Have any of you read the Remnant Chronicles? I fell in love with that series so of course I was so excited to see this new off shoot series. The story has characters from the previous series and is set in the same place (ish) so things feel familiar, yet different.

Woosha, Kazi and Jase are two explosive people! Determined, stubborn, fierce, loyal, dangerous. They are the kind of people you want to have on your side. As they play this cat and mouse game of control and secrets, they move closer together, then farther apart, then back together again. It's quite the dance which makes the title of this book perfect.

This story is full of intrigue, action, a little romance and always danger. I loved that the story started out with a great forward momentum that didn't ever let up. It was exciting and I loved it. I cannot wait for the next book!!

Content: violence, kissing, mild swearing, mild innuendo

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you loved Mary E. Pearson's The Remant Chronicles, you'll love this book. It's set in the same world, but follows a new group of characters. But you'll no doubt get the same feels from this one: the romance is majorly swoon-worthy, the plot is the super high-stakes fantasy you know and love, and there is a cliffhanger that will totally wreck you in only the most delicious way possible. I'm looking forward to seeing where this world goes from here.

I wasn't super impressed with this book. It was okay, but not my favorite. I've read her other series and felt similarly. Just not my favorite writing style.l

An addicting new fantasy from one of my favorite YA fantasy authors. This book has it all. Romance, danger, conflict, fierce characters, and humor. Pearson's rich storytelling once again swept me off my feet, and had me falling head over heals in love with her characters, and their story.

I absolutely loved being back not only in the Remnants world, but in a Mary E. Pearson book. This book is definitely my new favorite book of hers. It's richly detailed fantasy world set within a world I already loved. It's a new story with a rich history (which is the Remnant Chronicles), new characters, some previously introduced characters, a villain you'll love to hate, character chemistry that will you wanting more, and two characters that I absolutely loved falling in love, and whose stories I loved reading.

It wasn't hard for me to quickly fall in love with Jase and Kazi. Individually, both are incredibly resilient, street smart characters who show no fear, and don't back down from a challenge. Both are on opposite sides of things, but it made things that much more interesting and complex for each other. After they find themselves in a complicated situation, they're forced to trust to each other enough to work together. It's during that time they form an deniable bond. Their bond felt right, and natural, but it also leads into their pretend relationship. Which really was my favorite aspect of the story, because while it's all pretend politically, neither can deny their true feelings, which makes things really interesting and complicated for the two of them.

Having this story told in alternating points of views between Jase and Kazi was brilliant! I don't think this story would have worked any other way. It allows readers to really see the various situations that arise, and the full picture of everything that's going on both with Kazi's mission, and Jase's ruling, and now the situations between the two of them. It also allows readers to really get to know both the characters more, and understand where they're both coming from, their feelings for each other, intentions, and the reasoning behind their actions. I loved getting to know Jase and Kazi.

The rest of the characters in this book are great. Having the dual povs of views also allow readers to really get to know these other characters more. From those in Jase's family, to those with Kazi, these characters all added a lot to the story. The world building is just what I'd except from Mary's books. It's richly detailed, easy to visualize, and adds an new element to a world that I already had fallen in love with. The overlapping of the previous history in this book was perfectly done. I loved the way Mary included that in the story.

If you read The Remnant Chronicles prior to reading this book, the characters, and events mentioned from that series will make more sense, but this book is definitely it's own storyline, and one you may be fine with reading on it's own. While Dance of Thieves is a continuation of the series, I love that it's a new storyline, and series set after those events. This book is everything I knew it would be, and much more. That ending! I can hardly wait to dive into the next book in this series.

I tried at least four times to read this book. I just could not get into it at all. I hope it finds a reader who absolutely loves it.

I would have enjoyed this more if there was no cheesy romance as the overarching story. I enjoyed the world and the vastness of the types of characters, but then it cut into the “looks of desire” even though they hate each other. Too many eye rolls from me on this one.

I love this series!!! I’m so excited for the next in series to come out, to see where the characters lead us. Just well written.

I was really hesitant to begin this.

I read Mary Pearson's previous work Kiss of Deception and it wasn't my favorite (mostly because I ended up rooting for the wrong guy *wamp wamp*). Also, Kiss of Deception begins the trilogy with a mystery, you don't know who is who and maybe it caused me emotional stress because I didn't care for it even though it was a really unique concept in a sea of books with love triangles.

But my fears were unfounded. I really truly enjoyed Dance of Thieves. So if you're like me and didn't love-love KoD then this book is still worth giving a chance.

I really loved the development of Kazi's character, you really see how far she's come from the events of her childhood. Plus, she's a thief and there's just something about reading about someone pulling off all of these surely impossible steals that warms my heart (yes, I also love heist movies lol).

The book does have romance, I wouldn't call it insta-love but when there's an attractive boy and girl that seemingly hate each other and then through a series of events can't escape one another?? Yeah, romance ensues. So maybe it fits more into a hate-to-love romance. It was really sweet though and I loved watching everything unfold.

The book was well-paced with a surprise ending to lead into the next book, I can't wait to see what happens!

All in all I would recommend.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Feedback forgotten due to personal issues that could not be helped. Apologies for not submitting sooner.

Dance of Thieves is a new novel set in the 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. At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by new young 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.

This novel is full of action, adventure, romance and betrayals. A must read for fans of Pearson's work as well as readers who enjoy Sarah J Maas and 'Furyborn' by Claire Legrand.

I really enjoyed this beginning of a new follow-up series to the Remnant Chronicles (which I loved). This book takes place in the same world, but centers on a different kingdom and follows new characters. Kazi is an accomplished street thief, now in the employ of the queen. She is sent to investigate treaty infractions and secretly root out a war criminal thought to be hiding inside the Ballenger's lands. Jase is the new leader of the centuries old Ballenger clan. He is fighting to protect his people and his land from other groups that are trying to undermine his power. There is a lot more going on than either character knows. The two are thrown together on various occasions and forced to rely on each other for their very lives. They can't deny their attraction, even though they know the future does not favor them. This new series gives you romance, adventure, intrigue, danger and age old conflicts. It ends with a nice promise for the next book. I can't wait. I really enjoy all the books in this world and this one does not disappoint. The new characters are very likable, and we get to interact with beloved characters from the first series as well. I'm excited to see what the future holds for Kazi and Jase, as well as the people who are counting on them.

Two years later, return to the world of The Remnant Chronicles with Dance of Thieves, the first in a new series by best-selling author Mary E. Pearson, and fall in love all over again.

You’ll recognize some of the names, but for the most part, Dance of Thieves focuses both on new characters and on a new part of the world created in The Remnant Chronicles. Set six years after the events of The Beauty of Darkness, Dance of Thieves follows Kazi – a member of Lia’s royal guard – as she and her fellow guards investigate reports that the Watch Captain, the architect of the war, has resurfaced in a small territory controlled by the Ballenger family. The Ballengers consider themselves and their land separate from the other twelve kingdoms. While there, Kazi makes the acquaintance – and makes a fool – of Jase Ballenger, the new head of the family. When she follows to try and smooth things over, they are abducted by slavers and must escape – all while chained together.

Everything that was great about The Remnant Chronicles is present in Dance of Thieves. Pearson has a talent for world-building, and with a world as expansive as this one, there was bound to be more to it. Dance of Thieves introduces a whole new host of locations to explore – like Hell’s Mouth and Tor’s Watch, each as different as the three kingdoms we were introduced to in The Remnant Chronicles. With a newly-expanded world and a set of characters who’ve had a completely different upbringing comes more knowledge about the history, and we discover in this book that Morrighan’s, Dalbreck’s, and Venda’s beliefs about the Ancients and who was the first kingdom may be wrong.

Kazi and Jase as main characters are fascinating. They have lived very different lives and both have prejudices about the other, as well as their respective kingdoms, but they are forced to rely on each other to escape and survive in the wilderness. They are also both keeping secrets; Kazi is ingratiating herself into the Ballenger family because she believes they know the location of the Watch Captain, while Jase is secretly fostering a mysterious scholar who is developing weapons for Hell’s Mouth. Their relationship develops in a way that feels natural, even if it seems a little rushed. Given the circumstances of their coming together, it’s understandable.

The cast of supporting characters are equally compelling, from Kazi’s fellow Rhatan (some of whom you will recognize, if you read The Remnant Chronicles) to the rest of Jase’s absurdly large family. The dynamics in Hell’s Mouth are much different than we’ve seen before, and it operates like none of the main kingdoms do.

Just as with The Remnant Chronicles, I couldn’t put Dance of Thieves down. Aside from being invested in Jase and Kazi’s relationship, I was enthralled by the mystery – the disappearance of the Watch Captain, the story of Greyson Ballenger (whose writings open many of the chapters), what other secrets the Ballenger family was hiding. I got swept up in the world all over again, and even though I didn’t have the chance to reread the first trilogy before picking up this book, it felt familiar.

If you’re a fan of The Remnant Chronicles, I highly recommend picking up this book, but I think you would enjoy Dance of Thieves regardless. It’s just a fascinating world with well-written characters and a well-developed, exciting story. And with the way it ended… I’m anxiously anticipating the next installment!

Dance of Thieves is the first book of what appears to be a duology by author Mary E. Pearson. The series is a spin-off from the authors The Remnant Chronicles. It is set in the same world, but 6 years after the Great Battle which readers would have read about in The Beauty of Darkness. Dance of Thieves it told in alternating POVs with Kazimyrah of Brightmist (Kazi, or Ten), and Jase Ballenger as the main characters.

"Before you go about the task I have given you, see the devastation and remember what they did. What could happen again. Know what is at stake. Dragons eventually wake and crawl from their dark dens.”


Kazi is a street rat/talented thief turned Rahtan soldier. She and her fellow Rahtan, Wren, & Synove, are been sent by Queen Jesalia to find Captain Illarion, the man who betrayed his kingdom and one of only a few architects of the war not captured or killed. He is the most hated and the most hunted fugitive on the continent, and if you actually read The Beauty of Darkness you'll know why. Rumor has it he's in Hell's mouth, a city that's supposed to be under Venda's jurisdiction, but that's actually under the control of the Ballenger family.

Jase and family have been called an illegal dynasty by those who want access to Hell's Mouth, Tor's Watch, and the impressive trading arena. The Ballengers have been fighting for a long time to be recognized as the first kingdom, but they've never been able to and now is a particularly bad time because the last Patrei (the ruler) has just died. Jase has just become the new Patrei and has lots of challenges ahead of him, including from his own family and some underhanded cousins who are willing to undermine his authority. Jase is like the Don of a mafioso family that has it's hands in everything.

Soon after arrival, Kazi and Jase find themselves captured by hunters, shackled together, and forced to work together in order to survive and avoid anyone with bad intentions from recapturing them. Kazi is a surprising character, and I mean that in a good way. She's known as Ten because after years of being a thief, she still has all ten fingers. She survived the relentless Komizar rule, and the disappearance of her mother, and was made part of Lia's guard because of her daring actions.

Jase is all about his family, and they are absolutely brilliant. From his mother down to the youngest, you can't really ignore any of them. Kazi and Jase, while constantly dancing around each others feelings and each others responsibilities, she to the Queen, he to his family, grow closer as they tackle a multitude of problems and their growing feelings for one another. I have to say that this is definitely a book of many different storylines.

First, there is the relationships between Kaz and her Rahtan which I loved. All three women shouldn't be taken for granted, nor should you turn your back to them. Then there's the back and forth between Kaz and Jase, between Jase and his family, including an overbearing and untrustworthy cousin. There's a whole lot of drama between Kaz and Jase, including the fact that they fell for each other rather quickly, and have to sift through a crap load of twists and turns in order to attempt to move forward.

I am going to mention that Lia does show up in this story. It's towards the end, so readers can take a deep breath and not worry that the two series wouldn't somehow connect. The climax of the story felt like everything was going to be wrapped up nicely, until the final chapter when you are thrown for a loop with one of the more diabolical endings you will read about. Vow of Thieves is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2019. I'll be there.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Maas, Leigh Bardugo or Game of Thrones! This YA title is gripping, the characters have depth and development and the writing is well executed.

This will be posted on October 1st on my blog The Windy Pages.com
Review: Oh My God.

See, I loved the The Kiss of Deception trilogy, everything about it. And so I will basically read and wave my big flag for anything Mary Pearson writes. But I'm gonna be honest.

This was So Much Better Than I Ever Hoped It Could Be!

Jase and Kazi are the perfect match of fearless, stubborn and dangerous. I loved their entire storyline, their organic romance and the very real obstacles they faced. Kazi is battered but not broken. She has done what she can to survive and she's had to dig deep and face her demons. Jase grew up with love and family but with the expectation that he would lead their family and their city. These two pitted against each other is the perfect balance.

The world building is strong. Even if you haven't read The Remnant Chronicles (and um, you should) the world is described in enough detail that you won't be left out. That said, you'll get so much more out of it if you start with the original three books. I loved seeing Lia and Rafe and hearing about Pauline and Kaden. (SWOON)

The very real threats that these two encounter, both together and separate really built the tension for me. The plot moves fast and there are a lot of characters. Jase's family is massive and so are his enemies. We don't spend a lot of time with some of the characters, but that didn't bother me. The collective feeling and tone of his world, and how Kazi fits in, is a wonderful layer to this story. I loved the family dynamics and politics. It really added such depth to his world and to Jase himself.

There is not enough good I can say about this book. I was glued from start to finish, back in this world I loved so much and wow, wow, WOW. I can't even..

What are you waiting for? Why are you still reading this review?? GO Get it NOW!

This book was phenomenal. The characters were all so well developed and being back in this world again was amazing. I loved the hate to love relationship we got with Kazi and Jase. The ending was such a cliffhanger that I need the next book immediately! A favorite read this year for sure.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Rating: 1/5

Publication Date: August 7th, 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: can’t say, DNFed

Pages: 508

Author Website

Amazon Link

Synopsis: 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 tried for a week to read this, but I had to DNF it in the end. I felt that the writing was way too detailed and fluffy for my liking, the characters were greatly detailed to a fault, and I was confused about the timeline. Normally, the detailing wouldn’t be a bad thing but I didn’t make it past page 40 and I felt like I knew these characters way too intimately for the time being. I was just so overwhelmed by the book and by detailing. I was also deterred by the slow pacing and overall confusion. The book shifts between the past and the present and it’s really hard to read casually.

Verdict: This book was too much for me.

I wasn't aware this was a spinoff of the remnant series... I have not read that one yet! which is why I was extremely confused. Not that the book was bad, Pearson's writing is AMAZING! But I am going to get on the remnant series before diving into this one!

This may be the first book I've read by Mary E. Pearson and not being familiar with the Remnant Chronicles universe (um - getting on that right away!), I really enjoyed Dance of Thieves. It was a bit confusing at first (maybe because I hadn't read previous Remnant books), however I immediately picked up on Kazi's story -- an infamous child thief who becomes one of the most elite guards for the queen of her realm. Directed to look into mysteries in the Ballenger empire, Kazi enters into a dangerous game when she meets Jase, the new Ballenger leader. Romance, lies, loyalties are all tested as these two grow closer together (or apart). I'm definitely reading more of Ms. Pearson's books -- turns out, I've had them on my wish list!

I can’t tell you how excited I was to see that Pearson was revisiting the Remnant Chronicles universe! This book takes place several years after the conclusion of the original series. You definitely don’t have to have read the original series to understand what’s going on in this one, but I LOVED it, so I highly recommend reading it for the background history. Some of the characters make appearances in this book.

What Fed My Addiction:

Thief turned warrior.
Kazi is an accomplished thief who crosses the queen. I love that, instead of punishing her, the queen sees Kazi’s potential and puts her into her elite royal guard. Kazi has a tragic backstory that we learn as the story unfolds. Her sense of loyalty to the queen combined with her own search for vengeance against the man who sent her tragic story into motion—and anyone who would take advantage of the weak—make her an incredibly strong and dynamic character.

A complicated history.
At first glance, Jase’s people are glorified gangsters. They run their unofficial empire with an iron fist. But, once again, as the story proceeds, we learn what’s behind that fierce sense of entitlement and we discover that Jase and the rest of the Ballengers might not be quite the bullies they seem. I love this sense of gray morality in a book—you’re never quite sure whose side you should be on or whose actions you should condone. The Ballengers have a rich history that has had a profound impact on their society, and they’re not willing to just let that history slip away.

Jase and Kazi together.
Once Jase and Kazi’s paths cross, neither of them are ever the same. I LOVED every minute of this match-up because these two had chemistry beyond belief (and I’m not even referring to just romantic chemistry, though that was definitely a part of it). The point where they met was the moment that the book sparked for me and I didn’t want to put it down. I even had to put the book down for a while (because of the Make Me Read It Readathon), but when I picked it back up a full week later, I was able to jump right back in and I was immediately immersed in the story again. That says a lot to me.

Lots of twists and turns.
As expected with Pearson, this book takes several detours I didn’t see coming. (Sure, there were a few predictable elements too—especially where the romance was concerned—but I was okay with that.) Even better, Kazi and Jase didn’t see them coming either, so we got to be blindsided right along with the characters.

What Left Me Hungry for More:

Took a little while to warm up.
Part of this might have been my own issue. I spent the beginning of the book straining to remember details from the original series. Every time a name or a piece of history was mentioned, I found myself trying to remember if this was a detail I should already know or if it was new. It took me a while to get over this and to just move on to enjoying the story. But once Jade and Kazi were thrown together (which really wasn’t all that far into the book), I was all in!

Too neat of an ending?
Or maybe that’s the wrong way to say it. I was pretty happy with the way it all ended up, but it was the manner in which we got to that finale that left me feeling a tiny bit cold. It happened a little too quickly and easily, in my opinion. However, never fear because Pearson gave us a nice little hint of danger to come at the end of the book—just enough to get us itching for book two!

Pearson never disappoints, and this book was no exception. With a pair of protagonists fighting for opposite goals and a rich history that adds depth to the story, Dance of Thieves is a spectacular start to a new series!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (but I loved it so much, I also bought a physical copy for myself!). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***