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The Outlands Pentalogy #4
A Dance of Lies
A year into the Outlands and life has only become more dangerous and complex for Kitty and her friends. Not only are the Outcasts hunting them, but Charles and Ciara are adamant about returning to the Kingdom to help, forcing everyone to take a side. To make matters worse, the leader of the Outcasts, Quen, has an unrelenting fascination with Thom and Nate that soon reaches horrific heights.
As tensions mount and the group begins to splinter, Riddle comes to Kitty with an unexpected request. A secret. One that makes them inseparable.
Kitty soon finds herself spending more and more time away from Nate and Thom, learning to fight and increasingly drawn into the ways of the Radiants. But Kitty and Riddle's new bond doesn't come without complications, and a decision made by the two of them threatens more than Kitty's relationship with Nate ...
As tensions mount and the group begins to splinter, Riddle comes to Kitty with an unexpected request. A secret. One that makes them inseparable.
Kitty soon finds herself spending more and more time away from Nate and Thom, learning to fight and increasingly drawn into the ways of the Radiants. But Kitty and Riddle's new bond doesn't come without complications, and a decision made by the two of them threatens more than Kitty's relationship with Nate ...
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September 14, 2021
R A T I N G: 4 stars to A Dance of Lies ★ ★ ★ ★
'Learning to protect yourself isn't violent,' he countered. 'Being unable to defend yourself and dying because you're useless or too scared to move - that's violent. We have to fight to stay alive in this world. It's not easy inside or outside the Kingdom.'
'He's already frightened them,' he murmured. 'He frightens them because he refuses to die and people know that. People remember those meant to die who don't.'
I've experienced neither a drop, a dip nor a collapse in enthusiasm for this series. The love pulls strong, its aim faithful and fires true blue within the tortured hearts of these disaster dwellers. I fondly flit and fluctuate from cordially brandishing the terms ‘disaster cast’ and ‘catastrophe crew’ with the Cuttaverse clan because, their existential tragedies aside, they really are a dysfunctional disaster family incarnate.
As we took a two-book sabbatical from Kitty's POV, I have to stress how much of a homecoming it was for me to step back into the role of spectator and colonise her mind for the stretch of this book. If I love being a fly on the wall for anyone in this series, both Nate and Kitty would claim said victory without qualm or question. And with A Dance of Lies, the readability, the rawness and the clashing conviction keeps abreast with propulsive beckon. These characters could probably write endless bluesy hits that alchemise the coiling, pooling synthesis of their angst and pain.
In the Outlands wilderness, we've got our eclectic camp of Kingdom fugitives and Radiant dwellers. I would say there's trouble in paradise but there's nothing quite paradisiacal about what menaces Radiant horizons. Lush flora, brisk sunrises, dappled canopies, peaceful haunts and it’s nature that's so nifty at misleading, and only nature that gets away with calling man a halfwit. Just like humans, Radiants have their fair share of the villainous that intimidate and terrorise, and the most diabolical of them is still disturbingly compelled by the Anteros brothers. Where the law was created and enforced by the Council in the Kingdom, it's in the hands of every Radiant in the Outlands territory. This includes the ousted Outcasts.
A Dance of Lies moves forward and we're one year into the Outlands, beyond Kingdom law, beyond Crown jurisdiction and beyond the bane of an unfree life. But being free of law doesn't quite amount to being free from everything these characters have eluded. Even then, freedom isn’t fit for everyone. Even with expanses of land cleaving them from an enslaving empire and a wall specifically built for division, their minds and memories sill disturb, besieged by the fallout of their old lives. The Kingdom may be long out of sight, but it's still fiercely not out of mind. And If a looming enemy isn’t a big enough obstacle, camp conflict is bigger. The dividing argument between pro-remain and pro-leave starts to split the camp right down its quarrelsome middle.
If I thought the initial trilogy was character-driven and tempestuous with temper, then A Dance of Lies is particularly more character-focused than its preliminary comrades with all its personality clashes, conviction wars and disputes of attitude. Group morale is charged with ascending strain in this follow up and shifting desires break up their ranks, splitting their little collective apart. After all it's taken to get here, all they've weathered to find each other, whether they've all changed for better or worse, damaged or destructive, blackened or blameworthy, the divisions grow steady, small and seismic between the Kingdom runaways. Everyone breaking apart with every choice challenging the next. If you can’t feel the drama, it’s bright, brilliant and I do not contest how free my glee might have ran with the argumentative infighting. Confession: very high. My ample gratitude to the disaster cast for bringing the bashful and brazen angsty dramatics.
While the tension typically broke, cut, soared, simmered and mounted in the books preceding as it was always a race to each other and a mad dash to fend off danger, the dust rarely settles long enough before another monster furls from the dust: free-to-roam bottlenecking angst courtesy of below-the-surface wounds and oversensitised feelings quick to ignite. Things do buckle to a head in a way that confronts love, loyalty, trust and affiliation in this addition. While we only ever saw how sweepingly unequalled Nate’s oversized line of love would live to outlast, I was deeply curious to see what might, if anything, test his relationship with Kitty. As I’m a known lover of romance, I was one with every love bond, even as violence, omission and unreserved honesty laces the love.
You’ll see a touch of what it takes to see Nate pushed to an indefensible brink just as you’ll see a side of Kitty that stays true to herself. As we’re familiar with Nate’s delicate sense of self worth, his need to bleed to stem the flow of his cosmic feelings, his leanings for self-destruction and his grand inability to quell not one thought from mind to mouth, you can expect his characteristic confrontations with those he really doesn’t like and his hysterical love towards those he really does. My love for my troublesome Firebird, however, remains unimpaired. Because even as he rips into those he doesn’t like, he loves harder for those he does.
While I clued up on everything firsthand through privileged Kitty in book one, I felt the distance from her in the books following, wondering how she really dealt with her own captivity. Just as I suspected, her brave face, enduring adaptability and natural propensity towards spilling lies and evading the truth (all of which she still effects thoroughly well) belies how hard the Kingdom had taken it’s toll on her, how close she kept her suffering close to heart. And if we know anything about Kitty, it's how artful she is at masking the truth, but it’s about to work to her detriment here. Did I mention how much I rejoiced being back in her mind?
I was so proud to watch Kitty come into herself and blossom like the wildflowers home to the Outlands, grow into someone wanting of strength, failing to see how brave she had become but still so frightened of leaving the limbo. Questioning her place in the Outlands, hating her fear, hurting over her misery, stonewalled by her nightmares and learning this new land was all a part of it. The change in her has gradually materialised and I’m keen to see how her whetted ire might play into oncoming affairs.
At this point, I’m taking the hint and hoping to witness the shift in her temper. There are some subtle signs that comeuppance might be on the cards so I’m looking forward to bloodthirsty Kitty should she manifest. But what brought me to heel like a pup who twirls for a sweet treat was the budding friendship between Kitty Halfblood and camp warrior, Riddle. I bring this up because Kitty was once more mutant-averse, and here she is not only fraternising with their divided peoples, but befriending them. How the tables do turn and the walls do crumble. It was wonderful to behold. A Dance of Lies is less a plot-enhancing chapter in the Pentalogy and more an interlude as character intrigue runs the course. Despite an antagonist on the hunt for them and intermittent run-ins and skirmishes, I have to admit that I did feel the lull in activity and would have preferred more moments of actionable handiwork.
I affectionately blame romance books for my partiality for the graceful, silent warrior archetype but I loved seeing different sides to the normally unflustered, inexpressive Riddle. He’s become a true favourite in this series for me. And while I’m billing up my love-struck labours that kneel to love, I pay a special mention to Thom and Kitty moments. I love that their friendship is remains taut with meaningful intimacy. That the love doesn’t dim between them even after their lovers-to-friends dynamic makes me smile sweetly. Of course, Nate and Kitty moments are a natural point of endearment too, hence a discretionary mention lest my rebel-hearted bellicose bird bathe in the bitter seas of jealousy.
Interestingly enough, you might find yourself disagreeing with character choices in the same space of thought you’ll agree with follow-up decisions. I might shake my head with a sigh, can see a storm in the making, am taken aback at the unsweetened honesty, can feel the dread of a choice that’s bound to impart a lasting ache, can feel the weight of the unsaid as opposed to what has been or mildly cringe at a conversation gone wrong but it’s more a case of every character having a right to their pain. A reason for their choices. It’s not a conflict of side supporting per se but of tucking away the rationale (Irrational or otherwise) in a world littered with gray pickings, changeable courses and fluid morality. They’re wanting death, fearing death and wishing death upon their enemies.
We know there’s a lot of bracing love between the characters; they’d sacrifice, they’d go above to protect, beyond to love and cause carnage to live even if they do hurl and hurt each other. And here’s where my nickname comes into play because some members of the disaster cast exclusively tolerate each other, but they’ll back each other in the same breath. Even if their encounters might be one word short of flying fists. An ode to their differences because the central and supporting characters are still full of fire, fear, pain and outrage. Hard reactions are exclusive to hard choices. In terms of speculating what might happen, suspicions and potential theories for the series aren’t particularly hard to imagine. You’ll probably find your guesswork to be true but there will come some surprising curveballs that circle their way into the fray.
While the preceding books catered towards a spree to outrun the Kingdom and its abject cruelty, this one absolves to the idea that danger and discord can’t quite face avoidance by any physical mile. It also needles into the intimate, inward and immediate relationships within the group while the calling, haunting past might never be out of the picture so long as the Kingdom cuts a looming silhouette.
The penultimate end to this series brings with it foreseeably effortless writing that opens up the potential for human/Radiant romance, adds on to Radiant world-building and probes relationships and interrelationships as a circus of thundering disagreement preludes a Halfblood’s complexion as a gatekeeper cached with half-truths. As always, Rebecca Crunden’s addictive writing frames her story with need-to-know urgency and the compulsion to read just ‘one more page’ becomes a pitiful alibi that endangered my waking hours and sharpened my attention span for this book and this book only. I’m now a thralled lackey to this disaster saga and now that I’ve breached the frontier and jumped the final wall that is this review, I’m prepared for a prophecy that hopefully predicts a laudable finale to this series!
*A big thank you to the author for sending over a copy for review!*
________________________________________________
DI S A B I L I T Y -R E P
I want to use this space to talk about a really important particular. A potentially sensitive particular too. I admire how inclusive the author has been with this series. There's so much I love about it. We have diversity for sexual orientation, representation for heavy themes such as abortion, forced pregnancy, trauma, criminal pers ecution, rape, forced marriage and all manner of what you might expect from a darker-themed dystopian. Since subjects of chronic illness and disability are very close to my heart, I was glad to see disability rep in there too, but this is actually where I struggle with how I feel about the disability characterisation. I don't know that I agree with where Thom’s disability peregrination headed or with the imparted, underlying intimation. We see how traumatised Thom was after being tortured, having been left scarred, disfigured and disabled through the act of a malevolent enemy. His conflict is strong and visible and hits the mobility war issue with a rawness that demonstrates the difficulty of living with said newly-acquired disability (a rawness characteristic to the way the author considers every other tough subject). I understood the ranging emotions from frustration to self-loathing to dependency to inadequacy to preferring death to life without quite feeling ‘whole’ - and this is a word I also really struggled with throughout the book. Wholeness is a very elusive, illusionist and complex topic in the realm of disability. Why can/should Thom only feel ‘whole’ when he has an abled body? The characters know how Thom felt about his body, how much of a hardship it was for him to live life in the Outlands with a physical impairment and to be bereaved by what he’d lost. What bothered him most was his inability to perform (to live with a body that underperforms) to a level he was used to and his supporting friends and family really understood this. He can’t protect himself or his loved ones to a successful degree and they all do what they can to see that Thom is heard and seen. All reasonable and all very realistic. But where the disability rep might falter for me (and I'm still painfully in two minds over this) is the blending of a potential ‘cure’ into the mix to rid the survivor of every physical change so that he can feel 'whole’ again rather than to have him learn to live with his disability, and to ultimately find an acceptance for it. I was happy for Thom that he received his desired outcome, to have a body without disability or deformity but I was also disheartened by this outcome that remedies his body without disability or deformity. You could easily argue that Thom needed to see to his own end and to face his enemy in a way that felt comfortable to him, and the author successfully highlights this. I really do take this in too. And in Anais itself, we know that all sorts of remedies exist to heal scars, defacements and long-term sicknesses so you could also easily point out that if the means to heal these types of conditions have been established by the author as she builds her world, then it's absolutely fine for Thom to heal, albeit through alternative method. If I had swapped shoes with Thom, I would have probably grabbed at any chance to lose my own disabling illnesses if there was even the smallest mention of a full recovery but the disabled aren’t able to magic away their corporeal disabilities. For disability representation to work, a character must be depicted without minimalising who they have become by implying that to want to live fully and completely is to be without any disability. That’s really not quite disability positive or disability accepting. I really had to think about this a lot before I decided to talk about it. I’m still honestly not sure how I feel about it and I accept that many fantasy books out there follow in the same vein of whipping up systems and stratagem that assent to one-way recovery. I don’t actually think the author set out to include disability representation intentionally. I think one of her characters ended up following that suit and the story took him where it was supposed to, which I also completely understand. Creative direction is an author’s prerogative and I have every regard for the chosen road singular to every character. I have zero feelings of ill for the story, it remains one of my favourites and I’d gladly peddle this series to any dystopian-loving reader. As a personal take, however, I think it would have been wonderful for Thom to not have been rehabilitated/recovered completely with the swallow of a gene-altering serum. It would have been even more wonderful to see him as the deadly combatant he is, fighting his enemies and fronting this war, disability intact. I may add on, change or remedy this part FYI.
________________________________________________
E X T R A _T H O U G H T S
1) Charles and Thom’s relationship ended up playing out how I expected it to and I’m happy to announce we may have some Radiant/human romance to look forward to!
2) Can we talk about Thom being the camp heartthrob? That guy has everyone wanting a piece of him like a a sought-after hero in a romance novel.
3) Also, I’m really curious to know why Thom’s eyes haven’t adapted to the known Radiant shades. He’s said to have violet eyes instead.
4) I didn’t particularly loathe Ciara as a character, but she wasn’t a spectacular recipient to my love either. She really wasn’t a favourite in any way for me and she doesn’t seem a great friend to Kitty. Even after she finds out in the previous book about Kitty’s rape, she doesn’t support her in any noticeable way. Granted, she has a lot going on too but the affection wasn’t there. They share very few scenes together and I can sum up how many meaningful conversations they have on one finger even though their friendship stretches back to childhood, but then the author does explain the distance as a sort of drifting apart. I think it was the author’s intent to have them separate and splinter but I don’t think Ciara’s character really brings much to the table. I was glad to see Kitty and Riddle’s friendship was a nice opposite to that however.
5)Some of the original side characters do spend a lot of time away from each other so I did miss the original group dynamic. Tove felt more removed in this instalment while Zoe and Kitty have one scene, I think, where they react to each other. Also, I would have loved to see more of/know more of Alik and Aison.
6) We know how bothered Thom was by his tormentor, how much fear had for Quen so when the final fight scene came into view,
C O N T E N T W A R N I N G: Mentions torture, abuse and death. Displays of violence, panic attacks, trauma and intense feelings. Profanity throughout and adult themes. Mentions and alludes to rape and miscarriage. Makes reference to cannibalism with one scene vaguely displaying flesh consumption.
'Learning to protect yourself isn't violent,' he countered. 'Being unable to defend yourself and dying because you're useless or too scared to move - that's violent. We have to fight to stay alive in this world. It's not easy inside or outside the Kingdom.'
'He's already frightened them,' he murmured. 'He frightens them because he refuses to die and people know that. People remember those meant to die who don't.'
I've experienced neither a drop, a dip nor a collapse in enthusiasm for this series. The love pulls strong, its aim faithful and fires true blue within the tortured hearts of these disaster dwellers. I fondly flit and fluctuate from cordially brandishing the terms ‘disaster cast’ and ‘catastrophe crew’ with the Cuttaverse clan because, their existential tragedies aside, they really are a dysfunctional disaster family incarnate.
As we took a two-book sabbatical from Kitty's POV, I have to stress how much of a homecoming it was for me to step back into the role of spectator and colonise her mind for the stretch of this book. If I love being a fly on the wall for anyone in this series, both Nate and Kitty would claim said victory without qualm or question. And with A Dance of Lies, the readability, the rawness and the clashing conviction keeps abreast with propulsive beckon. These characters could probably write endless bluesy hits that alchemise the coiling, pooling synthesis of their angst and pain.
In the Outlands wilderness, we've got our eclectic camp of Kingdom fugitives and Radiant dwellers. I would say there's trouble in paradise but there's nothing quite paradisiacal about what menaces Radiant horizons. Lush flora, brisk sunrises, dappled canopies, peaceful haunts and it’s nature that's so nifty at misleading, and only nature that gets away with calling man a halfwit. Just like humans, Radiants have their fair share of the villainous that intimidate and terrorise, and the most diabolical of them is still disturbingly compelled by the Anteros brothers. Where the law was created and enforced by the Council in the Kingdom, it's in the hands of every Radiant in the Outlands territory. This includes the ousted Outcasts.
A Dance of Lies moves forward and we're one year into the Outlands, beyond Kingdom law, beyond Crown jurisdiction and beyond the bane of an unfree life. But being free of law doesn't quite amount to being free from everything these characters have eluded. Even then, freedom isn’t fit for everyone. Even with expanses of land cleaving them from an enslaving empire and a wall specifically built for division, their minds and memories sill disturb, besieged by the fallout of their old lives. The Kingdom may be long out of sight, but it's still fiercely not out of mind. And If a looming enemy isn’t a big enough obstacle, camp conflict is bigger. The dividing argument between pro-remain and pro-leave starts to split the camp right down its quarrelsome middle.
If I thought the initial trilogy was character-driven and tempestuous with temper, then A Dance of Lies is particularly more character-focused than its preliminary comrades with all its personality clashes, conviction wars and disputes of attitude. Group morale is charged with ascending strain in this follow up and shifting desires break up their ranks, splitting their little collective apart. After all it's taken to get here, all they've weathered to find each other, whether they've all changed for better or worse, damaged or destructive, blackened or blameworthy, the divisions grow steady, small and seismic between the Kingdom runaways. Everyone breaking apart with every choice challenging the next. If you can’t feel the drama, it’s bright, brilliant and I do not contest how free my glee might have ran with the argumentative infighting. Confession: very high. My ample gratitude to the disaster cast for bringing the bashful and brazen angsty dramatics.
While the tension typically broke, cut, soared, simmered and mounted in the books preceding as it was always a race to each other and a mad dash to fend off danger, the dust rarely settles long enough before another monster furls from the dust: free-to-roam bottlenecking angst courtesy of below-the-surface wounds and oversensitised feelings quick to ignite. Things do buckle to a head in a way that confronts love, loyalty, trust and affiliation in this addition. While we only ever saw how sweepingly unequalled Nate’s oversized line of love would live to outlast, I was deeply curious to see what might, if anything, test his relationship with Kitty. As I’m a known lover of romance, I was one with every love bond, even as violence, omission and unreserved honesty laces the love.
You’ll see a touch of what it takes to see Nate pushed to an indefensible brink just as you’ll see a side of Kitty that stays true to herself. As we’re familiar with Nate’s delicate sense of self worth, his need to bleed to stem the flow of his cosmic feelings, his leanings for self-destruction and his grand inability to quell not one thought from mind to mouth, you can expect his characteristic confrontations with those he really doesn’t like and his hysterical love towards those he really does. My love for my troublesome Firebird, however, remains unimpaired. Because even as he rips into those he doesn’t like, he loves harder for those he does.
While I clued up on everything firsthand through privileged Kitty in book one, I felt the distance from her in the books following, wondering how she really dealt with her own captivity. Just as I suspected, her brave face, enduring adaptability and natural propensity towards spilling lies and evading the truth (all of which she still effects thoroughly well) belies how hard the Kingdom had taken it’s toll on her, how close she kept her suffering close to heart. And if we know anything about Kitty, it's how artful she is at masking the truth, but it’s about to work to her detriment here. Did I mention how much I rejoiced being back in her mind?
I was so proud to watch Kitty come into herself and blossom like the wildflowers home to the Outlands, grow into someone wanting of strength, failing to see how brave she had become but still so frightened of leaving the limbo. Questioning her place in the Outlands, hating her fear, hurting over her misery, stonewalled by her nightmares and learning this new land was all a part of it. The change in her has gradually materialised and I’m keen to see how her whetted ire might play into oncoming affairs.
At this point, I’m taking the hint and hoping to witness the shift in her temper. There are some subtle signs that comeuppance might be on the cards so I’m looking forward to bloodthirsty Kitty should she manifest. But what brought me to heel like a pup who twirls for a sweet treat was the budding friendship between Kitty Halfblood and camp warrior, Riddle. I bring this up because Kitty was once more mutant-averse, and here she is not only fraternising with their divided peoples, but befriending them. How the tables do turn and the walls do crumble. It was wonderful to behold. A Dance of Lies is less a plot-enhancing chapter in the Pentalogy and more an interlude as character intrigue runs the course. Despite an antagonist on the hunt for them and intermittent run-ins and skirmishes, I have to admit that I did feel the lull in activity and would have preferred more moments of actionable handiwork.
I affectionately blame romance books for my partiality for the graceful, silent warrior archetype but I loved seeing different sides to the normally unflustered, inexpressive Riddle. He’s become a true favourite in this series for me. And while I’m billing up my love-struck labours that kneel to love, I pay a special mention to Thom and Kitty moments. I love that their friendship is remains taut with meaningful intimacy. That the love doesn’t dim between them even after their lovers-to-friends dynamic makes me smile sweetly. Of course, Nate and Kitty moments are a natural point of endearment too, hence a discretionary mention lest my rebel-hearted bellicose bird bathe in the bitter seas of jealousy.
Interestingly enough, you might find yourself disagreeing with character choices in the same space of thought you’ll agree with follow-up decisions. I might shake my head with a sigh, can see a storm in the making, am taken aback at the unsweetened honesty, can feel the dread of a choice that’s bound to impart a lasting ache, can feel the weight of the unsaid as opposed to what has been or mildly cringe at a conversation gone wrong but it’s more a case of every character having a right to their pain. A reason for their choices. It’s not a conflict of side supporting per se but of tucking away the rationale (Irrational or otherwise) in a world littered with gray pickings, changeable courses and fluid morality. They’re wanting death, fearing death and wishing death upon their enemies.
We know there’s a lot of bracing love between the characters; they’d sacrifice, they’d go above to protect, beyond to love and cause carnage to live even if they do hurl and hurt each other. And here’s where my nickname comes into play because some members of the disaster cast exclusively tolerate each other, but they’ll back each other in the same breath. Even if their encounters might be one word short of flying fists. An ode to their differences because the central and supporting characters are still full of fire, fear, pain and outrage. Hard reactions are exclusive to hard choices. In terms of speculating what might happen, suspicions and potential theories for the series aren’t particularly hard to imagine. You’ll probably find your guesswork to be true but there will come some surprising curveballs that circle their way into the fray.
While the preceding books catered towards a spree to outrun the Kingdom and its abject cruelty, this one absolves to the idea that danger and discord can’t quite face avoidance by any physical mile. It also needles into the intimate, inward and immediate relationships within the group while the calling, haunting past might never be out of the picture so long as the Kingdom cuts a looming silhouette.
The penultimate end to this series brings with it foreseeably effortless writing that opens up the potential for human/Radiant romance, adds on to Radiant world-building and probes relationships and interrelationships as a circus of thundering disagreement preludes a Halfblood’s complexion as a gatekeeper cached with half-truths. As always, Rebecca Crunden’s addictive writing frames her story with need-to-know urgency and the compulsion to read just ‘one more page’ becomes a pitiful alibi that endangered my waking hours and sharpened my attention span for this book and this book only. I’m now a thralled lackey to this disaster saga and now that I’ve breached the frontier and jumped the final wall that is this review, I’m prepared for a prophecy that hopefully predicts a laudable finale to this series!
*A big thank you to the author for sending over a copy for review!*
________________________________________________
DI S A B I L I T Y -R E P
I want to use this space to talk about a really important particular. A potentially sensitive particular too. I admire how inclusive the author has been with this series. There's so much I love about it. We have diversity for sexual orientation, representation for heavy themes such as abortion, forced pregnancy, trauma, criminal pers ecution, rape, forced marriage and all manner of what you might expect from a darker-themed dystopian. Since subjects of chronic illness and disability are very close to my heart, I was glad to see disability rep in there too, but this is actually where I struggle with how I feel about the disability characterisation. I don't know that I agree with where Thom’s disability peregrination headed or with the imparted, underlying intimation. We see how traumatised Thom was after being tortured, having been left scarred, disfigured and disabled through the act of a malevolent enemy. His conflict is strong and visible and hits the mobility war issue with a rawness that demonstrates the difficulty of living with said newly-acquired disability (a rawness characteristic to the way the author considers every other tough subject). I understood the ranging emotions from frustration to self-loathing to dependency to inadequacy to preferring death to life without quite feeling ‘whole’ - and this is a word I also really struggled with throughout the book. Wholeness is a very elusive, illusionist and complex topic in the realm of disability. Why can/should Thom only feel ‘whole’ when he has an abled body? The characters know how Thom felt about his body, how much of a hardship it was for him to live life in the Outlands with a physical impairment and to be bereaved by what he’d lost. What bothered him most was his inability to perform (to live with a body that underperforms) to a level he was used to and his supporting friends and family really understood this. He can’t protect himself or his loved ones to a successful degree and they all do what they can to see that Thom is heard and seen. All reasonable and all very realistic. But where the disability rep might falter for me (and I'm still painfully in two minds over this) is the blending of a potential ‘cure’ into the mix to rid the survivor of every physical change so that he can feel 'whole’ again rather than to have him learn to live with his disability, and to ultimately find an acceptance for it. I was happy for Thom that he received his desired outcome, to have a body without disability or deformity but I was also disheartened by this outcome that remedies his body without disability or deformity. You could easily argue that Thom needed to see to his own end and to face his enemy in a way that felt comfortable to him, and the author successfully highlights this. I really do take this in too. And in Anais itself, we know that all sorts of remedies exist to heal scars, defacements and long-term sicknesses so you could also easily point out that if the means to heal these types of conditions have been established by the author as she builds her world, then it's absolutely fine for Thom to heal, albeit through alternative method. If I had swapped shoes with Thom, I would have probably grabbed at any chance to lose my own disabling illnesses if there was even the smallest mention of a full recovery but the disabled aren’t able to magic away their corporeal disabilities. For disability representation to work, a character must be depicted without minimalising who they have become by implying that to want to live fully and completely is to be without any disability. That’s really not quite disability positive or disability accepting. I really had to think about this a lot before I decided to talk about it. I’m still honestly not sure how I feel about it and I accept that many fantasy books out there follow in the same vein of whipping up systems and stratagem that assent to one-way recovery. I don’t actually think the author set out to include disability representation intentionally. I think one of her characters ended up following that suit and the story took him where it was supposed to, which I also completely understand. Creative direction is an author’s prerogative and I have every regard for the chosen road singular to every character. I have zero feelings of ill for the story, it remains one of my favourites and I’d gladly peddle this series to any dystopian-loving reader. As a personal take, however, I think it would have been wonderful for Thom to not have been rehabilitated/recovered completely with the swallow of a gene-altering serum. It would have been even more wonderful to see him as the deadly combatant he is, fighting his enemies and fronting this war, disability intact. I may add on, change or remedy this part FYI.
________________________________________________
E X T R A _T H O U G H T S
1) Charles and Thom’s relationship ended up playing out how I expected it to and I’m happy to announce we may have some Radiant/human romance to look forward to!
2) Can we talk about Thom being the camp heartthrob? That guy has everyone wanting a piece of him like a a sought-after hero in a romance novel.
3) Also, I’m really curious to know why Thom’s eyes haven’t adapted to the known Radiant shades. He’s said to have violet eyes instead.
4) I didn’t particularly loathe Ciara as a character, but she wasn’t a spectacular recipient to my love either. She really wasn’t a favourite in any way for me and she doesn’t seem a great friend to Kitty. Even after she finds out in the previous book about Kitty’s rape, she doesn’t support her in any noticeable way. Granted, she has a lot going on too but the affection wasn’t there. They share very few scenes together and I can sum up how many meaningful conversations they have on one finger even though their friendship stretches back to childhood, but then the author does explain the distance as a sort of drifting apart. I think it was the author’s intent to have them separate and splinter but I don’t think Ciara’s character really brings much to the table. I was glad to see Kitty and Riddle’s friendship was a nice opposite to that however.
5)Some of the original side characters do spend a lot of time away from each other so I did miss the original group dynamic. Tove felt more removed in this instalment while Zoe and Kitty have one scene, I think, where they react to each other. Also, I would have loved to see more of/know more of Alik and Aison.
6) We know how bothered Thom was by his tormentor, how much fear had for Quen so when the final fight scene came into view,
C O N T E N T W A R N I N G: Mentions torture, abuse and death. Displays of violence, panic attacks, trauma and intense feelings. Profanity throughout and adult themes. Mentions and alludes to rape and miscarriage. Makes reference to cannibalism with one scene vaguely displaying flesh consumption.
November 25, 2019
Infighting among Kitty’s group is causing more friction and dissent than their fragile bonds can handle. Although finally reunited, Thom and Nate seem to have a constant underlying tension that will not let up. Have they become too dependent on each other? Are they losing their personal identities? Is Kitty part of the problem? Life in the Outlands is every bit as horrific as they had imagined and the road leading there has been paved with torment, loss and broken dreams.
A fitting title for this episode of Rebecca Crunden’s Outland’s Pentalogy series, A DANCE OF LIES focuses on the characters themselves, their personal stories, their interactions, their unrest and their insecurities. Secrets are kept, lies of omission and battered trusts run rampant. The actions is not in the events, but in the interpersonal relationships from unrequited love to emotions that are challenged at every turn.
Rebecca Crunden has certainly made this change up in the pacing an interesting development, making her characters feel more real, their lives filled with everyday turmoil and joys, as well as an abundance of dissent as the pressures of living on the outside build. There is also romantic issues between couples and those attracted to the unattainable. Just. Like. Real. Life. Probably my only issue with A DANCE OF LIES was the continued path into a romantic trope that seems to invade so many books the past couple of years, something that seems overdone.
Once again, I do have to say, if you haven’t added Rebecca Crunden to your authors to read list, you should. She does a mean dystopian, MUST READ, conflict!
I received a complimentary copy from Rebecca Crunden! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Outlands Pentalogy - Book 4
Publication Date: May 19, 2018
Publisher: Rebecca Crunden
Genre: Dystopian
Print Length: 275 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A fitting title for this episode of Rebecca Crunden’s Outland’s Pentalogy series, A DANCE OF LIES focuses on the characters themselves, their personal stories, their interactions, their unrest and their insecurities. Secrets are kept, lies of omission and battered trusts run rampant. The actions is not in the events, but in the interpersonal relationships from unrequited love to emotions that are challenged at every turn.
Rebecca Crunden has certainly made this change up in the pacing an interesting development, making her characters feel more real, their lives filled with everyday turmoil and joys, as well as an abundance of dissent as the pressures of living on the outside build. There is also romantic issues between couples and those attracted to the unattainable. Just. Like. Real. Life. Probably my only issue with A DANCE OF LIES was the continued path into a romantic trope that seems to invade so many books the past couple of years, something that seems overdone.
Once again, I do have to say, if you haven’t added Rebecca Crunden to your authors to read list, you should. She does a mean dystopian, MUST READ, conflict!
I received a complimentary copy from Rebecca Crunden! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Outlands Pentalogy - Book 4
Publication Date: May 19, 2018
Publisher: Rebecca Crunden
Genre: Dystopian
Print Length: 275 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 20, 2020
The fourth instalment in "The Outlands Pentalogy" is 𝑨 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑶𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔 by Rebecca Crunden which narrates the lives of Nate, Kitty and Thom in Outlands. This book is mostly based on the characters and their growth of relationships with others.
This book is from Kitty's( aka Catherine) pov just like the first book in the series. But there are a lot of changes in her from the first book to this book. Catherine is a soft person who would not oppose the rules of the kingdom while Kitty is a strong woman who faces the horrible consequences of the rules of the Kingdom. I love the way the author had handled the transformation of her character and it was splendid.
Nate is a fierce character who remains the same in all the books in the series. His love for his little brother never diminished not even a little bit. He was overprotective and at sometimes it felt like he was over-controlling whom he loves. That was reasonable because after what they all have been through, he was too afraid to lose Thom and Kitty. He is my favourite character from the beginning.
I expected more scenes between Thom and Charles in this book. But as it was from Kitty's pov they both rarely appear. That was a little disappointing to me. I loved Charles in the previous book more than here. I don't like his stubbornness. I loved Kitty's relationship with Thom, as a best friend she was always there for him. Riddle was a supporting character in this book and I did like him too. God!! I love all the characters in this book.
I haven't mentioned this before so let me say it now I did love all the names of the places, they were simple and lovely. There are fights and adventures in this book which I loved. As per the title, there were lots of lies in it. One thing I learned from this book is that we should not lie to someone we love because if they know the truth, the love they have for us may not diminish but the trust they have in us will surely be broken and once broken it will never be repaired again.
This book was a fast paced and I finished it in a day. There was an unexpected twist at the end which I still can't get over. Couldn't guess whose pov I would be reading in the next book. But I am so excited and looking forward to it.
This book is from Kitty's( aka Catherine) pov just like the first book in the series. But there are a lot of changes in her from the first book to this book. Catherine is a soft person who would not oppose the rules of the kingdom while Kitty is a strong woman who faces the horrible consequences of the rules of the Kingdom. I love the way the author had handled the transformation of her character and it was splendid.
Nate is a fierce character who remains the same in all the books in the series. His love for his little brother never diminished not even a little bit. He was overprotective and at sometimes it felt like he was over-controlling whom he loves. That was reasonable because after what they all have been through, he was too afraid to lose Thom and Kitty. He is my favourite character from the beginning.
I expected more scenes between Thom and Charles in this book. But as it was from Kitty's pov they both rarely appear. That was a little disappointing to me. I loved Charles in the previous book more than here. I don't like his stubbornness. I loved Kitty's relationship with Thom, as a best friend she was always there for him. Riddle was a supporting character in this book and I did like him too. God!! I love all the characters in this book.
I haven't mentioned this before so let me say it now I did love all the names of the places, they were simple and lovely. There are fights and adventures in this book which I loved. As per the title, there were lots of lies in it. One thing I learned from this book is that we should not lie to someone we love because if they know the truth, the love they have for us may not diminish but the trust they have in us will surely be broken and once broken it will never be repaired again.
This book was a fast paced and I finished it in a day. There was an unexpected twist at the end which I still can't get over. Couldn't guess whose pov I would be reading in the next book. But I am so excited and looking forward to it.
January 21, 2019
I’m always so excited to dive back into this world and this time around was no exception. Things are definitely heating up now what with the series coming to a climax and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. In particular, I enjoyed reading about Kitty’s trainings, her blossoming friendship with Riddle and of course, her relationship with Nate. Overall an amazing read and as usual, I cannot wait for more!
April 1, 2021
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DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Rebecca Crunden for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Dance Of Lies is the 4th book in The Outlands Pentalogy. This series gets better with each book and I am all here for it. Each book focuses on a main character’s POV taking us through their tumultuous lives as they fight against the oppression and tyranny of the heavily authoritarian Kingdom. A year of living in the Outlands hasn’t resolved the issues building between Nate, Thom, Kitty, and the rest of the group. Their found family of people of the Kingdom and Radiants have found a routine to their lives, living day to day the best way possible. Not everyone is happy to flee from the Kingdom and wants to fight back against the government. But Nate and Kitty do not wish to return to horrors waiting for them. The internal dissent and tensions rise ever frequently and finally comes to a head; splitting the group into two sides. We see the group splintering and weakening and also see the underlying terror and love that comes off in ways that are not only unhealthy but toxic and controlling for others. Can they live peacefully in the Outlands or will they surrender to the pressure to rescue others oppressed by the Kingdom? Is there such a thing as peace, that can be found for the foreseeable future in the Outlands where the threat of Outcasts is at an all-time high?
This series is definitely my kind of series and it makes me mad that not many people have read it or are not talking about it enough. We need to hype this series up and I want to see this on many book lists. It’s not going to surprise any of you when I say I have given the series 5 stars. It was so good and I love how seamlessly the story progresses and I didn’t feel disconnected from any of the characters or the story despite the different POVs. I believe Rebecca has done a fantastic job of bringing together flawed, realistic people to show us the world is not in fact black and white. The world is filled with grey and I am a sucker for grey. The layers and nuances are what make a person whole. If it wasn’t for the internal conflicts, doubts, insecurities, mistakes, and fears it wouldn’t be the story it is.
Overall, this is a brilliant adult series that handles a diverse group of characters with different races, cultures, religious beliefs, sexual identities in a well-rounded manner. This book encompasses people from around the world and brings all of them together in a great way. I loved it so much and am equally thrilled and sad to get to the final story. If you haven’t read this fantastic series, go pick it up. It’s a wonderful series that going to take you through an emotional roller coaster, make you fall in love with the perfectly imperfect band of characters and a world that’s realistic in its design. I highly recommend this series for those of you who love reading adult dystopian fantasy/sci-fi stories that are heavily character-driven. It’s fast, thrilling, and a rich world-building that will blow your mind. Pick this book now and read it!!
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Rebecca Crunden for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Dance Of Lies is the 4th book in The Outlands Pentalogy. This series gets better with each book and I am all here for it. Each book focuses on a main character’s POV taking us through their tumultuous lives as they fight against the oppression and tyranny of the heavily authoritarian Kingdom. A year of living in the Outlands hasn’t resolved the issues building between Nate, Thom, Kitty, and the rest of the group. Their found family of people of the Kingdom and Radiants have found a routine to their lives, living day to day the best way possible. Not everyone is happy to flee from the Kingdom and wants to fight back against the government. But Nate and Kitty do not wish to return to horrors waiting for them. The internal dissent and tensions rise ever frequently and finally comes to a head; splitting the group into two sides. We see the group splintering and weakening and also see the underlying terror and love that comes off in ways that are not only unhealthy but toxic and controlling for others. Can they live peacefully in the Outlands or will they surrender to the pressure to rescue others oppressed by the Kingdom? Is there such a thing as peace, that can be found for the foreseeable future in the Outlands where the threat of Outcasts is at an all-time high?
This series is definitely my kind of series and it makes me mad that not many people have read it or are not talking about it enough. We need to hype this series up and I want to see this on many book lists. It’s not going to surprise any of you when I say I have given the series 5 stars. It was so good and I love how seamlessly the story progresses and I didn’t feel disconnected from any of the characters or the story despite the different POVs. I believe Rebecca has done a fantastic job of bringing together flawed, realistic people to show us the world is not in fact black and white. The world is filled with grey and I am a sucker for grey. The layers and nuances are what make a person whole. If it wasn’t for the internal conflicts, doubts, insecurities, mistakes, and fears it wouldn’t be the story it is.
Overall, this is a brilliant adult series that handles a diverse group of characters with different races, cultures, religious beliefs, sexual identities in a well-rounded manner. This book encompasses people from around the world and brings all of them together in a great way. I loved it so much and am equally thrilled and sad to get to the final story. If you haven’t read this fantastic series, go pick it up. It’s a wonderful series that going to take you through an emotional roller coaster, make you fall in love with the perfectly imperfect band of characters and a world that’s realistic in its design. I highly recommend this series for those of you who love reading adult dystopian fantasy/sci-fi stories that are heavily character-driven. It’s fast, thrilling, and a rich world-building that will blow your mind. Pick this book now and read it!!
January 13, 2019
The calm before the storm... I can sleep again, for now...
***
Um, might contain spoilers, but to be fair, if you're this far in the series, you're probably not even reading this review before you read the book, because why would you be? So, meh.
Currently I don't know what to do with myself. I have been suffering a fairly robust reading fatigue since finishing this book, and only the very best stories do this to me. By reading fatigue, I mean I am finding it impossible to find another novel to find interest in at the moment. I've had to revert back to George Orwell (not that it's a chore, I bloody love him), who is a constant and persistent surprise at any time, to be able to read anything at all. However, I have been endlessly inspired to get back to my own work, now dry (writing) December has passed.
Would you believe it's only the penultimate in the tale? Bloody. Hell.
What was really fab about ADoL was the fact that (from the POV of Kitty again, until it isn't, hehe) I almost forgot that there was even a Kingdom. The happenings of the little groups of Radiants and their new kin was calm and peaceful (until it wasn't), revealing and exciting (and it was lovely to have my suspicions about Riddle confirmed), and the Kingdom, including the characters who retreated back to it, were basically a memory.
We got a bit more of an insight into the culture and beliefs of those over The Wall, and added tension from the prevailing threat of Quen. There were lots of untruths and untold secrets coming out along the way (hence the title, eh?), but even though this book seemed a bit more laid back in comparison to (especially) #2 and #3, it was all a trick! To lull us into a (variable) calm before that friggin' ending!
I must confess, however, that I have a very special place in my heart for poor Nate. Bullheaded, passionate, straightforward, these are hard traits to have understood (from personal experience...), and it was very hard seeing all of those around him emotionally pummel him down. Though I love Thom and Riddle, I wanted to slap them both in one scene. And Kitty. I get her reticence, but she also deserved said slap. However, the selfishness of her previous life still held sway over her, which is a fab character detail. Cause, you know, Nate's not the kind of guy you want coming at you in a fight... You want him on your side. Kind of like the Shire horse in Animal Farm. He's taken for granted! Not sure I could deal with the same fate for Nate.
The fact I'm so affected by this stuff is partially the reason I can't read anything else at the moment. The fate of all these characters is really, really important in my fiction life. This isn't because it's some YA series with stupid teenage angsty romance, it's because it's fantastically written, grounded characterisation, with complex emotional and situational backdrops. It really isn't every day you get to read a series like this in adult fiction, and especially dystopian fiction which is commonly being used (or abused) as a tool to preach ideologies. It hasn't happened thus far in the series, the viewpoints of all characters have been attended to, and it's what raises the Outlands Pentalogy above other books or series in the genre.
I am as excited for the finale as I am dreading it, because not only will I know what happens, but that will be the last part...
***
Um, might contain spoilers, but to be fair, if you're this far in the series, you're probably not even reading this review before you read the book, because why would you be? So, meh.
Currently I don't know what to do with myself. I have been suffering a fairly robust reading fatigue since finishing this book, and only the very best stories do this to me. By reading fatigue, I mean I am finding it impossible to find another novel to find interest in at the moment. I've had to revert back to George Orwell (not that it's a chore, I bloody love him), who is a constant and persistent surprise at any time, to be able to read anything at all. However, I have been endlessly inspired to get back to my own work, now dry (writing) December has passed.
Would you believe it's only the penultimate in the tale? Bloody. Hell.
What was really fab about ADoL was the fact that (from the POV of Kitty again, until it isn't, hehe) I almost forgot that there was even a Kingdom. The happenings of the little groups of Radiants and their new kin was calm and peaceful (until it wasn't), revealing and exciting (and it was lovely to have my suspicions about Riddle confirmed), and the Kingdom, including the characters who retreated back to it, were basically a memory.
We got a bit more of an insight into the culture and beliefs of those over The Wall, and added tension from the prevailing threat of Quen. There were lots of untruths and untold secrets coming out along the way (hence the title, eh?), but even though this book seemed a bit more laid back in comparison to (especially) #2 and #3, it was all a trick! To lull us into a (variable) calm before that friggin' ending!
I must confess, however, that I have a very special place in my heart for poor Nate. Bullheaded, passionate, straightforward, these are hard traits to have understood (from personal experience...), and it was very hard seeing all of those around him emotionally pummel him down. Though I love Thom and Riddle, I wanted to slap them both in one scene. And Kitty. I get her reticence, but she also deserved said slap. However, the selfishness of her previous life still held sway over her, which is a fab character detail. Cause, you know, Nate's not the kind of guy you want coming at you in a fight... You want him on your side. Kind of like the Shire horse in Animal Farm. He's taken for granted! Not sure I could deal with the same fate for Nate.
The fact I'm so affected by this stuff is partially the reason I can't read anything else at the moment. The fate of all these characters is really, really important in my fiction life. This isn't because it's some YA series with stupid teenage angsty romance, it's because it's fantastically written, grounded characterisation, with complex emotional and situational backdrops. It really isn't every day you get to read a series like this in adult fiction, and especially dystopian fiction which is commonly being used (or abused) as a tool to preach ideologies. It hasn't happened thus far in the series, the viewpoints of all characters have been attended to, and it's what raises the Outlands Pentalogy above other books or series in the genre.
I am as excited for the finale as I am dreading it, because not only will I know what happens, but that will be the last part...
November 24, 2021
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Well. Rebecca Crunden did it again against all the odds this time. At the end of book three, I assumed there would be love triangle mess in this book, and I was worried I wouldn't like it because that is one of my least favorite tropes. I was right...there were so many triangles in this book I lost count, and it also had the dreaded miscommunication/lack of communication trope, as indicated by the title. There were lots of lies and omissions between the characters, which caused tons of drama. However, I was wrong about not liking it! The author did an exceptional job of writing the character dynamics, which was important since this was a much more stationary, character-driven book than the first three. I loved getting to see how much Kitty has grown into a fierce, independent woman, and I found her internal struggles over what that means for her and her relationship with Nate to be interesting and compelling. I also really liked the way the author handled the philosophical argument over whether one should always stay in the fight for a better future, especially if it means harm to you or those you love, or just live life and stay out of the struggle, if possible. I appreciated the care with which this author handled the mental health issues of the characters. Too often, fantasy and dystopian stories avoid the negative mental health effects of all the protagonist's trauma, but not this story. It provided a vivid picture of living with the realities of PTSD and anxiety. I'm convinced now more than ever that Nate and Thom's relationship is horribly unhealthy and developed the way it did as a coping mechanism to crippling anxiety, which isn't surprising given the environment in which they grew up. The world-building was once again as exquitisite as ever. I loved getting a larger glimpse of the world and society of the Radiants. Despite being largely character-driven, the book also featured some great action scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was a bit shocking, although I'm not quite sure how things progressed to that point. It felt somewhat contrived, but I'm hopeful it will all come together in the last book since I've loved pretty much everything I've read by this author so far. Therefore, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.
Well. Rebecca Crunden did it again against all the odds this time. At the end of book three, I assumed there would be love triangle mess in this book, and I was worried I wouldn't like it because that is one of my least favorite tropes. I was right...there were so many triangles in this book I lost count, and it also had the dreaded miscommunication/lack of communication trope, as indicated by the title. There were lots of lies and omissions between the characters, which caused tons of drama. However, I was wrong about not liking it! The author did an exceptional job of writing the character dynamics, which was important since this was a much more stationary, character-driven book than the first three. I loved getting to see how much Kitty has grown into a fierce, independent woman, and I found her internal struggles over what that means for her and her relationship with Nate to be interesting and compelling. I also really liked the way the author handled the philosophical argument over whether one should always stay in the fight for a better future, especially if it means harm to you or those you love, or just live life and stay out of the struggle, if possible. I appreciated the care with which this author handled the mental health issues of the characters. Too often, fantasy and dystopian stories avoid the negative mental health effects of all the protagonist's trauma, but not this story. It provided a vivid picture of living with the realities of PTSD and anxiety. I'm convinced now more than ever that Nate and Thom's relationship is horribly unhealthy and developed the way it did as a coping mechanism to crippling anxiety, which isn't surprising given the environment in which they grew up. The world-building was once again as exquitisite as ever. I loved getting a larger glimpse of the world and society of the Radiants. Despite being largely character-driven, the book also featured some great action scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. The ending was a bit shocking, although I'm not quite sure how things progressed to that point. It felt somewhat contrived, but I'm hopeful it will all come together in the last book since I've loved pretty much everything I've read by this author so far. Therefore, I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.
July 1, 2020
A Dance of Lies is the fourth book in The Outlands pentalogy. This book begins about a year after Thom, Kitty, and Nate are reunited and have been living in the Outlands, away from the Kingdom. In the Outlands, there are no rules, kings, or prisons and the characters can finally taste freedom. Yet, they are haunted by the scars the Kingdom left on them and are dealing with the horror that is following them in the Outlands.
I found this book to be heavily character-driven. We see how complicated the relationships between the characters have become, especially with each of them dealing with their own trauma. Thom, Nate, Kitty, Charlie—their lives were falling apart in many ways and they were themselves falling apart emotionally. This book was mostly told through Kitty’s perspective. I feel that because of everything she had been through, there was loneliness inside her even though she was with the ones she loved. I really enjoyed her development throughout this book.
I liked seeing the main characters getting closer to other characters like Tove, Riddle, and Engus. I especially loved getting to know Riddle. It was also nice to see a different and new kind of bond forming between Kitty and Thom.
The involvement of the Radiants was more in this book and I found them very interesting. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them in the next book.
There was comparatively less action in this book than the previous ones. It felt more like a build-up for bigger things to come. I enjoyed that and it was a nice break from the previous book which was quite intense. However, the ending completely threw me off and made me love this book even more.
The Outlands is an unputdownable series that keeps on getting more and more thrilling. I love that the author is keeping the books short so as to not make any part of them monotonous. I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time. I can’t wait to see how it kinds and what happens to the characters.
Trigger warning – violent situations
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I found this book to be heavily character-driven. We see how complicated the relationships between the characters have become, especially with each of them dealing with their own trauma. Thom, Nate, Kitty, Charlie—their lives were falling apart in many ways and they were themselves falling apart emotionally. This book was mostly told through Kitty’s perspective. I feel that because of everything she had been through, there was loneliness inside her even though she was with the ones she loved. I really enjoyed her development throughout this book.
I liked seeing the main characters getting closer to other characters like Tove, Riddle, and Engus. I especially loved getting to know Riddle. It was also nice to see a different and new kind of bond forming between Kitty and Thom.
The involvement of the Radiants was more in this book and I found them very interesting. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them in the next book.
There was comparatively less action in this book than the previous ones. It felt more like a build-up for bigger things to come. I enjoyed that and it was a nice break from the previous book which was quite intense. However, the ending completely threw me off and made me love this book even more.
The Outlands is an unputdownable series that keeps on getting more and more thrilling. I love that the author is keeping the books short so as to not make any part of them monotonous. I haven’t been this invested in a series in a long time. I can’t wait to see how it kinds and what happens to the characters.
Trigger warning – violent situations
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April 15, 2019
A Dance Of Lies by Rebecca Crunden is the second last part in The Outlands Pentalogy and the sequel to
A Promise Of Return
. In this instalment, things progress slowly as compared to the other parts in this series till now, but nonetheless, they progress steadily giving the feeling that it is a slow build-up to something very important. And alas, the ending was a smashing hit because of such subtle build-up leading to it all throughout this book.
I enjoyed reading this book greatly even because of the slow pace followed in most of the book because the story kept taking me forward and the air of inevitable danger lent it a really good vibe. The characterization was great as usual and we got to see Kitty again along with some other major characters. The ending was mindblowing and has created a lot of excitement for the last part of this series.
Again, I’d recommend this book as well as the entire series to young-adult and dystopian readers and also to anyone looking to get into a new series by a relatively new author.
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
I enjoyed reading this book greatly even because of the slow pace followed in most of the book because the story kept taking me forward and the air of inevitable danger lent it a really good vibe. The characterization was great as usual and we got to see Kitty again along with some other major characters. The ending was mindblowing and has created a lot of excitement for the last part of this series.
Again, I’d recommend this book as well as the entire series to young-adult and dystopian readers and also to anyone looking to get into a new series by a relatively new author.
You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com
July 23, 2020
As the story continues, the relationship between Thom, Nate and Kitty continues to evolve and grow. With strong characters wanting to go back and others wanting to move further in the Outlands, danger is once again around every bend. I highly suggest starting at the beginning of this series and quickly reading to this book. The only downside is knowing that there is only one more.
July 6, 2018
Wow, this installment was amazing. Another fast, enthralling read, I loved the world-building again in these stories, and now of the Radiant culture. The continuing dynamics between the main characters as well as their relationships with the Radiants, like Engus and Riddle and Quen are particularly intriguing. I just love following the characters through every thought, emotion and path.
There are also a couple times toward the ending, I must admit, that I was in tears at what was happening to the characters. The ending was such a huge twist and a great set up for the next book that I'm really dying to read more! This is such a great series and deserves way more attention than it gets. Kudos and well-done to the author again!
There are also a couple times toward the ending, I must admit, that I was in tears at what was happening to the characters. The ending was such a huge twist and a great set up for the next book that I'm really dying to read more! This is such a great series and deserves way more attention than it gets. Kudos and well-done to the author again!
September 26, 2019
“Freedom came with a thousand unknown dangers.”
A year has past and the group is planning another move. Despite the threat of the Outcasts, many are fearful of the unknown and reluctant to leave. A decision is made that splits the group of nearly thirty, and Kitty and others head for the Great Plains.
Unfortunately, their destination isn’t the safe haven they hoped for.
Kitty finds the land to be far too open, devoid of mountains and trees, and she feels exposed. Nate is overjoyed to have his brother Thom back, but constantly worries he may lose him again, causing him to be extra protective of his brother – no matter who’s feelings he hurts in the process. And to make matters worse, they are reunited with someone they’d rather soon forget.
In the end, even the strongest relationships hang by a thread.
While the previous books had a strong romantic sub-plot, this installment featured a lot of crushing dark moments between the couples, and as a wonderful result the characters came even more out of their shells. Kitty has always been special, showing growth in so many ways, but in A Dance of Lies, we see another side of her and that’s not only her amazing adaptability but her burgeoning independent nature. Her friendship with Riddle was evidence of this and I liked how she stuck to her guns, even though it brought her heartache. I really like the new and improved Kitty Halfblood.
All in all, I’m super eager to read the final book in the series and I hope to see at least one of the couples find their way back to each other again! I have to admit, it’s going to be difficult to say goodbye to these characters and this storyworld. These installments have a way of lingering in your mind, long after you close the book or power down your E-reader.
Author Rebecca Crunden blends survivalism with secrets and betrayal, upping the excitement, tension, and suspense. I highly recommend this series to fans of post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction.
Full Review: https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....
A year has past and the group is planning another move. Despite the threat of the Outcasts, many are fearful of the unknown and reluctant to leave. A decision is made that splits the group of nearly thirty, and Kitty and others head for the Great Plains.
Unfortunately, their destination isn’t the safe haven they hoped for.
Kitty finds the land to be far too open, devoid of mountains and trees, and she feels exposed. Nate is overjoyed to have his brother Thom back, but constantly worries he may lose him again, causing him to be extra protective of his brother – no matter who’s feelings he hurts in the process. And to make matters worse, they are reunited with someone they’d rather soon forget.
In the end, even the strongest relationships hang by a thread.
While the previous books had a strong romantic sub-plot, this installment featured a lot of crushing dark moments between the couples, and as a wonderful result the characters came even more out of their shells. Kitty has always been special, showing growth in so many ways, but in A Dance of Lies, we see another side of her and that’s not only her amazing adaptability but her burgeoning independent nature. Her friendship with Riddle was evidence of this and I liked how she stuck to her guns, even though it brought her heartache. I really like the new and improved Kitty Halfblood.
All in all, I’m super eager to read the final book in the series and I hope to see at least one of the couples find their way back to each other again! I have to admit, it’s going to be difficult to say goodbye to these characters and this storyworld. These installments have a way of lingering in your mind, long after you close the book or power down your E-reader.
Author Rebecca Crunden blends survivalism with secrets and betrayal, upping the excitement, tension, and suspense. I highly recommend this series to fans of post-apocalyptic dystopian science fiction.
Full Review: https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....
September 2, 2019
5 CRANKY STARS
This book starts with the backstory of Blaise and Nadia. It tells how the government rules all aspects of one’s life. Marriages are arranged for reproduction and not Love. So many couple have illicit affairs. Blaise and Nadia are one of these couples. Blaise is also a member of Nate’s rebellion group, one of his best friends. This group is the one he and Kitty have gone to for help in the last three books.
Kitty and Nate had made it to the Outlands with some of their friends. They meet a tribe of Radiants and find out that there is very little different about them. They decide that until the plague is cured or ends, they are safer out there. The tribe takes them in and teaches them how to live off the land. Thom has made it to the Outlands and is also living with the tribe. The tribe travels the countryside and has various places it camps by season. Not all is as it seems though, as in all societies, there are good and bad. Therefore, everyone must know how to fight. Unlike the city, there is no mechanization here, bow, arrows, knives and spears are the main weapons. Even the children must learn to defend themselves.
This book is a history lesson for the city folks, and they come to love it. But, deep down, they yearn to return to the city. If it wasn’t for the plague, and drought, plus the fact they would all be hanged, they would return. But, then again, Kitty loves this life. Little do any of them know that the Queen and Kitty’s father are plotting to get them back to the city. On to Book 5 as the plot thickens.
This book starts with the backstory of Blaise and Nadia. It tells how the government rules all aspects of one’s life. Marriages are arranged for reproduction and not Love. So many couple have illicit affairs. Blaise and Nadia are one of these couples. Blaise is also a member of Nate’s rebellion group, one of his best friends. This group is the one he and Kitty have gone to for help in the last three books.
Kitty and Nate had made it to the Outlands with some of their friends. They meet a tribe of Radiants and find out that there is very little different about them. They decide that until the plague is cured or ends, they are safer out there. The tribe takes them in and teaches them how to live off the land. Thom has made it to the Outlands and is also living with the tribe. The tribe travels the countryside and has various places it camps by season. Not all is as it seems though, as in all societies, there are good and bad. Therefore, everyone must know how to fight. Unlike the city, there is no mechanization here, bow, arrows, knives and spears are the main weapons. Even the children must learn to defend themselves.
This book is a history lesson for the city folks, and they come to love it. But, deep down, they yearn to return to the city. If it wasn’t for the plague, and drought, plus the fact they would all be hanged, they would return. But, then again, Kitty loves this life. Little do any of them know that the Queen and Kitty’s father are plotting to get them back to the city. On to Book 5 as the plot thickens.
November 2, 2021
I was provided with an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
TO HELL WITH EVERYTHING ELSE, OH MY GOD WHAT'S THIS ENDING?!!! IT'S ABSOLUTELY, UNDENIABLY AMAZING AND I WILL FIGHT WHOEVER SAYS OTHERWISE. I LOVED IT!!
Alright, alright. I am better now. That ending is amazing. The whole story is amazing. Crunden did not disappoint, which makes me really excited for the very last book of this series OH MY GOD I WILL HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE TO NATE AND KITTY AND THOM!!! I DON'T WANT TOO!! I am not really fine, right now, sorry.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book, my heart aches for Nate and Kitty and at the same time I just want to beat some sense into Kitty even if I understand her reasons. IT WASN'T FAIR TO NATE AND NOW YOU ARE HURTING HIM, MY POOR NATE!!
More notes for writing a review later.... Crunden's amazing writing style, Crunden's beautiful dialogues, Crunden's perfect and absolutely lovely characters, Crunden's really good plot.
I am seeing a pattern here and I like it very much, thank you.
The only thing that was a bit off sometimes was the pace, too quick sometimes, too slow other times, and perfect in others. And the writing style made things a little bit hard to read sometimes too. Don't get me wrong, I really, really like it and the sentences always sound beautiful, but in order to do that, they sometimes get a bit hard to read and when that happens for some time, I end up having some trouble following the story line. Especially when I start reading after taking a break and have yet to get used to it again. Once I am used to it again, though, it is quite enjoyable.
Full review coming soon 'cause now I have to go heal my broken heart. My poor Nate!! I swear I will murder Kitty if they don't sort things out!
SCORE: 4.25 out of 5.00 stars
TO HELL WITH EVERYTHING ELSE, OH MY GOD WHAT'S THIS ENDING?!!! IT'S ABSOLUTELY, UNDENIABLY AMAZING AND I WILL FIGHT WHOEVER SAYS OTHERWISE. I LOVED IT!!
Alright, alright. I am better now. That ending is amazing. The whole story is amazing. Crunden did not disappoint, which makes me really excited for the very last book of this series OH MY GOD I WILL HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE TO NATE AND KITTY AND THOM!!! I DON'T WANT TOO!! I am not really fine, right now, sorry.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book, my heart aches for Nate and Kitty and at the same time I just want to beat some sense into Kitty even if I understand her reasons. IT WASN'T FAIR TO NATE AND NOW YOU ARE HURTING HIM, MY POOR NATE!!
More notes for writing a review later.... Crunden's amazing writing style, Crunden's beautiful dialogues, Crunden's perfect and absolutely lovely characters, Crunden's really good plot.
I am seeing a pattern here and I like it very much, thank you.
The only thing that was a bit off sometimes was the pace, too quick sometimes, too slow other times, and perfect in others. And the writing style made things a little bit hard to read sometimes too. Don't get me wrong, I really, really like it and the sentences always sound beautiful, but in order to do that, they sometimes get a bit hard to read and when that happens for some time, I end up having some trouble following the story line. Especially when I start reading after taking a break and have yet to get used to it again. Once I am used to it again, though, it is quite enjoyable.
Full review coming soon 'cause now I have to go heal my broken heart. My poor Nate!! I swear I will murder Kitty if they don't sort things out!
SCORE: 4.25 out of 5.00 stars
July 23, 2021
This book is absolutely phenomenal! Not what I expected, but still amazing! This one is different from the rest of the books in the series as it seems to be more on drama between the group, but just as gripping as the others! Even when I saw a twist coming, I was enthralled by it. This book broke my heart, and I loved every minute of it. I couldn't get enough! I am excited to read the final book, but am also sad the series is coming to an end.
April 3, 2019
Once again Ms. Crunden has outdone herself in this installment of the Outlands Pentalogy. The ending is so unexpected and makes me wish the next installment was already available! I cannot recall the last time I have enjoyed a series this much. The rating system is flawed in that I would give this entire series much more than 5 stars and HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you read it.
July 17, 2022
I loved the development of Thom and Kitty’s friendship in this book. Such a beautiful portrayal of genuine love and friendship. I did find myself becoming slightly annoyed with Nate throughout the book, which I disliked because he’s one of my favorite characters. Last book here I come!
February 10, 2022
Trust Betrayed
Rebecca Crunden has drawn me into reading a genre of books I never thought I would be interested in! Great job, Rebecca! This story truly hits home! Believing in people that you thought you could trust, whether family or friends, and then finding out that they have not been completely honest with you, well-intentioned or not, stabs you in your heart! You never stop caring about that person but with that sense of betrayal you’re not sure if you’ll ever be able to trust that person again. I’m hoping that the main characters will find a way to come back together and find a way to rebuild their relationship even stronger than it was before!
Rebecca Crunden has drawn me into reading a genre of books I never thought I would be interested in! Great job, Rebecca! This story truly hits home! Believing in people that you thought you could trust, whether family or friends, and then finding out that they have not been completely honest with you, well-intentioned or not, stabs you in your heart! You never stop caring about that person but with that sense of betrayal you’re not sure if you’ll ever be able to trust that person again. I’m hoping that the main characters will find a way to come back together and find a way to rebuild their relationship even stronger than it was before!
December 30, 2019
very good story.. good characters and the writing is fast paced and fun. it keeps me interested and curious to see what would happen next. i cant wait to see what is next in this series.
April 26, 2021
The fourth installment in the Outlands Pentalogy is unfortunately by less favourite so far, but still a great book.
Pros:
- The POV returns to Kitty and it's nice to see how much she's grown over the course of her series.
- Learned more about the world and life of the Radiants which was really interesting.
Cons:
- This book is more character-driven than plot-driven. So if that's up to your alley then you'll love this book. It was great to see all the characters grow and learn more about them. But I wanted more action.
- Started to get annoyed with Charles and Nate through this book.
- The ending was a little confused to me but it did make me intrigued for the final novel.
Overall while it wasn't my favourite book of the series I can see how it's important to the arch of the series. The writing and character development were great. I give this book four stars.
Pros:
- The POV returns to Kitty and it's nice to see how much she's grown over the course of her series.
- Learned more about the world and life of the Radiants which was really interesting.
Cons:
- This book is more character-driven than plot-driven. So if that's up to your alley then you'll love this book. It was great to see all the characters grow and learn more about them. But I wanted more action.
- Started to get annoyed with Charles and Nate through this book.
- The ending was a little confused to me but it did make me intrigued for the final novel.
Overall while it wasn't my favourite book of the series I can see how it's important to the arch of the series. The writing and character development were great. I give this book four stars.
January 30, 2023
I got an ARC of this book.
I love this series, but this felt like I was waiting the whole time for the plot to start. This is a great example of why I tend to avoid fantasy. So many fantasy novels have huge sections that are just traveling or talking around a fire. That was this book.
There were things that happened, but in the end I had to force myself to read. The epilogue felt like it had more action than the rest of the book. Considering how much I loved the first three books, I feel like this is a me issue and not the book. I don't know. I am sad.
I am still going to read book five without a doubt. Going to give it a few days before I start though, see if I can fix myself. I refuse to believe that this series is not amazing the whole way through!
I love this series, but this felt like I was waiting the whole time for the plot to start. This is a great example of why I tend to avoid fantasy. So many fantasy novels have huge sections that are just traveling or talking around a fire. That was this book.
There were things that happened, but in the end I had to force myself to read. The epilogue felt like it had more action than the rest of the book. Considering how much I loved the first three books, I feel like this is a me issue and not the book. I don't know. I am sad.
I am still going to read book five without a doubt. Going to give it a few days before I start though, see if I can fix myself. I refuse to believe that this series is not amazing the whole way through!
February 9, 2025
My feelings got hurt
Why Rebecca? Why?
I can't form the words. Thom continues to be the ultimate baby girl, but I don't think I can forgive Crunden for Kitty. SHE'S SUFFERED ENOUGH.
I'm a little scared to read the finale, if they don't get their happy endings I don't think I could take it.
Why Rebecca? Why?
I can't form the words. Thom continues to be the ultimate baby girl, but I don't think I can forgive Crunden for Kitty. SHE'S SUFFERED ENOUGH.
I'm a little scared to read the finale, if they don't get their happy endings I don't think I could take it.
December 17, 2018
I love this series and this installment was no exception.
The author's detail in character and world building is surpassed only by her talent for drawing us in and making us hungry for more.
I feel fanfiction in the works...
Two thumbs up for this one and ready for the next!
The author's detail in character and world building is surpassed only by her talent for drawing us in and making us hungry for more.
I feel fanfiction in the works...
Two thumbs up for this one and ready for the next!
Read
June 14, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Rape mentioned
Panic attacks
Miscarriage, implied
Cannibalism mentioned
Torture mentioned
Rape mentioned
Panic attacks
Miscarriage, implied
Cannibalism mentioned
Torture mentioned
October 22, 2022
Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Revenge (including psychological torture, physical torture, bloodshed and murder/killing).
Characters
Unlike the first three books, this book mostly follows Kitty, but also has moments of following Thom or Nate allowing us to gain perspectives from all three of them during their time in the Outlands.
Storyline
Kitty, Nate and Thom are building a life for themselves in the Outlands despite Quen constantly attacking them and the others from the Kingdom wanting to return to fight for freedom. As tensions reach breaking point, Riddle and Kitty develop a special bond that has Nate questioning the future of his relationship with Kitty.
Overall Thoughts
Coming straight off the back of A Promise of Return, the pace and drama of this just wasn’t the same. It’s not that it was bad, it’s just that I wasn’t constantly wishing I could stop what I was doing and keep reading.
There were certainly stretches of the book where I felt that way. But to set up for those parts, others needed to be a bit slower, more relationship focused and less adrenaline pumping.
The main reason for scoring this one a little lower was that we’ve gone from following just one character then whole way through, to occasionally swapping perspectives. Being book 4 and the first time this is happening it thew me off a little which also threw me out of my reading zone.
If you go in expecting to suddenly change perspectives a couple times you may not experience that “thrown” feeling quite so much. But I wasn’t expecting it, so it did throw me.
Otherwise, the culmination of all the build up at the end surprised me, drew me in but also left me wondering what was left to cover in the fifth and last book of the series.
This book contains:
• Revenge (including psychological torture, physical torture, bloodshed and murder/killing).
Characters
Unlike the first three books, this book mostly follows Kitty, but also has moments of following Thom or Nate allowing us to gain perspectives from all three of them during their time in the Outlands.
Storyline
Kitty, Nate and Thom are building a life for themselves in the Outlands despite Quen constantly attacking them and the others from the Kingdom wanting to return to fight for freedom. As tensions reach breaking point, Riddle and Kitty develop a special bond that has Nate questioning the future of his relationship with Kitty.
Overall Thoughts
Coming straight off the back of A Promise of Return, the pace and drama of this just wasn’t the same. It’s not that it was bad, it’s just that I wasn’t constantly wishing I could stop what I was doing and keep reading.
There were certainly stretches of the book where I felt that way. But to set up for those parts, others needed to be a bit slower, more relationship focused and less adrenaline pumping.
The main reason for scoring this one a little lower was that we’ve gone from following just one character then whole way through, to occasionally swapping perspectives. Being book 4 and the first time this is happening it thew me off a little which also threw me out of my reading zone.
If you go in expecting to suddenly change perspectives a couple times you may not experience that “thrown” feeling quite so much. But I wasn’t expecting it, so it did throw me.
Otherwise, the culmination of all the build up at the end surprised me, drew me in but also left me wondering what was left to cover in the fifth and last book of the series.
my-books
February 26, 2023// a note from the author //
A Map for The Outlands Pentalogy.
A Map for The Outlands Pentalogy.
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