Tea Set and Match

I started reading [b:Tea Set and Match|60765020|Tea Set and Match (Tea Princess Chronicles, #2)|Casey Blair|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649298474l/60765020._SY75_.jpg|71122224] because [b:White Skin, Black Fuel: On the Danger of Fossil Fascism|56708410|White Skin, Black Fuel On the Danger of Fossil Fascism|Andreas Malm|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623412638l/56708410._SY75_.jpg|88659555] is so debilitatingly depressing that I need to alternate it with utterly different books. The continued adventures of Miyara, former princess and current Tea Master, are ideal for this purpose. Although there are a handful of dramatic action scenes and some serious show more themes, the plot and world building are for the most part cosy and comforting. Miyara is required to compete in a tea tournament which has lots of awkward micropolitics that intersect with the local politics she's also dealing with. Luckily, she has magical interpersonal relationship-building powers (they're truly incredible) and an adorable miniature dragon to help.

Events proceed via collaboration and thoughtful conversations, some amusingly awkward (the dinner party with Miyara's sister) and others just cute (relationship discussions with Deniel). Miyara ponders her place in a community she only joined weeks ago yet has already become an important part of. She rejected the power of being a princess, but still wants to counter injustice wherever she sees it. The addition of new characters from distant lands widens the world building and probably sets up an antagonist for the final book in the trilogy. The vibes are much more important than the plot, though. The characters and their dynamics are appealing, while the magic of tea soothes all troubles. This makes [b:Tea Set and Match|60765020|Tea Set and Match (Tea Princess Chronicles, #2)|Casey Blair|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649298474l/60765020._SY75_.jpg|71122224] a lovely restful read.

Nevertheless, two books into the trilogy I'm shocked that the most important question hasn't yet been addressed: does this magical world have coffee as well as tea? show less

Tea Set and Match largely maintains the quality of the first book, but has a couple more issues, one of which is more personal than anything else.
Primarily, although the plot differs, its mostly the same story; it feels the same and it progresses the same. The cozy tea vibe worked wonderfully in book one, but this book doesn't change that enough, doesn't add any new elements or conflicts or perils and so fails to distinguish itself from book one in a meaningful way. The actual plotting and prose remain strong, there just wasn't enough 'new' present. We brushed against Miyara getting pupils, and social themes, but the story isn't about the pupils, and the social themes aren't centered on Miyara (I.E she undertakes them, but isn't show more immediately threatened by them, rendering her an activist in them more than a protagonist.)
A lesser complaint is how boring the core romance is; Miyara's love interest is so perfectly, inoffensively supportive and loving and utterly devoted to her, and largely lacks narrative of his own. This might sound good in theory (oh he's such a good match/man) but in practice it's one note and results in a lack of chemistry. ( For clarification, chemistry doesn't require drama, it requires two elements to interact, and he exerts next to no pressure on her meaning theirs no 'spark' to their interactions, just inoffensiveness as he doesn't even really offer her or the story that much.)
That last comment also segues in my second main issue with the book ( the personal one.) Tea Set and Match is distinctly political, touching prominently on discrimination and the transgender debate and it is the third book in four I've read where these themes are included. I don't usually criticism a book for political themes if they're implemented well (they're implemented decently here, but feel distinctly unnecessary to the actual plot) but I am growing fatigued of these plot lines, especially with their prominence in the news and social media. As a result, their inclusion soured me on this book and continuing the series. For those who are deeply invested in those political points, this book should remain thoroughly enjoyable. show less

In book 2, Mayanna must earn her Tea Mastery by competing in a contest. Meanwhile, her next oldest sister, Princess Saiyana has tracked her down and is determined to bring her back. And her new boyfriend, Deniel, wants her to meet his parents.

read 10/6/3034