Thank you to Henry Holt And Co Books For Young Readers and Netgalley #Partner For gifting me with this E-ARC. All opinions are my own. 

I rate this book a 3.75 out of 5 Stars. 

So first and foremost, total #BookNerdShame I have NOT read The Remnant Chronicles, did I just spoil that series for myself? I do not know. However, my gut feeling tells me I have not. I know this is the same world, but different characters, so I should be okay.

It did take me quite awhile to get immersed into this world, but once I hit about 50% I was so in love with this story, with Kazi, and Jase, as well as Kazi's friends Wren and Synove. The more I progressed into this story the more I was hoping that Kazi and Jase could put their games aside and just let things happen. Once I got to the last 20% of the book I could not put it down. The story really picked up its pace, and got very enthralling. This book has made me miss the world Of YA Fantasy, and now I am craving more! 

Pearson builds a beautiful world, and her story telling was quite impeccable, I felt like I living in this world, and I had no difficulty imagining the places she takes her readers. This book is filled with so many beautiful quotes, I know in no time, I am going to see them on candles, art prints, and bookmarks. This book is going to be huge, and I am excited that I got to be a part of it so early. The last thing I am going to end, is that damn ending! This ending is the reason why I don't like reading YA Fantasy when its first published, the damn cliff hangers, and now I have to wait another year!!! Mary E. Pearson you tricky little trickster! Job well done, you have me biting my nails for the next one!! 

This book is out August 7th, and I've seen early physical copies, It's stunning guys, you will want to buy this one based on the cover, and what's underneath. I promise!

In this new series Pearson returns to the land of the Remnant. The Ballengers are a family who rule a large territory but they are not royalty and their power stems from their history as outlaws. When the leader of the family dies, Jase is designated to become the next Patrei. He was chosen over his siblings, based upon his leadership and level-headedness, to be the next head of the family.

The Queen has sent three of her special Rahtan soldiers to the outlaw territory to locate and bring back a traitor. It is a group of female warriors who prove they have talents that would rival any male counterparts. Kazi is the lead soldier and when she confronts Jase it appears she has the upper hand. But when the two are kidnapped and held together, they decide they must work together, despite their animosity.

The relationship between the enemies morphs and develops slowly. It’s a delicious thaw of their initial hostilities. Jase proves why he was chosen as leader and Kazi‘s skills as a highly trained soldier and former master thief come in very handy. Pearson masterfully creates strong relationships among her characters. The bond between the two develops so naturally and seems so right. But the secrets the two hold from each other may be the death knell to their relationship.

Kazi and Jace are the strong, clever, dedicated fighters who will leave an indelible mark on readers. Kazi’s scrappy, harsh childhood is nicely contrasted by Jace’s supportive home and family. The two central characters are aided by a colorful group of family and friends. These sidekicks add a lot to the drama and are evidence of the author’s skill with building a strong cast.

If there is a negative aspect to the novel, it’s toward the end when Kazi and her crew try to fulfill their directive. There needed to be more complexity added to this part of the plot. That being a slight disappointment, the ending is a perfect setup for the next book. There is so much to like in this new series and it will cement Pearson’s popularity as a talented builder of fantasy worlds, filled with exciting action and memorable characters.

I read (and loved) The Remnant Chronicles, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Dance of Thieves. It's set in the same world as The Remnant Chronicles and even has a wee bit of crossover with the characters. However, it's a new story with a new, interesting heroine.

I gotta say, I loved, loved, loved the first part of the story when Kazi and Jase get stuck together (literally) and have to depend on each other to survive. Totally swoon-worthy.

This book has so many things that I love -- romance, a brilliant female lead, intrigue, action, mystery, and fantastic characters. I don't know if this is a stand-alone novel or the start of a new series, but either way, I had a fabulous time reading it and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

If you love YA fantasy, you'll want this novel on your TBR!

Content: Some language, violence, perilous situations, and kissing (male/female).

Source: I received a digital advanced reader's copy of this book from NetGalley.

Excuse me, while I praise Mary E. Pearson.

There is no one quite like Mary E. Pearson. She weaves sentences together just like an artist paints: meticulously yet effortlessly. She’s easily one of the best YA Fantasy authors. Her worlds are complex and multifaceted, but incredibly easy to understand due to her skillful prose. Dance of Thieves is definitely in my top 5 favorite books for 2018.

Plot
This story is told from 2 different points of views: Kazi and Jase. Kazi is a Rahtan soldier for the Queen of Venda (if you have read the Remnant Chronicles then you will recognize some characters ;P). Kazi and her crew are tasked with finding a wanted fugitive who is believed to be hiding out in a land “ruled” by a family of outlaws known as the Ballengers. This family claims to rule a decent size chunk of land yet they have no clear borders nor is this land recognized as a kingdom by the other kingdoms. Jase, on the other hand, is a Ballenger. He’s actually the new Patrei (ruler) as his father passes away when the story begins.

Needless to say, Kazi and Jase are not fond of each other when they meet. They both distrust the other and have zero respect of their respective rankings. But, these two are forced to work together when they are both kidnapped by a slave trader.

That’s all I am going to say about this plot. Trust me, you just need to read it with as little information as possible. It’s a fun, wild ride.

Characters
Pearson is incredibly gifted at creating loveable characters. All of the characters in this story have their own unique personalities and voices. You can always tell which character is talking or being talked about.

Jase and Kazi’s character arcs are phenomenal. These two characters undergo so much in this story. They both face their biggest fears and come out on the other side. What more could I ask for?

Plus, I am LIVING for this romance. I will gladly go down with this ship. Kazi and Jase give me life.

World-Building
Remarkable world-building. Pearson’s descriptions leave the reader with a distinct image in their mind. I settled into this world rather easily. I loved learning the history of the Ballengers. I don’t know how Pearson does this! She makes world-building look like a simple task when it is anything but.

Prose
Phenomenal. Beautiful. Descriptive. Melodic. Fluid.
Each carefully chosen word breathes life into this world, the characters, and the glorious richness of the world’s history.
Can you tell I’m a fan of Mary E. Pearson yet?

Overall
I definitely recommend this book. It’s full of conflict, danger, humor, romance, and beautiful writing--what else could you ask for?

This book did not disappoint! I have read the Remnant Chronicle Trilogy and was looking forward to returning to that universe. The transition was so easy. The author did such an amazing job from taking what we already know and telling a brand new story. I can not wait to continue the series with Jase and Kazi. It has been such an adventure already! Very few, minor swear words. No sex. Its a fantasy love story with adventure, lies and betrayal. The characters are deep with their pasts and what makes them who they are. Kazi is so clever and only lets people see what she wants them to see so that she can get whatever it is she is after. Jase is trying to prove that he can be the new Patrei and there are forces out to get them and this is only the beginning! To get a 5 star rating from me it has to be a book I would read again and I know I will read this one again!

This is a pretty good book actually. I didn't know that this book was in the same world as The Remnant Chronicles Series, so if you've read that, it's an additional bonus. I haven't but I know I'll be sure to check out the author's other writing. All the characters in the book were developed amazingly, and I especially liked reading about Kazimyrah. She was a smart character, and great addition to the series.

This book was just as amazing as I had anticipated it being, and I'll recommend it to anyone who's looking for a new book to read.

I honestly don't know what I was expecting before I started reading this book, but it ended up being absolutely amazing! This was a spin-off of The Remnant Chronicles, and it takes place a few years after the third and final installment, but I wouldn't say you need to read that trilogy before going into this one, though it would be so helpful since it talks about quite important things that happened in said trilogy.

Though at first it took me a while to get into the book, because everything was quite different from The Remnant Chonicles, I still got to discover new things and places I didn't know and learnt about the people's culture. The world building was amazing and even more complex than her other series, and her writing also had improved in Dance of Thieves; it was more descriptive and detailed, and I absolutely adored her way of telling a story.

It took my time to finish it, because even though it had some action packed scenes, it was more a slow paced type of story, and since most of the things that were happening were that complex, I had to take my time to fully understand everything that was going on, but I didn't mind the pacing that much because I was so committed to the characters and their interactions.

I absolutely adored the two main characters. I think they were very different from each other, but since it was told in both POVs (Jase's and Kazi's), it was so easy to connect and understand them throughout the story and the reasons why they did they things they did. I really enjoyed their relationship and interactions throughout the story, and the dynamics between them were done so smooth and perfect in my opinion.

Both of them had really interesting storylines. With these type of stories that had two very important main characters I tend to be more leaned towards one of the characters storyline more, but I found it didn't happen with Dance of Thieves, because both characters were really well constructed and complex and had very interesting subplots.

I also really enjoyed the romance. Though it happened a bit fast in the story, it wasn't insta love-y or didn't take a major importance within the story, and though there were a few angsty and amazing moments between those characters, it wasn't overwhelming or too much.

Overall, even though I was a bit confused at first with all of the information that was given to us (maybe a map would have totally helped me), it was still a very interesting story and I absolutely adored the cast of characters and their development throughout the story.

5 Stars - I really enjoyed this fast paced novel! This story of two people from different worlds is filled with political intrigue, secrecy, action, and understanding. I felt like the world this novel is set in mirrors so many issues the world is facing right now: immigration, prejudice, poverty, and trust. I loved seeing those things built into this story and explored in a different world. I wouldn't call this fantasy. but it is not quite set in the real world either. So even if you don't like fantasy, this one won't feel too fantastical for you. I loved the characters, they were complicated and a lot of fun. Jase and Kazi were great main characters, but I loved Kazi's relationship with her girlfriends too. They were so tough and brave. I also really loved Jases's family. With books like this I often find a weak spot... there isn't enough plot, or the romance is predictable, or something seems underdeveloped.... that is not the case with this one. It was extremely solid, start to finish. Highly recommend if you enjoy pseudo-fantasy adventure books. I will admit I am not sure what the last chapter meant... and I can't wait to find out in the next book!

Sucked.Me.In..

Kazi and Jaze. Aside from the fact that I loved their names, they were great characters that complimented each other. The world-building was excellent, no complaints there.

An absolutely phenomenal fantasy, woven by expert hands. We were very close to choosing this for one of our Scribbler boxes. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book if you want a lesson in how to build a spectacular world, and characters, like an expert.

In The Remnant Chronicles Mary E. Pearson created a beautiful, lush but brutal fantasy world that I really enjoyed reading about. Dance of Thieves is a spin-off of that series and is set in the same universe, the story continues few years after the events of The Remnant Chronicles. As much as I enjoyed the Remnant series, I loved Dance of Thieves even more. I loved being back in that world and I really loved the new set of characters we are introduced to. I loved Kazi and Jase! There is so much swoony goodness, chemistry and kissing between them! But there is also a lot of tension and mistrust because they start as enemies and they do keep many secrets from each other. There are a lot of really interesting secondary characters too: Jase's big family and Kazi's fellow Rhatan soldiers. Even Lia and Rafe make an appearance in this book!

Even though Dance of Thieves is the spin-off of The Remnant Chronicles with a set of new characters and a new story line, for the best enhanced experience it's best to read it after reading the series. Once you are immersed in that world you won't be disappointed with Dance of Thieves!

While this book sounded so interesting, I unfortunately found it very boring and difficult to get through. I found often times very confused about what was happening in the book, it felt as though an entire backstory was missing and you had to put the pieces together. While most books can paint you a picture of what is going on this book did not do it for me. Sadly I cannot give a good review because I found the book to be confusing and hard to understand.

First let me confess something: I liked but didn’t love The Remnant Chronicles. I ADORED the first book but then the series declined for me and I only gave the last book three stars. I think my main issue was it felt really religious. The romance kind of disappeared and the religion took its place.

When I first heard about Dance of Thieves it didn’t register with me that it was by the same author. Eventually I figured it out but it sounded SO GREAT that I decided to give it a shot…

But I’m sad to report that I stopped reading only 8% through. Despite me having read The Remnant Chronicles (Dance of Thieves takes place in the same world) I felt like I was jumping straight into book two of a series instead of book one. There were a lot of references to places and names that I felt like I was expected to know, but didn’t, and I had a hard time following. That confusion led to disinterest and frustration.

I read a review by someone else who said they had trouble at the beginning but pushed through and were glad they did. So based on the fact that I didn’t love The Remnant Chronicles, do you think it’s worth me giving this another shot? I think the plot sounds so cool, but I had such a hard time getting into Dance of Thieves.

Have you read Dance of Thieves? If so, tell me what you thought! Should I give it another chance?

Dance of Thieves returns us to the universe established in the three books from the The Remnant Chronicles and Pearson doesn't disappoint. Between the two narrators, Jase and Kazi, and their perfectly written chemistry, and the return to fantastic world-building like we saw in the first two books, The Kiss of Deception and The Heart of Betrayal, I really felt myself loving every minute of this adventure.

I love the way Pearson writes the histories of these kingdoms and their people. The small differences each culture finds important, the stories that balloon to legend, and the environment each faction calls home. There is a solidness to these characters and she deftly writes them with full backstories, generations back.

A couple of issues I did have were small in scope and easy to overlook. Firstly, one issue was certainly about Paxton, a Ballenger cousin of Jase's. He slinks in and out of the story like a Disney villain and provides moments of taunting and irritation—think Jafar or Scar during the first half of their respective movies and the ways they interact with the hero and heroine in each. Maybe he'll have a larger role to play in the coming books, but I'm not sure that will smooth out his wrinkles.

Secondly, there was a bit of a rough start for me, and I don't know that I can even place my finger on why—it was just a collection of rougher, less-engaging writing. I think maybe it felt like an afterthought, as though the story sprang to life farther into the novel and Pearson had to go back and write a way for these two to meet and the necessary precursors that led them to each other. Regardless, after Jase and Kazi hit the reluctant road together, the pieces really started coming together and I was properly pulled into the story.

I'm already excited about this one having a sequel, and have dutifully added it to my To Read list.

This book was just not for me. Disclosure: I have not read the Remnant Chronicles series and didn't realize when I started Dance of Thieves that though it is a stand alone, the story took place in the same world. Fans of the previous series who are excited to return to the world with new characters may find more to love here, but there were some plot and pacing issues that really frustrated me with this book.

We first meet Kazi, a former child thief and current soldier for the queen who has been tasked with traveling to a distant land to apprehend a criminal. We are told she's tough and deadly and fierce, but within minutes of arriving at her destination she ends up kidnapped with Jase, the new head of the Ballenger clan who runs the land she's come to, and may or may not be harboring the fugitive she seeks.

Unsurprisingly, despite the fact we are repeatedly told they hate each other and it's so out of character for both of them, a romance develops. Since this all happens within the first 15% of the book, we never come to know Kazi or Jase before they start to get together, so we don't see that this relationship is outside of their normal characters, we are only told so. This does not provide much tension. There is almost no "will they, or wont they?" that a more drawn out romance between more well-rounded characters could provide. Pearson tries to add some conflict by repeatedly bringing up the fact that both characters are making poor choices by entering this relationship and it could derail their commitments to country and family. However, since both don't seem to care much about these conflict of interest when presented with opportunity to hook up with each other, it's hard to feel that these are real barriers to the relationship.

Amid pages and pages of overwrought kissing and uncompelling lusting, there's also a mystery involving raiders and saboteurs, that could have been intriguing if it was given more focus. The whole thing wraps up very patly, with some vague and confusing drama thrown in on the last few pages to make readers want to read the sequel. None of the secondary characters are very fleshed-out and seem to serve only to advance the plot.

Despite all of this, the book was a quick and undemanding read, so I can see teens picking it up. The level of violence would suggest an older teen audience, but the simplicity of the romance, the lack of sex scenes, and the immature way that sex is discussed throughout make this a book middle schoolers may enjoy more.

4.5 stars



I am a long time fan of Mary E, Pearson – I loved the Remnant Chronicles. This suffered very slightly from the success of that trilogy for me, as in they were so good it was a difficult act for Dance of Thieves to follow. The book is set in the same world, several years after the great battle in Beauty of Darkness. Dance of Thieves it told in alternating POVs. This time our leads are Kazi – a street rat/ talented thief turned Rahtan soldier, and Jase, the new Patrei of the unrecognised independent state of Tor’s Watch – kind of like a mafia boss if the mafia were concerned with protecting all its citizens and ensuring their well-being rather than just serving itself. As foils for each other, they’re well matched. They are both engaging characters and where their viewpoints clash, it just adds depth to the story. Kazi is charged by Queen Jesalia to capture and return fugitives from Vendan justice. While Jase is establishing himself as Patrei in the wake of his father’s death. Unfortunately the two are so focused on each other, they are captured by labour hunters and literally chained together at the ankle, which makes their ensuing escape interesting to say the least. I won’t go any more into the plot because I don’t want to spoil it but it’s a good story, told well.



As usual Pearson’s writing is beautiful. The themes are deep and well explored. The characterisation for all characters is well developed and their interactions are for the most part believable and intelligent. The world was already established but the book gives you glimpses of parts of it and its history that you never see in the original trilogy. One thing Pearson does very well is give each culture its own distinct practices and traditions. The world feels very authentic and I’ve always loved what she does with the different languages.



The main drawback to this book for me was its pace. Perhaps I didn’t read it at the right time or perhaps it was because I had other things to read at the same time and I didn’t give it the space it needed, but I found it quite slow. In scope for jeopardy, it was much smaller than the Remnant Chronicles so it engaged me less. That’s clearly personal preference – the main arc of the original trilogy just resonated with me more. But there were times when this dragged a little. I loved the characters but I didn’t fall for them like I fell for Lia. The ending was satisfying but it felt a little too pat – possibly because Lia had to go through hell to get her HEA and Kazi and Jase didn’t in the same way. It felt truncated at least, I thought they should have spent more time rebuilding trust between them.



All these are minor issues and I’m pretty sure have more to do with me than the book. This is still a wonderful, intelligent YA fantasy which I highly recommend, especially for fans of the original trilogy.

Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson is set in the same world as The Remnant Chronicles. I've now caught up with all the books in The Remnant Chronicles. Although Dance of Thieves started a little slow, when it kicked in, I couldn't put it down.

A YA fantasy with romance and adventure, likable characters, and secret missions. The relationship between Kazi and Jase begins with anger and suspicion and quickly proceeds to secret attraction and respect, but there are suspicions even as they learn to trust each other. Dance of Thieves is a YA novel with a certain innocent charm.

The pacing varies, and there are a few sections that could have been more concisely rendered, but truthfully, I didn't mind much as it was a world I became committed to and didn't want to end.

The plot is completed in one sense, but the last chapter is a kind of brief "preview" of what will provide the complication in the next book.

Read in June; blog review scheduled for July 26.

NetGalley/Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
YA Fantasy/Adventure. August 7, 2018. Print length: 384 pages.

Another fascinating read from Mary E. Pearson. I just want to become part of the story line.

Kazi is a former thief, sent by the Queen (from the Remnant chronicles) (Go read The Kiss of Deception...), to find a man who disappeared. On her trip, she gets shackled to Jase, and this sets in motion the connection between the two dynasty's.

Set in the Remnant Chronicle world, a swoontastic (I'm making it a word for Jase and Kazi!) romance centered around intrigue, conflict, complicated loyalties, and a world that only Pearson could create!

While it did take me a little while to get fully invested and flesh the story and everyone out (dual POVs defintely helped here), it did really start to pick up for me, but then I couldn't read it as fast as I wanted to because: Adulting. So I really did have to savor this one. ;) First book in her newest series, it is sure to be another breakout!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the advance reader copy Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson in exchange for an honest review. From the first page, Mary Pearson had me with her drama, daring do and taut suspense! Just as I loved her Remnant Chronicle Series, I am captivated by Dance of Thieves which has characters appearing from the original series! Not only is the plot full of intrigue, tension, and political drama, the characters are strong and believable---lying, cheating, and being protective of family and determined to investigate Vendan land settlement atrocities. Kazi is one of three Rahtan, an elite guard of the queen, who must steal a killer and bring him to stand trial. Jase is just recently become, Patrei, the head of the Ballenger Dynasty which has not been recognized by the Queen. When Jase and Kasi cross paths, first there is a knife to a throat, just as quickly followed by being captured by trade hunters and chained together. Forced to work together to survive, they begin to learn about each other through riddles, folklore, lies, and humor, only to become further intrigued (romance ensues). How will they remain true to themselves and each other? Pearson enthralled me from page one as conflict, family, politics, and danger throw Kazi and Jase together- an action-packed fantasy and adventure I did not want to end. I am so excited about the next book in this series! Highly recommended!