A review by karly_rose_reads
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I'm torn whether or not A Tempest of Tea was my cup of tea...

Quick book details: 
☕ YA fantasy
☕ 3rd person, multi POV
☕ Book 1 in an incomplete duology
☕ Heist, betrayal, revenge
☕ Found family
☕ Six of Crows + Arthurian Legend vibes

Fav line: "there was something to be said about a girl who knew everything about everyone and a boy more mysterious than the moon."

What I enjoyed?
☕ Hafsah Faizal's writing style is beautiful 
☕ Character diversity & backgrounds
☕ Vampire lore & unique world
☕ Arthie gives off female Kaz Brekker

What I struggled with?
☕ Very slow pacing
☕ Climactic moments fell short, especially the heist itself
☕ Romance subplots felt forced due to lack of true build up 
☕ Only 3 of the 5 characters got POVs
☕ It took me until page 250 (of ~350) to connect with the characters

I am planning to continue the series because SO much was introduced in the last 100 pages that I'm curious to see where Hafsah Faizal takes this story. Ultimately, I may just not be the target reader for this style of book since so many readers love it.