The Dragon Songs Saga: The Complete Epic Quartet

The Dragon Songs Saga #1-4

by J.C. Kang

Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the world.

The Dragon Singers of old summoned typhoons and routed armies, liberating mankind from the orcs before fading into legend. Now, with the world again teetering on the brink of a cataclysm, the power of music stirs in Kaiya, a gangly misfit with the perfect voice.

Without a master to guide her, she must rely on the lessons of a foreign paladin, an enigmatic doctor, a flippant elf lord, and an evil sorcerer to rediscover lost magic. Yet doing so means taking dire risks…

Because invoking a Dragon Song can kill you.

Download the Special Edition Box Set to experience epic battles, deep-rooted conspiracies, and the magic of music.

This set Includes a special sneak peek of a new series in the Legends of Tivara.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Magic, Ebooks, Young Adult, Epic Fantasy

2019 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2018

About the author

JC Kang's unhealthy obsession with Fantasy and Sci-Fi began at an early age when his brother introduced him to The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Trek, and Star Wars. As an adult, he combines his geek roots with his professional experiences as a Chinese Medicine doctor, martial arts instructor, and technical writer to pen epic fantasy stories.

To learn more about what goes on in his twisted mind, follow his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfTiv...

If you've read and enjoyed his works, keep up with his updates on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/37897...

Reviews

[David Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Kang knows how to tell a story. Gripping characters, an unpredictable plot, taut writing with sometimes edge-of-your-seat suspense, very good pace, all these - but the setting is the blue ribbon contributor. The primary land in which the story takes place is Hua, clearly oriental in culture, but this is a wonderful and very deeply developed fantasy land with a crucial history involving dragons and what happened thirty-two years before.
Other nations offer differing peoples and cultures, and there is a wealth of charming fantasy detail which one almost overlooks as one turns the pages to find out what happens next. Kang also offers epic romance, along with a dose of hard-nosed reality, and a good deal of nicely layered political intrigue. Through personal and national challenges, war, a number of quests and adventures, the story is carried by three central characters (arguably, five), so one is not confused by trying to track several dozen people with strange names; nevertheless, the secondary characters are rounded in proportion to the prominence of the roles they play. The lead in this set is, probably, the indomitable Princess Kaiya, although Jie and Tian have close to equal representation in the story, and it seems that Jie (Kaiya's 'Insolent Retainer', a ninja-type spy) will carry the lead as the series continues.
This quartet is not the full series, but ends in a fully satisfying place in the saga.
A few, very minor, flaws make this a 4.5 star read for me, but I have to round it up to the full five. A treat for all fantasy fans, and probably those who enjoy historical oriental fiction as well (think 'Shogun'). I will be reading more of J.C. Kang's work.

[M.L. Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Dragon Songs Saga box set to be an incredible story for an incredible deal! This series follows the protagonist Kaiya as she strives to perfect her ability with a magic system based on music in order to save her world from disaster. I found the characters and world building of this series thoroughly enjoyable. The author has created a rich and immersive world based on medieval China that is diligently crafted down to the most minute detail. The author is obviously well-versed in the history and culture his characters move within. The characters themselves are well developed, and there are a lot of twists and turns as to who is good and who is not. I was thoroughly thrown off by one particular character who kept me guessing (for a couple of books!) as to what his true motives really were, and the revelation came as a wonderful shock. I would highly recommend Dragon Songs to any audience who appreciates detailed world building in a non-Western milieu, complex characters who evolve, and a writhing plot that will keep you guessing.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent series of four books. It is not really a tale of dragons, it is a story full of intrigue, magic, treachery, excitement and suspense.
In SONGS OF INSURRECTION (Book 1) Kaiya is innocent, brave and has hidden depths. She is manipulated from every angle and your heart aches for her. Hardeep is fascinating but you can not help but wonder what his motivation is. Jie and Tian's characters are great, the hints of attraction, their martial skills and their subterfuge all adds to the books excitement. You are unsure right to the end as to who are traitors and who are not.
ORCHESTRA OF TREACHERIES (Book 2) is my favourite book, it has plots inside of plots. Betrayal, magic, dark secrets, romance and unexpected twists all make for a thrilling storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The twists in this story are amazing, making for an exhilarating, gripping tale with a touch of humour. Kaiya is a target from all sides, naively unaware of her precarious position. She slowly gains political incite as her magical talents continue to grow, while still managing to remain pure of heart. I loved the subtle political wrangling, the treachery and intrigue in this story and try as you might you are unable to guess who is masterminding the interweaving, complex plots.
In DANCES OF DECEPTION (Book 3) we are taken away from the intrigues of Kaiya's home province and plunged into a thrilling adventure in the north. She finds herself and her friends running for their lives and facing horrors that her privileged life had protected her from. They face war, brutality, battles, hardship and devastating losses but they also gain new friends, rekindle old relationships, grow and learn a lot about themselves. This story contained more personal growth, loss, atrocity, romance and adventure than in the the first two books. The plots and intrigue are still masterfully interweaved throughout and events towards the end of the book leave you shocked.
SYMPHONY OF FATES (Book 4) is a satisfying end to the saga. It is full of twists, surprises, and revelations. The unraveling of the various plots, subplots, and intrigues is very well done and it is great to have all the schemes, betrayals and secrets of this epic fantasy unraveled at last. The story keeps your attention glued to the page as everything is exposed, the intertwining destinies and pasts come together and the fate of Hua and its inhabitants is decided.
This is an excellent fantasy series that has great descriptive writing, a gripping, intriguing plot and really engaging characters that hope to hear more of in future stories.

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading JC Kang’s first book in The Dragon Songs Saga, I went out and bought the set. Kaiya’s quest to master the power of the Dragon’s Song is unique like Avatar: The Last Airbender, another of my fantasy favorites. It was exciting to see what strange place or interesting character she would happen upon next. Kang’s writing flows with both description and wit that carried me through this satisfying quest. Now I’m sad that there’s not a book #5!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED The Dragon Songs Saga! JC masterfully blends fantasy and Asian culture into a riveting story that is a blend of coming of age, love, betrayal, adventure, revenge and dragons!

[Tabi Wares · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was super hard for me to finish, and I’m so glad I’m finally done. I had to take many breaks from this series while I was reading just because it somehow managed to make reading about music magic and civil war and dragons and ninjas SUPER dry.

I loved the idea of these books, the high fantasy vibe, written from an Asian-centric point of view was very refreshing, and I wanted to love it, but the execution left something to be desired. I also have a pet peeve when it comes to the use of modern slang in a narrative voice when you’re trying to write a medieval type of setting. Please don’t talk about the princess’ ‘tummy’ when she’s trying to deal with political intrigue, it’s condescending somehow.

There was really only one character I really got attached to and she was sort of sidelined in favor of the boring royal couple. I appreciate that the love triangle never got off the ground though! That is one thing this book has going for it!

Overall I would probably give this 2.5 stars rather than 3, and I would have rounded up if it had been just a little harder to put down. And if Jie has gotten a bit more love.

[jonathan rose]

Brilliant. Enthralling, epic enjoyed so much as I followed the many threads in the weave that you spun around your characters, amazing work which showed true morality shining through among the chaos of the evil characters and even showing a slight sympathy for the wrong doers as well because their rate to die at 33 is what pushes their rape etc, hopefully the curse gets lifted later after kaiya has shown before and already completed the prophecy

Looking forward to next book, it doesn't surprise me that you played d&d i kinda guessed due to the way occasionally a small group handed together on quests

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes words like “epic”, “imaginative” and “powerful” are bandied around too frequently. Other times, if anything, they’re an understatement. JC Kang’s The Dragon Songs Saga is an example of the latter. These books are ridiculously imaginative in the world-building and character-building by the author. Totally different (though I think I can see the Japanese heritage with its geisha, samurai, ninja assassins and cultural structure generally) but absolutely genuine from the biggest details to the tiniest. Add that to individual book plots and an overarching story arc that, well, that frankly blows my mind and makes epic an understatement. I had intended to read these books over the course of a week or so but they were so good, so addictive, that I ended up binge-reading them through the night. Not good physically (and I’m in a hospital right now and the nurses and physical therapists were very much not happy with me), but the enjoyment was soooo worthwhile to the spirit. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. This series definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the series is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend each of the books in it.

[Connie Fogg-Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

when legends are real

Kaiya can sing a dragon out of slumber. while that might not be a good thing, that power has been foretold for eons. so begins the battle to possess her voice, her body and her country of Hua. with a few close core of comrades and an ever changing cast of villains, Kaiya and those she cares about are thrust through the traumas of war and slavery. if Kaiya truly the key to end the cause of all this unrest?

the detail in this is exquisite. there is the flow to this that might occasionally be somewhat difficult to follow. be patient; the payoff is worth it. the characters are lively and have great interplay. there are some good surprises. let them come to you. I loved the mingling of the various cultures and it was really nice to be more fully introduced to ancient Chinese traditions.

[Christopher Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to give a simple world-building descriptor of Tvara, the fictional world in which the Dragon Song Saga as well as other of Tvara books are set, it would be what if Tolkien grew up in East Asia. Elves, Orcs, Dwarves, and dragons are all present, but rather than interacting with longsword wielding knights, they instead must contend with blackfist assassins and their throwing stars, shurikens, and various poisons and martial techniques.

In just reading the Dragon Song's Saga, I already know that the characters central to this story appear in other Tvara stories because the core characters reference adventures with other core characters when they meet up. This reminds me a little of Brandon Sanderson's cosmere novels except everything is occurring in the same world. It gives the stories a more intimate feeling. In cosmere novels, each world seems to be on its own epic fantasy trajectory. There is an overarching trajectory connecting all the stories, but what happens in one book really doesn't effect the actions of characters on other worlds for the most part. Despite an interconnected universe, because of the size and many characters not knowing about the interconnectivity, the worlds feel too far apart.

In Tvara, there are multiple epic fantasy story lines occurring at the same time and interweaving. I'm reminded a little of how The Prince of Thorns and Prince of Fools trilogies by Mark Lawrence intertwined. It makes sense to me that there would be multiple epic fantasy storylines occurring concurrently in a large enough and richly created world, which Tvara is.

As a fellow author, I see the draw of creating a single world and telling multiple stories within that world. I feel like it's the literary equivalent of Marvel movies. I don't know if I'd ever be able to restrict myself to telling stories from a single world-building perspective, but telling multiple storylines in the same world with minor overlap definitely makes the world feel more fleshed out.

One thing that I really wanted to be addressed that wasn't was whether ghost-tripping thresholds worked. A cultural norm in Cathay, all rooms have a raised threshold to trip and out ghosts, but at least in the Dragon Songs Saga (DSS), no ghosts ever get tricked by this. To my knowledge, there are no ghosts in the DSS. Since this is a fantasy world, I would have loved if I got an answer to if there were ghosts, whether ghost-tripping thresholds worked, and what happens if a ghost trips over the threshold. It seems like a silly question but on a world-building level the thresholds are mentioned too much for there not to be a story inclusion. They are like Chekhov's gun never being fired.

Aside from that minor desire to see ghost-tripping thresholds in action, the world of Tvara is rich, complex, and engaging. The nations didn't feel like cookie-cutter stereotypes and I loved how they each had their own types of magics. The first book did a good job of showing how the magic of Cathay was tied intricately to their art with the protagonist wanting to revive the lost magical art of dragon song. That magic was juxtaposed with the magic of the martial paladins and their innate intuition of danger.

I really enjoyed the DSS books, and so it's with a heavy heart that I do have to add a trigger warning to his world. Stop reading if you are triggered by sexual assault. A nation of people, the Bovians, are cursed and unable to produce females. In addition to that, a woman can never give birth to two Bovians. This has led to a systemized culture of multiple men forcing themselves on one woman to ensure the survival of the nation until they can break that curse. The third and fourth book of the DSS features this theme heavily. Do I think the stories could have been told without this aspect of the story? Yes. I don't think the characters brushed over the brutality of such a practice, but if you're going to include such a divisive and shocking world-building detail, it needs to serve a greater purpose. The Bovians are already the villains, them needing to reproduce in this manner felt like it was too over the top. Perhaps if the story was told primarily from a Bovian's POV trying to end the practice the detail would have merit, but with the story focusing on an outsider only the horror of being subjected to the practice is present.

This aspect also didn't make a lot of sense to me. With this curse, they need to procreate in such a brutal fashion isn't necessary. Especially since the Bovians have a prophecy that a Bovian who knows who both his mother and father are will end their curse. There is a counter-prophecy dictating that man might be the end of the race, but all the Bovians in the book don't seem to pay much head to the counter prophecy. If that is the case, wouldn't it be in the Bovian's best interest not to participate in multiple men forcing themselves on one woman? I may have missed a detail about this practice, maybe infertility is common among Bovians, but it really put the third and fourth book into the dark fantasy category when the majority of the story seemed to be epic fantasy.

All this being said, these themes didn't make me stop reading, but I'm hesitant about picking up another book set in the world of Tvara. I won't DNF a book because of these darker themes, but I don't seek them out either. If I could, I'd give these books a 4.5 out of five stars, but that isn't possible on the sites I reviewed the book.

Since I listened to the audiobook (I picked up the whole seventy hour saga up for one audible credit), I do have to applaud Natalie Naudus' narration. I've really enjoyed her performance in the books I've picked up she has narrated. I already pre-ordered another book she is narrating just because she's the narrator.

[Jenni Strand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1: As not only the first book in this series, but I believe the first book of the author -- not entirely sure on that, but if not the statement still holds -- this novel is a very strong start. The characters are engaging and although this is a fantasy novel it doesn't seem to far out of the realm of possibility. I liked how JC brought in Chinese culture to the stories. My only big complaint was that the story was kind of hard to get into the story at the beginning. I found I didn't really care about the characters until a few chapters into the novel. However, once I did, the story was great. I can't wait to see how this series develops!

Book 2:What a follow up! This story builds off of the previous novel very well. I found it easier to read than the first, but it still had the interesting developments - no spoilers here! - and character development that was so enticing in the first one. The pace was great, and kept me up just to finish the next chapter late into the night. It was a great build off of the first novel, but I'm sure it will also be a good diving board to kickstart the next book in the series! I can't wait!

Book 3: This is the third book in the series, so before you read this one make sure to read the others. The world is so incredibly fleshed out and immersive, I felt like I was really there. Tian and Kaiya are just adorable. The other characters are developed so well, and I like that it doesn’t seem that all the characters are looking out for the “Good of the World” trope – they all have something they’re wanting for themselves. I can’t wait to finish the series with the next one, but I also don’t want it to end! Amazing realm of fantasy that I am so glad to have gotten to read and learn about. Great job JC Kang!

Book 4: I love this series. It’s such a beautiful world with interesting and amazing characters. The story gets so complex in this book – not that the other ones weren’t – and it’s time for Kaiya to be strong and stand for herself. and She really grew throughout this whole series, and I loved watching it. And YAY!! More Jie! Even though this was a nice, tidy resolution, I really really want more!! Great job JC, you could really tell your love for the characters in this one, and throughout the whole series!

Preludes: YES!! More Jie! She was easily one of my favorite characters from the original four books, and I loved finding out her backstory in this short novel. This one really does a good introduction to the character she becomes, really a jumping off point for her amazing skills later on. The world is still just as beautiful as it is in the originals. I would probably recommend reading this one before the others, even though the first book is a good introduction as well. I found myself wanting to know more about Jie as I read, so starting off with the background of her story could help the reader understand where she came from and how she has those incredible skills. Another great book from JC Kang!!

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

SONGS OF INSURRECTION. A fabulous start to what will be an awesome saga. Kaiya is growing from strength to strength with her music. She still pins for the Lord who swept her of her feet and encouraged her to play some of the most sacred of musical instruments. Given to a rebel as a bride in the hope of ensuring peace she goes with a heavy heart, knowing that she will have to give up her music. What can she do. The ending may surprise you. Highly recommend.
ORCHESTRA OF TREACHERIES. Kaiya is still pinning for her exiled
Lord, even though two years have passed since she’d seen him. Her beloved cousin acts as go between and passes along letters from him and vice versa. In the meantime she is viewed as a stepping stone to greatness but her numerous suitors, all of which she turns down. Her fathers health is failing and her brother have still been unable to produce an heir. She uses her voice to help calm the Lords from declaring war. Her next adventure is totally dragonian in its scale. Highly recommend.
DANCES OF DECEPTION
The Princess is sent as an emissary to the Northern Conference, but of course all is not as it seems. She arrives on the Golden Phoenix to great pomp and ceremony. She is quickly swept up in the events of the Teleri’s successful take over of the Provence, the First Consul Geros has decided that the Princess should be one of his wives and give him an heir with the right to the Hua Empires Throne. The Princess escapes but leaves him alive a decision she will come to regret. Her adventures to escape and reach Hua to warn them of the coming invasion are full of hardship, death and sacrifices. Will she arrive before the Teleri and will the Emperor relieve her. Off to read the next book.
SYMPONY OF FATES.
What an incredible ending to this fabulous saga. Kaiya faces a great many enemies though she is lucky to have fathfull friends. She is reunited with her childhood friend Tian, who she learns is not what she thought. Her Insolent Retainer is waiting for her also. She is representing the Tianza at the Northern Conference, which is full of squabbling Lords. One lord takes advantage of this disarray and invades. The First Emperor Geros has been planning this for a long time, his plan is to rule over all. The only thing standing in his way is a young girl! Kaiya flees unfortunately she misses her ship and has to find her way through the Wilds. Hers is not the only group trying to find their way. Orcs are hunting slaves, the Bovyans are searching for the old road that leads straight to Hua. She needs to come up with a plan to stop them all. As usual her ingenuity at solving problems is what we have come to expect from Kaiya. Highly recommend this series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Thomas Iles · Rating 1 out of 5]

A constant juggle

From the gate your constantly juggled from character to character often without reason. No events come to any point of conclusion. Nor epic turn. Just from the very start your juggled around and it just gets worse.
At 21 chapters in I do not even have a concept of the book at all... We shall see..

Second bored review interlude ...
Several books in this latest book number 3 I bieve is so worthless I do not even u understand why it is even included? Just a massive romp between pages that goes on and on and on .. More a prelude to the rape of your mind than the supposed rape of the princess who by the way consented ... So .... Sad part being the book is supposed to be about something else entirely! Go figure!

Third bored writ. Cool long Dong Lee, some new wantabie gets so secret info that only the super secret, boogie men are spose to know know. Yet she knows all n betrays all! ??? What is any of this even about. The book is suppose to be about a Dragon turned into a man. NOT! It's an offshoot of bungled misleads you have to be a genius to grasp from all the meaningless enundo.
Rape, escape, kidnapped, escape, capture, escape ... yawn, yawn, yawn, yawn, again and again for supposed months n months and no one else in the world gives a hoot????
This while bad bugging is supposedly taking over the world. But who cares his army n generals do not need their leader for months on in!
Geese now stupid does the writer think people are? Wh

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Kang has created a world that is familiar and yet exotic. This book builds a story that will become a myth in the distant future of this world. I am very partial to world building, and I liked the world Mr. Kang gave me to experience. The focus of the Teleri made me furious at them through out the books. Several twists that I didn't see gave the fourth a conclusion that was touching and at least partially vindicating. I only felt a few slow times in the pacing, but they did allow me to get some sleep instead of reading all night.

There were a large number of characters and the leading list of "actors" indicates the number. Most of the characters were developed well enough to appreciate them, but not get too invested. I know that I was engrossed in certain characters when I see the inevitable decisions and verbally yell at the characters not to do it, such that my wife asked if I was ok. The talking to the book might have happened more than a few times. The main characters had enough variation for me to keep them straight in the context of the story. I really liked how so much of the external conflict gave Wang Kaiya motivations to do things to get out of her comfort zone, first through her naivety and later through the wisdom of all her experiences within the context of the series. I will admit that Yan Jie was my favorite character, closely seconded by Ma Jun.

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS SERIES! I loved it, I loved it, I loved it.

Here are some things I loved about it:
The characters! Unforgettable and complex. Particularly impressive was the characterization of Kaiya and her remarkable growth over time, from the naive teenage princess to the mature adult woman she is at the end. It can be hard to watch a character grow up right before our eyes, but Kang's writing makes it entirely convincing.
The writing! It's crisp, detailed, and expressive. A pleasure to read.
The worldbuilding! The first thing that drew me into this book was the food descriptions. It really made the world feel real from the very beginning, and all the details throughout just emphasized that richness of place and culture.
Highly recommend! i am diving in to some of Kang's other works right away.

[Dixie Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was totally invested through the first two and a half books but then the writing began to fall apart a little for me. Some of the plot twists become so convoluted that they are difficult to follow, especially with many characters having names that are so similar.

The ending was a bit of a let down for me. The story had been building and building and then it was as though all of the characters ran out of steam and took the easy way out. To be fair, it may be simply that I had lost interest by that point. I still cared that Kaiya and Tian be reunited and read to the end in the hope that that would happen, but I don't feel inclined to read any further adventures of the other characters that were advertised at the end of the book.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped part way in. I just couldn't really get into this series. The premise was interesting, but the author spent so much time keeping everyone separated, I'm guessing for a dramatic meet later on, that it just really dragged on. I couldn't really get attached to any of the side characters because there just wasn't enough focus on any of them. I believe the idea was that the princess is supposed to be naive and is just now learning to look beyond the image people portrayed, except that there was no reason why she suddenly is doing this and she couldn't focus on any one person. Again, I'm thinking this was an way to have a dramatic shock later on, but it was so spelled out, that it was boring.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon Songs Saga is honestly one of the the greatest epic fantasy tales I have read to date. The story building is unparalleled and the use of multiple cultures, races, ages, and different economic/social statuses of the characters adds refreshing textures to the rich, action packed tale. The depth and layers that unfold from the main characters, along with the secondary characters, is so engaging and creates such strong connections to your own emotions that it'll move you in more ways than one. The twists and turns that wind their way through the book are captivating and will have you in suspense until the very end. Mr. Kang is a mastermind at his craft and I am looking forward to reading more epic tales from his genious mind.

[Yohan (요한) Yukiya (雪矢) Sese (사・謝) Cuneta (ᜃᜓᜈᜒᜆ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Epic!

The Dragon Songs Saga is an epic, high-fantasy tale set in a different time and parallel world. Filled with political drama, love stories, court life, twists and turns, that plunges any reader into the world of our own ancient past.

J.C. Kang created an amazing very complex universe with relatable characters. He also did well in keeping it all simple and easy to follow, guiding the reader slowly before dropping the grandier picture and intersecting lines and twists.

This saga deserves to be made into a TV series with an Asia-Pacific production. It will blow GoT TV to smitherines! Yes, a truly Asian masterpiece.

Rating: 100 over 5 stars!

[Excelrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read once the story got going- give it a3.5

Fantasy world with Flavors of ancient Asia, dynasty rule, war, and a bit of romance thrown in. Good world building. As a series it starts out rather slowly, until all of a sudden you realize you're embroiled in several plots and twists and you don't want to put it down. It was better than I expected when I started reading. Although not graphic, some heavy topics / triggers are covered. I'd recommend at least high school age for that reason.

[Sharon Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superlative writing style, storyline and characters

Completely a world of its own. I felt I was traveling in a time warped China that had been changed into this magical world with magical beings and some of them weren't all that nice. Our heroes and heroines had to face personal battles as well as real ones. Along the way friendships were made and friends were lost. Love was found and lost. I love the way that each book just built on each other. But, if you loved the books then you are going to want more and that is right more is coming.

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this. It's a refreshing alternative to the fantasy world based on medieval Europe, and the concept was so interesting. However, the story was just not moving along, and it was getting aggravating hearing the same thoughts over and over when in the Princess's point of view. I kept reading for a while hoping that I could get past this and maybe the story would carry past these issues, but when a point of tension just deflated into an awkward scene, I had to concede that this story is not for me. I may try something else from the author.

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories to grab your heart and mind. the intertwining of pride, love, greed.

A young woman is the flower of her people. The only daughter with two brothers, the royalty of Cathay. She has a fiery proud personality. Her biggest asset is her beautiful singing voice. This story is about the fall of a culture and the growth of a woman. The people are all bigger than life and each has a story that grows around the young princess. You won’t be able to put the three books down until all are read. Then you can relax from the tension that you have

[Barbara Salfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I found the story engaged me enough that I wanted to be able to read it in one settng but of course that did not happen. Looking forward to the next story. The reason for the four star rating was due to editing errors. The one that stands out was the use of soldier in place of shoulder. There were other simular errors, but none to jarring to take me out of the story. Would recommend reading.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent quartet of such magnitude in the epic fantasy, good against evil genre full of plots and sub-plots, political intrigue, betrayals and courage, friendship and loyalty and yes even romance. This set of books was much more than I expected especially at the very reasonable price it was selling for. I highly recommend this set of books to all those who love epic fantasy, full of great battle scenes, magic, and brutal enemies all written in a most beautiful poetic way.

[Bonnie Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political intrigue

Dragon series contained much intrigue to climb politically and to tear down nations. I had to look back in the story to be sure that I understood which villain or honest politician or Lord was making plans. All in all the story was entertaining if I was able to recall who the plotter was. The story improved while learning how the princess grew more intelligent and brave

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm more into paranormal romance, I really Loved this story. A story of a princess with a magical voice who has to face betrayal, political games and overwhelming odds, just to grow up. I love the story and the epic tale it became. Excitement, adventure and a little romance, the perfect 13 book for anyone, of any age, to read and enjoy. Although there are a few adult scenes, they are tastefully done and Okay for a younger crowd. I highly recommend this series and JC Kang as an author.

[Ethan Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disappointed in the ending!

Trying to say the ending was justified because thats how things worked in real life.... this is Fantasy, and magic isnt about real life. If i wanted a real life ending.... well you know! I really was expecting something better not just for Kaiya, but for Jie and the others as well. I doubt i would recommend this to my friends even though it was readable through most of it.

[Chris Clarke-Williams]

A story that eventually becomes compelling

A young Princess in a happy land which none the less has very strict court etiquette find herself at the centre of domestic and the international affairs. Many stands if the story for various hero's and Volans run together or diverge into parallel streams. In the end the good end well and the bad end badly that is after all what fiction means according to Oscar Wilde.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. The characters were well written and believable. I have since read some of Kang's prequel stories of Jie and Tian and found a better depth to the characters. Kaiya is such an innocent and so sheltered I felt sorry for her. The books have magic, exciting fights, a dragon, and romance; what's not to like about that? It's a good epic story. I am looking forward to more in this world. I would recommend reading it.