Masters of Deception (Dragonstones Chronicles #1)

Political intrigue and subterfuge rule the day in Kang’s layered fantasy, which opens a new arc in his established Dragon Songs Saga universe and unites four unlikely heroes against mafiosi and a looming orc invasion. Cassius is a diviner in the city of Tokahia, and is also the sworn protector of the pyramid that keeps the orc gods from reclaiming the lands. Brehane is a mystic who is trying to restore her clan’s honor; she accepts an order to find a missing illusionist in hopes that fulfilling this task will help her reclaim her family’s rightful place. Sameer is a paladin searching for his lost love in the brothels of Tokahia. Jie, a half-elf ninja and spy, arrives in Tokahia’s port on a mission to root out a clan traitor. Kang quickly draws the four together and links their missions amid betrayal, political machinations, and outright deceit. Though elves and orcs will be familiar to readers of Western fantasy novels, the worldbuilding is effectively infused with Asian elements. The book’s ending feels even more inconclusive than one might expect from a series launch book; impatient readers should wait for the series to be completed before digging in. This conflict-driven tale of politics and underhandedness will appeal to a wide range of fantasy fans. (BookLife)