Being on holiday, I finally got around to some reading, and managed to finish a series I’ve really grown to love.
The Dragon Songs Saga has undergone a number of revamps since it began, both new titles and new covers, but the novels themselves have remained unchanged, so where I’ve linked below to reviews of previous books, don’t be surprised if they don’t look like they do now!
For all lovers of epic fantasy with fabulously detailed world building, and a non-European culture, these are a must-read. Kang has an enviable ability to depict a world in which every single character has their own motives, mostly at odds with the faces they present to the world, and to find a way for his heroes to find solutions that don’t compromise their morals, no matter how great the temptation.
SO here is my review of the concluding book in that series – can’t wait to get started on the next one!
Symphony Of Fates by J.C. Kang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Picking up where Book #3, Dances of Deception left off, we find Princess Kaiya stripped of the magic of her voice. She is forced to negotiate the political turmoil and deadly ambitions tearing her kingdom apart with only her wits, and while dealing with the legacy of her own traumas.
This final part of The Dragon Songs Saga brings Kaiya’s story to an explosive finale, with wars, conquest, assassination attempts, and magic, all vying for domination in a story filled with dramatic twists and turns. Populated by a host of vividly realised characters, each with their own agenda, everyone seems to be manipulating someone else, some with the very best intentions, others with only greed in their hearts. With the fates of more than one nation on her shoulders, Kaiya has to prove that only her family is worthy of the Mandate of Heaven.
An entrancing and breathless read, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again each time life got in the way of reading. ‘Vivid’ is a term I would not only apply to the wonderful characters, but also to the enviable world building, and to the detailed descriptions that never slow the story, but only serve to bring the Asian-inspired cultures to vibrant life. It has been a wonderful journey, watching Kaiya grow from a naïve sixteen-year-old into a woman of true depth and resourcefulness, who, despite all she has gone through, still maintains her upright morals and compassion for all.
There is darkness, and difficult themes, particularly rape, in this series, so not for the younger reader, but for those of a responsible age, I can’t recommend these books highly enough. I was delighted that the adventure continues, with one character’s story only just opening up, where Kaiya’s is completing, so I’m eagerly looking forward to reading Masters of Deception, which is now waiting on my Kindle.
Find my earlier reviews of this series:
Book #1 (originally titled, The Dragon Scale Lute, now, Songs of Insurrection)
Book #2 (originally, The Dragon Charmer, now, Orchestra of Treacheries)
Book #3 (Dances of Deception)
Find Book #1, Songs of Insurrection, on Amazon HERE
Or the whole quartet boxset HERE for 99c if you’re quick!
(As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases – this does not affect the price you pay, nor does it influence my recommendations in any way)
deborahjay 
Great review. I appreciate that you pointed out themes not appropriate for youngers. I love the story of someone who uses their wits–instead of good looks or magic–to solve problems. This sounds great, Deborash.
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Cheers, Jacqui – I think you’d enjoy this series.
I did 4* the first one, but the author tells me he has done a bit of rewriting of it since others made similar comments to mine about the protagonist’s apparent gullibility. He’s now made it more obvious why she was so easily taken advantage of, which I’m sure will make for a terrific read.
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