Too long for a cheated ending....

The narrators were great but I felt the story was too long for such a rushed ending. I didn’t mind that this was a 15+ hour audible. It’s the last 1.5hr that sped by to just kind of give a sort of happy ending to this “episode”. I thought that after I invested so much time in the main characters idk.... just felt a little cheated.
Sooooo there’s not really a cliff hanger but the author gave you many questions at the end as a set up for the next in series, which by the way it not out yet 😡 😡
I DO recommend it and FYI it is mostly a romance clean but suggestive.

1 person found this helpful

Dramatic

This story didn't really catch my interest. I believe I expected something else based on the description. I was very melodramatic and a bit political in the world the author created. I expected something faster paced and not so beat around d the bush-like. It picked up near the end but a little too late for me. If it had that twisting and energy through out, I would have liked it more.

1 person found this helpful

the story had zero depth, stereotypical scenarios

I was literally cringing at the corny one liners. I powered through it hoping it would get better. It didn't. Please don't waste your credit.

1 person found this helpful

Narration

I love this story! I am so happy to be back in the Remnant world! Can't wait for the next one! However, the male narrator in this audiobook is not my favorite. I feel like he would emphasize words/sentences that I wouldn't have if I had the physical book and read it for myself. He also made all the female characters sound whiny and annoying. For the 2nd book please find a new male narrator!

1 person found this helpful

Fantasy, Adventure and Romance!

My thoughts jumped, my own words taunting me, The thing about a mark is they’ve created lies in their head, a story they’ve invented that they desperately want to believe, a fantasy that merely needs to be fed.


Kazi grew up on the harsh streets, becoming a thief to survive- a dang good one, at that. But now, she was chosen by the Queen to be one her elite guards, but an impulsive move may coast her that. Kazi has the opportunity to redeem herself by going on a mission of importance for the Queen, the person who has so much undeserving faith in her. Jase has just lost his father and now became the ruler of his people, spending his first night as ruler wallowing in his grief and alcohol. When the two have an altercation in streets, they never anticipated being kidnapped by slavers. Banding together (both emotionally and literally by shackles- even though they are enemies- Kazi and Jase have to find their way home and to the truth of their people's conflict.

The world building was amazing and layered, with all the regions and wars as well as histories and people so lovingly craftes. I really wanted a map so I could place all the locations mentioned in the story physically since I am a visual person. This is a book that I would love a map for! And yes, this is a spin-off, but it was such a complete world, plot and characters that there was no need for previous books (but you should read the Remnant Chronicles because they are fantastic!). This was such the perfect blend of court politics and intrigue, betrayal, lies. adventure and feels!

Oh my gosh, Dance of Thieves ended up being so romantic! Seriously, I had no idea what this story was going to be like, but I knew I was going to read this new spin-off series because I enjoyed the Remnant Chronicles so much. Gah, it was so freaking romantic and hug worthy at times, I felt like I needed to swoon- or at least force Kazi to (so not her style though but appropriate for the situation, I think).

“I love you. I love you with every breath, with every thought that’s inside me . I’ve loved you from the first time I kissed you on that ledge. Even before that.”

I shook my head trying to pull away. “Jase, no—”

But he pulled me closer and didn’t stop. “When I asked, What is this? I already knew. I knew what I felt, what I was certain you felt, too, but I was afraid to say it, because it was all new to me. It seemed too soon, too impossible. But everything about us didn’t just feel right, it felt like something rare, something delicate that I was afraid of breaking. Something that only comes along once in a lifetime.”

I loved Kazi, but let's be honest- she may be a kleptomaniac. The girl did have an interesting habit of collecting the most random of trinkets of all varieties. Sure, she is a product of her upbringing, and you do what you need to to survive, but really she is a master thief. She has the most prickly of shells, but inside she was a lonely sad little girl. I loved her riddles, people maneuvering skills and her loyalty. The banter and love between Kazi and her 2 sisters in arms was perfect, you could see the love and bond between the girls and that they would gladly go into battle for each other, no questions asked.

Jase had such a strong moral compass that always pointed true- even though the morals of his people did not always line up with what other thought was right. I did really enjoy the dynamic between Jase and his family, you could see the love as well as the ruler boundaries that were probably hard to hold at times. He was just given a new, terrible and great responsibility yet he held up like a champ (for the most part). He was so caring towards Kazi, even though their purposes were at odds. (sniff sniff)

Ps I loved seeing "the Queen", who I know as Lia be her insightful, protective, queenly self. I will admit after the ending of The Beauty of Darkness, I was hoping for at least a little mention of a romantic connection with a certain wonderful guy, so the ending made my heart ever so happy...

“Do you suppose,” he finally whispered, “that this could be part of making … the best of it?”
...
I was as loyal to her as he was to his family, and I would betray him when the time came. I would bring his family and dynasty to their knees. His world was about to end.
The best of it.
We were only making the best of it.
For now.

The story felt magical and epic and I never wanted it to end. But as per all of Mary's books, the heartbreak and betrayal was strong too. There were moments where I thought my heart was ripped out of my chest, all I hoped for was a HEA...that may not be how this story ends. That last chapter though! I seriously do not know how such a beautiful and real moment could fall apart into such utter heart-wrenching chaos. Sorry for all the words, but I feel like I have a lot to say when it comes to my love of this book, this author and this world. I am so tied in knots, wanting to know where the story will go next. There is no doubt that I will be picking up the next leg of the adventure in this duology as soon as possible.

7 people found this helpful

ahhh! she's done it again!

such a great book in the Remnant universe! Mary has hooked me again and I can't wait for her next book. Although not critical, I suggest you read her first series in this Universe, The Kiss of Deception. it's so fun to hear a little about those characters I fell in love with. thanks Mary! Also, great narration!

6 people found this helpful

a good Roguemance

I'm always after this kind of book. it hit all the right notes of rogues and royalty, mistrust and sly goals, forbidden love. but the execution of it all fell a little short for me. the fist half was great and the tension built well between Kazi and Jace but once they reached that moment somehow the pace quickened and things felt rushed. the second half of the book had moments and things they did had purpose, but something felt missing or not quite there. things were repeated a lot too and many parts of the story were rushed tellings. i didn't think the 2 points of view were necessarily but I did enjoy Jace. nothing felt like too much of a surprise. still enjoyable and I listened to it all.

Keeps you listening

This story has everything needed to make it perfect. It kept me up all night listening and didn't want to go to sleep. Now I have purchased "Vow of thieves" the next sequel. This author is a wonderful storyteller.

Loved it ❤️

Never a dull moment! Fantastic story, great narration. Highly recommend!
About to begin the sequel now...

Overall, great story... one small complaint

I loved the story, but wasn't too fond of the guy who read Jase's parts. He read the dialogue with weird inflections that reminded me of stoners and valley mall girls. 😂 Overall, a great story. I'm definitely excited for the next one.