A Tempest of Tea

 By: Hafsah Faizal

Location: FICFAI-

Genre: Fantasy

“Why save the world when you can have tea?!”

A Tempest of Tea by bestselling author Hafsah Faizal, first in a duology pitched as King Arthur meets Peaky Blinders with vampires. The novel follows a gang of outcasts in a deadly heist led by Arthie Casimir to save her tearoom—which fronts an illegal blood house, where local vampires can purchase fresh blood. Publication of the first novel is set for Fall 2022; Josh Adams at Adams Literary did the two-book deal for world English rights.

Nilufer says this about this books and her reviews are the best:

A Tempest of Tea blends the grit of a heist with the allure of vampire intrigue, set against a backdrop of colonial tension and societal divisions. Arthie Casimir’s tearoom, which secretly doubles as a bloodhouse for the city's vampires, makes for a unique and fascinating setting, although it feels somewhat underexplored at times. When her sanctuary is threatened, she assembles a motley crew to infiltrate the dangerous Athereum, but their journey unravels into more than just a high-stakes heist.

While the premise brims with potential, the pacing struggles to find its rhythm, with moments of thrilling action punctuated by slower stretches that make it difficult to fully immerse in the world. Arthie, despite her criminal mastermind status, often feels emotionally distant, which can make it challenging to fully connect with her. However, her fierce determination and complex emotions regarding her heritage and the city’s power structures add depth to her character.

Jin’s charm and humor are standout elements, bringing much-needed lightness to the story, while Flick’s resilience makes her a compelling presence. The romance, though at times overshadowed by the central plot, offers moments of genuine warmth. Yet, some of the romantic arcs feel rushed, leaving little room for the chemistry to truly sizzle.

The novel shines brightest in its thematic explorations of colonialism, racism, and belonging, touching on issues that resonate far beyond its fantasy world. The dynamic between first- and second-generation immigrants is sensitively portrayed, and Faizal weaves these elements seamlessly into the narrative, giving it a contemporary relevance that grounds the story amidst the fantastical.

Overall, A Tempest of Tea is an ambitious start to a new duology, with intriguing characters and a plot filled with conspiracies and betrayals. While it stumbles in pacing and character development, its unique setting and timely themes make it a novel worth diving into, especially for fans of Faizal’s previous work.