A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea, #2) – A Review
Hafsah Faizal’s A Steeping of Blood was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025, and when I finally got my hands on an ARC, I felt like a child on Christmas morning. There’s always something thrilling about diving back into a world you’ve previously enjoyed, and I was eager to see how Arthie and her crew would continue to navigate their tangled fates. However, as I turned the pages, my excitement began to wane, leaving me with mixed feelings that are hard to unpack.
The Magic of Characters and Relationships
Let’s start with the heart of the story—the characters. The connection between Arthie and Mattheo was undeniably sweet, packed with emotional steam and romantic tension. One moment that truly resonated with me was when Mattheo confesses, “I supposed I want peace. I want to live again. With you. For you.” I found myself rooting for this duo, relishing their moments of vulnerability. I also appreciated Hafsah’s brave decision at the end regarding Mattheo—though it was heartbreaking, it felt like the right choice for the story arc.
And then there’s Flick! Her blend of loyalty, distractibility, and witty banter made her a standout character for me. There’s something real and relatable about her that kept me glued to the pages. Her interactions with other characters added layers to the overall narrative that were both heartwarming and humorous.
Adding to the charm was the theme of found family—something that resonates deeply in both life and in literature. The camaraderie among the crew provided some of the book’s levity, allowing readers to revel in the friendships that felt genuine, even if they occasionally strayed into caricature.
The Letdown: Writing and Pacing
Unfortunately, not all was smooth sailing. Many parts of the writing felt bland or disjointed, with a few cringe-worthy moments that made me wince. There were times when the pacing dragged, particularly in the middle section, which lacked the stakes and emotional depth I was craving. The dialogue, intended to be witty and flirtatious, swung between poetic and painfully awkward. Phrases like “super vampires” and excessive use of “darling” from Mattheo dulled what could have been sharp, engaging exchanges.
Disappointing Choices and Themes
As the narrative progressed, I found myself frustrated by the characters’ moral dilemmas. The trope of a hero refusing to enact justice to avoid becoming like the villain became a sore point for me. In a world rife with conflict, why do characters like Arthie and Jin hesitate? The tension seemed artificial when they were faced with real threats and injustices. I longed for more decisive actions from characters who had the potential for growth and complexity.
Overall, A Steeping of Blood offers readers a mix of compelling character relationships and fantastical elements but ultimately falters in execution. I deeply wanted to love this continuation of the series, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it missed its mark in a few key areas.
Who Might Enjoy This?
For fans of the first book, you might find just enough charm and promise to hold your interest, especially if character dynamics are what you love most. However, if you’re looking for a tightly woven plot with consistently strong writing, this may leave you feeling a bit unfulfilled.
In reflection, while the ride was bumpy, there were moments of brilliance that made A Steeping of Blood worth reading. I’m still excited to see where Hafsah takes us next. Here’s hoping the next installment will build on the potential this one showcased!
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