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Scions of the Black Lotus #3
Wretches of the Trench
A serial killer roves the Trench, and only an eight-year-old girl can stop him.
One of the most promising Black Lotus adepts, Yuna returns to the slums of her birth to assassinate a Triad boss. At stake: the secret of the clan's existence. Led by the half-elf Jie and joined by new recruit Tian, Yuna must come to terms with her past if the mission is to succeed.
With a serial killer on the loose, it will be no easy task.
One of the most promising Black Lotus adepts, Yuna returns to the slums of her birth to assassinate a Triad boss. At stake: the secret of the clan's existence. Led by the half-elf Jie and joined by new recruit Tian, Yuna must come to terms with her past if the mission is to succeed.
With a serial killer on the loose, it will be no easy task.
Audiobook
First published July 6, 2019
26 people are currently reading
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 5, 2020
This one gets a bit darker than the previous two books, and I absolutely love it (while cursing the author's name)!
As before, Natalie Naudus provides a fantastic audio performance complete with fantastic voices, near-perfect vocal inflections, and excellent shifts in tempo throughout.
Once more we dive even deeper into the larger mystery as well as the characters of Jie, Tian, and Yuna, as well as starting to get to know Little One a bit better.
And here we are introduced to one of the darker places in the Floating World, an almost lawless place known as The Trenches where the normal niceties of society are largely forgotten.
Again, the mystery is the primary driver of the plot and the rapid fire twists and turns border on head-spinning.
I won't spoil anything, but there's a very poignant scene that had me very upset at Mr. Kang for a while!
There are some really cool things only hinted at previously that come front and center in this one and it was a lot of fun seeing how they played out.
As I've come to expect, I was entirely unprepared for the ending and it all came together brilliantly.
I really could not have asked for more.
As before, Natalie Naudus provides a fantastic audio performance complete with fantastic voices, near-perfect vocal inflections, and excellent shifts in tempo throughout.
Once more we dive even deeper into the larger mystery as well as the characters of Jie, Tian, and Yuna, as well as starting to get to know Little One a bit better.
And here we are introduced to one of the darker places in the Floating World, an almost lawless place known as The Trenches where the normal niceties of society are largely forgotten.
Again, the mystery is the primary driver of the plot and the rapid fire twists and turns border on head-spinning.
I won't spoil anything, but there's a very poignant scene that had me very upset at Mr. Kang for a while!
There are some really cool things only hinted at previously that come front and center in this one and it was a lot of fun seeing how they played out.
As I've come to expect, I was entirely unprepared for the ending and it all came together brilliantly.
I really could not have asked for more.
May 26, 2020
I am loving this fast pace story the world and the banner between characters.
August 24, 2022
This was a bit out of the left field, and boy did I love it!
We're leaving the nice part of the world we've seen so far, and instead go visit the poorer part of the land. I enjoyed experiencing more and different parts of society a lot, and was easily hooked right away!
A bit of a murder mystery added to the intrigue, and we both get answers for some of the question from the older books, as well as a whole slew of new question marks.
I wish there were more series like this, that build on each book, making you want to know more, but each book feeling satisfying on its own as well.
I'll soon read on!
We're leaving the nice part of the world we've seen so far, and instead go visit the poorer part of the land. I enjoyed experiencing more and different parts of society a lot, and was easily hooked right away!
A bit of a murder mystery added to the intrigue, and we both get answers for some of the question from the older books, as well as a whole slew of new question marks.
I wish there were more series like this, that build on each book, making you want to know more, but each book feeling satisfying on its own as well.
I'll soon read on!
June 15, 2020
This isn’t quite as strong as the previous novella, as it does suffer slightly from a lack of character development due to its short length and fast pace. It’s still a fantastic novella and I really enjoyed the inclusion of a third character perspective, but for Yuma’s tale to come to life, the other characters fade into the background. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Luna’s perspective and the way J.C. Kang breathes life into this previously sidelined character is nothing short of stunning. She offers a refreshing contrast to Jie’s dark cynicism and Tian’s innocent naivety.
This is a far darker book than the previous instalments, and they weren’t exactly sunshine and daisies. There are two lines of mystery; one concerned with the identity of Faceless Chang, the leader of a Triad gang and the necessity of their assassination to protect the Black Lotus. The other relating to a series of murders in The Trenches, which is one of the poorest, seediest and most deprived areas you would ever have the misfortune of visiting. The setting is brilliantly portrayed; this is an area where societal niceties have been forgotten or just discarded. The guards are as much a threat as the locals, and nobody plays fair. The atmosphere of grime and unpleasantness seeps through the writing and into the pores of your skin.
I do think trying to cover two intertwining threads of narrative however was a trifle ambitious given the length of the novella. I felt satisfied at the resolution to the Triad fork, but felt there were more questions hanging than answered with the serial murders. It added an additional layer of mystery and tension, but wasn’t quite resolved to my satisfaction. That is perhaps one of the pitfalls of the novella; you can only do so much in so few pages. It’s a testament perhaps to the writing that this still an engaging and exciting read, one with a bitter sweet finale and a sting in the tail. I look forward to seeing what is in store next.
This is a far darker book than the previous instalments, and they weren’t exactly sunshine and daisies. There are two lines of mystery; one concerned with the identity of Faceless Chang, the leader of a Triad gang and the necessity of their assassination to protect the Black Lotus. The other relating to a series of murders in The Trenches, which is one of the poorest, seediest and most deprived areas you would ever have the misfortune of visiting. The setting is brilliantly portrayed; this is an area where societal niceties have been forgotten or just discarded. The guards are as much a threat as the locals, and nobody plays fair. The atmosphere of grime and unpleasantness seeps through the writing and into the pores of your skin.
I do think trying to cover two intertwining threads of narrative however was a trifle ambitious given the length of the novella. I felt satisfied at the resolution to the Triad fork, but felt there were more questions hanging than answered with the serial murders. It added an additional layer of mystery and tension, but wasn’t quite resolved to my satisfaction. That is perhaps one of the pitfalls of the novella; you can only do so much in so few pages. It’s a testament perhaps to the writing that this still an engaging and exciting read, one with a bitter sweet finale and a sting in the tail. I look forward to seeing what is in store next.
October 24, 2019
A mystery wrapped in a puzzle surrounded by red herrings.
In the third of JC Kang's novellas we are introduced to a new PoV to join Jie and Tian. Yuna, the prolific eight-year-old initiate assassin adds her energetic voice to the mix.
This one centres around a plot to kill a triad boss, but there's a few mysteries that need solving along the way. Like who is the triad boss? Why is there an assassin targeting people in the slums? And why is every male character in the trench a pedophile? OK, that last one is a bit of hyperbole, but there are a lot of suggestions toward it. With this novella, far more than the last two, the author definitely sets up the world as a shitty place to live.
The core mystery around the story was compelling and Yuna's voice was refreshingly optimistic after Jie's cynicism and Tian's naivety. There's a good few twists thrown into the mix, and it serves to keep the pace careening onward. Unfortunately with another voice in play, we get even less of our main character Jie, and her character development suffers for it a bit. At times, she just kind of there, along for the ride.
An excellent addition to the series of novellas, and a nice addition to the overall story being told.
3 stars.
In the third of JC Kang's novellas we are introduced to a new PoV to join Jie and Tian. Yuna, the prolific eight-year-old initiate assassin adds her energetic voice to the mix.
This one centres around a plot to kill a triad boss, but there's a few mysteries that need solving along the way. Like who is the triad boss? Why is there an assassin targeting people in the slums? And why is every male character in the trench a pedophile? OK, that last one is a bit of hyperbole, but there are a lot of suggestions toward it. With this novella, far more than the last two, the author definitely sets up the world as a shitty place to live.
The core mystery around the story was compelling and Yuna's voice was refreshingly optimistic after Jie's cynicism and Tian's naivety. There's a good few twists thrown into the mix, and it serves to keep the pace careening onward. Unfortunately with another voice in play, we get even less of our main character Jie, and her character development suffers for it a bit. At times, she just kind of there, along for the ride.
An excellent addition to the series of novellas, and a nice addition to the overall story being told.
3 stars.
September 26, 2019
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. I can't wait to see where we end up in the next book!
I was gifted an ARC and my review is completely voluntary.
I was gifted an ARC and my review is completely voluntary.
January 17, 2021
For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Wretches of the Trench: A Legends of Tivara Story (Scions of the Black Lotus #3) by J.C. Kang continues the story, and adds mystery to the fantasy series. Mr. Kang is a Chinese Medicine doctor, martial arts instructor, and technical writer to pen epic fantasy stories.
Half-elf Jie, pre-teen analytical genius Tian, and Yuna are on a mission in China’s slums to assassinate a Triad boss. The boss might know of the existence of the Black Lotus clan, their goals, and tactics. There are two unexpected obstacles, a serial killer is on the loose, and Yuna recognizes her birthplace and family.
Another enjoyable entry into the Scions of the Black Lotus series. This book went into a different direction than the other two, yet still building the universe and telling an engaging story.
Wretches of the Trench by J.C. Kang went on a different tangent than the previous two books, giving us a look into the former lifestyle of Yuna and her family. The author was attempting to help the reader understand how someone willingly gives up a child to be brought up by a criminal organization, hoping they won’t be inducted in the sex-trade. The pain that comes with such decisions, the destitution which the poor feel that compels them to give up children to either give them a better life, or give their siblings a sliver of a chance.
Mr. Kang chose this device to also illustrate how much of a family the Black Lotus Clan is, and how much its valued by its members who are willing to give up their lives for organization. Yuna’s mother valued her sons over her daughter, but the Clan values family over sex or birth.
To make things interesting, there is also a serial murder on the loose in the slums, and corrupte Triad guards who are either interested in raping women, or taking bribes in the guise of “protection”. The Black Clan team has no idea why the serial killer is targeting the slum residents, and true to character Jie doesn’t care as long as she completes her mission and find out more about Lilian’s betrayal from book #1.
This book is a bit darker than the previous two, but just as good. The ending was surprising and bittersweet, but I think the strength was focusing on the backstory of a side character to help us get a better perspective of this world.
Wretches of the Trench: A Legends of Tivara Story (Scions of the Black Lotus #3) by J.C. Kang continues the story, and adds mystery to the fantasy series. Mr. Kang is a Chinese Medicine doctor, martial arts instructor, and technical writer to pen epic fantasy stories.
Half-elf Jie, pre-teen analytical genius Tian, and Yuna are on a mission in China’s slums to assassinate a Triad boss. The boss might know of the existence of the Black Lotus clan, their goals, and tactics. There are two unexpected obstacles, a serial killer is on the loose, and Yuna recognizes her birthplace and family.
Another enjoyable entry into the Scions of the Black Lotus series. This book went into a different direction than the other two, yet still building the universe and telling an engaging story.
Wretches of the Trench by J.C. Kang went on a different tangent than the previous two books, giving us a look into the former lifestyle of Yuna and her family. The author was attempting to help the reader understand how someone willingly gives up a child to be brought up by a criminal organization, hoping they won’t be inducted in the sex-trade. The pain that comes with such decisions, the destitution which the poor feel that compels them to give up children to either give them a better life, or give their siblings a sliver of a chance.
Mr. Kang chose this device to also illustrate how much of a family the Black Lotus Clan is, and how much its valued by its members who are willing to give up their lives for organization. Yuna’s mother valued her sons over her daughter, but the Clan values family over sex or birth.
To make things interesting, there is also a serial murder on the loose in the slums, and corrupte Triad guards who are either interested in raping women, or taking bribes in the guise of “protection”. The Black Clan team has no idea why the serial killer is targeting the slum residents, and true to character Jie doesn’t care as long as she completes her mission and find out more about Lilian’s betrayal from book #1.
This book is a bit darker than the previous two, but just as good. The ending was surprising and bittersweet, but I think the strength was focusing on the backstory of a side character to help us get a better perspective of this world.
August 17, 2020
As Jie and her compatriots continue their investigation, it leads them to the Trench, an unwelcoming territory controlled by Triads where a murderer stalks the streets.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Continuing to expand on the author’s world, Wretches of the Trench both introduces a new part of the city and promotes one of the previously supporting characters to POV status. The inclusion of Yuna’s viewpoint ends up serving two purposes. First, it adds both personal and historical components to what we learn about the Trench, and some of the events that take place during the novella. Second, it serves as a nice mid-point between Jie’s pragmatism and Tien’s innocence. The drawback is that by sharing the spotlight less time is given to those previous POV characters, balanced by showing them in a fresh light, deepening our understanding of them.
In marked contrast to the previous installments, the majority of this novella takes place outside of the relative safety of the Floating World. The Trench is a much harsher place, with predatory gangs in control and where poverty is common enough that the sale of unwanted children seems commonplace. It’s only by a combination of luck, skill, and personal sacrifice that the main characters survive their expedition.
If I had one complaint it’s that while the storyline followed in Wretches of the Trench does give some answers to questions raised in the previous installment, it ultimately felt a bit like a diversion from the main mystery established in the first volume. But it’s an entertaining and exciting diversion none the less.
3.5 out of 5 blue assassins.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Continuing to expand on the author’s world, Wretches of the Trench both introduces a new part of the city and promotes one of the previously supporting characters to POV status. The inclusion of Yuna’s viewpoint ends up serving two purposes. First, it adds both personal and historical components to what we learn about the Trench, and some of the events that take place during the novella. Second, it serves as a nice mid-point between Jie’s pragmatism and Tien’s innocence. The drawback is that by sharing the spotlight less time is given to those previous POV characters, balanced by showing them in a fresh light, deepening our understanding of them.
In marked contrast to the previous installments, the majority of this novella takes place outside of the relative safety of the Floating World. The Trench is a much harsher place, with predatory gangs in control and where poverty is common enough that the sale of unwanted children seems commonplace. It’s only by a combination of luck, skill, and personal sacrifice that the main characters survive their expedition.
If I had one complaint it’s that while the storyline followed in Wretches of the Trench does give some answers to questions raised in the previous installment, it ultimately felt a bit like a diversion from the main mystery established in the first volume. But it’s an entertaining and exciting diversion none the less.
3.5 out of 5 blue assassins.
August 13, 2020
Honestly, the only reason I’m giving this a less than five star review is that it suffers a little from game of thrones syndrome—a very convoluted plot with with a TON of characters. The problem with writing about spies and intrigue is that to keep the plot spinning, twists have to keep happening.
I think if Yunas story arc had been developed across two of the novellas, like Tian, it would have been a much easier read. And admittedly, I spread this one out over the course of a week, instead of one sitting reading like the other two.
But Yuna had Ana amazing story, and I’m a bit disappointed that she’s killed! But to be honest, I feel like nobody actually STAYS dead in this series so, hm. Maybe there’s Hope.
And the introduction to the truly super natural is great. I kinda like how the mystical oriental tripe gets turned on it’s head here. I’m a little wary of orcs—call it tolkien fanboy PTSD—but I’m excited to see this refreshing twist on the tired high fantasy genre.
Will say that this book really amped up the sexual assault/child sex slavery dialogue of the first two books, so fair warning there. But I do like that JC Kang never flinches at saying “even as a Blossom” as opposed to “Blossoms don’t do X” because that still emphasizes the fact that Blossoms are still sex workers, some willing, a lot not, and most certainly groomed.
Still, I’m hooked into the series for good right now and I can’t wait to read the series that this prequels!
I think if Yunas story arc had been developed across two of the novellas, like Tian, it would have been a much easier read. And admittedly, I spread this one out over the course of a week, instead of one sitting reading like the other two.
But Yuna had Ana amazing story, and I’m a bit disappointed that she’s killed! But to be honest, I feel like nobody actually STAYS dead in this series so, hm. Maybe there’s Hope.
And the introduction to the truly super natural is great. I kinda like how the mystical oriental tripe gets turned on it’s head here. I’m a little wary of orcs—call it tolkien fanboy PTSD—but I’m excited to see this refreshing twist on the tired high fantasy genre.
Will say that this book really amped up the sexual assault/child sex slavery dialogue of the first two books, so fair warning there. But I do like that JC Kang never flinches at saying “even as a Blossom” as opposed to “Blossoms don’t do X” because that still emphasizes the fact that Blossoms are still sex workers, some willing, a lot not, and most certainly groomed.
Still, I’m hooked into the series for good right now and I can’t wait to read the series that this prequels!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
This is a heart wrenching, action filled story that keeps you engrossed from start to finish. Jie, Tian and Yuna are sent on a mission to Yuna’s home town, the poverty ridden, Triad run, Trench. Sold by her mother to a disguised Black Lotus recruiter at age 2, Feng Yuna had not been back to the Trench since. Not only does Yuna have to cope with returning to her roots, but the three clan members have to find and kill a triad leader and also might have to contend with a serial killer. Yuna is a character you empathize with from the very beginning, she captures your heart as you learn of her beginnings and the emotional scars it left. She is a character you can not help but like and identify with. The emotions in this book will rip at your heart and the description seemed so real that you feel like you are experiencing the poverty and actually smelling the excrement running through the streets. The many plot threads in this story all meld together well, revealing some answers, but also creating more questions and mysteries. The narrator of the audiobook does an excellent job of drawing you into story and making you feel the all the emotions and action like you are actually there with the characters. The twists, heartbreak, intrigue, humour and action in the story are great and you become even more attached to the characters. Jie and Tian continue to grow in depth and the plot thickens as the Trench reveals more of its secrets
January 23, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
Things are starting to go darker - really dark and gritty - in this installment of the series. I've come to love the elegant and polished world of the Floating World, so to be immersed in the bowels of the Trench was such a game changer, and it just added another intricate layer into the world. Everything was just so hopeless and depressing that it just fit the book's story perfectly.
With my favorites Jie, Tian, and Yuna, readers will find themselves completely absorbed into the story, as they all try to accomplish another Black Lotus Clan mission while discovering more secrets unexpectedly. The way things are getting more complicated just makes it even more fun. The definite highlights of this book were obviously Yuna (and I'm still upset as to what happened to her) and adorable naive Tian.
I can't wait to get into the next one!
Things are starting to go darker - really dark and gritty - in this installment of the series. I've come to love the elegant and polished world of the Floating World, so to be immersed in the bowels of the Trench was such a game changer, and it just added another intricate layer into the world. Everything was just so hopeless and depressing that it just fit the book's story perfectly.
With my favorites Jie, Tian, and Yuna, readers will find themselves completely absorbed into the story, as they all try to accomplish another Black Lotus Clan mission while discovering more secrets unexpectedly. The way things are getting more complicated just makes it even more fun. The definite highlights of this book were obviously Yuna (and I'm still upset as to what happened to her) and adorable naive Tian.
I can't wait to get into the next one!
August 7, 2024
Wretches of the Trench is the third instalment of the Scions of the Black Lotus series, and it definitely continues the intrigue and excitement of the first 2.
Here, Jie, Tian, and Yuna are forced out into the underbelly of the floating world - the Trench - in search of a ruthless killer. Twists and turns abound, people! You never know what will happen next.
I loved the addition of Yuna's POV and how more of her past is revealed, especially as it is woven into the investigative part of this story.
Like the previous instalments, Wretches of the Trench has plenty going for it. There is action, character development, friendship, and heartfelt loss. It was a fabulous read!
Here, Jie, Tian, and Yuna are forced out into the underbelly of the floating world - the Trench - in search of a ruthless killer. Twists and turns abound, people! You never know what will happen next.
I loved the addition of Yuna's POV and how more of her past is revealed, especially as it is woven into the investigative part of this story.
Like the previous instalments, Wretches of the Trench has plenty going for it. There is action, character development, friendship, and heartfelt loss. It was a fabulous read!
June 26, 2021
What a ride.
Each book in this series is fantastic. I really liked how this one focused on Yuna. I really like the different perspectives we get to read through. I like getting to see the world through Tian's eyes in particular. His naivety is quite funny most of the time.
I love how different and in depth this world is. Every book brings new twists to plot and I certainly didn't see these coming.
I would also like to say,
Hell yeah! Go Black Lotus Clan, kick those scumbags' arses!
And lastly this book brought me excitement, joy, sorrow, and compassion for the characters of this world. 5 stars hands down.
Each book in this series is fantastic. I really liked how this one focused on Yuna. I really like the different perspectives we get to read through. I like getting to see the world through Tian's eyes in particular. His naivety is quite funny most of the time.
I love how different and in depth this world is. Every book brings new twists to plot and I certainly didn't see these coming.
I would also like to say,
Hell yeah! Go Black Lotus Clan, kick those scumbags' arses!
And lastly this book brought me excitement, joy, sorrow, and compassion for the characters of this world. 5 stars hands down.
January 5, 2022
3.5 Stars.
Another exciting book from this series. The world building expands as we are taken into the Trench. I liked the griminess of the place, and how we are introduced to people from different lands.
The plot starts to get a bit complex in this one - there were 3 POVs if I remember right, as well as various characters, red herrings, double-crosses, and secret family members. It's still a good read, but you feel like you need to attend the Black Lotus school to keep all the details straight in your head!
I like that there are plenty of women in these books, and that they aren't all 2D cardboard cut-outs. the relationships between them are interesting to read.
Another exciting book from this series. The world building expands as we are taken into the Trench. I liked the griminess of the place, and how we are introduced to people from different lands.
The plot starts to get a bit complex in this one - there were 3 POVs if I remember right, as well as various characters, red herrings, double-crosses, and secret family members. It's still a good read, but you feel like you need to attend the Black Lotus school to keep all the details straight in your head!
I like that there are plenty of women in these books, and that they aren't all 2D cardboard cut-outs. the relationships between them are interesting to read.
March 30, 2024
Audiobook: Book three of the "Scions of the Black Lotus" series was entertaining. Yuna returned to the slums where she had been born. Jie and Tian accompanied Yuna as they needed to assassinate a Triad boss in order to keep secret their clan's existence. I liked the characters and their interactions. The descriptive phrases, which painted the living conditions in the slums, were moving. There were some surprises. I'm looking forward to the next novella in the series. Natalie Naudus' narration was skillful, and her performance reflected the ambiance of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
May 20, 2020
Scions of the Black Lotus is a series that keeps getting better with each book. Wretches of the Trench was truly fantastic and the stakes have been risen even more for the next books in the series. This book has to be my favorite of the series yet, with great description and action-packed scenes. Sometimes i forget as I’m reading the books that the protagonists are incredibly young and they are experiencing the worst of life at such a young age. In this book, you really can’t forget about it and it’s heartbreaking.
July 5, 2020
I really liked this book. It went a different direction from the previous ones, giving us a glimpse into Yuna's former life and family. And it was heartbreaking to learn that her family sold her into this life because her mother valued her sons more than her daughter. But the Black Lotus Clan values the clan as family over the family of birth, so Yuna has to wrestle with this. She's also an eight-year-old prodigy. There was also a murderer roaming the streets and no one knew who it was, who he was targeting, and what the purpose was, so everyone was always on edge. Jie just wanted to find out more behind Lilian's betrayal. And Tien, always stay cute.
I received a free ARC audiobook from the author and reviewed it willingly.
I received a free ARC audiobook from the author and reviewed it willingly.
April 13, 2020
Fantasy, action, humour, this wonderful series has everything! I just have no words for how much I am enjoying it. The richly detailed world, based on Ancient China, is for that reason at once exotic and familiar. And oh, the plot! A web of intrigue, lies, disguises, double identities... and the characters, so engaging, so wonderfully relatable. There is just nothing to criticise about this book.
May 6, 2020
Summary: This is well written, very well thought out - a really great set of books, I highly recommend these
Plotline: Great story line, untypical and unexpected in places
Premise: Complex, subtle with undertones of magic. Really good
Writing: Simple but elegant with an oriental flavour, the reader is right there in the action.
Ending: Good, surprising
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Great story line, untypical and unexpected in places
Premise: Complex, subtle with undertones of magic. Really good
Writing: Simple but elegant with an oriental flavour, the reader is right there in the action.
Ending: Good, surprising
Pace: Never a dull moment!
February 7, 2020
Somehow read these out of order...didn't really bother me though. Still a good book. Still no connection for me. I think this one is my favorite so far though.
November 26, 2021
Loved the fast pace. Yuna naiveite was a nice change. Still quitea poignant scene
May 11, 2023
So I read this too. And it broke my heart.
July 6, 2019
This is just a short story in the Legends of Tivara series where we once again embark on an adventure with Jie, Tian and a new recruit called Feng Yuna who is a young girl who had been sold by her mother to a recruiter for the black lotus clan who she thought was a priest of the temple! They are back in Yuna’s home area, known as the trench and the world building that went into describing life in the trench is very good, so much so that one can smell the stink running through the streets. The poverty the people live in is horrendous especially as the trench is run by the triads who take toll money every time people cross over into their areas. Our heroes are searching for Faceless Chang, the leader of the Red Dragons, and the Blue Reaper who was murdering people in a serial killer sort of way. Terror was rife in the trench and our young heroes can feel the tension even though nothing deters them from their job. Even though the novel is very short, it is as usual a gripping tale with lots of action. I love the new character Yuna too; her heart seems to be in the right place! And it is always great to see Jie in action, she is so bad ass, I just love her and the story must continue because the mystery keeps becoming more and more tangled as we read on!
July 6, 2019
This is another great addition to the Scion of the Black Lotus series! Jie, Yuna, and Tian enter The Trench on a mission to kill Faceless Chang. In addition, The Trench has been plagued by a serial killer known as the Blue Reaper who targets young girls. If they have a chance, maybe they’ll be able to stop him as well.
There a many plot threads in this story that all meld together very well. We get a few answers, but more questions as well, which I’m sure will be answered in the upcoming instalments in the series. All I know is that I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens! This book is well written and the characters are very well developed. As always, I love Tian. He’s a wonderful character, adorable, a bit awkward, and very naive at this point in his life. And yet he’s amazingly smart, and he manages to solve the mystery of Faceless Chang in the end of this book. But I can’t say more than that without ruining the surprise. Read this book! You won’t be disappointed! It has everything, great characters, a good mystery, and a smart plot!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There a many plot threads in this story that all meld together very well. We get a few answers, but more questions as well, which I’m sure will be answered in the upcoming instalments in the series. All I know is that I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens! This book is well written and the characters are very well developed. As always, I love Tian. He’s a wonderful character, adorable, a bit awkward, and very naive at this point in his life. And yet he’s amazingly smart, and he manages to solve the mystery of Faceless Chang in the end of this book. But I can’t say more than that without ruining the surprise. Read this book! You won’t be disappointed! It has everything, great characters, a good mystery, and a smart plot!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 6, 2019
JC Kang, he of the long-titled yet consistently superb books, has come out with yet another fabulous Legends of Tivara Story. That means a return to my new favorite fantasy setting, ancient Asia. If tales of Samurai, Ronin (think homeless and lawless Samurai), Ninja and such in a world with Elves, Dwarves and magic is of sporks (and trust it this should) then rush to download Wretches of the Trench (Scions of the Black Lotus, Book 3). My favorite fantasy fiction character ninja (though that term isn’t used) half-elf Jie is in it as well as dine great new ones (I love Yuma’s story) in one fantastic, exciting and superbly written tale. 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. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 6, 2019
Wretches of the Trench is absolutely rivoting, heart warming, and gut wrenching all at the same time. The characters are believable and written so well that I experienced the full spectrum of emotions right along with them. This story had me laughing, smiling, sneering, cursing, and even crying. The attachment that I experienced with one character in particular is indescribable and definitely pulled at my heart strings. Apart from the full emotional experience, this was another of Mr. Kang's classic masterpieces that kept you guessing until the very end and left you wanting more. If you enjoyed his other pieces in the Scions of the Black Lotus series, or even The Dragon Songs Saga, than you won't be disappointed.
July 6, 2019
Wrenches of the Trench follows Jie as she investigates the connection between Lilian (her former lover and betrayer) and her Triad connections. The Clan suspects that that contact will have information about them. Meanwhile the serial killer known as The Blue Reaper is still on the loose.
Jie enters the Trench with 8 yr old Yuan and 9 yr old Tian.Much is revealed by the end, some surprising, some not so much for discerning readers. This is a thoroughly entertaining and exciting book while showing much more of the politics and conditions of the poor parts of Hua. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Jie enters the Trench with 8 yr old Yuan and 9 yr old Tian.Much is revealed by the end, some surprising, some not so much for discerning readers. This is a thoroughly entertaining and exciting book while showing much more of the politics and conditions of the poor parts of Hua. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 6, 2019
This 3rd book in the Scions of the Black Lotus is a heart wrenching, action filled story that keeps you glued to the page from start to finish. Yuna is a character you empathize with from the beginning, she captures your heart as you learn of her beginnings and the emotional scars it left. She is a character you can not help but like. The twists, heartbreak, intrigue, humour and action in the story is great and you really become attached to the characters. Jie and Tian continue to grow in depth and the plot thickens as the Trench reveals some of its secrets.
September 22, 2019
Overall rating: 4.5
I just realized I haven’t said...there is content contained that may offend some readers as it references crimes against young children. Book three of this series speaks of sexual threats to children of both genders as these characters face street life even more ghastly than in previous books. Fierce loyalty is also portrayed, as well as more hidden family secrets. Even though the subject matter can be viewed as harsh for some, it doesn’t take away from this authors pure talent. Book 4 is in my future. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
I just realized I haven’t said...there is content contained that may offend some readers as it references crimes against young children. Book three of this series speaks of sexual threats to children of both genders as these characters face street life even more ghastly than in previous books. Fierce loyalty is also portrayed, as well as more hidden family secrets. Even though the subject matter can be viewed as harsh for some, it doesn’t take away from this authors pure talent. Book 4 is in my future. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
September 28, 2020
Book 3 in the series and still did not disappoint. Jie and Tain are in a mission for the truth, along with some side help from Yuna. Each new chapter brought more and more questions to the current problem of who the second shooter was in the assassination of Lord Ting and the corruption of her once lover. I absolutely love the depth JC Kang put into the details of each character we meet, and the places they visit. Each new novel also brings more light to a clearly massive world around and of its origin and background. I look forward to the next in the series
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