cover image Dance of Thieves

Dance of Thieves

Mary E. Pearson. Holt, $18.99 (512p) ISBN 978-1-250-15901-4

Set in the same fantasy world as her acclaimed Remnant Chronicles series (and featuring guest appearances and politics from those books), Pearson takes up the story of Kazi, a fierce Rahtan warrior and talented thief, and Jase, the head of a ruling family in the kingdom’s outer regions. The two, thrown together in dire circumstances, find themselves in a star-crossed romance. Kazi and Jase’s relationship is layered, with intriguing and difficult pasts that provide necessary character-building and enough momentum to compel readers forward. Told in alternating chapters by Kazi and Jase, the lovers’ tale is set amid a larger political story about competing kingdoms, warring territories, and changing loyalties, the threads of which can become difficult to follow. Nevertheless, Pearson is a gifted storyteller and spinner of eminently satisfying romances and fantasy. Fans will thrill at these newest protagonists, especially the women warriors, who are equal partners in the play for power. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Aug.) [/em]