The world knows Kaiya as the Dragon Charmer.
After vanquishing the Last Dragon with the power of her voice, all she wants is to return to a quiet life of anonymity. Instead, the Emperor tasks her with an onerous task: negotiating with the aggressive Teleri Empire for the extradition of her cousin, who tried to murder the imperial family and usurp the Dragon Throne.
The mission reunites her with her childhood friend Tian, now an assassin-spy who loathes killing. He is no longer the adorable, gullible boy from her memories, any more than she is the adventurous, sweet girl from his. Instead of rekindling nostalgia for a youthful innocence they both yearn for, their reunion ignites a mutual hatred.
When the Teleri Empire breaks off negotiations, Tian must help Kaiya escape. Orcs, Ogres, and enemy soldiers stand between them and home, and their volatile relationship could get them captured… or killed.
Purchase: Amazon
Goodreads: Dances of Deception (The Dragon Songs Saga #3) by J.C. Kang
Review
Rating: 5 stars
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When Princess Kaiya is tasked with negotiating her treacherous cousin’s extradition, she finds her own life and freedom in danger at the hands of the Teleri Empire. Her reunion with her childhood friend Tian is cast into shadow by this new threat and that they are both not the same as they recall from their youth. Will Kaiya and Tian be able to mend their relationship and will Tian be able to keep the Princess safe from their enemies.
I really enjoyed the third instalment of The Dragon Songs saga. Plunged into a completely different world, Kaiya is out of her comfort zone and as a result you see her grow very much as a person. As strong willed as she is, she is also vulnerable, and this novel shows all sides of her. You also get to explore Tian’s character in further detail. Torn between duty and love, he also comes into his own as he protects Kaiya and also the village that has given them sanctuary.
The world building in Dances of Deception is incredible. Everything is so richly detailed but without being confusing for the reader. A great novel should transport you into the world that you are reading about, and this saga definitely does that. As a result, I was reluctant to put it down and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Shari Sakurai 