Is The Tempest of Tea Worth the Hype? A Review of Hafsah Faizal’s Bold New Fantasy

Book Review of The Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

The Tempest of Tea: A Brew of Rage, Charm, and Found Family

When I picked up The Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal, I expected a gripping heist story with a dash of vampires and slow-burn romance. What I got was so much more—a story that’s rich in atmosphere, brimming with complex characters, and laced with themes of colonialism, grief, and survival. It wasn’t perfect, but it was undeniably fun, and I found myself swept up in its dark yet oddly comforting embrace.

A Teahouse Unlike Any Other

The story centers around Arthie Casimir and her crew of misfits who run a teahouse by day and an illegal blood house by night, catering to society’s most feared vampires. Arthie’s life takes a sharp turn when she’s forced to undertake a high-stakes heist that could save—or destroy—everything she’s built. The setup alone was enough to intrigue me. A heist? Vampires? Found family dynamics? I was all in.

The world Faizal creates is atmospheric and immersive. It’s dark and dangerous, with power plays and societal prejudices lurking in every shadow. I loved how the setting felt like a character in its own right, shaping the decisions and dynamics of the crew.

Arthie: The Small but Mighty Force

Let’s talk about Arthie. From the moment she stepped onto the page, I was hooked. She’s a firecracker—angry, resourceful, and utterly unrelenting. She reminded me a bit of Kaz Brekker with her criminal genius and simmering rage, but she also had a softer side. Her fierce loyalty to her crew and her vulnerability, especially when faced with her past, made her feel real.

However, there were moments when I found her overwhelming. The story is told through multiple points of view, but Arthie’s voice tends to dominate, even in chapters that aren’t hers. While I adored her as a character, I wished the other perspectives had been given more room to breathe.

The Crew That Stole My Heart

One of my favourite aspects of the book was the crew dynamic. Jin, Arthie’s adopted “brother,” was a standout for me. He’s charming, loyal, and a little too good-looking for his own good (or anyone else’s). His bond with Arthie was beautiful—unwavering and heartfelt in a way that made me root for both of them.

Flick was another gem. She’s still finding her place in the criminal world, but her talent for forgery and her determination to prove herself made her a compelling addition to the crew. I also loved the moments of high-class manners that peeked through her rougher edges.

And then there’s Matteo, the swoon-worthy vampire. Oh, Matteo. He’s artsy, flirty, and smitten with Arthie, though she does her best to pretend otherwise. His dynamic with Arthie brought some much-needed levity and charm to the story.

Laith, the mysterious high guard, added an interesting layer of tension. He’s the wild card of the group, and while I wasn’t entirely sure where his loyalties lay, I enjoyed every moment he was on the page.

Themes That Hit Hard

What I didn’t expect from this book was its deep dive into themes like colonialism, racism, and colourism. Faizal doesn’t shy away from exploring the impact of living in a colonized country or the complexities of being biracial. Arthie’s rage is deeply rooted in the trauma of losing her homeland and her parents to colonizers, and this anger fuels much of her drive.

As someone who loves stories that tackle difficult topics, I appreciated how these themes were woven into the narrative. They added depth and weight to what could have been a straightforward heist story.

The Heist That Wasn’t Quite Enough

Now, let’s talk about the heist. I went into this book expecting edge-of-my-seat action, clever planning, and last-minute twists. While there were moments of tension, the heist itself often felt overshadowed by the character development and world-building. Don’t get me wrong—I loved getting to know these characters and their backstories, but I found myself wishing for more adrenaline-pumping scenes.

A Slow Start, But Worth It

I’ll admit, the beginning felt slow. It took me a while to get fully invested in the story, but once it wrapped its claws around me, I couldn’t put it down. The relationships between the characters—whether it was the banter, the budding romances, or the quiet moments of understanding—made it worth the wait.

The found family aspect was a highlight for me. Watching these characters, each carrying their own scars and secrets, come together and support one another was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Cliffhanger Alert!

And then there’s the ending. Oh, the ending. Let’s just say it left me hanging off a cliff, desperate for the sequel. The romantic tension, particularly between Arthie and Matteo, simmered beautifully throughout the book, but it didn’t quite resolve. I’m hoping the next installment dives deeper into their relationship and gives us more of the chemistry I was craving.

Final Thoughts

The Tempest of Tea is a bold, ambitious story that brews a potent mix of adventure, social commentary, and emotional depth. It’s not without its flaws—the pacing could be tighter, and the multiple POVs could use more distinction—but the charm of its characters and the richness of its world make it a memorable read.

If you love morally grey characters, atmospheric settings, and stories that tackle big themes without losing their sense of fun, this book is for you. It might not be perfect, but it’s a journey worth taking—and one that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next cup.

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