J. C. Kang

For an imperial assassin, assignment as a courtesan in the Floating World seems like a waste of her talents... until killers target her clan sisters.In the legendary Floating World, wars are waged with wit, the strongest soldier can be bound with threads of silk, and flesh is the currency by which life, death, and freedom can all be purchased. Half-elf Jie doesn't mind her temporary assignment as a Night Blossom in the most sought-after house. It's perfect cover for her real work as an assassin in the emperor's service, and keeps her close to one who matters most. Her life belongs to her clan, but her heart lies with clan junior, Lilian. Lilian's talents trade stealth for sensuality, poison for poetry. With looks as sharp as any blade, she can coax information from any man, and still leave him paying for the pleasure. She's enthralled many a noble, none more important than the warlord who can calm a brewing insurrection. Only her sweet whispers can secure his obedience to the throne.But now, his increasing abuse has Jie seeking a new assignment for Lilian--even if it means their separation. When killers target clan sisters, and the seeds of rebellion find fertile soil in the Floating World, Jie must choose between loyalty and love.***"Thorn of the Night Blossoms is a prequel, though it is a total standalone... This cover story blends right in with her actual ninja-like assassin job in a fantastic tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, friendship, love and truly incredible action."--Amazon Reviewer"Kang delivers once again. This thrilling tale gives valuable insight to a beloved favorite character's younger years and begins to fill in the gap that was left with questions after his epic Dragon Song Saga. Highly recommended. Fantastic read that was full of suspense, charm, and shocking moments that will leave you wanting more."--Amazon Reviewer The Legends of Tivara Includes: A Dragon's Guide to Hatching a Rebellion Scions of the Black Lotus Thorn of the Night BlossomsWhite Sheep of the FamilyWretches of the Trench The Dragon Songs Saga Prelude to Insurrection Songs of InsurrectionOrchestra of TreacheriesDances of DeceptionSymphony of Fates The Dragonstones Chronicles Masters of Deception Heirs of the Sundered Empire

A Legends of Tivara Story

Thorn of the Night Blossoms

K. S. Villoso

Dyrk Ashton

Michael J. Sullivan

Will Wight

Phil Tucker

Ben Galley

Joe Jackson

Jeffrey Hall

Laura M. Hughes

"What do you think a hero is? It's just the right person in the right place making the right choice at the right time. Heroes aren't born. They're made." **r/Fantasy Stabby Award Winner - Best Anthology 2019** A demonic assassin. A half-orc boxer. A ratman necromancer. Though they take many different shapes and forms, there are heroes all around us. Bravery can be found in the most unexpected places: a subterranean dwarven city; the sands of a temple courtyard in Ancient Egypt; a besieged castle, a Victorian brothel, a goblin warren, the post-apocalyptic ruins of a demon-infested village. Heroes dwell in the shadows as well as the light; you just have to look a little harder to find them. Who do they fight?Some heroes challenge injustice in all its numerous guises, while others hunt monsters both human and bestial. Others battle inner demons, the ghosts of their past, their deepest nightmares - or even the gods themselves. Why do they fight?For glory? Sometimes. For honor? Perhaps. There are those who instinctively strive to protect those weaker than themselves, and there are others emboldened only by a sense of obligation, or the promise of wealth. Whether by the blade or other means, they endeavor to take down all who threaten what is good and right in their world. By hook or by crook, through cunning or combat, with tooth and claw or iron and steel, they are all united in one goal, willingly or not: to live - and die, if necessary - a hero. Choose your weapon. Fight for what you believe in. Never give up. Nineteen fantasy writers gather to bring nineteen tales to life, each one a unique glimpse into a wholly original world.

A Fantasy Anthology

Heroes Wanted

Only the lost art of evoking magic through music can prevent Cathay from descending into chaos.Blessed with an unrivaled voice, Kaiya dreams of a time when a song liberated enslaved humans from their orc masters. Maybe then, the imperial court would see the awkward, gangly princess as more than a singing fool.When members of the emperor's elite spy clan uncover a brewing rebellion, the court hopes to appease the ringleader by offering Kaiya as a bride. Obediently wedding the depraved rebel leader means giving up her music. Confronting him with the growing power of her voice could kill her.

Legends of Tivara

Songs of Insurrection

SPFBO 2018 Semi-Finalist.Lose yourself in this fusion of Asian and Western fantasy, which critics extol as "wonderfully opulent," "Breathtaking," and "Unique." Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the world. Only an awkward girl with the perfect voice can rediscover it. The Dragon Singers of old summoned typhoons and routed armies, liberating mankind from the orcs before fading into legend. Now, with the world again facing a new cataclysm, the power of music stirs in Kaiya, a naïve misfit with the perfect voice. Without a master to guide her, she must rely on Hardeep, a disgraced foreign paladin, to help awaken her latent magic. His motives might not be entirely noble. When he leads her to the fabled Dragon Scale Lute, which only a Dragon Singer can wield, it is up to Black Lotus Clan to intervene. Because the instrument's fell power can save the world... Or destroy it. --- This new edition of Songs of Insurrection includes two new chapters. --- ☆☆☆☆☆ Book Riot's Top 8 Adult Dragon Fantasy BooksA Publishers Weekly Booklife Prize Quarterfinalist "Smartly paced, with cross-cutting chapters that advance the plot along its intertwined story lines, this novel propels the reader through its colorful narrative. The author carefully balances action and intrigue with a modest fantasy element to keep the story's plot twists unpredictable."

Only an orphan half-elf spy can avert a rebellion before it starts.Jie's superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove her pointed ears aren't a liability when she's tasked to infiltrate a rebel lord's castle.In this prequel novelette to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.

A Legends of Tivara Short Story

Prelude to Insurrection

For a millennium, Dragonstones atop the world's pyramids have prevented the Orc Gods from returning and re-enslaving mankind. Now, a brewing war in a vibrant port between its squabbling council of lords and resurgent crime families puts one pyramid at risk. Only Cassius Larusso can assemble a team to end the impending threat. A descendant of the Diviner who first banished the Orc Gods, he might be convinced to act-- as long as it fills his coffers with gold, his stomach with delicious food, and his bed with a different type of delicacy. Unfortunately, his choice of companions is limited to the poor souls who come seeking his sometimes fraudulent divinations: A half-elf spy tracking an assassin. A sorceress searching a traitor. A paladin pursuing his forbidden love. If he can trick coax them into putting aside their own agendas and taking up his own, Cassius might be able to stave off a war, secure his city, and write his own destiny. If not, what begins as a back-alley battle may bring about the downfall of every nation in Tivara.

J. C. Kang

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