Book Musings - The Dragon Scale Lute by J C Kang

Title : The Dragon Scale Lute 
Author :  J C Kang
Series : Daughter of the Dragon Throne #1
Genre : Fantasy, Young Adult
Source : Review copy from CBB Promotions

Blurb :

Princess Kaiya’s voice could charm a dragon.

Had she lived when the power of music could still summon typhoons and rout armies, perhaps Cathay’s imperial court would see her as more than a singing fool. With alliances to build and ambitious lords to placate, they care more about her marriage prospects than her voice.

Only the handsome Prince Hardeep, a foreign martial mystic, recognizes her potential. Convinced Kaiya will rediscover the legendary but perilous art of invoking magic through music, he suggests her voice, not her marriage, might better serve the realm.

When members of the emperor’s elite spy clan-- Kaiya’s childhood friend Tian and his half-elf sidekick (or maybe he’s her sidekick?)-- discover mere discontent boiling over into full-scale rebellion, Kaiya must choose. Obediently wedding the depraved ringleader means giving up her music. Confronting him with the growing power of her voice could kill her.

My Musings : 

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will be honest the first thing which caught my attention was the book cover. It's impacting and so colourful that it draws the eye instantly. Then the title gave a hint of what the book is about. Finally the blurb caught me in its web and reeled me in to read it.

It isn't often that I find and read non-Western based fantasy novels. The double surprises of having an alternate China as the base place and music-based magic are what made me pick up this book. And I am glad in spite of the ups and downs to find a new series to follow.

Though the author has given a different take on fantasy, it was an even paced story with the right amount of intrigue, war and politics in addition to magic. It has all the elements to be an engrossing read not only for the younger generation but also for the adults. The writing is rich in details and easily brings the world to vision. The threads of the magic system are blended into the everyday details and this makes for a harmonious world. There is no hiccough anywhere in the story.

 The characters don't disappoint with their behaviour either. Kaiya is both awkward and stubborn, bold and a tad over the top in actions. The other characters including Tian and Hardeep lend well to their roles. They are all realistic in their actions. I for one enjoyed reading about their various adventures.

The writing not only lends well to the genre and story but also to the characters. The author has a talent for keeping true to his tale. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested in the next scene. The ending was well done and I can't wait to continue the series to follow Kaiya's future adventures.

My rating : 4.5/5