Scions of the Black Lotus: The Complete Tales of the Floating World: A Legends of Tivara Epic Sword and Sorcery

Scions of the Black Lotus #1-6

by J.C. Kang

For an imperial assassin, assignment as a courtesan in the Floating World seems like a waste of her talents... until killers target her clan sisters.

In the legendary Floating World, wars are waged with wit, the strongest soldier can be bound with threads of silk, and flesh is the currency by which life, death, and freedom can all be purchased.

Half-elf Jie doesn’t mind her temporary assignment as a Night Blossom in the most sought-after house. It’s perfect cover for her real work as an assassin in the emperor’s service, and keeps her close to one who matters most. Her life belongs to her clan, but her heart lies with clan junior, Lilian.

Lilian’s talents trade stealth for sensuality, poison for poetry. With looks as sharp as any blade, she can coax information from any man, and still leave him paying for the pleasure. She’s enthralled many a noble, none more important than the warlord who can calm a brewing insurrection. Only her sweet whispers can secure his obedience to the throne.But now, his increasing abuse has Jie seeking a new assignment for Lilian—even if it means their separation.

When killers target clan sisters, and the seeds of rebellion find fertile soil in the Floating World, Jie must choose between loyalty and love.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Audiobook, Epic Fantasy, Adult

844 pages, Hardcover

Published November 28, 2019

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

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Kang has done it again with this box set of his floating world series . This series is fantastic and it has everything in it a reader loved . The main characters are easy friends who have you worrying about decisions they make good or bad . The world building is excellent and makes you feel like you are a part of the world . His writing skill completely draws you in and you hate to put any of these books down because you have to know what's going to happen .
So as a reader do yourself a favor and pick up this series and then leave a review helps the author's more than you know .

[Tawallah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an Asian inspired short story fantasy collection. Set in a historical period which seems to most resemble China when there were emperors and potential unrest between the Northern clans and the rest of the empire. These fast paced novella describes a world where women are relegated to the major role of courtesans, but all is not as it seems. There are rumored secret society of spies known as the Black Lotus and possible rebellion by Northern clans.

This collection was a mixed bag - the initial novella sets the stage and is great at introducing the character, Jie and crafting the intrigue that occurs from the introduction. What leaves a bitter taste is the sexual violence that occurs. It is difficult to determine whether this is meant to be a critique of that society or just a plot device. As a plot device, it felt gratuitous, an issue that modern readers rightfully take umbrage. And it is never fully addressed by the end and the sexual content felt exploitative both for the characters and readers. To be fair, some readers will continue for the intrigue. This is better explored in the later installments peaking with The Last Heir of the North. And even these had issues with the continued use of a certain trope for the endings.

Then there is The Last Bloom of the Jade Lotus. This felt like it was addressing many of the issues in the beginning. And I could contort myself and justify it saying that it revealing wrong assumptions. But I won't. I feel this and its predecessor should have been the basis for this backstory and better fleshed out.

These novellas are messy and needed better editing. This had potential to be a good and solid series but the execution needed some work. If authors are going to use sexual violence, please go beyond the act and don't just use it as a cliche for revenge.

Will I continue with The Dragon Song Saga? This one gets higher praise and was the reason this collection was written. Undecided for now.

[Kevin Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although far from what I expected, this is a phenomenally told tale that does an excellent job of setting the stage for Mr. Kang's Dragon Songs Saga.

This was my first exposure to narrator Natalie Naudus and I have to say I'm damned impressed! Her voices are fantastic, and even the male voices are at least somewhat believable. Her vocal inflections are expertly crafted, and her tempo shifts are subtle but effective.

Now, before I go farther do note that I have NOT read the Dragon Songs Saga, so naturally there are likely to be nuances and Easter eggs that I have missed. But especially for a collection of such a short books the character development is absolutely fantastic.

Within just a few minutes I felt I had a keen grasp of who Jie is and what she's about.

Of course, then I was introduced to the east Asian-inspired spy network that forms the backdrop of this series and I realized that nothing is going to be what it seems!

There is some incredible world building here and the culture is quite fascinating.

There are so many twists and reversals throughout these stories that it's easy to become lost in them. Every time you think you know what's going on, something changes everything all over again.

Over the course of the books we're introduced to do many questions, so many mysteries that at times I wondered if there would even be enough time to answer them all.

I have to admit that on that front I am thoroughly impressed. Not only did the books answer every question I had, but managed to do it in completely unexpected ways that left me reeling!

Normally I have criticisms of pretty much every book, but honestly without feeling nitpicky the only thing I can say is I wish each book had been longer! (not that a 24-hour audiobook collection is in any way short!)

Looking at it now, and seeing the complete story of the series, the overarching plot and mystery that have finally come out, I have to say my mind is fairly well blown.

I am so, so, so anxious to see audio editions of Mr Kang's main Dragon Songs series now!

And speaking of the ending(s), each book manages a phenomenal ending that I couldn't be happier with. But in the last two there are endings in both a flashback sequence and the in the present, and both climaxes come off brilliantly in ways that bring the whole arc to a close in so much more satisfying a way than I ever thought possible.

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant series that I cannot recommend strongly enough! Seriously, read everything by JC Kang. This man is a phenomenal author!

I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy Eastern-themed fantasy, those who enjoy spy thrillers, those who enjoy quick and snappy pacing in their fantasy, and especially to those who are fascinated by morally gray characters.

[Tasha Turner]

Way too much rape/threats of & non-consensual sex that was really rape. Societies where author multiple times describes women as having 2 choices - common prostitute & abused or courtesan with slightly lower abuse & every woman should expect to be raped if they don’t have guards/protection with them.

I read the entire set as I was drawn into the protagonist & wanted to see how it ended.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the “Legends of Tivara” world created by JC Kang with its fantastic blend of Asian culture with fantasy including dwarves, elves and half-elves. It’s Tales of the Floating World Story arc is utterly superb. It introduced one of my all-time favorite fantasy characters, Jie, a half-elf leader of a cell in a ninja-like clan of spies and assassins dedicated to imperial service, and the courtesans (and some secret assassins) of the “Floating World”. I loved how this story arc blended ninja-like assassins into a fantastic tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, friendship, love and truly incredible action. The author has clearly done his research on ancient Japan’s ninjas and courtesans. His version of the “Floating World” is an idealized view of the “Floating World” Yoshiwara pleasure district in Edo Period Japan (discounting the magic, elves, etc.), though you’d not know that if you weren’t a geek like me whose been fascinated with ancient Japan ever since reading James Clavell’s Shōgun. JC Jang’s vision of the assassin clan is also idealized and perfect - and astoundingly cool. This set of books provides a world that is amazingly imaginative. I’ve fallen in love with it as seen by my separately reviews of each of the books in it. These are fantastic, utterly cool, action tales set in a fantasy Asian setting that which works so well I ended up thinking that this is a far better world for fantasy than the Euro-centric settings that dominate fantasy tales. I highly recommend this book set.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1: What a terrific look into the past and how things began. I love Miss Jie.

Book 2: Fantastic!!! This is an absolutely fantastic addition to the Legends of Tivara series. I was absolutely blown away.

Book 3: This is a fantastic series and I love being able to see where Jie and Tian began. This story picks right up where White Sheep of the Family leaves off and we are off and running.

Book 4: What an exceptional addition to the storyline. I love all the added depth Kang brings to his characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of Jie and Tian's story.

Book 5: What an epic addition to this series. I have absolutely enjoyed and been thrilled with every installment. I didn't see this ending coming which made it even better! I have said it already but, glimpsing into the earlier years of Jie and little Tian are super amazing. I have loved every page of it.

Book 6: What an epic ending to this series. I have absolutely enjoyed and been thrilled with every installment. I didn't see this ending coming which made it even better! Thank you JC Kang for such an amazing final installment and epic series over all. If you haven't read these yet … They are a MUST HAVE!

There are also 2 interludes ;) I let you enjoy those on your own!

I read all the main books as ARC's so why wouldn't I want to enjoy the boxed set also!

[Ray Curto · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the world-building and the hierarchy of the society that the author created. Very original.

The problems I have so far with the story are a couple of things that have made me put the book down for over a week. The first problem is this is a story about spies, espionage, and subterfuge, which was the reason I started reading the book, but it does not feel like a story about spies, espionage, and subterfuge. The way the story is written, there is no complexity, or layers to the story. I read the first two novellas before I decided to put the book down because the characters are two dimensional, and the plot is simple. I think if there was more story in each novella, the author would have had more space to deepen the characters, add more layers to the story, and the story more compelling.

The second problem I have with this story is probably more to personal taste than anything else. The characters work in a brothel and they also kill and injure the bad guys which ordinarily I would not have a problem, but the characters in these stories are teenagers and younger.

I will not finish reading the story. The author has done a magnificent job in creating a very interesting and vivid world, but the story he crafted is simple and the characters are flat. (less)

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a beautifully rich world of courtesans, duplicity, spies, betrayal, politics, friendship and deadly assassins. It is the story of Jie and her brothers and sisters of the Black Lotus Clan and also of Jie’s earlier life in the Floating World. The characters are well developed and you easily become attached to them. The Floating World is a fascinating mix of beauty, depravity, rivalry, exploitation and sisterhood bonds and one that hides many secrets. This story has lots of twists and turns, and each revelation seems to create yet more mysteries. Just when you think you know what the truth is, something changes and nothing is what you thought it was. It will keep you guessing and captivated from the start to the brilliant ending. Even though each book in the series can be read as a stand alone, you need to read all the books in order to appreciate the overarching plot that is perfectly woven throughout and slowly revealed as each book progresses. This is a thrilling set of stories that will surprise you at every turn.

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

My feelings on this series are a bit complicated. I expected a series that was a lot lighter than it really was. I expected something more young adult with a fantastical world. While the world building is decent and the plot is decent, the story itself is a lot grimmer and darker. It has some pretty graphic sexual violence that seemed more out of place as the story went out. It was the catalyst for revenge, but it never truly was resolved as the stories came to a close. The plot twists throughout each novella, added to the confusion. But with all that said, I greatly enjoyed the flow and the writing of the overall story. It has beautiful descriptions of the world and the culture. Apparently, this is a prequel to a different series that follows Jie even more. I think I will read that series as I think Jie is a fascinating character. I do like this authors writing. And while this story isn't perfect for me, I do think the next series will be better. I've seen other reviews to that affect.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanting, Entertaining and totally Absorbing

The events of this omnibus edition revolve around a group of young girls who are, or training to become, courtesans, however, they are also highly trained members of a clan of spy/assassins who work for the emperor.
This is written in a style that is both easy to read and highly entertaining on so many different levels. You have the fighting and stealth techniques used by the clan, you have an interesting insight into the world of a courtesan and the flowery language used within the community, plus there is a fascinating plot running through the books and which is only resolved in the last few pages.
All the characters are well realised, developed and likeable, especially Jie, Tian and Lilian.
The only reason I haven't give this 5 stars is because of the numbers of grammatical mistakes spread throughout the books which, unfortunately, spoil the flow of the story.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set of stories written in the intriguing Kang style of writing are full of sword and sorcery and epic adventures in a cultural setting which is highly interesting and colourful as the stories are based in the floating world of the night blossoms and our team are part of the scion of the black lotus. This team of young people are fully trained to fight and escape through the tightest of corners, they back one another and carry out feats which are amazing and very thrilling. I have read all 6 books as they came out and have reviewed each individually but I cannot recommend these highly enough especially now that they can be read without waiting. The world building of the floating world and the trench in all their depravities is so very intriguing and our young team of characters grow both in age and in their particular strengths as we read through the books.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these books, even though it was a slow read for me. The characters are likable, and have tragic flaws that make them believable. Kang’s narrative style is smooth and scene transitions are fluid. I realized after I started this is a “prequel” and while it stands well enough on its own, it’s missing some of the world-building aspects that would have made it easier to follow. I’d recommend starting with another thread to get a better idea of the “big picture”. There’s also supplemental material on the website that helps (a trend I am not fond of).

Something that’s unique to these series is the artwork. Considerable skill and time went into developing the cover art and other art in the books. I recommend picking up the art book, “Art of the Floating World”, to see the amazing level of detail and consideration that went into the art of the books.

[Tom Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this series on audible in return for an honest review.
Here goes. I am a sucker for asian themed fantasy, so I enjoyed this series.
I saw it as sort of serial fiction.
The characters were well developed and the worldbuilding was solid.
Kang's fight scenes were written well too as I would expect someone from a martial arts background's to be.

Things that threw me a little:
The timeline seemed a little convoluted and I wasn't really sure I believed everything could take place in that time.
Sometimes the parts discussing politics - both for the country and for the floating world dragged a little.
That said, I will read future installments.
I went back and forth with 3's and 4's rating the individual books, but settled on a 4 overall rounded up.
Thank you John!

[Barry Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

JC Kang is an excellent writer, the story flows well from beginning to end. This story is a little different in that it oscillates between the past and present and some might not like that.
It also reads like a detective mystery as opposed to a fantasy novel. Some persons who are not fans of that genre might be put off, it however shows the author's versatility.

A striking thing which may again put off some readers is that his books become more adult varying significantly from the first even though these books are prequels and the characters are younger. They are actual sex scenes, use of vulgarity etc. This is in stark contrast to his first which pre-teens could read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think being an imperial assassin couldn't be any riskier, wait until the heart becomes emotionally invested. Motives become blurred as the lines of loyalty to clan and heart begin to waver. This series is full of action, intensity, and drama that is dispersed throughout amazing characters and an intricate web of plots. The twists and turns throughout this series will lead you through the most shocking revelations and will keep you guessing until the last page. By the conclusion you will have experienced every emotion fathomable and it will leave you with a hunger for more. Well worth the read! I highly recommend it!

[Madi W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read this book as part of an ARC tour in exchange for my honest review.

If Memoirs of a Geisha had ninjas... and her choices determined the fate of an empire

Finished the first book in the Scions of the Black Lotus series, and it was a whirlwind ride. At only around 160ish pages, it's a quick read, but one that keeps you on your toes the whole time. The writing took me a little time to wrap my head around simply because part of the world building seemed to revolve around particular titles for each dynamic, but overall I enjoyed it. With 5 more books in the series, I'm certainly curious as to where things are going (especially with how this book ended).

[Tomas Grizzly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this seems to be a collection of tales, they actually flow one directly into another in a way that all the 800+ page collection forms a single story.
And as Jie is my favorite character in this series, I've found it quite an enjoyable look into her past.

This story also sets up Tian, who makes an appearance in the Dragon Songs series, and the difference between his analytic mind and Jie's hands-on (or blade-on) approach make it quite fun. And, as the exiled son of a lord, his contact with reality leads to several funny situations but, by the collection's end, he shows the worth of his quick mind.

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dragon Song Saga so much that I thought I would probably like Scions of the Black Lotus, a related collection. I was wrong: I did not like it, I absolutely loved it, even more than the first series.
The characters are incredible. Jie, who we meet in Dragon Song Saga (though I think the series stand alone) is the protagonist here, and we get to know her much better. The worldbuilding is exquisite. And the concept is so unique: Jie is a highly-trained courtesan, and also a highly-trained assassin. I was a bit nervous about the first part (especially, tbh, from a male author), but, though there are scenes of sexual violence, they're executed with great care.

A phenomenal series.

[Rally Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scions of the Black Lotus is a fast-paced, action-packed, intriguing read from cover to cover. Betrayal, murder, and mysteries abound as Jie, and the other members of the Black Lotus Clan are thrown into the midst of insurrection and rebellion.

Exquisitely written, this series features fabulous action scenes, an intricate web of lies and deceit, and characters to both love and hate. There is more to this story than initially meets the eye, and I am thrilled I got to experience it. It is an amazing read!

Also, as I listened to this on audio, I might add that the narrator Natalie Naudus does an absolutely awesome job.

I highly recommend this to fantasy lovers out there!

[Samantha Mikals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love JC Kang’s Tivara world! I first started with the Dragon Songs Saga. I love that in this series, we get to experience Jie’s earlier years and Black Lotus training as well as see more of little Tian. This series is so great how the storylines intertwine and how things aren’t always what they appear to be. Kang has a way of building mystery and intrigue and pulling it all together. If you haven’t been introduced to this world yet, I think this is a great starting point as well and highly recommend you jump in!

[Maud carstair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firts i want to thank the autors who gives me the opportunity to read his book.
The book talk about girls who work in the same as courtesans and agent for a secret clan (the black fist). The main character Jie is an half elf. The storie begin with the murder of a very important men for the empire. Follow treason, spies, love....
I loved this book because it has everything i love with a little romance. The rythm is fast and simple.
And i love the main character who wants to understand and forgive everything.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This complete series is a wonderful addition to the Tales of Tivara stories and fills in some background for Jie, Tian and the members of the Black Lotus Clan. It is full of action, intrigue, laughs and tears. Kang weaves a wonderful world of courtiers and peasants, assassins and traitors. It is an excellent series and well worth reading. I read each of these books separately as an ARC and had to wait for each story to be published. This is a better way to enjoy all the books. I am sure you won't be disappointed!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you discover a great series and yearn for a re-read, boxed sets deliver the ultimate in untierrupted immersion. This series delivers an emotional rollercoaster carrying you through unimaginable childhoods, exploitation,assassinations, duplicity and loyalty. Plus, included with this set are two shorts, one dealing with training, and the other illustrating honed skills and teamwork on a mission. This set is truly worth adding to a fantasy readers collection! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[TC Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this books as they were being released individually and what an amazing surprise to know they are now part of a bundle! This story is so entertaining and it has everything you could ask for in a fantasy series (ok, although there are dragons in this world they don’t feature here) but, political intrigues, amazing action scenes and a whole action filled plot will keep you on your toes the whole time! I really loved it! ❤️

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of the Dragon Songs saga will be delighted with this wonderful series, which gives the appropriate starring role to the wonderful character Jie. It's got everything - edge-of-the-seat action sequences, mind-blowingly complex intrigue, a terrific cast of characters, plenty of humour - I spat coffee at some of the thoughts of the young Tian - and a beautifully symmetrical plot. I enjoyed it more than I can say.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story
This series of books is truly great. I am so glad to be able to have all the story gathered together and not have to wait for the next book in the series to be published. The story is long encompassing six books and well worth the time it takes to read. The story is Asia centered with elves, dwarves and magic and terrific descriptions. It is very hard to put down but you do have to sleep so the book must be close for a short while and then unfortunately the story ends.

[janet havrilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Though long this was a good read. I can see why he is a best selling author. He puts the ending first, or did it end that way? He then goes back in time to give you the story leading up to the end but the end is not what you are expecting. All the magic is in the telling of the tale.

[Alice L Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally enjoyable read!

A very well written set of books. The characters were developed and linked together in story line that was consistent and moving towards the culmination. I love consistency and character development above all when reading. Extremely well done in this series... Especially considering length and multiple volumes.

[Clarissa Gosling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great world-building and I loved the Oriental feel to it. That every book had someone who should be dead be alive was a bit repetitive, and the amount of violence against women increased over the course of the series.

[Sandra Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

a maze

Fill of twists and turns which make for a great novel but again with the repetitive retelling of what happened before. The last book was amazing how it twisted and then the retelling through another’s eye.