Dance of Thieves

Gr 8 Up—Set in the same universe as "The Remnant Chronicles," but well after the fall of the Komizar, the region is now under the control of Queen Zezelia. When it is discovered that the Ballengers, an outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations and doesn't recognize the sovereignty of the Queen, has forcibly removed people from their land and is trading with known enemies and slavers, three soldiers, led by Kazimyrah (an orphan and former street urchin), are dispatched to investigate. They arrive at Hell's Mouth only to find that Ballenger senior has recently passed away and his irrepressible oldest son, Jase, is now in charge. When both Jase and Kazi are snatched by slavers, they are forced to set their animosity aside and work together to escape. Unwillingly, they find themselves drawn to each other despite their disparate loyalties. This novel has it all—romance, conflict, danger, and humor.