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The Dragon Songs Saga #0.5
Prelude to Insurrection
Only an orphan half-elf spy can avert a rebellion before it starts.
Jie’s superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove her pointed ears aren’t a liability when she’s tasked to infiltrate a rebel lord’s castle.
In this prequel novelette to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.
Jie’s superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove her pointed ears aren’t a liability when she’s tasked to infiltrate a rebel lord’s castle.
In this prequel novelette to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2017
41 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Kang
37 books459 followersJC Kang's unhealthy obsession with Fantasy and Sci-Fi began at an early age when his brother introduced him to The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Trek, and Star Wars. As an adult, he combines his geek roots with his professional experiences as a Chinese Medicine doctor, martial arts instructor, and technical writer to pen epic fantasy stories.
To learn more about what goes on in his twisted mind, follow his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfTiv...
If you've read and enjoyed his works, keep up with his updates on Facebook:
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To learn more about what goes on in his twisted mind, follow his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfTiv...
If you've read and enjoyed his works, keep up with his updates on Facebook:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 25, 2021
Lord Sie's incursion across the Great Wall had raised the ire of the Emperor. Unless the young elf spy, Jie of the Black Fists, could discover the reason and the why, the might of the army of Cathay will fall upon them...and him...for his temerity. Though, if he didn't pay the agreed upon incursion price to the Lord of Rotuvi, he might be trapped between the force of TWO kingdoms. Jie soon finds the truth behind the façade and must find a way to get that information to her masters. And arranging for a impromptu revolution couldn't hurt.
Author J.C. Kang DRAGON SONGS SAGA is prefaced by this short story that introduces readers to the world and legends of Tivara and gives us an interesting and fun character in Jie of the Black Fists. While the story is brief, Kang packs the story with an incredible amount of background story and excitement as the author prepares to kick off the main saga itself. The only draw back to the story is that it IS so short that just as you're settling into the world and its characters, the adventure ends...BUT...there's plenty more in the following novels.
Good fun and a great new universe to look forward to.
Author J.C. Kang DRAGON SONGS SAGA is prefaced by this short story that introduces readers to the world and legends of Tivara and gives us an interesting and fun character in Jie of the Black Fists. While the story is brief, Kang packs the story with an incredible amount of background story and excitement as the author prepares to kick off the main saga itself. The only draw back to the story is that it IS so short that just as you're settling into the world and its characters, the adventure ends...BUT...there's plenty more in the following novels.
Good fun and a great new universe to look forward to.
December 3, 2021
[I received a free copy]
Prelude to Insurrection is a clean, adult epic fantasy short story. Third person POV.
Sneaking ninja-esque scenes, full on action, cool asian inspired worldbuilding, half elves and plots to take over the empire. Prelude to Insurrection has it all.
Favourites:
- Fantasy worldbuilding: glowing light balls you can hold in your hand, floorboards that make bird noises when you walk across, paintings that instill calmness, and hints at a greater world beyond the borders of this short story. Very cool.
- Action, action, action: and lots of it. Cool fighting scenes
- MC: quick on her feet, get-it-done badass but not without a heart. I couldn't help liking her.
What I missed:
- Fast paced: this is quite the fast paced story, and I think here and there, maybe a little too fast paced for my liking. But since that's the only commentary I can give on it, don't let it deter you from giving it a go. This is a greatly written story!
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate
Content warnings: mention of rape
Conclusion
If you like fast paced, action packed, petite female badass stories with some very cool worldbuilding elements, go check this out.
Prelude to Insurrection is a clean, adult epic fantasy short story. Third person POV.
Sneaking ninja-esque scenes, full on action, cool asian inspired worldbuilding, half elves and plots to take over the empire. Prelude to Insurrection has it all.
Favourites:
- Fantasy worldbuilding: glowing light balls you can hold in your hand, floorboards that make bird noises when you walk across, paintings that instill calmness, and hints at a greater world beyond the borders of this short story. Very cool.
- Action, action, action: and lots of it. Cool fighting scenes
- MC: quick on her feet, get-it-done badass but not without a heart. I couldn't help liking her.
What I missed:
- Fast paced: this is quite the fast paced story, and I think here and there, maybe a little too fast paced for my liking. But since that's the only commentary I can give on it, don't let it deter you from giving it a go. This is a greatly written story!
Sexual content: none
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate
Content warnings: mention of rape
Conclusion
If you like fast paced, action packed, petite female badass stories with some very cool worldbuilding elements, go check this out.
Read
June 14, 2020A short prequel to the Dragon Songs Saga, starring a female half-elf called Jie in a medieval Asian inspired setting which felt different.
Quite a lot packed into it, including some political intrigue and a fair slice of action. The MC is a spy/ secret operative and the action actually felt a bit like a stealth based video game.
Well written and suggests that the main series would appeal to those who like ninja elf action scenes!
Quite a lot packed into it, including some political intrigue and a fair slice of action. The MC is a spy/ secret operative and the action actually felt a bit like a stealth based video game.
Well written and suggests that the main series would appeal to those who like ninja elf action scenes!
May 22, 2017
You know how it is when one character will just jump out at you, the character that plays a pivotal role in an ongoing saga, the one you NEED to know more about and yet, their past remains shrouded? PRELUDE TO INSURRECTION is J.C. Kang’s answer to who IS Jie and what made her the warrior she is today? Discover Jie as a younger elf, feel what she feels and witness one of the experiences that made her who she is.
It is brief “preludes” like this one from J.C. Kang that gives life and dimension to characters we already feel for. It is “the rest of the story” for one of his most colorful characters and proof that he knows what readers need and will go the distance to bring it to the table, the fact that he does it so well is just another bonus from this talented fantasy author.
Series: The Dragon Songs Saga - Book 0.5
Publisher: Three Moons Press (May 1, 2017)
Publication Date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 75 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
It is brief “preludes” like this one from J.C. Kang that gives life and dimension to characters we already feel for. It is “the rest of the story” for one of his most colorful characters and proof that he knows what readers need and will go the distance to bring it to the table, the fact that he does it so well is just another bonus from this talented fantasy author.
Series: The Dragon Songs Saga - Book 0.5
Publisher: Three Moons Press (May 1, 2017)
Publication Date: May 1, 2017
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 75 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 17, 2022
Another one from my list of ''free Ebooks from indie authors'' and this time we're following the main character of Jie as she is tasked by the emperor to infiltrate as a rogue lord's servant to spy.
The novella is short and sweet. The writing style immediately strikes me as unique with an edge of dry whit to our MC's thoughts.
As soon as I realised this was a pre-industrial era China-inspired setting, I did get a little perturbed by no fault of the author! I've just found it isn't the genre for me when I've read previous works set in a similar setting. Though Kang's world building throughout the pages did manage to relieve me of that initial dislike by having his world immediately feel more fantastical in addition to various sets of magic, while still keeping that dark undertone of danger for our woman MC.
Our main character of Jie was enjoyably capable, having trained for many years. As well as her being half-elf, which gives her genetic advantages over a lot of the characters we see, she's also shown as resourceful, especially in a tight spot.
The brief story we got drew me in, and I did find myself consuming the whole thing very quickly.
My one gripe is that the story itself doesn't actually resolve within this novella. As it stands, the 70 pages of build-up abruptly end.
If anything, you could argue this is a plus as it just proves I clearly want to see more regarding characters we've just met due to Kang's great writing, haha!
The novella is short and sweet. The writing style immediately strikes me as unique with an edge of dry whit to our MC's thoughts.
As soon as I realised this was a pre-industrial era China-inspired setting, I did get a little perturbed by no fault of the author! I've just found it isn't the genre for me when I've read previous works set in a similar setting. Though Kang's world building throughout the pages did manage to relieve me of that initial dislike by having his world immediately feel more fantastical in addition to various sets of magic, while still keeping that dark undertone of danger for our woman MC.
Our main character of Jie was enjoyably capable, having trained for many years. As well as her being half-elf, which gives her genetic advantages over a lot of the characters we see, she's also shown as resourceful, especially in a tight spot.
The brief story we got drew me in, and I did find myself consuming the whole thing very quickly.
My one gripe is that the story itself doesn't actually resolve within this novella. As it stands, the 70 pages of build-up abruptly end.
If anything, you could argue this is a plus as it just proves I clearly want to see more regarding characters we've just met due to Kang's great writing, haha!
June 5, 2017
Jie, a half-elf, snatched Lord Shi’s 7-year-old son in mid-air as he tripped toward the open fire pit. The shocked nursemaid reprimanded him, then offered two lovely hair pins to Jie. But Jie kindly refused to take them since they probably were valued possessions. As she looked around, she glanced at one of the mines where something secretive seemed to be going on. She took a dinner tray and sought out Lord Shi to try to figure what he was up to that he would risk angering both the Emperor and the foreigners whose land he occupied at the moment.
This was a good introduction to the books that will follow. It gives a glimpse of Jie from the beginning and helps to understand the character better. I would definitely recommend it to readers.
This was a good introduction to the books that will follow. It gives a glimpse of Jie from the beginning and helps to understand the character better. I would definitely recommend it to readers.
June 16, 2018
This was a very short story, my only complaint is that it was in fact too short, as the heroine of the story was Jie the black fists, young elf herself and she was on a scouting mission in the dangerous terrain outside the wall. Lord Shi was mining for gold or so he said when in fact his people were producing fire powder and getting ready to rise up against the emperor of Cathay. Jie's usual courageous and brash ability can save the day if she can decide who to protect, the downtrodden people or the empire!! This is a real fun read, full of tense exciting and daring adventure. A great prequel to the awesome quartet The Dragon Songs Saga in which Jie is a main protagonist. Definitely needs to be read!
July 6, 2019
I really enjoyed rereading this glimpse of Jie in the early days of her Black Lotus career. She is my favourite character in the Legends of Tivara stories and this tale makes you love her all the more. The author did a great job of demonstrating the start of a career, we get to see a less accomplish Jie; her skills and quick thinking are still apparent, just not as polished, assured and refined as she is in later stories. It added a nice realism to the character. This short story has intrigue, suspense, action and compassion and you are left wanting more of both the characters and the story.
August 5, 2024
In flowing prose and intricate narrative, this little short story is packed with tasteful details and world-building. The characters are well-written despite the shortness of space, and the storyline is exciting.
My only complaint would be that it introduces a lot of things, some of which are never explained (understandable enough since it's a short story), but some could have just been left out altogether to allow the story to speak for itself. It had enough going for it anyway, with its intrigue, interesting characters and flowing action. It is highly likely I will go on to read the series based on this prequel.
My only complaint would be that it introduces a lot of things, some of which are never explained (understandable enough since it's a short story), but some could have just been left out altogether to allow the story to speak for itself. It had enough going for it anyway, with its intrigue, interesting characters and flowing action. It is highly likely I will go on to read the series based on this prequel.
October 10, 2017
I can honestly say I've only read a few very short stories and normally don't bother to review since that is usually about all I have to say. It's hard to pack anything of real interest into something very short, but JC Kang did just that with this prequel to his Tivara series.
Jie is a very interesting character. Quick thinking and capable and it was interesting to see some of her beginning origins. This was also a good short introduction to the world of Tivara. Good fantasy read. Look forward to reading more.
Jie is a very interesting character. Quick thinking and capable and it was interesting to see some of her beginning origins. This was also a good short introduction to the world of Tivara. Good fantasy read. Look forward to reading more.
October 15, 2021
Someone find JC Kang and tell him it is not OK to have a prelude so interesting that it makes one want to buy all the audiobooks and go broke.
Natalie's narration adds to the story, and I admit it played a big role in me getting another one of his books. Even though it's an ebook, it will be narrated in my head by Natalie Naudus.
I was struggling with my library at that point in time, then Jie walked in with her half-elf self, listening to privileged conversations and prowling mines.
I loved the little lordling.
Would I recommend getting a peek into Tivara? Yup, better yet, listen to it.
Natalie's narration adds to the story, and I admit it played a big role in me getting another one of his books. Even though it's an ebook, it will be narrated in my head by Natalie Naudus.
I was struggling with my library at that point in time, then Jie walked in with her half-elf self, listening to privileged conversations and prowling mines.
I loved the little lordling.
Would I recommend getting a peek into Tivara? Yup, better yet, listen to it.
June 17, 2025
This was an interesting short. The only other story I've read in this saga was another short that focused on Rian. In this one, we see when and how Jie meets a young boy named Rin, how she uses her youthful appearance as a half-elf to her advantage, and the work the Black Fists do overall.
I did find it ridiculous how focused on candy Rin was, and how often Jie thought of him being tempted by candy. It's a short story and I think it came up 5 or 6 times.
I didn't find this as well-written as the other short ("False Heirs") but I'm still interested in the 'verse.
I did find it ridiculous how focused on candy Rin was, and how often Jie thought of him being tempted by candy. It's a short story and I think it came up 5 or 6 times.
I didn't find this as well-written as the other short ("False Heirs") but I'm still interested in the 'verse.
March 27, 2021
I didn't realise this novella would be as short as it was, but I still enjoyed it. I loved the Thorn of the Night Blossom by the same author and so I was excited to get another little glimpse into this wonderful world he's created.
Once again, the story is focussed and intruiging, with plenty of stealth, wits, and strategy. This is a great quick read for anyone enthralled by the world of Jie and the Black Lotus.
Once again, the story is focussed and intruiging, with plenty of stealth, wits, and strategy. This is a great quick read for anyone enthralled by the world of Jie and the Black Lotus.
April 12, 2022
Have you ever tried a new author and knew from the very start that you were going to read every single book in the series? I had that with JC Kang’s Prelude to Insurrection. Quick and stuffed with stealthy action, Kang’s effortless ability to draw me into the world and action sequences has me hooked and wanting more. I don’t want to go into detail about what the story is about because it’s rather short and it’s an easy (and free) read, but I can’t wait to read more in this world.
April 21, 2025
Prelude to Insurrection by J.C. Kang is a very short prequel novella.
While it felt a bit abrupt at the end, and might not be a fully satisfying story on its own, it is definitely is a good sample to see if th style is for you or not.
I already read the authors Back Lotus series, so I am familiar with the world and tone, which made it super easy to get into this one, but I am sure it works well of it is your first Kang book as well.
While it felt a bit abrupt at the end, and might not be a fully satisfying story on its own, it is definitely is a good sample to see if th style is for you or not.
I already read the authors Back Lotus series, so I am familiar with the world and tone, which made it super easy to get into this one, but I am sure it works well of it is your first Kang book as well.
May 30, 2020
In a word, sharp. Great sense of setting with minimal description, great action and high tension in a complex but easy to follow plot of political intrigue, wonderful moments of humour, and a very satisfyingly portrayed main character. Grabs you from the first line and keeps the hooks in throughout. This has definitely served the author's purpose, because I'm very curious for more.
January 3, 2021
I'm not sure if it's the right reading order to start here, but I did and it made my winter walk a fun one, so certainly that pleasure threshold was cleared. As for whether or not I'll return for the full novels, even I have no way of knowing that. I'll spoil one thing and tell you that even though there are dragons on the cover there are none in this book. So wait actually zero stars.
September 26, 2022
No
I’m glad I read this novelette in the bath so at least it wasn’t a complete waste of time. I will NOT be reading the series. Books like this are what give self publishing a bad name, and I will never encourage anyone to self-publish. Don’t put your hard work amongst books like these.
I’m glad I read this novelette in the bath so at least it wasn’t a complete waste of time. I will NOT be reading the series. Books like this are what give self publishing a bad name, and I will never encourage anyone to self-publish. Don’t put your hard work amongst books like these.
May 10, 2017
I liked the plot and the characters were interesting. I'd like to see how the plot line develops. I think the author needs to tighten the dialog a bit, as I felt the characters had a tendency to ramble on a bit. It has great potential.
December 30, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ couldn't-put-it-down great
This is a prequel novella to the Dragon Songs Saga that introduces Jie, a half-elf woman who is anxious to prove that her elvish appearance won't compromise her infiltration abilities as a spy. In the end, she makes a compassionate decision that goes against her training, which made me admire her and I can't wait to start Songs of Insurrection to get to know her more!
There were some details that didn't make sense at first, but the author also provided an informative appendix that explains some of these confusing aspects and creates such an intriguing world that I am looking forward to discovering more of. There were also some references to her past and training that I think will make more sense once I have read Songs of Insurrection, so I will probably do a re-read in the future.
Overall, this was an enjoyable introduction to The Dragon Songs Saga that was short enough to finish in one sitting with my morning coffee, and I am looking forward to starting Songs of Insurrection as soon as possible 😊
This is a prequel novella to the Dragon Songs Saga that introduces Jie, a half-elf woman who is anxious to prove that her elvish appearance won't compromise her infiltration abilities as a spy. In the end, she makes a compassionate decision that goes against her training, which made me admire her and I can't wait to start Songs of Insurrection to get to know her more!
There were some details that didn't make sense at first, but the author also provided an informative appendix that explains some of these confusing aspects and creates such an intriguing world that I am looking forward to discovering more of. There were also some references to her past and training that I think will make more sense once I have read Songs of Insurrection, so I will probably do a re-read in the future.
Overall, this was an enjoyable introduction to The Dragon Songs Saga that was short enough to finish in one sitting with my morning coffee, and I am looking forward to starting Songs of Insurrection as soon as possible 😊
May 21, 2020
My first story into J.C. Kang's fantasy world. In a way it met my expectations with it being a short story for the current situation our heroine was in. Jei seems like an interesting character so far and I'm interested to see her origins and where she goes from there in this world. 3.5/5 stars.
November 9, 2020
It was a very interesting introduction to the series. I'll be continuing with the series shortly. It was action-packed and very fast paced. I really enjoyed it. I would have liked it to be longer though.
January 30, 2021
It's a short story, so
1) Interesting enough that I might possibly pick up the rest of the series
2) But not enticing enough that I will DEFINITELY pick up the rest of the series.
I guess it boils down to money, serendipity, and the ever-evolving TBR.
1) Interesting enough that I might possibly pick up the rest of the series
2) But not enticing enough that I will DEFINITELY pick up the rest of the series.
I guess it boils down to money, serendipity, and the ever-evolving TBR.
December 16, 2021
For being so short, 34 pages short, I find this to be a good start to something that could be good. I was conflicted with some of the lines in the short story, at times seeming adult, at others making jokes that seemed out of place to me. The fact that it has such interesting cover art is definitely a bonus for buying this. The plot it sets up is also a very interesting one, one that I feel could become quite entertaining given the right writing. I am torn at whether this is for children or young adults, though it could be somewhere between, and could appeal to both. It is worth the few minutes it takes to read, and nothing more nor nothing less. Simply good.
May 13, 2017
Jie is an amazing character to start this series with for me. Loved reviewing and learning all about the story.
October 23, 2017
This story has the beginnings of one great series can't wait to read it all
January 28, 2018
A prelude to the Dragon Songs Saga
A short story about Jie, one character from the Dragon Song Saga. It is really short, indeed! But a good way of presenting her to the readers.
A short story about Jie, one character from the Dragon Song Saga. It is really short, indeed! But a good way of presenting her to the readers.
February 4, 2018
This is an excellent prequel to The Dragon Songs Saga! This is my first story by this Author and I am looking forward to reading the entire series. The cover is really cool.
April 26, 2018
Great wee story
Great introduction to Jie and how she knew about the layout of the fortress. I love the character of Jie.
Great introduction to Jie and how she knew about the layout of the fortress. I love the character of Jie.
June 19, 2019
Very interesting plot and well written. An introduction to some of the characters.
Can't wait to start the main story!
Can't wait to start the main story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews