Parents' Guide to

Dance of Thieves, Book 1

By Carrie R. Wheadon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Remnant Chronicles spin-off high in romance and adventure.

Book Mary E. Pearson Fantasy 2018
Dance of Thieves, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

lostintomes
lostintomes Parent of 2-year-old
December 3, 2018
age 12+

Favorite Fantasy Read of the Year

Bless you Mary Pearson for giving us an angsty romance that doesn't feel abusive at any point. I really loved this! Jase and Kazi were a treat! We have some truly amazing character development in this. The banter was funny and playful, it really helped keep the story flowing. I attended an author signing where she mentioned this story was based on the idea behind what would happen if two enemies were locked in a room together. Would they kill each other or learn to get along? I love seeing how things unfold and the positive message that comes alongside it. It was so much fun to be back in this world and I enjoyed all the Easter eggs/cameos from the first trilogy. This book doesn't feel quite as "fantasy" as The Remnant Chronicles did, however there's enough hints of magic and classic Pearson twists/deception that I didn't mind at all. The story was a little slow moving in some parts, largely due to the length of it but it's headed in a great direction. There's a heavy focus on romance but with a bigger plot looming over it all. (Which I actually prefer but may be off-putting to some.) I am very happy with where the story leaves off and I think there are lots of surprises ahead of us in book 2. Overall one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year so far. Recommend for fans of: - Enemies to Lovers Romances - A Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson - Powerful Female Characters - Rags to Riches Stories
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What's the Story?

In DANCE OF THIEVES, Kazi sets off with two other soldiers in the queen's guard for the town of Hell's Mouth to find a fugitive. She believes that the family who runs the town, the Ballengers, are housing him in their stronghold. Just before they arrive, the Ballenger Patrei, or head of the family, dies suddenly, leaving his son Jase in charge. Kazi finds Jase on the streets of Hell's Mouth hungover from a night of grief-drinking with his friends and brothers. After a less than cordial meeting -- a knife to the throat, clever threats -- Kazi chases Jase away from his friends and right into the arms of a band of slavers. They're both knocked out, captured, and dragged off on a wagon. This was not how Kazi's mission was supposed to go at all. Luckily, after years as a street thief, Kazi has special skills she uses to dupe the slavers and escape. Now Kazi and Jase are chained together days from any town, forced to get along enough to survive.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (15 ):

This Remnant Chronicles spin-off series gets off to a promising start with a strong female hero, dangerous travel adventures, and an absorbing romantic storyline. Kazi, former street thief, now valued member of the queen's elite guard, is fun to root for when she encounters the proud Ballengers and navigates a tricky relationship with its new head of the family, Jase. There's plenty of tension as both Kazi and Jase guard their secrets from each other, but not well enough.

Though the romance sometimes threatens to take over entirely, the political intrigue in the town of Hell's Mouth will also hold readers' attention. It's hard to know who to watch out for: the conniving Ballenger cousin, black market traders, or the fugitive Kazi is sent to find in secret. Maybe everyone. It's what makes Jase always suspicious -- even of Kazi, as he should be. In the end, her loyalties have to be to the queen.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Jase and Kazi in Dance of Thieves. What makes them both thieves? Would they ever have understood each other if they hadn't been forced together?

  • How does Kazi use the lessons she learned from her rough childhood to be a better soldier?

  • Will you read the next story from the Remnant kingdoms? What's your favorite so far?

Book Details

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