Picture a Taiwanese-Canadian storyteller who turned the delicate art of tea-making into a magical adventure—meet Judy I. Lin! This #1 New York Times-bestselling author has enchanted young adult fantasy readers with her Book of Tea duology, weaving Chinese and Taiwanese tea culture into spellbinding tales of courage, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Born in Taiwan and raised on the Canadian prairies, Lin’s multicultural roots and love for storytelling shine through her lush, immersive worlds. Her unique blend of Eastern mythology and Western fantasy has made her a standout voice in YA literature, inviting readers to sip on stories where every cup of tea holds a secret.
The Making of Judy I. Lin
Judy I. Lin was born in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, and immigrated to Canada at age eight, settling in Calgary. Growing up, she was a bookworm, escaping into imaginary worlds despite the challenges of adapting to a new country with a heavy accent. Her love for Chinese mythology, Taiwanese folklore, and wuxia dramas shaped her creative spark. Initially pursuing a practical career as an occupational therapist, Lin rediscovered her passion for writing through fan fiction before crafting her own original stories, inspired by her heritage and a longing for Taiwan.
Judy I. Lin’s Unforgettable Stories
Lin’s debut, A Magic Steeped in Poison (2022), introduces the Book of Tea duology, a dazzling YA fantasy where tea-making is a magical art called shénnóng-shì. The story follows Ning, a young apprentice who competes in a high-stakes tea-making tournament to save her poisoned sister, navigating court intrigue and rebellion in the empire of Dàxī. Its sequel, A Venom Dark and Sweet (2022), expands the world as Ning joins Princess Zhen to reclaim the throne from a sinister prince, blending action with lush descriptions of tea ceremonies.
In 2024, Lin released Song of the Six Realms, a standalone fantasy inspired by Chinese xianxia dramas. The protagonist, Xue, a qin musician, channels magic through music in a celestial realm, exploring themes of identity and power. Lin’s writing is lyrical and sensory, drawing on her research into Chinese history, Tang dynasty poetry, and Taiwanese tea culture, particularly the gongfu cha ceremony, to create worlds that feel both ancient and fresh.
Her stories stand out for their non-combat magic systems—tea and music as conduits for power—challenging traditional fantasy tropes. Influenced by Chinese period dramas like Nirvana in Fire and authors like Elizabeth Lim, Lin crafts heroines who defy expectations, reflecting her own journey of balancing Taiwanese and Canadian identities.
Why Judy I. Lin Matters
Judy I. Lin has carved a vital space in YA fantasy, bringing Taiwanese and Chinese cultural elements to a genre long dominated by Eurocentric narratives. Her focus on strong, multifaceted female protagonists resonates with readers seeking diverse voices. By reimagining tea and music as magical forces, she celebrates her heritage while addressing universal themes of family, resilience, and belonging. Her rapid success, with both duology books hitting the New York Times bestseller list, signals a growing appetite for inclusive storytelling.
Lin’s work also inspires young writers, showing that personal cultural experiences can shape universal stories. Her research-driven approach, from visiting Taiwanese tea farms to studying classical poetry, adds authenticity and depth, making her a bridge between cultures and generations.
- Born: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- Key Works: A Magic Steeped in Poison, A Venom Dark and Sweet, Song of the Six Realms
- Notable Achievement: #1 New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller for A Magic Steeped in Poison
Snag A Magic Steeped in Poison and dive into Judy I. Lin’s enchanting blend of tea, magic, and adventure!