Although far from what I expected, this is a phenomenally told tale that does an excellent job of setting the stage for Mr. Kang's Dragon Songs Saga.
This was my first exposure to narrator Natalie Naudus and I have to say I'm damned impressed! Her voices are fantastic, and even the male voices are at least somewhat believable. Her vocal inflections are expertly crafted, and her tempo shifts are subtle but effective.
Now, before I go farther do note that I have NOT read the Dragon Songs Saga, so naturally there are likely to be nuances and Easter eggs that I have missed. But especially for a collection of such a short books the character development is absolutely fantastic.
Within just a few minutes I felt I had a keen grasp of who Jie is and what she's about.
Of course, then I was introduced to the east Asian-inspired spy network that forms the backdrop of this series and I realized that nothing is going to be what it seems!
There is some incredible world building here and the culture is quite fascinating.
There are so many twists and reversals throughout these stories that it's easy to become lost in them. Every time you think you know what's going on, something changes everything all over again.
Over the course of the books we're introduced to do many questions, so many mysteries that at times I wondered if there would even be enough time to answer them all.
I have to admit that on that front I am thoroughly impressed. Not only did the books answer every question I had, but managed to do it in completely unexpected ways that left me reeling!
Normally I have criticisms of pretty much every book, but honestly without feeling nitpicky the only thing I can say is I wish each book had been longer! (not that a 24-hour audiobook collection is in any way short!)
Looking at it now, and seeing the complete story of the series, the overarching plot and mystery that have finally come out, I have to say my mind is fairly well blown.
I am so, so, so anxious to see audio editions of Mr Kang's main Dragon Songs series now!
And speaking of the ending(s), each book manages a phenomenal ending that I couldn't be happier with. But in the last two there are endings in both a flashback sequence and the in the present, and both climaxes come off brilliantly in ways that bring the whole arc to a close in so much more satisfying a way than I ever thought possible.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant series that I cannot recommend strongly enough! Seriously, read everything by JC Kang. This man is a phenomenal author!
I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy Eastern-themed fantasy, those who enjoy spy thrillers, those who enjoy quick and snappy pacing in their fantasy, and especially to those who are fascinated by morally gray characters.
OR
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From the Publisher
Where To Start with the Legends of Tivara: Four Entry Points
Coming of Age/Heroic/Spy Thriller/Lost Magic
Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the world. Only a naïve girl with perfect voice can rediscover it.
The Dragon Songs Saga follows Kaiya as she learns how to evoke magic through music. Without a master to guide her, she must piece it together from different sources.
Members of the Black Lotus Clan-- Half-elf Jie and her sidekick Tian-- help Kaiya along the way, and sparks will fly.
Anti-Heroes and Heroes with their own agendas must work together to save the world
Only four heroes and anti-heroes can prevent an ancient evil from returning to the world... they'll first learn how to get along.
Masters of Deception features a ninja, paladin, sorceress, and conman diviner. Each has their own agenda, but they must come together to save the world.
Military Fantasy, with a boy who gets a glass eye Possessed by a Demon
When empires collide, sometimes all it takes is a boy with an eye possessed by a demon to turn the tide of war.
Crown of the Sundered Empire follows a young fisherman, Tomas, who claims he can see the future. When he loses an eye, it's replaced by a fake one possessed by a demon...
...which allows him to upstage princes, princesses, and dictators in a war that will determine the fate of the world.
Ninja-Courtesans/Grimdark/Sapphic
If Memoirs of a Geisha had ninjas...
...and the stakes actually mattered.
Scions of the Black Lotus follows half-elf orphan Jie, a formidable spy posing as a courtesan in training. This Sapphic story is full of lies and betrayals that could bring down an empire, if she chooses love over duty.
Still not sure where to start?
Try This Prequel Short Story
Half-Elf Jie’s superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove her pointed ears aren’t a liability when she’s tasked to infiltrate a rebel lord’s castle. In this prequel short story to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.
Prelude to Insurrection Leads to:
- Songs of Insurrection
- Masters of Deception
- Crown of the Sundered Empire
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
- S BubbReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2020
Eastern Fantasy Spy story
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Amazon CustomerReviewed in Australia on December 7, 2023
Loved these books! A really good read.
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - NSEFodenReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2021
Enchanting, Entertaining and totally Absorbing
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
