Dance of Thieves

I really enjoyed spending time with Kazi and Jase; they are both such credible and complex characters. I particularly rooted for Kazi – what an extraordinary personality, to have suffered so much and come out scarred but fighting; her choices and logic are always entirely plausible from her character's viewpoint. Jase, in contrast, is a little less well developed, and at first we see him only as the chosen son of a prominent outlaw family, who takes over as Patrei after the death of his father. Only slowly do we discover that there's more to him than a privileged upbringing and his belief that everyone pay him and his family the required respect.

The world building is first class, and while I was surprised at how little action there show more was in a book of 500+ pages, the story never dragged and the chapters were supremely readable – a credit to the author's skill of spinning an engaging narrative and creating tension. Though Kazi and the rest of the Rahtan succeeded in their mission, several plot strands are yet to be resolved, whetting the appetite for the sequel, Vow of Thieves, already on my shelf. I can't wait to see how Kazi and Jase's story progresses. show less

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

So, I haven’t read the Remnant Chronicles, but I’m a huge fan of fantasy books, so I thought I’d give this book a try anyway. And honestly, I LOVED it.

While reading the previous series may deepen your enjoyment of Dance of Thieves, I had no problem jumping right in and following everything that was happening, so I really appreciated that it was its own thing. I highly enjoyed the world that Pearson has built and it has a sort of sci-fi/fantasy vibe, with legends of Ancient technology being so advanced, and now with them living in a world not so advanced. I love when authors are able to blend the two genres; it’s my show more favorite type of book to read.

The characters themselves are fierce and wonderful. We get two points of view, one from Kazi and one from Jase. It’s nice to get the varying viewpoints, because the reader is able to see the characters’ insecurities before the characters see them in each other, so I was able to like the characters right away because I knew neither one was heartless, dumb, or awful. It was wonderful to see them grow and open up to each other, eventually developing feelings for one another. The side characters are also incredible, and I love how fiercely both Kazi’s and Jase’s friends and family protect their own.

And the plot itself–brutally riveting. I couldn’t tear myself away from what was happening. Pearson sure knows how to grip a reader and hold them glued to the story, because I couldn’t get enough! There are so many schemes and plots happening that I felt myself completely taken in by the drama of it all, PLUS I kept wanting to see how the romance between Kazi and Jase would progress. I swear, every time a chapter ended I would audibly say “OH MY GOD,” and just keep reading, because it’s that well crafted. The ONLY thing that bothered me was that there is a huge cliffhanger at the end of this. So, if that sort of thing bothers you, maybe wait until the next book comes out, because it’s a tough one to get past.

Overall, if you’re a lover of fantasy books with some romance and scheming and such, this is the book for you. I, personally, have a soft spot for thief characters, so Kazi really took my heart. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book to be released.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. show less

What did I expect from one of my favorite authors writing a spin-off of one of the best YA fantasy trilogies!!!! Nothing short of amazing and that's what this book delivered. It was a thrilling and entertaining ride from page one to the last and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Kazi is such a strong protagonist to read about that it's a delight following her around. She is a survivor, resilient, calculating and efficient while hiding a compassionate streak in her that only comes out rarely. Her harrowing backstory is revealed slowly in bits throughout the book and that explains the walls she has built around herself, her disdain for people who prey on weaker victims and also her fear of open spaces. She is tested in unexpected and brutal ways show more but she nevers wavers from her goal and I really admired her for that.

Jace is the newly named Patrei of the Ballenger family but before he even gets to mourn his father properly, he is thrown (alongwith Kazi) into a game of politics whose perpetrators remain unknown and consequences can be far reaching. Escaping labor hunters and travelling days together, linked by an ankle chain that doesn't let them leave each other's side makes for an interesting journey. It forces these two enemies to become allies for the sake of survival and ultimately develop feelings for each other, even though they would never speak about them. Their relationship is sometimes fiery, sometimes fun, full secrets and betrayals, but it's also true. I really loved the progression of their relationship and their scenes together were some of the best in the book. They are morally gray characters who are driven by loyalty to their family and land and would use any means necessaryto protect the ones care for.

The side characters in the book are some of most fun and well fleshed out I've read in recent times. It was so great to see some familiar as well as new names who are now the Rahtan on a mission for the Queen of Venda and I liked that that the author makes sure everyone of them has their own story of survival and why they are the perfect ones to accomplish their task. The Ballenger family is large and boisterous and I absolutely fell in love with all of them. They are all loyal and protective and ruthless but are also quick to accept Kazi and show her all the same care and love as a family member. They have their loud disagreements but always defer to Jase for the final word and their bond was definitely the highlight of the book. And finally, getting mentions and little glimpses of my favorite Queen and King was a great pleasure and they seem to have become the just and compassionate rulers I expected them to be.

The author uses the same world building technique that she used in the Remnant Chronicles trilogy to give us a more detailed history of the beginning of the Ballenger clan - this time through the writings of the first Ballenger and also the Song of Jezelia. Even most of the conversations that Jase and Kazi have during their journey are full of stories and riddles and I thought it was wonderful way of presenting us the world as well as give us a little insight into the minds of the two. The description of Hell's Mouth, Tor's Watch and the arena are vivid and enchanting while the consequences of the Great Battle at the end of the previous trilogy are shown to us through a gloomy chronicle of the remains of Sentinel Valley. The final traces of the conspiracy and the last remaining members who escaped justice form the crux of the conflict of this story and I can't wait to see what more havoc they wreak on the kingdoms.

This book again proves why Mary Pearson is a gem in YA fantasy and I wish everyone would read her books. And the way she wrapped up a lot of plotlines and almost gave us a happy ending while leaving us with a dreaded cliffhanger in the last two pages was just genius. If you love YA fantasy with a dash of romance, then you shouldn't miss this one. It's a very satisfying read and I'm already excited for Vow of Thieves, which unfortunately doesn't release till another year. However, I do recommend that you read the original trilogy first, because it gives you a great sense of the world and attachment to the characters and I think it definitely enhanced my reading experience for this one. Just give this universe a try and I promise, you will have a hell of an adventure. show less

I have to admit I have never read "The Remnant Chronicles", so I had no idea what to expect, but many year ago I read "The Adoration of Jenna Fox", by the same author, and loved it. So I started "Dance of Thieves" on a hopeful note and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It was full of action and suspense, the world building was excellent and the characters were all well-developed and interesting, especially Kazi, the main protagonist. She was such a strong character and was intelligent, ruthless, determined, brave, devious, loyal and kind. I also loved Jase and his large, boisterous family (especially Lydia and Nash) and Wren and Synove, Kazi's fellow Rhatan soldiers. Each of them was flawed and had secrets, but they also had depth and show more heart. I adored them all.

The romance between Jase and Kazi developed perfectly. Neither trusted the other completely yet they had to rely on each other to escape slave hunters and survive the wilderness, all the while hiding their true motives. The banter between the two of them was a highlight of the novel and kept the plot flowing. I was cheering for them from the start, and I thought the dual narrative was very well done.

Overall, "Dance of Thieves" was a very entertaining read with lots of twists and turns, lies and betrayals. However, it finished happily, but with a cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel. show less

I've got to be completely honest, the first time I started this book I didn't like it. I thought it was boring and a bit trite BUT I wanted to give it a fair shot so after a short hiatus I plunged right back in. The second time around it felt like I picked up a completely different book. I'm not sure if it was just the headspace I was in or if the story just needed a little more time to come together BUT whatever the reason, the change was dramatic. So, if you are stalled in the beginning and are questioning its worthiness then I am here to advise you to dig in and keep going because it is SO worth it!!

I absolutely LOVED this book!! Is there a yummy romance? Yes! Is it an insta-love? Heck no and thank the literary gods for that because show more it was a hate --> love slow burn, just the way it should be. Did it manhandle and overtake the entire plot you might ask? I'm happy to report that it was just the right amount of Amore. Though there were no sexy-time scenes the rapport was sweet yet palpable.

Did I mention the writing? WELL the writing turned out to be far from trite. It was compelling and sonorous though not so cutesy as to be nauseatingly saccharine. I also loved the riddles, especially the last one, they were well worded and helped move the plot in a fun way. I have to admit that I have not read the Remnant Chronicles (yet) but after having been gifted and then devouring this book I will definitely be checking out the previous series which happens to be set in the same world AND what a world it is!! There are assassins and cowboys and dirty captains/magistrates/cousins/kings(?!?) et al. There is Love and betrayal and devious machinations abound AND did you say you like your characters armed and dangerous? If you're in the market for some kickass female characters then this book is for you! The world building is lush and the characters are expertly crafted. I loved SO many of them I won't give a list BUT I will give honorable mention to our two MCs, our dueling POV voices, swoon worthy Jase and our uncommon thief Kazi...they were both beatific/ relatable/damaged/imperfectly human and their trials (as well as their budding affection for one another) felt torturous...in a good way.

Overall, this was such a happy surprise that I am both kicking myself for not reading it sooner and glowing because I got to savor it longer. I dreaded reaching the end and MAN what an ending it was! Warning: there is a cliffhanger so if you are not into stewing in a batch of What-if(s) for a while then maybe you should wait until the next book is out before starting this one...BUT definitely start this at some point, you won't be disappointed!! Personally I'm going to sit in a corner and stew until August 2019 when book #2, Vow of Thieves, comes out.

~Enjoy

*** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *** show less

So, I'm seeing a lot of star ratings for this that were posted long before ARCs were even available and I feel like giving it a five-star rating just to counterbalance the one- and two-star ratings that are based on...what, exactly? But, that wouldn't be completely honest, and I do try to be (mostly) completely honest with my ratings and reviews.

While this does take place in the same universe as Pearson's Remnant Chronicles, it takes place several years later and features completely different characters, so familiarity with the prior trilogy isn't necessary to understand and enjoy this one.

I loved Kazi and Jase and their contentious relationship and the slow dawning of trust between them. And then I loved when secrets that had been show more known to the reader were brought to light and that trust was shattered and they had to figure out whether they could rebuild it or it was gone forever. Really, for me, all the danger and adventure and intrigue and political machinations took a backseat to the relationship between Kazi and Jase. I'm sure all that other stuff will be really important for future books and it may even be what other readers like most about this book, but I'm gonna keep showing up for Kazi and Jase. show less

Overall this was a good book. When I picked it up, I was unaware that it was a spinoff of another series. It was certainly a stand alone novel, but probably would have been more relatable had I read the other series first. The political intrigue was good, and while it was a page turner, the plot felt a bit lacking and the romance a bit forced. There is nothing specific in this book that I can pick out that I didn't like, other than that it was advertised as "enemies to lovers" and they were already "lovers" about 50 pages in. yet for some reason it just seemed a bit lack luster to me. My best guess is that I didn't love it because I had just come off of a reading high from another series, and was still mourning the loss of those show more characters. Overall, a good book but it didn't make my "most loved" list by any means. show less