“Dance of Thieves,” promises a tale of intrigue, romance, and a clash of kingdoms. Set in a world where the Ballenger family, rulers of a small, unrecognized territory, find themselves constantly challenged by neighboring kingdoms, the stage is set for a potentially captivating story. At the heart of this family is Jase, the Patrei, a leader known for his ability to see through lies, a skill that becomes crucial when a mysterious thief named Kazi enters his world.
Jase, depicted as a noble and devoted leader, is burdened by the constant struggle to protect his people and gain recognition for their land. His defining trait, his supposed talent for discerning deception, is quickly highlighted. We are told Jase is exceptional at spotting lies, a crucial skill for a ruler in his precarious position. For the initial chapters, this is emphasized, setting up an expectation of shrewdness and insightful judgment.
Enter Kazi of Brightmist, the titular “thief.” When Jase first encounters her, he prides himself on recognizing her falsehoods. However, this supposed talent for lie detection quickly becomes a comedic irony. Despite his initial skepticism and awareness of Kazi’s deceit, Jase inexplicably falls for her, hook, line, and sinker. He readily believes everything she says, even when her actions and words are contradictory. Her evasiveness about her past and her presence on Ballenger land, which should raise immediate red flags for a leader supposedly vigilant against threats, are dismissed with a baffling “I’m sure it’s fine” attitude. This blind faith persists even as evidence mounts suggesting Kazi and her associates are involved in something suspicious.
Kazi herself is introduced as a formidable thief dispatched by a Queen on a mission to apprehend a criminal believed to be hiding within the Ballenger territory, possibly under Jase’s protection. She is portrayed as a “kickass super-mega thief,” but her character quickly devolves into an archetype of the rude, loud, and grating protagonist. Early in the narrative, Kazi declares her unwavering composure, her ability to maintain a calm facade. This claim is almost immediately undermined.
Kazi of Brightmist depicted with exaggerated expressions, highlighting her inconsistent portrayal in Dance of Thieves as emotional despite claiming to be calm.
At every turn, when faced with opposition or discomfort, Kazi abandons any pretense of composure and resorts to screaming, making wild accusations, and launching into tirades against the Ballenger family without offering any chance for explanation or defense. Her behavior is consistently aggressive and accusatory, painting the Ballengers as villains based on flimsy assumptions and preconceived notions.
Kazi’s defining characteristic becomes her dishonesty. She withholds crucial information from Jase throughout the entire book, never revealing her true motives or background. She operates in secrecy, undermining Jase and his family, despite their apparent goodwill towards her. Yet, ironically, Kazi is quick to anger and accusation whenever she perceives dishonesty from Jase. She erupts in public scenes, physically confronts him, and demands he understand her unspoken grievances – showcasing a staggering level of hypocrisy and entitlement. It’s as if Jase is expected to be a mind-reader, divining her hidden agendas while she remains shrouded in secrecy.
Reader reaction to the frustrating female character, Kazi, in Dance of Thieves, showcasing common reader sentiment about her behavior.
While Jase does keep secrets from Kazi, his reticence is arguably understandable given her complete lack of transparency. She never explains her presence, her mission, or her allegiances, so why should he divulge every detail of his kingdom’s affairs to a woman he barely knows and clearly mistrusts? The narrative seems to overlook this fundamental point, portraying Jase’s secrecy as a flaw while excusing Kazi’s far more pervasive deception. Kazi’s behavior often resembles that of a spoiled, entitled brat, a stark contrast to her supposed humble upbringing, further adding to the character’s inconsistencies.
Beyond the deeply flawed female protagonist, several other aspects detract from the reading experience. The book’s length, clocking in at approximately 500 pages, feels unnecessarily protracted. The plot meanders, and much of the narrative is consumed by Kazi’s irrational actions and internal monologues. The sheer volume of characters, many with similar-sounding names, becomes overwhelming and confusing, making it difficult to invest in any of their individual storylines. Conversations frequently veer off-topic, disrupting the flow and focus of the narrative. The pacing is incredibly slow, making the book feel like a slog even when dedicating significant reading time to it.
Despite initial hints of a promising romance, this aspect of “Dance of Thieves” also falls flat. The chemistry between Jase and Kazi is unconvincing, and their relationship development feels rushed and superficial, bordering on insta-love despite the book’s considerable length. The romance is characterized by blind faith and inexplicable attraction, particularly on Jase’s side, leaving readers questioning the foundation of their supposed connection.
In conclusion, “Dance of Thieves,” while promising an exciting blend of fantasy, intrigue, and romance, ultimately stumbles due to a deeply unlikeable and inconsistent female lead, a meandering plot, and a lack of compelling character development. Readers seeking a satisfying fantasy romance may find themselves feeling more bullied by this book than entertained by any dance of thieves.
