Incredible Eastern-themed fantasy spy thriller

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.

5 people found this helpful

binge

So I have previously read and then listened to all the book. I enjoyed all the books together with the added short stories. This series focuses on when Tian joined the black lotus and more background into Jie's past.

2 people found this helpful

Awesome series!

Love this series of novellas! From the start the intrigue and action are fantastic, the characters well developed and the world building fascinating. I absolutely loved the setting in a Chinese inspired high fantasy world. Natalie Naudus was outstanding in the narration!

1 person found this helpful

Great Asian Fantasy!

If you like Asian fantasy, this one is for you. Wonderful characters, LGBTQ+ characters, Asian elves. Let me repeat that: ASIAN elves!!! Kind of a cross between the Sopranos and Memoires of a Geisha

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating Series!

This boxed set includes the six books in the Scions of Black Lotus Series, a Dark Fantasy. The characters are intriguing. The world building is unique, original, and complex. The storyline is fascinating, and captivating. Natalie Naudus did a wonderful job with the narration.

1 person found this helpful

Fast paced and intense

This book doesn't stop from with in the 1st few lines. I feel the ending was just perfect. I think this could be a window into a world that actually exists. I really enjoyed this series.

1 person found this helpful

A Pleasant Surprise

When I first hit play and within a minute or two I turned it off. It sounded really tinny and hissy. I checked my sound settings...all was normal. Tried again. I cringed, turned it off & was going to return it. But...that first min or two had piqued my interest. I decided to listen for a few mins and see if I could tolerate it. Boy am I glad I did. This is a rich, engaging story with great characters, well developed. It's decidedly for an open minded adult listener, as the context is quite sexual. It is NOT smutty or romance novel-ish, but presented quite tastefully and casually as the setting in which the story takes place. I very highly recommend it.