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Legends of Tivara
Masters of Deception
Only a conman can save the world.
For a millennium, the Dragonstone atop a vibrant port city’s pyramid has prevented the Orc Gods from returning to the world and re-enslaving mankind.
Now, with the authorities and crime families teetering on the brink of war, only Cassius Larusso can recruit a team to keep the Dragonstone out of evil hands. A descendant of the Diviner who first banished the Orc Gods, he might be convinced to act— as long as it fills his coffers with gold, his stomach with delicious food, and his bed with a different type of delicacy.
Unfortunately, his choice of companions is limited to the poor souls who come seeking his sometimes fraudulent divinations:
A half-elf spy tracking an assassin.
A sorceress searching for a traitor.
A paladin pursuing his forbidden love.
If he can trick coax them into putting aside their own agendas and taking up his own, Cassius might be able to stave off a war, secure his city, and write his own destiny. If not, what begins as a back-alley battle may bring about the downfall of humanity.
In a game of deceptions, which side will you fight for?
For a millennium, the Dragonstone atop a vibrant port city’s pyramid has prevented the Orc Gods from returning to the world and re-enslaving mankind.
Now, with the authorities and crime families teetering on the brink of war, only Cassius Larusso can recruit a team to keep the Dragonstone out of evil hands. A descendant of the Diviner who first banished the Orc Gods, he might be convinced to act— as long as it fills his coffers with gold, his stomach with delicious food, and his bed with a different type of delicacy.
Unfortunately, his choice of companions is limited to the poor souls who come seeking his sometimes fraudulent divinations:
A half-elf spy tracking an assassin.
A sorceress searching for a traitor.
A paladin pursuing his forbidden love.
If he can trick coax them into putting aside their own agendas and taking up his own, Cassius might be able to stave off a war, secure his city, and write his own destiny. If not, what begins as a back-alley battle may bring about the downfall of humanity.
In a game of deceptions, which side will you fight for?
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2018
361 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Kang
37 books457 followersJC 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:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 22, 2018
Masters of Deception is twisty fast-paced storytelling at it’s best. The world feels alive, chaotic in color, sounds, food, people and culture. I never felt that there was a bubble that this story took place in and knew that if I was to leave the city, there would be a huge world beyond.
The cast is large and the story full of tricky maneuverings as a play for the top dog position of power in the city and beyond unfolds- you’re not sure who is screwing over who until practically the last chapter. I will not talk too much about the plot because I can’t say much more than I do without spoilers.
Cassius- diviner and a bit of a conman, though his divinations are a true gift he doesn’t hesitate to make a fair profit from them. He makes a deal to delay the Aksumite women in the city, and in return for the favor, the Bovyan’s will do his people a service.
Brehane and Makeda (the aforementioned Akusumite women) travelling with their teacher Dawit, arrive in the city searching for Melas one of their members, who seems to be getting too involved with magic that is far beyond his capabilities.
And a series of events has Jie the half-elf sidetracked and helping Sameer the Paladin as he tries to find his missing love Sohini. Sameer’s desire to find Sohini has him pushing all of his teachings aside, acting rashly and getting himself into all sorts of trouble.
There are more but the story revolves around these people, their lives and secret plans, intersecting the others like a big waltz.
Considering how many people are in this story and all the pov’s we get before things start clicking together into a twisty subterfuge of plots, I really only had trouble remembering the names of some of the secondary to the plot characters. Because the mpov’s were all so different, I was able to keep them fairly straight.
Out of them all though, Jie, stood above the rest for me. The little half-elf was fun, got herself into and out binds and had just enough spunk to her to make me really like her. A lot of her scenes were the kind I like the best, exciting and at times quite tense with me worrying she would be caught as she was skulking around getting information.
Cassius was interesting and I enjoyed his pov for the magic fortune telling with the stars because it was very neat and visually pretty (in my head).
Makena and Brehane were quarrelsome with one another, reminding me a little of the teenage years with my kids so they weren’t always my favorite. Later Brehane started to grow on me more, especially after she had some very human responses to battle that brought her rather stuck-up attitude down a peg or two, and made her a bit more relatable.
Sameer- The Paladin had the coolest fight scenes.
For such a character heavy story this had a very complicated plot underneath. It reminded me of Oceans Eleven,not because there was a heist, but for that art of balancing groups of people, secret motivations, and character development through conversations and action as this big involved plot unfolds underneath. It takes some serious talent to balance all of that and keep thing moving.
I had a few instances where I did wonder why they were doing certain things but as each group/person’s motivations because clearer, so did any on my confusion.
If you’re like me, and haven’t read any of the books in the Dragon Songs World, Masters of Deception works well on its own and is a good place to jump in and see if the rest of this world interests you.
Other notes:
What a class A cover on this book!
Posted over at RockStarlit BookAsylum-
https://starlitbook.com/2018/12/20/ma...
The cast is large and the story full of tricky maneuverings as a play for the top dog position of power in the city and beyond unfolds- you’re not sure who is screwing over who until practically the last chapter. I will not talk too much about the plot because I can’t say much more than I do without spoilers.
Cassius- diviner and a bit of a conman, though his divinations are a true gift he doesn’t hesitate to make a fair profit from them. He makes a deal to delay the Aksumite women in the city, and in return for the favor, the Bovyan’s will do his people a service.
Brehane and Makeda (the aforementioned Akusumite women) travelling with their teacher Dawit, arrive in the city searching for Melas one of their members, who seems to be getting too involved with magic that is far beyond his capabilities.
And a series of events has Jie the half-elf sidetracked and helping Sameer the Paladin as he tries to find his missing love Sohini. Sameer’s desire to find Sohini has him pushing all of his teachings aside, acting rashly and getting himself into all sorts of trouble.
There are more but the story revolves around these people, their lives and secret plans, intersecting the others like a big waltz.
Considering how many people are in this story and all the pov’s we get before things start clicking together into a twisty subterfuge of plots, I really only had trouble remembering the names of some of the secondary to the plot characters. Because the mpov’s were all so different, I was able to keep them fairly straight.
Out of them all though, Jie, stood above the rest for me. The little half-elf was fun, got herself into and out binds and had just enough spunk to her to make me really like her. A lot of her scenes were the kind I like the best, exciting and at times quite tense with me worrying she would be caught as she was skulking around getting information.
Cassius was interesting and I enjoyed his pov for the magic fortune telling with the stars because it was very neat and visually pretty (in my head).
Makena and Brehane were quarrelsome with one another, reminding me a little of the teenage years with my kids so they weren’t always my favorite. Later Brehane started to grow on me more, especially after she had some very human responses to battle that brought her rather stuck-up attitude down a peg or two, and made her a bit more relatable.
Sameer- The Paladin had the coolest fight scenes.
For such a character heavy story this had a very complicated plot underneath. It reminded me of Oceans Eleven,not because there was a heist, but for that art of balancing groups of people, secret motivations, and character development through conversations and action as this big involved plot unfolds underneath. It takes some serious talent to balance all of that and keep thing moving.
I had a few instances where I did wonder why they were doing certain things but as each group/person’s motivations because clearer, so did any on my confusion.
If you’re like me, and haven’t read any of the books in the Dragon Songs World, Masters of Deception works well on its own and is a good place to jump in and see if the rest of this world interests you.
Other notes:
What a class A cover on this book!
Posted over at RockStarlit BookAsylum-
https://starlitbook.com/2018/12/20/ma...
November 23, 2018
Twisty, turny epic goodness
One heck of a story! Interesting plot with fascinating characters, especially the clever half elf Jie. Definitely worth reading on to The next book.
One heck of a story! Interesting plot with fascinating characters, especially the clever half elf Jie. Definitely worth reading on to The next book.
May 6, 2019
Masters of Deception is an enjoyable epic fantasy that blends political intrigue, subterfuge, and magic. Set in a world infused with Asian elements it offers a nice break from western settings. The book gathers a motley crew of characters from different cultures (a diviner, a mystic trying to restore her clan’s honor, a paladin searching for his lost love, a half-elf ninja and spy) whose missions converge at one point or another.
The story itself is entertaining, and there is always another surprise to keep the readers on their toes. The cast of characters is diverse and it’s good to see the female characters playing leading roles as convincingly as their male counterparts. The subversion of male/female sexual dynamics in society (women initiate intercourse, men are shy creatures who may panic just before things get serious) surprised me.
Some readers might cringe, however, at the way some conflicts develop. While Brehane and Makeda’s magical and sexual rivalry offered some comic relief, I found it rather shallow and moderately funny (unless transforming soup into cat urine makes you roll on the floor laughing, that is).
All in all, readers fond of fast-paced.conflict-driven epics should enjoy it. Even though I wasn’t crazy about characterization, Masters of Deception is still a fun and entertaining read.
The story itself is entertaining, and there is always another surprise to keep the readers on their toes. The cast of characters is diverse and it’s good to see the female characters playing leading roles as convincingly as their male counterparts. The subversion of male/female sexual dynamics in society (women initiate intercourse, men are shy creatures who may panic just before things get serious) surprised me.
Some readers might cringe, however, at the way some conflicts develop. While Brehane and Makeda’s magical and sexual rivalry offered some comic relief, I found it rather shallow and moderately funny (unless transforming soup into cat urine makes you roll on the floor laughing, that is).
All in all, readers fond of fast-paced.conflict-driven epics should enjoy it. Even though I wasn’t crazy about characterization, Masters of Deception is still a fun and entertaining read.
September 18, 2018
This is an excellent first book in the Dragonstones Chronicles. It is an action-packed fantasy story full of intrigue, twists, surprises, political games, deception and exciting action. The story is set in the same world as the authors Dragon Song Saga series and creates even more depth in an already fascinating world. Jie is a character you can not help but love. She is a feisty, intelligent, very talented half-elf spy (she was my favorite character in the Dragon Song series and is even more so now) and she seems to find trouble where ever she goes. I love the plot twists, magic, deception, humour, adventure and the depth of the characters in this story. The action scenes are great and I really enjoyed how the author showed that the cultural differences/beliefs between the Brehane and Cassius caused problems and misunderstandings on both sides. It was amusing and illustrated well that there is always more than one way to look at things. It is fast paced, captivating story and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 15, 2018
This is the first book in the Dragon Stones Chronicle, and is a follow up story to the Dragon Song Saga however, this story takes us away from Cathay and the royal court and deals mainly with one of the story’s characters Jie, the half-elf spy. Wherever Jie goes trouble seems to follow and adventures galore. This character is so spunky and so much fun to read about, she is one kick-ass heroine. In this story she teams up with Sameer who is a Paladin Mystic, and Brehane who is an Aksumi who is under the impression that same as in her own land women were powerful whilst men did their bidding till she is frightfully shocked to learn otherwise. They all end up searching for Sohini, a paladin friend of Sameer’s who has gone missing however they end up being embroiled in a lot of intricate political games between different peoples coming from different social backgrounds. We travel with the group through rough areas full of thugs, whores and pimps, and richer areas full of Signores, prostitutes and armed bodyguards. Also the story takes some very devious turns and uncovers some deceitful traitors who have turned against their own, so one does not really know who to trust in the end and now they are all on their way to Arkos. So, onward to the next adventure, where hopefully we get to meet Jie once again. The world building is awesome, sword and sorcery battles are brilliant and the characters are very likeable.
October 11, 2018
What a wonderful story that keeps you intrigued. Cassius is the only one who can keep the dragonstone out of the wrong hands . Amazing fantasy as always by this author.
May 25, 2019
Overall, I did enjoy this novel. It was a wild, fast paced ride through this fun world filled with different ways of using magic, different societies, and lots of fighting!
It's a very plot focused book, with the characters and world building just floating along and following the plot. I think if a bit more time was put into developing these aspects, the book would've hit 5 stars for me easy. I did like the characters (especially Jie), I just feel they could've used more.
The ending was a bit mental, with things happening here there and everywhere! In general I was dissatisfied with it, especially the way Makeda was handled. Being left with your rapists is not a good look, and I wish Brehane had gone back for her.
Once I was able to connect all the dots and have a general idea of what was going on, it was a super fun, engaging read! I look forward to picking up more of these books in the near future.
It's a very plot focused book, with the characters and world building just floating along and following the plot. I think if a bit more time was put into developing these aspects, the book would've hit 5 stars for me easy. I did like the characters (especially Jie), I just feel they could've used more.
The ending was a bit mental, with things happening here there and everywhere! In general I was dissatisfied with it, especially the way Makeda was handled. Being left with your rapists is not a good look, and I wish Brehane had gone back for her.
Once I was able to connect all the dots and have a general idea of what was going on, it was a super fun, engaging read! I look forward to picking up more of these books in the near future.
May 15, 2019
Fast-paced and adventurous
Masters of Deception is a fairly fast-paced adventure following four characters of varied race and culture. Each is pursuing their own goals, which happen to align for a time, although they can never be quite sure of one another’s true motives. The writing is polished and clear, with a straightforward style. The world is vast, with many races and cultures among the various nations. The characters were well-crafted for the most part, if not all entirely likable. Some characters are fairly consistent throughout; others change and grow some throughout, but not all of the growth felt natural and earned, to me. As the story progresses, our four characters’ paths cross and diverge a few times, and I think that was particularly well done.
Readers who enjoy plot-driven books would probably enjoy this more than those looking for character-driven stories. The events keep the narrative moving at a quick pace, and the adventure never gets dull. People who like a wide variety of races and cultures would likely enjoy the world quite a bit.
4/5, I felt the story was engaging and well-told. Some of the characters fell a bit short for me, with their growth feeling sudden or unearned. I felt like the villains were a little underdeveloped, as well, and it felt like rape was used to denote “bad guy”, which I found a bit distasteful. However, it wasn't gratuitous or detailed and overall, the book was well-written and enjoyable.
Masters of Deception is a fairly fast-paced adventure following four characters of varied race and culture. Each is pursuing their own goals, which happen to align for a time, although they can never be quite sure of one another’s true motives. The writing is polished and clear, with a straightforward style. The world is vast, with many races and cultures among the various nations. The characters were well-crafted for the most part, if not all entirely likable. Some characters are fairly consistent throughout; others change and grow some throughout, but not all of the growth felt natural and earned, to me. As the story progresses, our four characters’ paths cross and diverge a few times, and I think that was particularly well done.
Readers who enjoy plot-driven books would probably enjoy this more than those looking for character-driven stories. The events keep the narrative moving at a quick pace, and the adventure never gets dull. People who like a wide variety of races and cultures would likely enjoy the world quite a bit.
4/5, I felt the story was engaging and well-told. Some of the characters fell a bit short for me, with their growth feeling sudden or unearned. I felt like the villains were a little underdeveloped, as well, and it felt like rape was used to denote “bad guy”, which I found a bit distasteful. However, it wasn't gratuitous or detailed and overall, the book was well-written and enjoyable.
September 19, 2018
The Story Finally Told!
We first encountered about this mysterious adventure when Jie was sent to the mission and disappeared from the narrative in the original novels. She later reappeared, never talked of it, and then when she met her new friends again, she shared an understanding and closeness with them that no one understood in the original novels.
This was that adventure.
An adventure that is memorable and which explains that special camaraderie this group showed in the original novels in this universe. Wow.
Other than that, as usual, JC Kang showed his amazing eye for details and excellent skills in weaving together more than 8 stories into one big maze and slowly unravel it as clear as a web. The interconnections, the questions, the twists and turns, the intrigues, will keep you guessing and glued in this world.
Well done once again! Superb! Highly recommended! Congratulations!
We first encountered about this mysterious adventure when Jie was sent to the mission and disappeared from the narrative in the original novels. She later reappeared, never talked of it, and then when she met her new friends again, she shared an understanding and closeness with them that no one understood in the original novels.
This was that adventure.
An adventure that is memorable and which explains that special camaraderie this group showed in the original novels in this universe. Wow.
Other than that, as usual, JC Kang showed his amazing eye for details and excellent skills in weaving together more than 8 stories into one big maze and slowly unravel it as clear as a web. The interconnections, the questions, the twists and turns, the intrigues, will keep you guessing and glued in this world.
Well done once again! Superb! Highly recommended! Congratulations!
September 26, 2018
Excellent writing and fun to read
I love it. It answers so many questions about my favorite characters from The Dragon Songs. It gives them more depth while building up the storyline and whole world of the Tivara. I can't wait to read to read more about this world and I love that it is written around an Oriental, medieval culture. It makes the books even more fun to read.
I recommend this book for older teens to adults because of sexual content.
I love it. It answers so many questions about my favorite characters from The Dragon Songs. It gives them more depth while building up the storyline and whole world of the Tivara. I can't wait to read to read more about this world and I love that it is written around an Oriental, medieval culture. It makes the books even more fun to read.
I recommend this book for older teens to adults because of sexual content.
September 20, 2018
This is a great fantasy story!
While this series doesn't have any dragons in it, yet, it has plenty of action and magic. I really enjoyed it and think anyone who likes a great fantasy would too. This is a "in between" two series novel, so enjoy one you don't have to wait on a sequel, lol.
While this series doesn't have any dragons in it, yet, it has plenty of action and magic. I really enjoyed it and think anyone who likes a great fantasy would too. This is a "in between" two series novel, so enjoy one you don't have to wait on a sequel, lol.
October 24, 2018
Brilliant
Oh this is such a good book! The way Kang mixes different cultures and perspectives in the same scenario is absolutely fascinating. I want to read more about Joe and all the others!
Oh this is such a good book! The way Kang mixes different cultures and perspectives in the same scenario is absolutely fascinating. I want to read more about Joe and all the others!
January 2, 2019
It is good to get the story behind the story for this series. I hope the continuing saga will be forth coming.
March 5, 2020
I've been looking for some own-voices Asian stories to add to my review list, so when the author offered me this one for review I was happy to oblige.
Admittedly, this is the type of fantasy story that you have to love to get into. The world building is broad and heavy, with many different different ethnic groups with different cultures all coming together. It's definitely a steep learning curve at the beginning (and some spaces near the middle). But my favorite part of the worldbuilding was the magic system. It's a very hard system with rules and consequences for overuse that made magic feel, for lack of a better word, real.
The synopsis hints at a kind of found family, which is one of my favorite story tropes. That does exist, although it takes a bit to warm up to it. It's less a group of people banded together for one mission and more four people willing to work together because it suits their own personal interests. However, you begin to see the sentiments between the four growing and I'd hazard a guess that a found family forms much more strongly later on in the series.
There are an insane number of plot twists in this book, it's hard to describe them all. The strangest part of it for me was the fact that I was blindsided by so many of the smaller plot twists, yet the big one at the end seemed painfully obvious to me. When all of the characters gasped and said "THEY are one of the villains??" I was genuinely confused. I'd sworn that it had been spelled out before. But the ending battle was a perfect display of each character's abilities, so I was happy with it... even if it wasn't a surprise.
Like I mentioned before, this is a kind of fantasy book you have to already enjoy. Specifically the scheming, political, everyone vying for power with hidden agendas. There were honestly times I forgot what certain characters personal quests were with all the twists and turns. And I do wish the foursome the story focuses on had been on a more unified quest at the end. But it's an intriguing tale that left me wanting to move on to the next one!
Admittedly, this is the type of fantasy story that you have to love to get into. The world building is broad and heavy, with many different different ethnic groups with different cultures all coming together. It's definitely a steep learning curve at the beginning (and some spaces near the middle). But my favorite part of the worldbuilding was the magic system. It's a very hard system with rules and consequences for overuse that made magic feel, for lack of a better word, real.
The synopsis hints at a kind of found family, which is one of my favorite story tropes. That does exist, although it takes a bit to warm up to it. It's less a group of people banded together for one mission and more four people willing to work together because it suits their own personal interests. However, you begin to see the sentiments between the four growing and I'd hazard a guess that a found family forms much more strongly later on in the series.
There are an insane number of plot twists in this book, it's hard to describe them all. The strangest part of it for me was the fact that I was blindsided by so many of the smaller plot twists, yet the big one at the end seemed painfully obvious to me. When all of the characters gasped and said "THEY are one of the villains??" I was genuinely confused. I'd sworn that it had been spelled out before. But the ending battle was a perfect display of each character's abilities, so I was happy with it... even if it wasn't a surprise.
Like I mentioned before, this is a kind of fantasy book you have to already enjoy. Specifically the scheming, political, everyone vying for power with hidden agendas. There were honestly times I forgot what certain characters personal quests were with all the twists and turns. And I do wish the foursome the story focuses on had been on a more unified quest at the end. But it's an intriguing tale that left me wanting to move on to the next one!
August 16, 2020
I loved this story! I’ve read the Scions of the Black Lotus series by JC Kang, and it was great, but I’ve got to say that Masters of Deception is even better. It’s a fitting title for the story, since deception and secrets abound. The plotting is masterful and while I had some guesses as to what was going on, only a couple of my suspicions were correct, and I didn’t know how the story would turn out, that’s for sure. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I believe there will be future volumes that will continue the story.
By coincidence, or perhaps by fate, members of different societies from across the continent end up together in the city Tokahia as a plot to take over the city is coming to fruition. Jie, a half-elf from the Black Lotus clan, is searching for an assassin. Brehane, a Mystic from the matriarchal Aksumi, searches for a missing male Adept. Sameer, an apprentice Paladin, is searching for a missing apprentice who also happens to be the girl he loves. These members of disparate organizations all come together seeking help from Cassius, an Estovari Diviner who is tasked with keeping his city safe from the return of the Orc Gods. I really liked how all the stories intertwined with each other and how the different people were able to use their unique skills to help one another achieve their goals. I also loved all the different kinds of magic the groups used and how, despite how different the results were, the effects of using magic on the caster are similar. I have a feeling that in future books, Brehane will be able combine even more kinds of magic. The interactions between members of such different societies was quite amusing at times, especially between the matriarchal and patriarchal society members. There are a few entertaining misunderstandings. This book is very well written and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see how the story will continue in the future!
By coincidence, or perhaps by fate, members of different societies from across the continent end up together in the city Tokahia as a plot to take over the city is coming to fruition. Jie, a half-elf from the Black Lotus clan, is searching for an assassin. Brehane, a Mystic from the matriarchal Aksumi, searches for a missing male Adept. Sameer, an apprentice Paladin, is searching for a missing apprentice who also happens to be the girl he loves. These members of disparate organizations all come together seeking help from Cassius, an Estovari Diviner who is tasked with keeping his city safe from the return of the Orc Gods. I really liked how all the stories intertwined with each other and how the different people were able to use their unique skills to help one another achieve their goals. I also loved all the different kinds of magic the groups used and how, despite how different the results were, the effects of using magic on the caster are similar. I have a feeling that in future books, Brehane will be able combine even more kinds of magic. The interactions between members of such different societies was quite amusing at times, especially between the matriarchal and patriarchal society members. There are a few entertaining misunderstandings. This book is very well written and enjoyable. I can’t wait to see how the story will continue in the future!
February 6, 2021
More of Jie? Yes, please!
Seriously now. 85-90%.
This book happens between Dragon Songs #1 and #2, following the half-elf spy Jie into a town full of gangsters, brothels, plots upon plots, and betrayals upon betrayals. And while she might be capable of turning a town upside down alone, she doesn't need to. Another character returning from the Dragon Songs series is Sameer, though he'll be a new face for those reading the books chronologically (as he isn't present in Dragon Songs #1).
In this messy town, Jie is hunting for someone, Sameer and two more paladins are searching for one of their own, and so are Brehanne and Makeda - who would rather see one another burn than help them. And then there's the diviner Cassius.
But as things go downhill, these characters who don't trust each other at all will have to work together for a greater good, and their differences go a long way for the story's enjoyment.
Due to the cast, this seems way more 'direct' and closer to reality than the idealistic approach of Princess Kayia in Dragon songs, but still keeps true to the series and the larger universe.
Seriously now. 85-90%.
This book happens between Dragon Songs #1 and #2, following the half-elf spy Jie into a town full of gangsters, brothels, plots upon plots, and betrayals upon betrayals. And while she might be capable of turning a town upside down alone, she doesn't need to. Another character returning from the Dragon Songs series is Sameer, though he'll be a new face for those reading the books chronologically (as he isn't present in Dragon Songs #1).
In this messy town, Jie is hunting for someone, Sameer and two more paladins are searching for one of their own, and so are Brehanne and Makeda - who would rather see one another burn than help them. And then there's the diviner Cassius.
But as things go downhill, these characters who don't trust each other at all will have to work together for a greater good, and their differences go a long way for the story's enjoyment.
Due to the cast, this seems way more 'direct' and closer to reality than the idealistic approach of Princess Kayia in Dragon songs, but still keeps true to the series and the larger universe.
February 23, 2020
A magical crystal on top of a pyramid protects the world from invaders. Let's just leave that one where it is, please?
This book is set in the same realms as the author's other stories, but it is written as a standalone. It does read just fine one its own, but maybe reading some of the others would help provide background because there is a lot going on here.
This is an epic fantasy story with a rich and complex setting. The setting has multiple realms that are all at each other's throat. The story also features multiple characters each seemingly pursuing their own agendas and mysteries, but it all ties together very skillfully in the end. I enjoyed the complexity of the story and the characters, but had a hard time keeping them straight at times. In spite of that, I was drawn into the story early on and couldn't put it down. I look forward to exploring more of this world.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This book is set in the same realms as the author's other stories, but it is written as a standalone. It does read just fine one its own, but maybe reading some of the others would help provide background because there is a lot going on here.
This is an epic fantasy story with a rich and complex setting. The setting has multiple realms that are all at each other's throat. The story also features multiple characters each seemingly pursuing their own agendas and mysteries, but it all ties together very skillfully in the end. I enjoyed the complexity of the story and the characters, but had a hard time keeping them straight at times. In spite of that, I was drawn into the story early on and couldn't put it down. I look forward to exploring more of this world.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
November 24, 2022
There are some author's literary worlds that are just a delight to read/return to, John Kang's Tivara being one of those for me.
This follows Jie, on an adventure set within the time period of the Dragon Song books, where she is tracking a traitor. Besides Jie and a character who appears in the Dragon Song books, it is a whole new set of characters, which are immediately relatable to with engaging personalities.
One aspect of this book I really enjoyed was the reversed societal norms between one of the cultures compared to the others, which members of all cultures were not aware of, which allows for the exploration of some interesting situations.
This is a fun read that keeps you engaged as it zips along at a brisk pace while also having a mysterious undercurrent to keep you guessing about some aspects of the plot.
This follows Jie, on an adventure set within the time period of the Dragon Song books, where she is tracking a traitor. Besides Jie and a character who appears in the Dragon Song books, it is a whole new set of characters, which are immediately relatable to with engaging personalities.
One aspect of this book I really enjoyed was the reversed societal norms between one of the cultures compared to the others, which members of all cultures were not aware of, which allows for the exploration of some interesting situations.
This is a fun read that keeps you engaged as it zips along at a brisk pace while also having a mysterious undercurrent to keep you guessing about some aspects of the plot.
January 25, 2020
Another great read!
Last year I discovered JC Kang through his Dragon Songs saga and through the year I managed to read every book he published! I just love his style. The way he paints the characters and the intricate plots that always keep the reader on their toes. In Masters of deception I love re encountering some characters featured in Dragon Songs and I specially loooved the Aksumi culture! How does he come up with that stuff? Another five stars review and another standing ovation. Congratulations J. C. Looking forward to what comes next!
Last year I discovered JC Kang through his Dragon Songs saga and through the year I managed to read every book he published! I just love his style. The way he paints the characters and the intricate plots that always keep the reader on their toes. In Masters of deception I love re encountering some characters featured in Dragon Songs and I specially loooved the Aksumi culture! How does he come up with that stuff? Another five stars review and another standing ovation. Congratulations J. C. Looking forward to what comes next!
April 4, 2025
I picked up the first in the Dragon Songs Saga at a comic convention and I was hooked. This is a side quest really, but follows right after the end of Songs of Insurrection and introduces characters from other parts of the world. There is more magic, lots of different kinds of magic plus spying, intrigue and plots to invade. I love the way it changes POV with each character, so you truly get insight in to that person, as well as the traditions from their native lands. Fantastic story with lots of action and twists in the plot. An excellent epic fantasy
May 8, 2020
Masters of Deception ticks all the boxes. All of Kang's trademark elements are here. The richly detailed, voluptuously visual settings, the supremely relatable characters, the twisting, tangled web of intrigue and the unexpected sharp jabs of humour, so sharp that one can't help thinking of him as an English, rather than an American author. I shan't risk spoiling, but I will say that you're guaranteed to enjoy.
June 29, 2021
A fast paced epic and a good first book in the Dragon stone chronicles. I love the mix of Asian and western culture and the way everything comes to life. From the cultures, colours and descriptions.
The cast of characters and their various goals and motivations add even more to the story's flow and the familiarity of the world it's set in.
There's political intrigue, rivalry and face palming conflicts. A good read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.
The cast of characters and their various goals and motivations add even more to the story's flow and the familiarity of the world it's set in.
There's political intrigue, rivalry and face palming conflicts. A good read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.
July 26, 2019
Enjoyable story filled with magic, mafia, brothels, half-elves, and political drama. The Asian-based mythology was icing on the cake, and I can't say enough good things about Jie. Apparently, this book is set between books of the Dragon Songs Saga, so I'll need to get my hands on the other books fast!
September 23, 2019
This is the story of how Sameer, Brehane, and Jie meet for the first time. As such it is a great backstory for fans of the series. I especially loved it as the half-elf Jie is one of my favorite fantasy characters. I gobble up any story that has her in it. Even aside from all that, this is an exciting, fun and well-written book that’s easily worth the read and easy to recommend.
May 23, 2023
Jei was interesting character and made the book much more entertaining. Brehane and her cousin had such differing cultural beliefs that made the journey harder and I don’t think they really figured it out. Brehane wanted to believe the best on people and return glory to a long lost line in her family, time will tell if she is able to do so.
January 24, 2020
I could not put this one down no matter what I knew I had to do that day. It is well-written and I absolutely loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2023
Good read
I enjoyed this book, it gives a very old feel with a different kind of magic. Better explanations or descriptions in some parts would have made it better. But otherwise a good read.
I enjoyed this book, it gives a very old feel with a different kind of magic. Better explanations or descriptions in some parts would have made it better. But otherwise a good read.
May 9, 2019
Couldn't put this book down. Great story.The characters were fabulous.
May 20, 2019
Not a good read
A lot to fallow an not enough of information as to who what an where when. Just running in circles.
A lot to fallow an not enough of information as to who what an where when. Just running in circles.
July 30, 2019
A fun fast-paced story with lots of twists and turns. But the characters felt a little underdeveloped.
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