The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
kitvaria_sarene's review
4.0
Another quick bite, that both brings in new adventures, but weaves in bits from previous stories as well!
I really love the length of these, that allow for a short read, but still don't feel shallow or too short.
I once again enjoyed the tone and voice, the action and adventure and the beautiful setting!
The repercussions from what happened just before, in the last book, did fall a bit short for me, which is the main reason why this is "just" a very good 4* for me and not a full 5*.
Still a hell of a lot of fun to read, and I'm already looking forward to more!
I really love the length of these, that allow for a short read, but still don't feel shallow or too short.
I once again enjoyed the tone and voice, the action and adventure and the beautiful setting!
The repercussions from what happened just before, in the last book, did fall a bit short for me, which is the main reason why this is "just" a very good 4* for me and not a full 5*.
Still a hell of a lot of fun to read, and I'm already looking forward to more!
constant2m's review
4.0
While I'm loving the story, and I understand the need for sex to be discussed and described (these are all courtesan/assassins after all), in my personal taste, it was a bit much. Also, while I understand this is just a job and they are trained to lack modestly, I can't help feeling sorry for the Black Lotuses and what they have to go through for their job. Still, these girls know how to work a situation to get what they need, from information to actual keys.
Jie is still trying to find more information about Lillian and her betrayal, but is now up against the clock, racing a crime lord to crack a safe - a very complicated safe. With the help of Tian's skill of piecing things together (who sadly has to be filled in on some of the less innocent things in life) and Wen's skills of seduction, she manages to access the safe, although getting in is an entirely different story, as well as what she finds when she does.
I received a free ARC audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
Jie is still trying to find more information about Lillian and her betrayal, but is now up against the clock, racing a crime lord to crack a safe - a very complicated safe. With the help of Tian's skill of piecing things together (who sadly has to be filled in on some of the less innocent things in life) and Wen's skills of seduction, she manages to access the safe, although getting in is an entirely different story, as well as what she finds when she does.
I received a free ARC audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly.
thehamsterreads's review
5.0
Get ready for another action packed instalment in the Scions of the Black Lotus series! This book follows Jie, Tian, Wen, and a couple other Black Lotus members as they plan a heist to open a lord’s safe. They hope to learn more about Lilian’s past and unravel the mystery that lead to her death. I applaud JC Kang for yet another wonderfully written and suspenseful story! I love the continued expansion on the characters and the world of Tivara! I highly recommend this series of novellas!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
inked_up_bookshelf's review
5.0
This series is just getting better and better. Making plans is one thing, executing them is another. Out to find what exactly is in the Lords safe we find Jie, Wen, Tain and other Floating World girls teaming together for the best sceme we have yet to read.
Tain has become my favorite character; watching him grow not only as a boy to man but within the clan as well it’s enticing and even humors. His juvenile way of life is hilarious and cute.
JCK does a fabulous job of bringing quick paced but extremely well details novella length stories. Highly recommended.
Tain has become my favorite character; watching him grow not only as a boy to man but within the clan as well it’s enticing and even humors. His juvenile way of life is hilarious and cute.
JCK does a fabulous job of bringing quick paced but extremely well details novella length stories. Highly recommended.
secre's review
4.0
The plot thickens in Temptress of Fates as various strings from previous installments in this series begin to come together and form an intricately woven whole. What starts as a simple job to break into a safe becomes a lot more complex as unseen hands manipulate events from behind the scenes. You are aware of more of the political undercurrents and machinations here, which brings further depth to the world. However, whilst there is a lot going on, I felt that all the various ties were resolved well, with each narrative thread being developed equally.
The characters continue to come to life, although here Jie takes a back seat to Wen and Tian. I liked how the events of the previous novella continued to resonate here, with characters grieving and coping in their own way. Tian continues to be a voice of naive innocence that is a good counterpoint to the darker world that the others know they live in.
All in all, an excellent novella that brings additional depth and detail to the world-building already established, whilst displaying a strong narrative and characterisation.
The characters continue to come to life, although here Jie takes a back seat to Wen and Tian. I liked how the events of the previous novella continued to resonate here, with characters grieving and coping in their own way. Tian continues to be a voice of naive innocence that is a good counterpoint to the darker world that the others know they live in.
All in all, an excellent novella that brings additional depth and detail to the world-building already established, whilst displaying a strong narrative and characterisation.
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