Author: Mary E. Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance
Published: 2018
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – 3.5/5
“Trust is a currency more valuable than gold.”
Dance of Thieves is a young adult fantasy novel set in the same universe as Pearson’s Remnant Chronicles. The story follows Kazi, a former street thief who has become an elite member of the Queen’s guard. She is sent to the Ballenger territory to investigate potential breaches in a delicate treaty and meets Jase Ballenger, the newly appointed leader of the powerful family. Initially wary of each other, Kazi and Jase navigate tense negotiations, dangerous intrigue, and the challenge of learning whom to trust in a world shaped by loyalty, power, and secrets.
The novel is filled with political maneuvering, clever schemes, and unexpected twists. The Ballenger territory itself is vividly described, from bustling markets to fortified castles, offering a rich backdrop for the story’s action. While the plot sometimes relies on familiar YA fantasy tropes, the interplay of suspense, heists, and character interactions keeps the story engaging and immersive.
– Kazi –
Kazi is intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Her background as a street thief provides her with a unique perspective and skill set that make her a standout protagonist. She navigates the complex social and political structures of the Ballenger territory with a mix of cunning, empathy, and bravery. While she is admirable in many ways, some of her actions occasionally feel predictable due to her “clever thief” archetype, yet her flaws—impatience, impulsiveness, and occasional overconfidence—keep her grounded and relatable.
– Jase Ballenger –
Jase is the new leader of the Ballenger family, and his role as a protector of his people drives much of the story’s tension. He is authoritative, proud, and initially secretive, creating friction with Kazi that gradually develops into mutual respect and trust. His complexity is revealed as the story progresses, showing his internal struggle between duty and personal desires. The romance between Kazi and Jase works well because it is built on slow development, shared experiences, and gradual emotional vulnerability.
– Supporting Characters –
The supporting cast enriches the story, though they are not as fully fleshed out as the leads. Allies, friends, and minor antagonists serve to highlight Kazi and Jase’s traits, and while some are memorable, others feel more like narrative tools than fully developed individuals. Characters like Wren and Synové provide comic relief, camaraderie, and alternative perspectives, but they do not dominate the story, which is primarily focused on the leads.
– Antagonists and Political Figures –
The antagonists are primarily defined by their political ambitions and personal agendas. While the tension they create is compelling, some of their motivations are explained more through exposition than through action, which can make them feel distant or less immediate as threats. The detailed explanations of power structures, alliances, and rivalries are necessary for understanding the plot, but again, some passages read like a history textbook, slowing down the narrative momentum.
– My Honest Review –
Dance of Thieves is a solid YA fantasy with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance, though it isn’t without its flaws. The story’s strengths lie in its thrilling plot twists, vivid world-building, and the slow-burn romance between Kazi and Jase. Kazi is a compelling protagonist: her intelligence, bravery, and moral complexity make her a character you want to root for. Jase complements her well, and their evolving relationship adds emotional stakes that enrich the narrative.
However, the novel occasionally struggles with pacing. While the heists, personal conflicts, and action-packed scenes are fast-moving and engaging, the political exposition-heavy sections can slow the momentum. Long passages detailing the Ballenger family hierarchy, territorial politics, and treaty intricacies sometimes read like a history textbook. These moments, while informative, can feel dense and disrupt the immersive flow. Readers who prefer character-driven narratives may find this pacing uneven, particularly in the middle sections.
The romance is one of the novel’s highlights. It develops gradually, emphasizing trust and shared experiences over instant attraction. While some interactions follow predictable patterns, the chemistry between Kazi and Jase feels earned and adds depth to the story, particularly in scenes where they must rely on each other for survival or strategy.
The world-building is another strong aspect. Pearson creates a believable, intricate society with a distinct culture, language, and social hierarchy. From fortified castles to marketplaces teeming with life, the setting feels alive and tangible. It is clear that every character exists within a fully imagined world, even if the exposition occasionally reads like an instructional manual for understanding political and familial dynamics.
The supporting characters, though secondary, provide levity and additional perspective. Wren and Synové, for example, lighten tense moments and make Kazi’s journey more enjoyable. Other minor figures highlight aspects of Kazi and Jase’s personalities, but some could have been developed further to feel fully realized rather than narrative tools.
Themes of trust, loyalty, and moral ambiguity run throughout the book. Kazi’s challenges in discerning whom to trust, making ethical choices in tense situations, and reconciling her past misdeeds with her present responsibilities add emotional depth. Similarly, Jase’s internal struggles—balancing duty, loyalty, and his growing affection for Kazi—create tension and complexity that make the narrative more compelling.
I had the chance to read Dance of Thieves alongside a friend for a podcast episode, which added another layer of enjoyment. Discussing plot twists, character motivations, and pacing in real time highlighted both the book’s strengths and weaknesses, reinforcing my sense that this story is best appreciated as a blend of plot-driven suspense, complex leads, and immersive world-building.
Ultimately, I gave Dance of Thieves three-and-a-half stars. It is entertaining and engaging, offering clever schemes, a compelling romance, and rich world-building. While the exposition-heavy sections and some reliance on familiar YA tropes prevent it from being outstanding, Pearson’s strong lead characters, thrilling plotlines, and immersive setting make it a worthwhile read, particularly for fans of high-stakes YA fantasy adventures.
Happy reading!
