Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Publish Date: August 7, 2018
Synopsis: A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty’s resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
I am a huge fan of Mary E. Pearson. From The Jenna Fox Chronicles to The Remnant Chronicles, her words transport me into some pretty spectacular worlds. She has always painted a very clear and concise picture that adds an element of world-building that I truly appreciate. When I found out that Dance of Thieves was a continuation of this world, I was beyond excited.
Dance of Thieves is story told through a dual point-of-view. We meet Kazi, a legendary thief and a Rahtan for the Queen., and Jase, the new Patrei of the Ballenger empire. In a moment of time, they are brought together in unforseen circumstances. There are emotions and a closeness that they never expected. But once they are brought back to the rest of the world changes everything.
Kazi is a strong-willed and independent heroine. She is a flawed heroine, and I love that about her. I feel very connected to Kazi, including her personality, her thoughts, and her gumption. Throughout this book, I became to understand her with every action and conversation. Kazi became a real character, and I appreciated that so much.
Jase is more of an enigma, at least to me. While he may seem more of an open book, I found his character to be so complex that I felt I was dissecting him throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know him. I felt it was like a challenge.
As always, Mary’s writing is superb. The pacing of the details revealed is always spot on. I never once got bored, or found my mind wandering. The prose was so lovely, and I was captivated from the first page until the last. There were many moments that brought me on an emotional roller coaster, and I loved every minute of it.
I cannot wait for more of Kazi and Jase. I highly urge you to read Dance of Thieves. No, you do not need to read or finish The Remnant Chronicles. There are a few spoilery things and a few things that are referenced from the books.
Happy reading!
