Rated YA-MA discussion

FULL DISCUSSION for A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

Discuss the book fully, but tag spoilers.
how-to-spoiler: < spoiler > Words go here < /spoiler > (remove spaces)

Suggested Discussion Points
Do you like the characters?
What questions/ thoughts did the book elicit for you?
What rating do you give this book?
Comment on the world-building and magic system.
What are your compliments and criticisms for the author?

Share your spoiler-free first thoughts here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I am at the 40%. Here is my main observation: Going to the capital and testing to receive a government job must be an Asian story trope. The opening plot of this is very similar to The Scarlet Alchemist though the magic systems are quite different.