jae_under's review
1.0
Dnf at 23%. (I shouldn’t give it a rating at all since its so early on) Book 1 was a disaster on itself but i thought id just see whether it gets better here, but this story is just not for me. Apart from the writing style itself that I didn’t care much for, the characters really weren’t that appealing and i just lost interest in the world building itself as well :((.
Note: i got an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Note: i got an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
adominiquereads's review
4.0
"What can we trust more than that which comes from within ourselves?"
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I also listened to this book on its audiobook format - which I highly recommend.
Orchestra of Treacherieshas spanned two years after the events in [b:Songs of Insurrection|56741823|Songs of Insurrection (The Dragon Songs Saga #1)|J.C. Kang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611016133l/56741823._SY75_.jpg|46848827] wherein readers are now introduced to a more mature, more knowledgeable, and more well-rounded Princess Kaiya as she continues to learn her magic and destiny of keeping the dragon Avarax at bay. Not only are we following her story, but we are also following the villians and scheming politicians' point of views. This second installment was just so jam-packed with that familiar drama, action, and plots that I've come to know in the author's works, but this one just took it up to whole new level. The character work was splendid, and while I couldn't care that much towards a couple of characters' POVs, the amount of character development, dynamics, and conflicts among everyone were truly fulfilling, and I had so much fun following them from start to finish. If you're a fan of heavy politics in your fantasy novels, you'll enjoy this one because it's very detailed and musing, and it might feel a bit clunky for anyone who minds it.
I absolutely adored how we finally got a more expanded world in this story. Sure, the first book was already expansive, but the second book definitely reached further across its borders and finally introduced a lot of the places and cultures that were mentioned in the previous books. The reimagined Asian countries and their respective cultures in this series is really the huge selling point for me, because everything was done meticulously and anyone can fully appreciate it. Also, I enjoyed how we got to see more of how Kaiya's power of music and song come into play in the story.
This is definitely a stronger and more enjoyable follow up for [b:Songs of Insurrection|56741823|Songs of Insurrection (The Dragon Songs Saga #1)|J.C. Kang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611016133l/56741823._SY75_.jpg|46848827], but there are some few flaws that took away a bit of that enjoyment for me. Nevertheless, I'm still pretty pumped to read the next book in this beautiful series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I also listened to this book on its audiobook format - which I highly recommend.
Orchestra of Treacherieshas spanned two years after the events in [b:Songs of Insurrection|56741823|Songs of Insurrection (The Dragon Songs Saga #1)|J.C. Kang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611016133l/56741823._SY75_.jpg|46848827] wherein readers are now introduced to a more mature, more knowledgeable, and more well-rounded Princess Kaiya as she continues to learn her magic and destiny of keeping the dragon Avarax at bay. Not only are we following her story, but we are also following the villians and scheming politicians' point of views. This second installment was just so jam-packed with that familiar drama, action, and plots that I've come to know in the author's works, but this one just took it up to whole new level. The character work was splendid, and while I couldn't care that much towards a couple of characters' POVs, the amount of character development, dynamics, and conflicts among everyone were truly fulfilling, and I had so much fun following them from start to finish. If you're a fan of heavy politics in your fantasy novels, you'll enjoy this one because it's very detailed and musing, and it might feel a bit clunky for anyone who minds it.
I absolutely adored how we finally got a more expanded world in this story. Sure, the first book was already expansive, but the second book definitely reached further across its borders and finally introduced a lot of the places and cultures that were mentioned in the previous books. The reimagined Asian countries and their respective cultures in this series is really the huge selling point for me, because everything was done meticulously and anyone can fully appreciate it. Also, I enjoyed how we got to see more of how Kaiya's power of music and song come into play in the story.
This is definitely a stronger and more enjoyable follow up for [b:Songs of Insurrection|56741823|Songs of Insurrection (The Dragon Songs Saga #1)|J.C. Kang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611016133l/56741823._SY75_.jpg|46848827], but there are some few flaws that took away a bit of that enjoyment for me. Nevertheless, I'm still pretty pumped to read the next book in this beautiful series.
luftschlosseule's review
3.0
trigger warning
Two years have passed, and Kaiya has been fending off marriage proposals, waiting for Prince Hardeep's return. For various reasons which depend on whom you ask, she is send as and envoy to far away lands.
I had trouble getting into this one, and yes, in part it was due to me and my health, but I had problems with the sheer amount of people who got their own PoVs. In book one, for the most part, we had three people who were easy to differentiate. This second installment start introducing and introducting and keeps on till I lost any orientation I had. It returned on the final pages, but I still think it could have been handled better.
What I liked was that we venture out of Cathay to see more of the world.
It's fun to see so many different Asian countries represented in fictional cultures and learn more about the people living in it.
I don't have much to say. I didn't like this one as I Iiked the first book but still want to read on if possible.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Spoiler
trauma, grief, being drugged, being kidnapped, mention of rape, mention of suicide, misogynyTwo years have passed, and Kaiya has been fending off marriage proposals, waiting for Prince Hardeep's return. For various reasons which depend on whom you ask, she is send as and envoy to far away lands.
I had trouble getting into this one, and yes, in part it was due to me and my health, but I had problems with the sheer amount of people who got their own PoVs. In book one, for the most part, we had three people who were easy to differentiate. This second installment start introducing and introducting and keeps on till I lost any orientation I had. It returned on the final pages, but I still think it could have been handled better.
What I liked was that we venture out of Cathay to see more of the world.
It's fun to see so many different Asian countries represented in fictional cultures and learn more about the people living in it.
I don't have much to say. I didn't like this one as I Iiked the first book but still want to read on if possible.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
cpark2005's review
3.0
Orchestra of Treacheries is the sequel to Songs of Insurrection. I read the latter when it came across my radar a while back. I finally got around to Orchestra of Treacheries and I had pretty high expectations for where things were going to go after the first entry in the series. This sequel ended up being a little bit of a mixed bag, however.
To begin, there is a great deal to like about Orchestra of Treacheries. Kang’s world building is extravagant and fascinating on every level. One of the things I loved about Treacheries was that we were treated to a much wider view of the world than in the first book in the series. This means we’re able to see more cultures, more cities, more geography, and all of it shines. There are myriad small touches, from phrases to customs to interactions between people that reveal just how much care Kang has put into this world. The history and legends of the world are deep enough that even after two full novels it feels like we have only scratched the surface of this world. The magic system continues to be enticing, as well. There are hints of a much deeper system, but we get to see Kaiya growing into her power as someone who can manipulate emotions through her music. It’s interesting that no where does Kaiya or another character question the morality of manipulating someone in this way. Nevertheless, while the magic system remains mysterious it’s definitely something I enjoyed seeing more of. I was engaged throughout, the story itself having a certain je ne sais quoi, something that just keeps you reading and engaged.
While I enjoyed the setting and magic, I found other elements of the novel frustrating. My main frustration was with the first two thirds or so of the novel, where the protagonists know next to nothing about what the antagonists are doing, and thus make no moves whatsoever to stop them. Even once the protagonists start being proactive about doing things, rather than reactive, they don’t know much of what the actual enemy factions are doing. This creates almost the feel of two novels—the novel that the “good guys” know about and act in, and the secret novel shown through viewpoints of the “bad guys” where basically the protagonists do exactly what the antagonists want them to do, without knowing they are, falling perfectly into their plans. If something doesn’t go well for the antagonists, it’s because they’ve gotten in each others’ way, there being something like three or four antagonist factions. While I like things to be challenging for the protagonists, I do want them to eventually take steps to actually overcome the antagonists. On a related note, Kaiya—while not nearly as naïve as in Insurrection—is not a character I particularly connect with. One of my favorite characters from the first book, Jie, essentially gets stuck being Kaiya’s babysitter and my other favorite character from that book, Tian, is nowhere to be seen. No doubt this lack of connection affected my enjoyment of the story, and so others may have a very different reaction.
For me, Orchestra of Treacheries, is a story with a wonderfully crafted setting, unique magic, and an overarching plot that hints at enticing elements. All these are tempered somewhat by an MC that I don’t connect with and a story that makes the antagonists far more interesting than the protagonists. Even so, I’ll be picking up the next book to see where things go.
3.25/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
To begin, there is a great deal to like about Orchestra of Treacheries. Kang’s world building is extravagant and fascinating on every level. One of the things I loved about Treacheries was that we were treated to a much wider view of the world than in the first book in the series. This means we’re able to see more cultures, more cities, more geography, and all of it shines. There are myriad small touches, from phrases to customs to interactions between people that reveal just how much care Kang has put into this world. The history and legends of the world are deep enough that even after two full novels it feels like we have only scratched the surface of this world. The magic system continues to be enticing, as well. There are hints of a much deeper system, but we get to see Kaiya growing into her power as someone who can manipulate emotions through her music. It’s interesting that no where does Kaiya or another character question the morality of manipulating someone in this way. Nevertheless, while the magic system remains mysterious it’s definitely something I enjoyed seeing more of. I was engaged throughout, the story itself having a certain je ne sais quoi, something that just keeps you reading and engaged.
While I enjoyed the setting and magic, I found other elements of the novel frustrating. My main frustration was with the first two thirds or so of the novel, where the protagonists know next to nothing about what the antagonists are doing, and thus make no moves whatsoever to stop them. Even once the protagonists start being proactive about doing things, rather than reactive, they don’t know much of what the actual enemy factions are doing. This creates almost the feel of two novels—the novel that the “good guys” know about and act in, and the secret novel shown through viewpoints of the “bad guys” where basically the protagonists do exactly what the antagonists want them to do, without knowing they are, falling perfectly into their plans. If something doesn’t go well for the antagonists, it’s because they’ve gotten in each others’ way, there being something like three or four antagonist factions. While I like things to be challenging for the protagonists, I do want them to eventually take steps to actually overcome the antagonists. On a related note, Kaiya—while not nearly as naïve as in Insurrection—is not a character I particularly connect with. One of my favorite characters from the first book, Jie, essentially gets stuck being Kaiya’s babysitter and my other favorite character from that book, Tian, is nowhere to be seen. No doubt this lack of connection affected my enjoyment of the story, and so others may have a very different reaction.
For me, Orchestra of Treacheries, is a story with a wonderfully crafted setting, unique magic, and an overarching plot that hints at enticing elements. All these are tempered somewhat by an MC that I don’t connect with and a story that makes the antagonists far more interesting than the protagonists. Even so, I’ll be picking up the next book to see where things go.
3.25/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
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