to save their home and unravel the mysteries of their past. With its captivating characters, thrilling plot twists, and thought-provoking themes, A Tempest of Tea promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of fantasy literature. Join me as we delve into the depths of this immersive tale and discover the magic that lies within its pages.

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

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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.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

A Tempest of Tea by is a thrilling fantasy novel that combines elements of heist, mystery, and found family dynamics into a captivating narrative. Set in a world where colonisation and immigration shape the lives of its characters, the story follows Arthie, Jin, and Flick as they navigate a dangerous mission to save their beloved tearoom, Spindrift.

The strength of “A Tempest of Tea” lies in its richly drawn characters and their intricate backstories. Arthie, a survivor of colonization, is portrayed as tough and determined, yet deeply caring for her home and adopted brother Jin. Jin, with his mysterious past and charming demeanor, adds depth to the dynamic trio, while Flick brings her own troubles and forgery skills to the table, making her a perfect fit for the team.

There’s two more characters within the heist, an artist called Mateo and a Horned Guard called Laith (who is from a familar place if you’ve read We Hunt the Flame 👀). These two didn’t have POV chapters, and whilst we do get some backstory as our main three learn about them… there’s not quite the same connection. They also spend a lot of their talking time flirting with Arthie.

The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. From the daring heist on Arteum to the revelation of hidden family secrets, the story is filled with excitement and intrigue. However, some elements, such as the sword in the stone-esque – “gun in the stone” subplot, feel somewhat disconnected from the main narrative.

I did find Spindrift and the overall “tea” theme to be super intriguing when I was going into the book, but unfortunately it’s not a huge part of the plot. Whilst the Casimir’s are trying to save Spindrift, their home, and you do feel the emotions through their POV – we don’t see a huge amount of the fabled teahouse.

Faizal’s writing style is commendable, with fluid prose and vivid descriptions that bring the world of Ettenia to life. The exploration of themes like colonisation, immigration, and found family adds depth and resonance to the story, making it more than just a thrilling adventure.

Overall, A Tempest of Tea is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and heist novels alike. With its compelling characters, fast-paced plot, and thought-provoking themes, it left me wanting more. Plus, the last few chapters gave a lot of answers which gave me even more questions so I will need to read book 2!