Reviews: Dances of Thieves + The Darkest Legacy

Dances of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

pub 8/7/18 by Henry Holt & Co
Young Adult - Fantasy
Received ARC from pub

It’s been too long since I was last in the Remnant Chronicles world and I loved diving back in with this fresh new set of characters while still getting to see what my old favorites were up to (for the record, I approve!). The book switches between Kazi and Jase. The former is a street thief turned trusted guard for the Queen and she’s been sent on a mission to investigate trouble in the new settlements. It’s how she crosses paths with Jase, the newly appointed leader of the Ballenger Empire and said settlements. Both are too smart for their own good so naturally, antagonism and sparks fly between them immediately. (Pearson, you know how to get my attention.) What follows is a dangerous game as each tries to do what’s right for their people while one-upping the other, especially when they get put in a situation that forces them to work together (and more!). I enjoyed the intrigue and seeing how all the pieces fit as more was revealed. But my favorite parts were the characters and the different relationships we got to witness – romantic, friendship and familial. Pearson does a wonderful job of balancing the build up of the people and the world and I’m looking forward to what’s next!

Do I recommend? I do! I’m selfishly glad that it’s a duology so I don’t have to wait too long to find out how it ends! Luckily the first book ends on a solid note while making it clear that there’s more to come.

The Darkest Legacy (The Darkest Minds, #4) by Alexandra Bracken

pub 7/31/18 by Disney-Hyperion
Young Adult - Dystopian
Borrowed ARC from Alexa

My darling Zu is all grown up and kicking ass and I was totally here for it! In preparation for reading The Darkest Legacy, I actually re-read the entire Darkest Minds trilogy for the first time since 2012. Despite how long it had been, the characters, their distinct personalities and the fierce love they shared for one another has always remained clear in mind. Bracken did an amazing job of maintaining the traits I loved in young Zu — her earnestness, inner strength and heart — while showing us how the aftermath of those trials affected her teenage life and quite frankly, the world. It’s been five years and Zu has become a spokesperson for the interim government, using her voice to fight for the rights of Psi children and the injustices they face. Even though they shut down the camps, their work has been far from over. It’s such a realistic path for the series to take and I’m glad it’s the one Bracken went down. When a violent attack occurs and Zu is falsely accused of committing the crime, she ends up fleeing the scene with two mysterious fellow Psi, Roman and Priyanka. It’s an uneasy alliance but a necessary one in order to survive. The pace is fast and relentless as Zu sees how much the world hasn’t changed, uncovers more secrets and lies, and figures out who she can trust. I just could not put the book down and read every time I had a free moment. Also, even though Zu is our leading lady, all the OGs play a huge role in the story, which filled my heart with joy. I will always love the Black Betty crew!

Do I recommend? Yes yes yes. I hope we get another book in this world! There are no plans for it but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.