Book 3 in the LEGENDS OF TIVARA series
If you’ve been with me long, you’ll know I very highly recommend this series. I’ve you are new here, welcome, and if you are a lover of Epic and High Fantasy, I suggest taking a look at this earlier post about these wonderful books, including links to my reviews of books 1 & 2 : https://deborahjayauthor.com/2017/03/03/0-99-sale-giveaway-dances-of-deception-by-j-c-kang-epicfantasy-fantasy/
SO, without further ado, here is my review of book 3:
Dances of Deception by J.C. Kang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Kaiya is well out of her comfort zone in this superb continuation of the Dragon Songs Saga. Sent to a foreign land to negotiate peace with the brutal Telerei Empire, Kaiya is reunited with her childhood friend, Tian, only to discover that life has changed them both so much they quickly develop a mutual dislike.
There is more romance in this novel, less intense intrigue (though there is still plenty), more brutality, personal loss and atrocities to deal with, through which the characters grow and develop. As usual, almost every person has their own agenda, and new storylines are woven into the mix, adding yet more depth and flavour to a saga worthy of that description.
I absolutely adore this author’s sumptuous descriptions, the rich language which evokes the glorious settings, and the pomp and ceremony of the intricately crafted cultures filling this world. This series is a rare gem, not to be missed by lovers of epic and high fantasy – you will delight in both the intricacies of the story, the complex but subtle magics on display, and the awesome, Asian-based world building.
I will admit, this story didn’t go quite where I expected it to go, but that’s not a bad thing, it’s nice to be surprised once in a while. I don’t want to give any spoilers, suffice it to say I had believed the characters involved to be so steeped in their own cultural restrictions that what happened, even in the unprecedented situation they found themselves in, required quite a conscious suspension of belief. On the other hand, it sets up the next book so well I can’t wait to read it!
deborahjay 