The Dragon Songs Saga Box Set: The Complete Epic Quartet (A Legends of Tivara Bundle)

In all this is a really good series. I am copying all my individual book reviews here. It does get a little complex with a lot of characters and different things going on, but it's worth reading the full series to get the whole impact of the full story. Book 1: Kaiya is a naive princess that has been sheltered from everything. While trying to do the right thing she gets herself into plenty of danger. Hardeep is a foreign prince trying to find a way to save his people and thinks Kaiya is the answer. Tian is Kaiya's childhood friend who was banished from the imperial city and is now a secret agent working for the black lotus. With rebellion brewing nothing is for sure and reawakening old magic throws everything into chaos. There's a twist with a cliff hanger at the end and oh man it's ugly. There's violence, nudity, and a rich tapestry of characters Book 2: I love who Kaiya has become in this sequel. She is still trying to find the right guy to marry, and misses Hadeep. However, she has bigger problems when the treachery of those around the royal family steps up, and plots within plots start coming to life. Jie is assigned to protect the princess, but struggles to blend in as she has no formal court training. Lots of action, danger, lies, and spies. no adult content. Book 3: I read this book in the box set, and it was sooooo good. Kaiya is somewhat a victim of her own success. With her cousin in hiding she is sent to negotiate for him to be turned over and sentenced as a traitor. However, just making it out of the city alive becomes a challenge as her cousin isn't the only one trying to kill her family. Jie is sent to make sure everything is ready for Kaiya's arrival and becomes close to Tian. Both Tian and Kaiya long for their childhood friendship, but misunderstandings cause them to clash constantly. When the Bovyans decide not to renew trade agreements, and attack their former allies Kaiya is forced to flee. The surprises in this sequel made my mouth drop especially towards the end. There is violence, death, and some adult content. It's not explicit, but there is enough detail to know what is going on. Plus the Bovyans believe in rape, so that is present as well. Book 4: so much comes out in this book! the truth of so many lies, and so many things hidden comes roaring full force into the fight for the fate of the world. Geros will do anything to get Kaiya back, Kaiya will do anything to save her nation, Jie just wants Tian, and Tian doesn't remember anything! I was wondering how so many threads of the story were going to be resolved, and I'm very happy with how it was done. Of course, there is a little surprise for Jie at the end, but I can't wait to see what happens to her next. Lots of violence (it is full war now), no major adult content, and a small cliff hanger at the end.

I recently finished the 4-book Dragon Songs Saga series by J.C. Kang. I'm glad I stumbled upon this series, because I'd spent so much time "dating" various books to find my next read, and this series (despite its flaws) gave me my reading spark back, left me wanting more, and sets itself up for further adventures beyond, and even concurrent with, this saga that I would happily read. The ending may have answered a lot but it also left some old and new questions. My favorite book of the series was probably book 2 (Orchestra of Treacheries). The vibrant worldbuilding, visceral action scenes (especially the fight scenes), wonderfully paced storytelling, and engaging characters (my personal favorites were Jie, Sameer, and Ming) transported me to another world and made me not only want to keep reading, but to be there with them experiencing these adventures. I think this "Game of Thrones meets House of Flying Daggers" series has the potential to translate well into movies or television. What also appeals to me are the super cool Indian/south Asian inspired characters. I'm of east Indian descent, and growing up in America, the more prominent portrayals of Indian guys I usually saw on TV or movies were awkward, socially inept (especially with the ladies) dork-nerd-geeks. Therefore, seeing suave, smooth, powerful, and desirable characters that look like me was fantastic! And the way their fighting style was described wholly reminded me of visiting a Kalaripayattu facility in India; Kalaripayattu is a martial art from southern India and one of the oldest martial arts in the world. The author definitely did his homework. So, yeah, this series gets brownie points from me for representation. I will say, though, that this series sorely needed a more careful editor to not only smooth out various technical (i.e. grammar and syntax) errors throughout the books, but to also iron out a few noticeable plot (and occasionally character) inconsistencies. I could give examples, but doing so would reveal spoilers. I also felt that, on occasion, big events happened too quickly causing characters to become slaves to the plot. Admittedly, that happens a fair amount in fantasy novels, so I can probably let that slide. I said it before and I'll say it again, I think these books would adapt brilliantly into a film or TV series. Action, intrigue, epic plotlines, romance, engaging characters... what more could anyone want?

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

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

This is a great bargain in that it seems extremely long with many detailed if some what repetitious descriptions. Never the less the story is exciting and draws you in with may surprises along the way. Each layer of clothing on the princess is pictured in great detail. I do not know I a really need to know that when something is handed to another person that person uses two hands to take it....every time. or that the guards bow by going to one knee and putting their fists to the ground. Perhaps the author could describe this once or twice but not over and over and over again. This is a magical fantasy set in a world with civilizations much like ancient China, India and Africa which is interesting. Add on Orcs, Elves and Dragons and others and you have a vividly drawn and quite complicated world. Many Chinese(?) names and expressions add to both a confusing picture and a vivid exoticism. I just wish a strict and powerful editor could have come along and cut out much of the endless repetitions. Many of the character are engrossing and complicated and you get to care for the fate and struggles of the main protagonists. All in all a very memorable read and you get a lot of words for a low price.

I don't normally give 3 star reviews - if I really like it I give 5 - and a book has to make me angry enough to spend the time writing a one star review. This book however has many good things to recommend it: great world building, excellent suspense and epic adventure with nonstop excitement. The male characters are well drawn and completely believable - I especially liked Geros and Tian's oldest brother. However the female characters Kaiya and Jie who he chose to make the major characters did not work at all. I spent a lot of time frustrated that Kaiya was so bound up in honor that she would not kill a man who justly deserved to be killed when she had the opportunity. She had been brought up as an Imperial Princess should have been ruthless in that situation knowing the stakes and just how many innocent people would die if she let him live. Some other plot device should have been used as this was not at all believable. Also very unbelievable was Kaiya not insisting on staying married to Tian regardless of his lack of desire for court life. Also rather unbelievable was the relationship between Jie and Tian's oldest brother - there was the opportunity for incredible chemistry as he proved himself worthy in battle - but Kang chose to explore the typical male fantasy of several women fighting over Tian. It would have been a much stronger story had Kang concentrated more on the male characters and the development of their heroic qualities.

Book 1: As not only the first book in this series, but I believe the first book of the author -- not entirely sure on that, but if not the statement still holds -- this novel is a very strong start. The characters are engaging and although this is a fantasy novel it doesn't seem to far out of the realm of possibility. I liked how JC brought in Chinese culture to the stories. My only big complaint was that the story was kind of hard to get into the story at the beginning. I found I didn't really care about the characters until a few chapters into the novel. However, once I did, the story was great. I can't wait to see how this series develops! Book 2:What a follow up! This story builds off of the previous novel very well. I found it easier to read than the first, but it still had the interesting developments - no spoilers here! - and character development that was so enticing in the first one. The pace was great, and kept me up just to finish the next chapter late into the night. It was a great build off of the first novel, but I'm sure it will also be a good diving board to kickstart the next book in the series! I can't wait! Book 3: This is the third book in the series, so before you read this one make sure to read the others. The world is so incredibly fleshed out and immersive, I felt like I was really there. Tian and Kaiya are just adorable. The other characters are developed so well, and I like that it doesn’t seem that all the characters are looking out for the “Good of the World” trope – they all have something they’re wanting for themselves. I can’t wait to finish the series with the next one, but I also don’t want it to end! Amazing realm of fantasy that I am so glad to have gotten to read and learn about. Great job JC Kang! Book 4: I love this series. It’s such a beautiful world with interesting and amazing characters. The story gets so complex in this book – not that the other ones weren’t – and it’s time for Kaiya to be strong and stand for herself. and She really grew throughout this whole series, and I loved watching it. And YAY!! More Jie! Even though this was a nice, tidy resolution, I really really want more!! Great job JC, you could really tell your love for the characters in this one, and throughout the whole series! Preludes: YES!! More Jie! She was easily one of my favorite characters from the original four books, and I loved finding out her backstory in this short novel. This one really does a good introduction to the character she becomes, really a jumping off point for her amazing skills later on. The world is still just as beautiful as it is in the originals. I would probably recommend reading this one before the others, even though the first book is a good introduction as well. I found myself wanting to know more about Jie as I read, so starting off with the background of her story could help the reader understand where she came from and how she has those incredible skills. Another great book from JC Kang!!

Loved reading this quartet & struggled to put the books down. Brilliantly crafted tale with basis on Ancient Chinese Empirical system but with elves & Dragons, Mystics, primitive tribes, scheming provincial lords, other cultures & much more. It's really a coming of age story about a shy noble teenager, daughter of the Tianzi (better known as emperor) going from awkward teenager to graceful, talented & noble leader through, loss betrayal, sacrifice & also epic love & friendships to battling evil along the way. It encompasses both the best & worst in mankind with characters that jump from the page and into the heart & the imagination. One of the best stories I've read in ages. Thank you. Follow up - after leaving this glowing review & signing up for author's newsletter because the books are that good I want to read more, I am dissapointed to be accused of obtaining it via 'nefarious means' & did in fact purchase the series in Amazon with a receipt to prove it. Shows a lack of gratitude to a genuine fan of your writing & is an offensive accusation to an ethical & honest person.

Kaiya, jie and tian can never be forgotten. Lives of many characters have been brought together seamlessly and it is a wonderful book to lose oneself in. Almost feels as if we are physically present among the characters as the story unfolds

A truly epic story. The breadth of the characters and the reworking of an empire based upon China, intermingled with dragons and magic make this an enthralling read. It's also great to have all the books together in a collection so that you can start the next as soon as you've finished the first. I thoroughly enjoyed these books.

Absolutely brilliantly written. I couldn't put this box set down, these stories were amazing, unpredictable and seriously awe-inspiring. Wonderful character, well-written scenes, great descriptive writing that just pulled me in and kept me enthralled the whole way through. Each story left me wanting more.

I was impressed to find out this was JC Kang's first novel. It was highly descriptive and intricate in its plot turns and twists, making the outcome far from predictable. The central protagonist Kaiya is always seeking to do the right thing, often driving me crazy as she makes some questionable decisions, but her character starts as an immature 16 year old so this is understandable. The characters are well thought out and endearing and the villains given enough depth to help you understand their motivations and empathize with them. This series doubles as a historical primer on Asian weapons, military structure, culture, and societal structure. I enjoyed the inclusiveness of the world's races. Often I find South Asians to be conpletely absent from most fantasy fiction. As a fan of science fiction and fantasy such as Tolkien, Hebert, and Lloyd Alexander, this series was right up my alley, with the inclusion of Asian culture making it quite unique. Highly recommended.

Belle saga mêlant intrigues plus ou moins politiques dqns un univers médiéval fantastique chinois. C'est divertissant, les personnages sont attachants et intéressants. Ce n'est certe pas le trone de fer ou du niveau de la saga de l'assassin de Robin Hobb, c'est juste un cran en dessous du seigneur des anneaux.