Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:
The Dance of Thieves Series is a spin-off of the The Remnant Chronicles
Series: Dance of Thieves
This is a spinoff of the The Remnant Chronicles Series.
Author: Mary E Pearson
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Action, Politics
Heat Rating: warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: August 2018 – August 2019
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
WARNING: If you have not finished the original series, this review may have spoilers!
My Expectations?
Last year, I finally finished the Remnant Chronicles. I say finally because after reading the inaugural book shortly after its release, I never got around to the sequels. So I took a chance on the audiobooks and loved the final two books (and the audio). And while I didn’t need a spin-off series, I’m happy to have one because I really enjoy this world and liked the idea of spending more time in it!
How Does It Compare To The Original?
This series paid a lot of homage to the original series yet stood on its own. While it may not have had that “mystery” of the first novel (where you don’t know who is the assassin or who is the prince), it did have that great, pulls-you-in tension between our two leads. And there is plenty of mystery with secrets and such along the way to keep you hooked.
This series is filled with lots of action, both physical and political. Add to it tough female leads; a tension filled romance and a cameo or two of characters from the first series. It’s well balanced and perhaps even stronger in some ways to its predecessor.
Anything I Didn’t Like?
While I didn’t remember the finer details of the original series, I never got lost in how the world worked. I did however, get lost in the finer details of the plot here at times. Now that might have been because I found the middle dragged a bit and/or because I zoned out listening to the audiobook along the way. But overall, that’s more of a “me” thing.
My Audiobook Experience:
I really enjoyed the audiobooks. It really brought the characters to life for me and I even held out reading the sequel book until I could get the audiobook version (and it was worth it!)
Series Rating: 4/5
Dance of Thieves 4/5 | Vow of Thieves 4/5
I think this series was the perfect spin-off (though you certainly don’t have to read the Remnant Chronicles to know what is happening)! It’s similar enough to its predecessor but manages to carve out its own path with new characters and an intriguing plotline.
Read if You Like: strong female characters, action, politics
Avoid if You: dislike fight scenes, dislike action/fantasy
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Synopsis for Dance of Thieves (from Goodreads):
A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.
A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.
Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen’s premier guard.
A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.
A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.
When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives―and their hearts.
