Synthers & Beasts

by Judy Liu

Born into a powerful magical family that focuses on medicinal synthing, an ability to diagnose ailments by seeing colors, Halla struggles balancing her family's legacy and expectations with her own career running her apothecary in a quickly modernizing world.

As she navigates through her own struggles, she gets entangled with a powerful family and framed for a poisoning, putting everything she's ever worked for at risk, which sets her on a journey with her ranyi, a reclusive and mythical six-taloned fish-snake, to rediscover her family history, reclaim synthing powers she's long suppressed, and figure out just who exactly is plotting against her.

Genres: Fantasy

278 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2026

About the author

Inspired by her love of Marvel, sci-fi, old Taiwanese dramas, and ridiculous anime, Judy scribbles mini-stories wherever she can (and subsequently forgets them!). She graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas, studying history, Asian studies, and education. Judy is not unfamiliar with extensive writing, having published multiple pieces. She spent some time living in rural Japan before working in the legal and compliance sphere. With her debut novel The Vending Portal, Liu hopes to meaningfully add to Asian American literature to further enrich the YA genre.

Outside of work and writing, Judy enjoys dancing with her teammates and friends, exploring unknown spots or cities, caring for her plants, and making nonsense sounds to her sister.

Reviews

[M.H. Elrich]

An Asian Fantasy-Mystery with Intrigue!
I purchased this book as part of a Kickstarter based on the premise that it was like Apothecary Diaries. There are definitely some Apothecary vibes in her, with natural medicines, herbs, political machinations, and a grand mystery to solve. However, the romance is light/almost nonexistent and the main character, Halla, is more of an egotistical woman than the slightly on the spectrum Maomao. That being said, I really enjoyed it. At the beginning, Herb (the inspector) really carried the story as Halla was very prideful and bratty. As the story developed, Halla grew on me, and Rex especially was lovely. Herb reminded me of famous inspectors in typical mysteries, which made it kind of fun in a world with mythological creatures and political families. The Asian bent isn't just in the medicine, tea, food, or families. It is in the characters themselves, as Halla rebels against her family's expectations. As for the mystery, I feel like it is a big spoiler, but I will say that it wasn't until nearly the end that I figured it out. So that was good! It is a very intriguing and satisfying Asian Fantasy-Mystery.

Content Warnings:
Cussing: none/use of Spittlebrok
Sex/Romance: mention of how Halla found a man muscular/attractive, mention of how a couple flirted.
Violence: someone is poisoned, a child deals with a lifelong illness (so possible trigger for parents who have dealt with that). A creature impaled a bad guy. Running. Hitting someone with a stun gun.
Alcohol/Drugs: Only traditional medicine (like ginger helps with headaches, but with fake medicine)

[Effie Stock]

Synthers and Beasts, a Chinese-inspired fantasy like no other, combines beautiful mythical creatures, medicinal traditions, and futuristic concepts to create a story of mystery, political intrigue, and a longing to live life fully and freely. Judy Liu is no stranger to fashioning vibrant and unique worlds, and Synthers and Beasts does nothing but solidify her place in the speculative and mythically inspired fantasy world.

[KMart Books]

This is so adorable. This one feels like a warm hug and an homage to the author's culture and childhood, and I adored every minute of it.

As someone who does acupuncture and has some familiarity with eastern medicine, the blend here really resonated with me. The way TCM is woven together with magical and folklore elements is so thoughtfully done, and I think the balance between eastern and western approaches is where medicine really shines anyway. I'm a lot like Halla in not knowing a ton about TCM but being completely fascinated by it, which made discovering it alongside her such a joy.

The cozy fantasy mystery format works really well and the magical creatures are such a delightful companion element.

My one small complaint is that the resolution of the mystery was a tiny bit silly. I also spent a good portion of the book thinking this was building toward commentary on not embracing one's gender and identity, which I would have LOVED. I thought that was the reason for the different colors. And while it does touch on embracing who you are, it skirts that line rather than committing to it. I only have my own expectations to blame, though. It's such a tiny little note; I still LOVED this so much.

So cute and so cozy with a medical aspect that I really adored! Loved this one!

Thank you to the author and Hidden Hollow for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Kyra Dawkins]

I really enjoyed Synthers & Beasts because it combined so many fascinating elements and painted such a vibrant, multifaceted world that came alive on and beyond the page. The atmosphere was cozy yet the stakes were high, with both comfort and intrigue equally leading me to turn the page. This book has inspired me to read more cozy fantasy mysteries. I hope that there will be more stories in this world soon!

[Nathaniel]

Through her lush language, complex characters, and intriguing worldbuilding, Judy Liu creates a book unlike any other. This is not to be missed.

[Rocio Carranza]

An incredibly heartwarming cozy mystery tale filled with East Asian folklore, found family, and the magic hidden within.

Judy Liu crafts a serene, enthralling story following a doctor, Halla, who must go back to her magical roots to solve a child’s mysterious illness and clear her name after a sinister plot unfurls to besmirch her family name and reputation.

From the characters, mystical (and quite adorable) beasts, and the unveiling of the final plot twist this was a novel that kept my hooked and enchanted.

Highly recommend!

[Tralyn]

I read SYNTHERS & BEASTS by Judy Liu as part of the review tour hosted by the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted e-arc. I enjoyed my time spent with this book.

I really enjoyed this story. Halle's family is well-known for its magical medical synthing, which is the ability to diagnose a patient by their colors. This is such a unique magical system. I was intrigued and completely pulled into the story from the beginning.

While trying to make a successful medical career for herself, away from her family's synthing abilities, Halle secretly takes on a patient from a very influential family. Things go awry and she is accused of poisoning said patient. This is where the whodunnit part of the story begins.

I love, love, love the mystical creatures! I love when authors add these into stories, especially when they can be considered as side characters.

There are twists and turns, family secrets, character journeys, mystery, and a satisfying ending. It's a book you can sink into and just leave the real world behind for a bit.

I recommend SYNTHERS & BEASTS!

[Dana Marquardt]

I really enjoyed this book. We all carry things from family, expecting us to be something maybe that we don't want to do. Halla has an amazing gift and truly enjoys helping heal others, but doesn't use the powers that her family legacy has gifted her. We all think we have time with our loved ones and that we can do things another day, but time comes to an end and Halla learns that the hard way. I loved the magic system that slowly builds. The mystery behind Rex's illness and her learning to use her gifts, is a page turner. This was a pretty quick read because I was invested from the beginning to the end. I am a sucker for a second chance at anything and I felt that this book had that, and found family. Halla made her way back to her roots and solved a mystery in the end.

Thank you so much Judy Liu and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for this earc

[Caitlin Horst]

🍁BOOK TOUR REVIEW🍁

Thank you @hiddenhollowbooktours and @judyliu_author for the #gifted copy.

🍁mini review🍁

Five stars all around, and the perfect start for fall season. A cozy fantasy mystery book really hit the mark. This book is a blend of apothecary, herbs, natural medicines political and mystery wrapped in a pretty little bow. Romance in here is few and far, but that does not take away from the whole concept of this story. Halls, the main character, was hard to enjoy at first but as the story progresses so does she. By the end you truly do enjoy how she progressed from the beginning to the end. Judy writes such complex characters, wish beautiful language and world building that keeps you sucked in. I truly recommend this story!

[Joanna]

Such a charming read. Magical, cosy, funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Exactly the kind of fantasy that leaves you feeling a little happier after finishing it

Things I loved:
• A magical apothecary
• Halla's journey of finding her own path
• The colour magic system
• The family dynamics
• A mythical six-taloned fish-snake!
• Warmth, humour & a little mystery

Halla was such an easy character to root for. I especially liked that her biggest struggle wasn't just the external danger, but figuring out who she wanted to be outside of her family's expectations.

[Shreya]

Chinese inspired magical fantasy family is never going out of fashion so it's better you start reading this book. You can help fall in love with the way Judy Liu writes. Halla is as real as they come you grow to like her as you go. Also we all know how Asian kids struggle with balancing family expectations and legacy.

The world is very unique and the way the story explores ideas about identity, belonging, and being human is deep. I was genuinely invested in the characters and curious about what would happen next. This book finished me. Read it.

[Jennifer]

As a Chinese American, I loved the concept of how there’s the traditional medicine that I’ve seen in the herbalists of Chinatown and the modern take with medical technology. I was pretty much hooked with the family drama in the beginning and then the request to see the young Lord Urquart. Overall, it was very enjoyable and a great read from my usual.

Thank you so much @judyliu_author and @hiddenhollowbooktour for the #gifted copy.

[Dovey Reads]

I needed my Apothecary Diaries fix and this book delivered! The protagonist, Halla reminded me of Maomao due to their intelligence, wit, dedication to their family, apothecary duties, and especially the power struggles between duty, honor, and legacy. Even if you’re not familiar with Chinese folklore, don’t let that deter you. Judy Liu does an extraordinary job with the world building and pacing; it’s exemplary and easy to understand, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. loved the characters Halla, Rexford, and especially Grandma Wen because of her banter with Halla. This was the perfect cozy-fantasy to kick off the -ber months. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.

[Kate Brasington]

Synthers and Beasts was so hard to put down I found myself walking around my house with my kindle unable to peel my eyes away from it!
I really loved the magical creatures in this book! There were these almost eel - like horses at the beginning of the book that I cannot stop thinking of because it sounds like such a bizarre and fantastic concept!
I also enjoyed the magic system in this book I thought the synthing was very intriguing!
Halla the FMC is stubborn and very driven to walk her own path and do things differently than her ancestors and I totally understand where she’s coming from and respected how she went about doing that.
If you are looking for a fantasy book with some mystery elements, amazing creatures and apothecary elements then you will enjoy Synthers and Beasts!

[Marie Reed]

This world is so fun! I love books with both magic and technology, and having the technology taking over magic in the medical field was neat to see. I also love a good mystery, and this added that plot line in so well that I stayed up until 1AM to finish the book. There are a few unanswered questions, and a tiny little romantic hint that might be going somewhere but also wasn't really necessary for the story. Points for not coupling up the FMC and the detective though! I hope we see more of these characters in rhe future.

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021]

Synthers & Beasts I thought was a great story, I really liked the premise of it and the synthing was really intriguing to me.
I loved how the characters were created and felt the relatability of them especially Halla,
I loved her interactions with Rex.
The storyline had my interest piqued, I felt compelled to read more with the eagerness to find out where it would end up. I honestly didn't expect it to go in the direction that it did, I really enjoyed it and I loved the Epilogue and that bonus scene!

[Stacie (Bookswithstacie)]

I really enjoyed Synthers and Beasts. The storyline kept me hooked from start to finish and felt refreshingly different from other stories I’ve read, which I really liked.
Halla was relatable having to juggle her wants with the families expectations. It brought depth to the character and it was easy to connect with her. Even if she has a magical creature.
The magic and twists were fantastic and kept me guessing throughout.
A really enjoyable read!

[Diamanti]

Hello, people!
In recent years, Asian literature has risen dynamically. And not unfairly. In every literary category, no matter if it belongs to each book gives a fresh and unique touch.
The same applies here. As there are various mythical creatures and medicinal traditions.
Overall, the story has mystery, political commentary and intrigue and complex and multifaceted characters.
Furthermore, the worldbuilding is wonderful. What more could a reader ask for? Especially, when combined with such lively, captivating and powerful writing.

Many thanks to the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Michael Vadney]

This review was originally posted on FanFiAddict: https://fanfiaddict.com/synthers-beas...

This is a heartwarming, feel-good fantasy that does one of my favorite things the genre is capable of: it wraps real, relatable human problems inside a world full of magic and wonder.

Halla is a synther, someone who can diagnose ailments by seeing colors, running her own apothecary while trying to balance her family’s powerful legacy with her own ambitions in a rapidly modernizing world. What makes it sing is the emotional honesty underneath. Halla’s need for the approval of her family’s matriarch is something so many talented young people carry, and Liu presents it with all the pride, fear, and frustration that makes it feel painfully real. I found myself genuinely moved by those moments in ways I didn’t expect.

Halla herself is complex, multifaceted, and easy to root for. Rexford serves as a strong foil that gives Halla room to reflect and grow. But my favorite characters might be Mrs. Nuan and Grandma Wen, whose banter with Halla had me grinning constantly. The family dynamics in this book are a real highlight, full of warmth and humor that feel lived in rather than performed.

The worldbuilding is deeply inspired by Chinese folklore and traditional Chinese medicine, which gives the entire setting a freshness and specificity that stands out in the current fantasy landscape. The synthing magic system and the magical beasts (including Halla’s ranyi, a six-taloned fish-snake) are fascinating, and I found myself wanting even more of both because what’s there is so good. There are a handful of moments where the world is explained a little directly, but they’re few and far between.

The prose is clear and simple in a way that keeps things moving, and there are standout moments that show real range. Halla’s nightmare scene in particular was exceptional, dripping with dread and dream-logic that I could feel. The plot wanders a bit in the middle and things come together quickly at the end, but this is ultimately a character story, and on that front it delivers beautifully.

Synthers & Beasts is the kind of book that leaves you feeling good. It’s warm, it’s charming, it’s culturally rich, and at its core it’s about a young woman figuring out who she is apart from who her family expects her to be. That’s a story worth telling, and Judy Liu tells it with heart.

[Sukie]

I picked up Synthers and Beasts right after finishing Mi Abuela, La Loca by José Ignacio Valenzuela, so I was already emotional about grandmothers and the profound ways they shape their grandchildren's lives. Because of that, the opening chapter immediately resonated. I loved seeing Halla learn Synesthology from Grandma Wen. There was something comforting and familiar about those moments of learning, storytelling, and passing down knowledge from one generation to the next.

I appreciated Halla's struggle between following her own path and meeting the expectations placed on her by family and society. She can be stubborn, sometimes frustratingly so, but that makes her feel authentic. Growing up often means questioning what you've always been told and figuring out who you want to be. It was heartwarming to see such a supportive family dynamic, even as Halla struggled with the pressures surrounding the investigation and accusations.

The cozy mystery unfolds with good pace that keeps the plot moving and maintains reader interest throughout. The characters were another highlight for me. I enjoyed the inspector's determination to uncover the truth, sweet Rex, and I couldn't help but wish we got more page time with the potential love interest. What a tease! And of course, the delightful, mythical beasts added so much charm and wonder to the story. Every time one appeared, I found myself smiling and wishing for more.

Overall, Synthers and Beasts was a delightful blend of fantasy, mystery, and family. I hope the author has more stories and adventures to tell in this world because I would happily return to it.

[Finger Pages]

4 Stars
No spice

I finished Synthers and Beasts in 1 evening. At just over 300 pages this was a quick read and frankly a delightful palette cleanser from most heavy fantasy. I loved the mix of Asian mythology/ folklore with the mythical creatures. It had almost an ethereal quality to the book but the writing was fast paced.

Halla is an FMC I think almost all females can relate to, though give her a chance- she will grow on you. As she comes of age she is looking to discover her own path and way forward while not wanting to disappoint her family with their own expectations of what she should be doing. As an only daughter I felt instantly connected to her with the struggle and how she balanced it all.

This book was a nice blend of fantasy, murder mystery and yet still kept it cozy. If you are a fan of the Sarah Beth Durst then I think you will really enjoy Synthers and Beasts.

[Lily]

If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy x mystery with some politics and familial pressure mixed in, then you need to put this at the top of your TBR pile! Halla is an interesting and complex character, and it’s not just her magical ability and knowledge of traditional healing. She has a lot of pressure to live up to her family’s long history, and while that can make her not entirely likable at first, it made it all the more fun to watch her change and grow throughout the story. Liu does such an amazing job bringing all the characters to life, but I must admit Halla will always have a special place in my heart. The setting felt so real, I almost feel like I could visit, and seek healing from Halla one day. I loved the way the magic worked, and I was just as wrapped up in the mystery as I was in the lives of everyone involved.

[Adeeba Jafri]

Synthers & Beasts is a heartwarming, feel-good fantasy about Halla, a doctor who must reconnect with her magical roots to solve a child’s mysterious illness while clearing her name after a sinister plot threatens her family’s reputation.

The worldbuilding, deeply inspired by Chinese folklore and traditional Chinese medicine, gives the story a freshness that really stands out. The synthing magic system is fascinating, and the magical beasts are especially memorable.

At its heart, Synthers & Beasts is about a young woman figuring out who she is beyond who her family expects her to be. It’s warm, charming, and culturally rich, with just the right sense of magic and wonder.

Thank you for the copy Hidden Hollows Book Tours.