What do you think?
Rate this book
Steel and Fire #3
Dance of Steel
An epic journey will challenge them both. But the enemy they left behind is growing stronger . . .
Dara and Siv flee through the treacherous snows of Vertigon, injured and defeated, with enemies in pursuit. They don’t know when they’ll return to the mountain they love. If they make it to safety, they’ll have to figure how to challenge the Lantern Maker and retake Siv’s throne.
But when one of them disappears, the other must travel into the wild on a desperate rescue mission. Dangers abound in the Lands Below, and this journey is only the beginning. As rumors of war spread across the land, Dara and Siv will have to fight to be together again. But neither one can forget the adversary they left behind—no matter how hard they try.
Back in Vertigon, Sora defies the Lantern Maker and his wife as they set dangerous plans in motion. Seeking to expand their dominion, they may unleash an even greater peril. Will Sora and her secret allies be strong enough to stop the coming storm?
The world is bigger and more perilous than ever in Book 3 of Steel and Fire, Jordan Rivet’s swashbuckling YA fantasy series.
Dara and Siv flee through the treacherous snows of Vertigon, injured and defeated, with enemies in pursuit. They don’t know when they’ll return to the mountain they love. If they make it to safety, they’ll have to figure how to challenge the Lantern Maker and retake Siv’s throne.
But when one of them disappears, the other must travel into the wild on a desperate rescue mission. Dangers abound in the Lands Below, and this journey is only the beginning. As rumors of war spread across the land, Dara and Siv will have to fight to be together again. But neither one can forget the adversary they left behind—no matter how hard they try.
Back in Vertigon, Sora defies the Lantern Maker and his wife as they set dangerous plans in motion. Seeking to expand their dominion, they may unleash an even greater peril. Will Sora and her secret allies be strong enough to stop the coming storm?
The world is bigger and more perilous than ever in Book 3 of Steel and Fire, Jordan Rivet’s swashbuckling YA fantasy series.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2016
About the author
Jordan Rivet
33 books506 followersJordan Rivet is an American author of YA science fiction and fantasy featuring determined heroines, vivid worlds, and daring missions. Originally from Arizona, she lives in Hong Kong with her husband.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
Jordan's YA fantasy series include Steel and Fire, Empire of Talents, The Fire Queen’s Apprentice, and Art Mages of Lure. Her science fiction includes Wake Me After the Apocalypse, The Seabound Chronicles, and The Lost Clone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 8, 2017
I'm losing my momentum with this series. I'm starting to feel less into it with this book. . . I dunno, I think I'm just getting impatient. This is very much a middle book (it doesn't look like the next book is the finale either) and there's not enough forward motion in terms of overall plot advancement to make me feel like any of this is actually going anywhere (or rather, I don't feel like an entire book was needed for the story to get where it did) and it felt like way too much filler (I hate that word BTW) and too much traveling and I think I just want a conclusion already. Too used to trilogies maybe? Whatever. I just wanna read the end already :P
If I ever do read the next book (which I totally don't feel like doing right now), I'll definitely need to re-read this one cuz I know I'm gonna forget everything about it very, very soon.
If I ever do read the next book (which I totally don't feel like doing right now), I'll definitely need to re-read this one cuz I know I'm gonna forget everything about it very, very soon.
September 20, 2016
This was a longer book than the previous two with some brand new POV chapters. It was the expansion of the world that really hooked me, since our characters had very little expansion themselves.
But, I can see this for what it was - a set up story - and I still love the world, so bring on Steel & Fire 4
But, I can see this for what it was - a set up story - and I still love the world, so bring on Steel & Fire 4
July 24, 2019
RTC. I kind of liked it.
December 5, 2023
4.5 Stars ✨
Clean YA Fantasy
“ She was a guard without a castle, and he was a king without a crown.”
Ahhh this series just keeps getting better and better. In Dance of Steel the world starts expanding. We go on a journey across the landscape of the whole map- lots of political intrigue. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the MCs being separated in this one- until I witnessed their character growth! It was exactly what each one needed , to be alone to come into their own and level up a bit. So many new intriguing characters and new alliances being formed. Vine and Dara start what I’m sure is going to be an amazing friendship and the ending made it all worth it ! Onward to book 4 🥳
Clean YA Fantasy
“ She was a guard without a castle, and he was a king without a crown.”
Ahhh this series just keeps getting better and better. In Dance of Steel the world starts expanding. We go on a journey across the landscape of the whole map- lots of political intrigue. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the MCs being separated in this one- until I witnessed their character growth! It was exactly what each one needed , to be alone to come into their own and level up a bit. So many new intriguing characters and new alliances being formed. Vine and Dara start what I’m sure is going to be an amazing friendship and the ending made it all worth it ! Onward to book 4 🥳
September 18, 2021
More like 3.5 stars
3-4 star books always seem to draw out the side of me that has Many Thoughts, lol.
I got to about, mmm, 25% or so before I jumped over to GR to peak at reviews. I can see why this book is the one that many seem to have DNF'd. The last two books had sections where I was reading more out of curiosity about what would happen than interest in what was currently happening, and that feeling multiplied in this book. After their initial flight, Dara and Siv's story went stale for a while. Then things picked up only to fall into a pretty low action tale of travel and chasing. This one's pacing felt uneven and slow compared to the previous books. I honestly sped read and skimmed some more expository passages (and even some descriptive passages, which I usually like because I love visualizing things) because I was impatient to get on with the story. Random, but more so than the first two (or it just stood out to me more?), this one had some odd and unnecessary adjective hyphenating going on that my brain unfortunately decided to be SUPER distracted and annoyed by. However.
(Minor spoilers for end of last book and maybe beginning of this one in this paragraph) Sora was a pleasant surprise. Although it's a bit odd, because at this point, IDK if I want Sora to remain queen or Siv be king again. Honestly I'm leaning toward Sora, and IDK if I'm supposed to want that. But I really like her and her machinations and slowly growing confidence were really good (and possible romance blooming? I ship it, if so).
The last quarter or so was great. Things picked up and got more intriguing and I was a bit like "wait, what?" when it ended. The overall plot and characters are definitely drawing me ever onward in this series!
Dara and Siv are very shippable, even if Siv can be a bit immature. But his grieving process and dealing with his guilt were pretty good (even if not quite complete, I felt), and I feel like his character is progressing well. I'll admit I still don't understand why Dara still has some attachment to her dad, but her growth is interesting, especially as related to the magic system.
The world was expanded on a lot, which somehow managed to be both fascinating and boring. A lot of the new info and travelling and new characters are clearly set up, but that's both their strength and weakness--their interest for me lies primarily in where they're going rather than their current existence. *shrug* But the worldbuilding is very detailed and real feeling, which is cool, and more magic stuff is awesome.
I have mixed feelings on the epilogue. I usually like multiple POVs but got frustrated at points with the switches in this one (part of why the pacing felt slightly off to me--I'd plod through a slow chapter where not much was happening, get actually really into a more action-y development, and then it would end on a cliffhanger and switch and I'd be like "I don't care about this right now!" Possibly just a me problem, lol), so I'm feeling slightly tired just thinking about the next book keeping up with four plotlines (well, maybe three plotlines, as two have re-merged).
But I'm definitely invested enough in the plot and characters I'm charging on to the next book, and even with parts of this book that didn't quite work as well for me personally, I'm still enjoying this series.
3-4 star books always seem to draw out the side of me that has Many Thoughts, lol.
I got to about, mmm, 25% or so before I jumped over to GR to peak at reviews. I can see why this book is the one that many seem to have DNF'd. The last two books had sections where I was reading more out of curiosity about what would happen than interest in what was currently happening, and that feeling multiplied in this book. After their initial flight, Dara and Siv's story went stale for a while. Then things picked up only to fall into a pretty low action tale of travel and chasing. This one's pacing felt uneven and slow compared to the previous books. I honestly sped read and skimmed some more expository passages (and even some descriptive passages, which I usually like because I love visualizing things) because I was impatient to get on with the story. Random, but more so than the first two (or it just stood out to me more?), this one had some odd and unnecessary adjective hyphenating going on that my brain unfortunately decided to be SUPER distracted and annoyed by. However.
(Minor spoilers for end of last book and maybe beginning of this one in this paragraph) Sora was a pleasant surprise. Although it's a bit odd, because at this point, IDK if I want Sora to remain queen or Siv be king again. Honestly I'm leaning toward Sora, and IDK if I'm supposed to want that. But I really like her and her machinations and slowly growing confidence were really good (and possible romance blooming? I ship it, if so).
The last quarter or so was great. Things picked up and got more intriguing and I was a bit like "wait, what?" when it ended. The overall plot and characters are definitely drawing me ever onward in this series!
Dara and Siv are very shippable, even if Siv can be a bit immature. But his grieving process and dealing with his guilt were pretty good (even if not quite complete, I felt), and I feel like his character is progressing well. I'll admit I still don't understand why Dara still has some attachment to her dad, but her growth is interesting, especially as related to the magic system.
The world was expanded on a lot, which somehow managed to be both fascinating and boring. A lot of the new info and travelling and new characters are clearly set up, but that's both their strength and weakness--their interest for me lies primarily in where they're going rather than their current existence. *shrug* But the worldbuilding is very detailed and real feeling, which is cool, and more magic stuff is awesome.
I have mixed feelings on the epilogue. I usually like multiple POVs but got frustrated at points with the switches in this one (part of why the pacing felt slightly off to me--I'd plod through a slow chapter where not much was happening, get actually really into a more action-y development, and then it would end on a cliffhanger and switch and I'd be like "I don't care about this right now!" Possibly just a me problem, lol), so I'm feeling slightly tired just thinking about the next book keeping up with four plotlines (well, maybe three plotlines, as two have re-merged).
But I'm definitely invested enough in the plot and characters I'm charging on to the next book, and even with parts of this book that didn't quite work as well for me personally, I'm still enjoying this series.
September 13, 2023
Like the other two books in this series, Dance of Steel, was full of great characters, descriptive fight scenes, and magic. It did at times feel like a middle book (which it is) because there was much more of a focus on world building as opposed to action. But I did not feel like the story suffered too much because of this. I still enjoyed following our characters, and was excited to meet new people along the way. I also love how Jordan Rivet did a great job of describing new locations. I felt like I really could envision all the kingdoms they passed through. Plus, the magic system was really expanded in this book, which was a lot of fun. I am excited to see where this series goes!
August 14, 2020
I think this series will be a solid four star read all the way through at least
June 21, 2018
I still stand by my decision to not like Siv because he’s selfish and immature. That being said I really want to know how this story ends but it just keeps dragging out further and further, and more characters and storylines keep tangling up the main plot and it’s almost exhausting.
April 20, 2020
This book is such a crazy romp across the landscape of this book series! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering what would happen next to poor Siv and if Dara would ever manage to track him down.
October 24, 2023
Not a bad sequel, but I'm afraid the protagonists were the least interesting part of it. Dara and Siv spent most of the book apart, which wasn't fun at all, and they're definitely better together than either of them is alone. Let's just hope they finally figured that out themselves and stick together like glue from now on.
Sora was by far my favourite in this one, and I can't help thinking that she's going to do a much better job as queen than Siv would ever manage as king.
Sora was by far my favourite in this one, and I can't help thinking that she's going to do a much better job as queen than Siv would ever manage as king.
November 7, 2017
This series is hard to rate. Each book is like 3/4 a 2 star book, then the last 1/4 is a 4 star book. I dont really want to read the next one... but I also really want to know what happens.
August 15, 2020
I'm sorry to anyone who's loved this book but to me... it was such a bore.
We start off right where we left during the previous instalment and the beginning is full of action and events happening one after the other. Siv and Dara know no rest for the first few pages, and then arrive in all safety in Rallion City where they are being taken care of. The beginning also introduces us to Sora's POV chapters so the reader can have an insight into what's happening in Vertigon after the coup operated by Rafe Ruminor and the other Fire Workers.
And then... it all goes downhill. Here's the recipe for each and every chapter:
Siv:
- Blames himself for abandoning Vertigon / his Kingdom / Sora
- Spending an awful lot of time thinking about Dara and how he doesn't deserve her
- Have an impulse to break free and go back to Rallion city / Vertigon
- Only to give up and give into his current situation
Dara:
- Goes to the places Siv went
- Vine leads her but she doesn't really know where
- Dara realises but tells Vine it's fine
- They go back onto their journey because they miraculously know again where to go
- All the while thinking about Siv and a bit about her father
Wash, cleanse, rinse, and repeat.
This is very much a middle book more intended as world building and to put our characters deeper into problems so they can't meet Rafe Ruminor and solve this situation; but it was, roughly, 300 pages too long. Siv and Dara get caught up in thoughts that repeat themselves several times per chapter, every single chapter of the book. All the places are not introduced once, but twice. It drags on and on when simple editing could've really tightened the pace without losing anything.
The other thing that struck me is how unlike themselves the characters acted. I loved King Siv when his father had just died and he took control of the situation pretty successfully, no matter what happen in "King of Mists" afterward. And now he just abandons, not just once but in every single chapter, his kingdom, and his family. Sora, as much as I like her, political and smart Sora, turns into a little girl with no clue as to what she should do and breaks under the pressure of the Ruminors; the same character who played the kingship game well and gave extremely good advice to Siv. She ends up relying so much on her bodyguards that she does't do much by herself. As for the new ship, she swoons over one guy then the next, and doesn't really make it believable. No problem with it (even though she prides herself on not letting her feelings get in the way...) but she ends up appearing a bit like a Romeo where her attachment is not that deep or believable. Do you like the guy for who he is, or the next knight in shining armor is going to make you fall head over heels?
As for Siv's family... they're pretty useless. The Peace of Vertigon is broken but they don't even send spies, try to look a bit more into the situation even though Sora is alive and they know it. Siv is kidnapped but they don't make a move... I mean Dara did not encounter a single Truren guard who was looking for Siv during the entire journey... talk about efficiency! Talking about Dara, she escapes the prison and, a chapter later, the fact that she's a fugitive is completely forgotten because not even once does she have to fight against Truren guards. How has Rallion city stood for so long next to Soole and Pendark?
The entire book I was waiting for the climax to happen. Really, they are the parts that made me want to read this series from start to finish because they were so well executed in the first and second instalment. But in Dance of Steel... the climax took approximately 3 pages. It was extremely short, unlike Duel of Fire and King of Mists the stakes were really low (I mean, we knew how it was going to finish...) and I felt robbed of a good action-packed chapter. Sora is only a witness throughout the events and is mainly told what to do. Saying the outcome of the short fight in which Siv and Dara are placed is predictable is an understatement.
The thought of Siv and Dara's reunion was the only thing that kept me going throughout this book. I generally don't skip lines or paragraphs but found myself gliding over some because I just couldn't be bothered. Lucky those books are part of Kindle Unlimited, or I wouldn't keep reading them for the life of me.
We start off right where we left during the previous instalment and the beginning is full of action and events happening one after the other. Siv and Dara know no rest for the first few pages, and then arrive in all safety in Rallion City where they are being taken care of. The beginning also introduces us to Sora's POV chapters so the reader can have an insight into what's happening in Vertigon after the coup operated by Rafe Ruminor and the other Fire Workers.
And then... it all goes downhill. Here's the recipe for each and every chapter:
Siv:
- Blames himself for abandoning Vertigon / his Kingdom / Sora
- Spending an awful lot of time thinking about Dara and how he doesn't deserve her
- Have an impulse to break free and go back to Rallion city / Vertigon
- Only to give up and give into his current situation
Dara:
- Goes to the places Siv went
- Vine leads her but she doesn't really know where
- Dara realises but tells Vine it's fine
- They go back onto their journey because they miraculously know again where to go
- All the while thinking about Siv and a bit about her father
Wash, cleanse, rinse, and repeat.
This is very much a middle book more intended as world building and to put our characters deeper into problems so they can't meet Rafe Ruminor and solve this situation; but it was, roughly, 300 pages too long. Siv and Dara get caught up in thoughts that repeat themselves several times per chapter, every single chapter of the book. All the places are not introduced once, but twice. It drags on and on when simple editing could've really tightened the pace without losing anything.
The other thing that struck me is how unlike themselves the characters acted. I loved King Siv when his father had just died and he took control of the situation pretty successfully, no matter what happen in "King of Mists" afterward. And now he just abandons, not just once but in every single chapter, his kingdom, and his family. Sora, as much as I like her, political and smart Sora, turns into a little girl with no clue as to what she should do and breaks under the pressure of the Ruminors; the same character who played the kingship game well and gave extremely good advice to Siv. She ends up relying so much on her bodyguards that she does't do much by herself. As for the new ship, she swoons over one guy then the next, and doesn't really make it believable. No problem with it (even though she prides herself on not letting her feelings get in the way...) but she ends up appearing a bit like a Romeo where her attachment is not that deep or believable. Do you like the guy for who he is, or the next knight in shining armor is going to make you fall head over heels?
As for Siv's family... they're pretty useless. The Peace of Vertigon is broken but they don't even send spies, try to look a bit more into the situation even though Sora is alive and they know it. Siv is kidnapped but they don't make a move... I mean Dara did not encounter a single Truren guard who was looking for Siv during the entire journey... talk about efficiency! Talking about Dara, she escapes the prison and, a chapter later, the fact that she's a fugitive is completely forgotten because not even once does she have to fight against Truren guards. How has Rallion city stood for so long next to Soole and Pendark?
The entire book I was waiting for the climax to happen. Really, they are the parts that made me want to read this series from start to finish because they were so well executed in the first and second instalment. But in Dance of Steel... the climax took approximately 3 pages. It was extremely short, unlike Duel of Fire and King of Mists the stakes were really low (I mean, we knew how it was going to finish...) and I felt robbed of a good action-packed chapter. Sora is only a witness throughout the events and is mainly told what to do. Saying the outcome of the short fight in which Siv and Dara are placed is predictable is an understatement.
The thought of Siv and Dara's reunion was the only thing that kept me going throughout this book. I generally don't skip lines or paragraphs but found myself gliding over some because I just couldn't be bothered. Lucky those books are part of Kindle Unlimited, or I wouldn't keep reading them for the life of me.
November 29, 2018
This book had 2 elements that I absolutely love seeing in books: a chase and amazing friend groups.
-The entire book is very much a journey motif from the mountains of Vertigon, down to Trure, and across the continent to the seas of Pendark. So, if journey stories aren't your forte, this middle book to the series might seem slow to you. Dara and Siv are making their way to safety while being separated, captured, and chased across the continent. I love chases in books, and I always love exploring the lands of fantasy novels - it's one of the best ways to do world building in my opinion. You really get to experience the other examples of elemental magic in this universe and see how the different nations work.
-We get to meet several new characters in this book, and some new friend groups form. I won't spoil it, but let's just say I really love the people who Dara and Siv meet and come to travel with. Friend groups in fantasy novels, especially ecclectic ones, are another great method of world building.
This book definitely has Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes as we get a mix of the different elements and see how each nation is built around its native element. We also get to see how the landscapes of the different countries function as a result of their elemental magics. And we get to see the personified elements: Fire, Air, and Water (capitalized) as opposed to regular water, fire, and air.
What I didn't like: this book was definitely a lot slower than the other books in the series. This isn't a spoiler because it's in the book's description, but Dara and Siv get separated for most of the book and have to travel separately across Trure to find one another again. They really, really work best as a team, and the book lagged a lot with them separated. Part of the fun of a story that has such Avatar vibes is to see a group of friends travel across the land and experience the elemental magic together. It would have been a lot more fun to see Siv and Dara be able to explore together.
The chapters with Sora fell into 2 distinct categories: rage-inducing or very boring. At first, the abuse that Sora was subject to by Lima was absolutely heart-wrenching, and I was about a second away from developing a device that would allow me to enter their world and slap Lima in the face. I honestly don't like Sora's character, and the villain POV we get through her stories isn't too too interesting relative to Siv's and Dara's stories. We don't really gain any kind of insight except for the fact that Rave is planning to build a super weapon. We don't really get anywhere else. (I'm reading the next book now, and this aspect is done so much better even in the first few chapters. But this middle book did it very poorly).
-The entire book is very much a journey motif from the mountains of Vertigon, down to Trure, and across the continent to the seas of Pendark. So, if journey stories aren't your forte, this middle book to the series might seem slow to you. Dara and Siv are making their way to safety while being separated, captured, and chased across the continent. I love chases in books, and I always love exploring the lands of fantasy novels - it's one of the best ways to do world building in my opinion. You really get to experience the other examples of elemental magic in this universe and see how the different nations work.
-We get to meet several new characters in this book, and some new friend groups form. I won't spoil it, but let's just say I really love the people who Dara and Siv meet and come to travel with. Friend groups in fantasy novels, especially ecclectic ones, are another great method of world building.
This book definitely has Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes as we get a mix of the different elements and see how each nation is built around its native element. We also get to see how the landscapes of the different countries function as a result of their elemental magics. And we get to see the personified elements: Fire, Air, and Water (capitalized) as opposed to regular water, fire, and air.
What I didn't like: this book was definitely a lot slower than the other books in the series. This isn't a spoiler because it's in the book's description, but Dara and Siv get separated for most of the book and have to travel separately across Trure to find one another again. They really, really work best as a team, and the book lagged a lot with them separated. Part of the fun of a story that has such Avatar vibes is to see a group of friends travel across the land and experience the elemental magic together. It would have been a lot more fun to see Siv and Dara be able to explore together.
The chapters with Sora fell into 2 distinct categories: rage-inducing or very boring. At first, the abuse that Sora was subject to by Lima was absolutely heart-wrenching, and I was about a second away from developing a device that would allow me to enter their world and slap Lima in the face. I honestly don't like Sora's character, and the villain POV we get through her stories isn't too too interesting relative to Siv's and Dara's stories. We don't really gain any kind of insight except for the fact that Rave is planning to build a super weapon. We don't really get anywhere else. (I'm reading the next book now, and this aspect is done so much better even in the first few chapters. But this middle book did it very poorly).
January 9, 2017
Dance of Steel is my favorite book in the series so far. I loved the combination of Dara and Siv. Their journey and trials. I even liked Vine. She didn't come across as annoying which I felt in the previous books.
I feel like Dara is the one making constant sacrifices because that's who she is but also to make up for things that she is not responsible for. Siv is slowly starting to realise how much he actually needs her and that he might've treated her poorly. For much of the book they're travelling but it worked this time. Sometimes that drives me nuts but Rivet wrote it such a way that it made sense. The worldbuilding could've been a bit better but the characters made up for it. I especially love the dragon. I wish I had that dragon. Remy's so cute.
This is how I imagine Remy in my head.
I feel like Dara is the one making constant sacrifices because that's who she is but also to make up for things that she is not responsible for. Siv is slowly starting to realise how much he actually needs her and that he might've treated her poorly. For much of the book they're travelling but it worked this time. Sometimes that drives me nuts but Rivet wrote it such a way that it made sense. The worldbuilding could've been a bit better but the characters made up for it. I especially love the dragon. I wish I had that dragon. Remy's so cute.
This is how I imagine Remy in my head.
July 21, 2018
Love
This was actually my fav book in this series. Dara and Siv are on the run to reach Trure. When they arrive everything seem safe until Siv is kidnapped. Dara must find him,but does Siv want to be found? We also get a new POV Sora. Who is now Queen, but only in name and must struggle to overcome Rafe. This book is well paced unlike the first two. We have some new ships. But they never take away from Dara and Siv. A great adventure awaits!
This was actually my fav book in this series. Dara and Siv are on the run to reach Trure. When they arrive everything seem safe until Siv is kidnapped. Dara must find him,but does Siv want to be found? We also get a new POV Sora. Who is now Queen, but only in name and must struggle to overcome Rafe. This book is well paced unlike the first two. We have some new ships. But they never take away from Dara and Siv. A great adventure awaits!
October 24, 2016
3.5 stars
September 9, 2018
I'm really enjoying this series.
April 22, 2020
So...it looks I'm going through these books even faster than I thought I would. (Then again, it's Quarantine, so what else am I going to do?)
I thought this one was a bit slower/more difficult to get through than the previous two books, but I did actually come to really appreciate Sora's POV. I'm juggling a similar situation in one of my own WIPs, so I was especially curious to see how the author would handle it here.
I'm making myself wait until tomorrow to start on the next book, but I'm sure I'll be finishing this series before the week is out!
I thought this one was a bit slower/more difficult to get through than the previous two books, but I did actually come to really appreciate Sora's POV. I'm juggling a similar situation in one of my own WIPs, so I was especially curious to see how the author would handle it here.
I'm making myself wait until tomorrow to start on the next book, but I'm sure I'll be finishing this series before the week is out!
December 15, 2021
No offence, but I wholeheartedly believe that Sora is a better ruler than Siv.
April 5, 2024
It may just be me and my current reader's block, but this one was a slog compared to the first two. I may revisit my rating when my mental health improves.
April 11, 2022
The book started off really well and I was hooked for quite a while but then I got bored as the plot of reuniting the two MCs was just dragging on. The worldbuilding in this book is 5* and a lot is explained/detailed in this book compared to the previous books. The author finally found her style of writing but unfortunately needs to work on her execution of a plot. Two more books to go in this series (first book rated 3*, second book 4* and this third 3*) // KU
September 9, 2019
It may come as a surprise but I really didn’t like the third book.
After the events of the second book, Siv and Dara flee Vertigon and head towards his relatives in Trure. They are still riding the emotional rollercoaster, as Siv tries to come to terms with the fact that Dara’s father killed not only his father but also allegedly his sister Sora. The book is told from three points of views. The reader follows the kidnapped Siv, the pursuing Dara and the politics unfolding in Vertigon from the eyes of Sora.
Why didn’t I like it? First of all, it is damn boring. Most of the book consists of Siv making his way to Pendark first in the hands of his kidnappers and then with a bunch of pen fighters, who technically speaking also kidnapped him.
Dara, meanwhile, follows him led by Vine’s air magic. She can sense him on the wind, or something like that. Turns out she’s an apprentice air wielder. The air wielder’s have a hippy vibe to them and following Vine is like being lead by Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. When it comes to those storylines, you can’t help but feel as if the main characters are in a holding pattern until the author has finished establishing what Rate Ruminor is about.
Which brings me to my second criticism. That the characters weren’t strictly black and white was one of the things I most enjoyed about the series. The grief over his daughter’s loss and the anger that the one responsible wasn’t punished, drove most of his actions. This was worsened by the fear for his future as a fire wielder, as the access to power was more on more limited, and of course the addicting effect of the magic itself. However, the transition from this to „I want to take over the world“ comes out of nowhere. Instead of well-written characters whose actions might be questionable but whose motives at least were understandable, he is starting to turn into a one-dimensional evil for the sake of evil character. Don’t even get me started on his wife.
Rafe’s character development wasn’t the only strange one. There is also Siv. He was a very good fighter and tried to always do what was right. After his father’s death, he took on the kingdom and his responsibilities and gave it his all. But now he runs away at the first sign of trouble, couldn’t even win a fight against kindergarteners unless Dara was there to hold his hand. At some point, he learns that an army is about to invade Trure. His first reaction is trying to warn his family but then decides that everyone is better off without him. That decision was so unlike him.
My third criticism is the magic system of the book. The fire wielders can only use their magic while on Vertigon mountain, as they need access to the fire within said location. It becomes clear in the book that this isn’t because they use lava, but rather that there might be dragons trapped underneath the surface and it is their fire which gives them power. The fire magic is so limited that he uses Sora as a figurehead, because he fears what will happen if the Vertigonians rise against him.
He’s afraid of a town full of people but plans world domination. To further his Rafe incited conflicts between the nations. Soole attacking at exactly that moment during the second book always was too convenient. After they weakened themselves in their struggles, he then plans to conquer them all with fire weapons (the only way to take the fire magic of the mountain). Enter the air and water wielders. The air wielders can use the air to put up barriers. The water wielders can heal and also sweep you away with giant waves. Unlike the air wielders, they have no trouble using the elements wherever they occur. Why are there such differences between the magic types?
I’m going to be honest. If this series weren’t included in my currently active Kindle Unlimited subscription then I wouldn’t read the fourth book. Because it is, I’m willing to give the fourth a chance in the hopes that this was just a brief stumble in an otherwise good series.
After the events of the second book, Siv and Dara flee Vertigon and head towards his relatives in Trure. They are still riding the emotional rollercoaster, as Siv tries to come to terms with the fact that Dara’s father killed not only his father but also allegedly his sister Sora. The book is told from three points of views. The reader follows the kidnapped Siv, the pursuing Dara and the politics unfolding in Vertigon from the eyes of Sora.
Why didn’t I like it? First of all, it is damn boring. Most of the book consists of Siv making his way to Pendark first in the hands of his kidnappers and then with a bunch of pen fighters, who technically speaking also kidnapped him.
Dara, meanwhile, follows him led by Vine’s air magic. She can sense him on the wind, or something like that. Turns out she’s an apprentice air wielder. The air wielder’s have a hippy vibe to them and following Vine is like being lead by Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. When it comes to those storylines, you can’t help but feel as if the main characters are in a holding pattern until the author has finished establishing what Rate Ruminor is about.
Which brings me to my second criticism. That the characters weren’t strictly black and white was one of the things I most enjoyed about the series. The grief over his daughter’s loss and the anger that the one responsible wasn’t punished, drove most of his actions. This was worsened by the fear for his future as a fire wielder, as the access to power was more on more limited, and of course the addicting effect of the magic itself. However, the transition from this to „I want to take over the world“ comes out of nowhere. Instead of well-written characters whose actions might be questionable but whose motives at least were understandable, he is starting to turn into a one-dimensional evil for the sake of evil character. Don’t even get me started on his wife.
Rafe’s character development wasn’t the only strange one. There is also Siv. He was a very good fighter and tried to always do what was right. After his father’s death, he took on the kingdom and his responsibilities and gave it his all. But now he runs away at the first sign of trouble, couldn’t even win a fight against kindergarteners unless Dara was there to hold his hand. At some point, he learns that an army is about to invade Trure. His first reaction is trying to warn his family but then decides that everyone is better off without him. That decision was so unlike him.
My third criticism is the magic system of the book. The fire wielders can only use their magic while on Vertigon mountain, as they need access to the fire within said location. It becomes clear in the book that this isn’t because they use lava, but rather that there might be dragons trapped underneath the surface and it is their fire which gives them power. The fire magic is so limited that he uses Sora as a figurehead, because he fears what will happen if the Vertigonians rise against him.
He’s afraid of a town full of people but plans world domination. To further his Rafe incited conflicts between the nations. Soole attacking at exactly that moment during the second book always was too convenient. After they weakened themselves in their struggles, he then plans to conquer them all with fire weapons (the only way to take the fire magic of the mountain). Enter the air and water wielders. The air wielders can use the air to put up barriers. The water wielders can heal and also sweep you away with giant waves. Unlike the air wielders, they have no trouble using the elements wherever they occur. Why are there such differences between the magic types?
I’m going to be honest. If this series weren’t included in my currently active Kindle Unlimited subscription then I wouldn’t read the fourth book. Because it is, I’m willing to give the fourth a chance in the hopes that this was just a brief stumble in an otherwise good series.
March 4, 2019
I can understand why some readers are a little less enthusiastic about this one, but I still enjoyed it. It's definitely slower paced. There's a lot of traveling. A lot of internal monologuing and repetition of thoughts. But I loved having Sora's added POV (Yay for having canonically chubby/fat characters being badass babes! Why is this still a unfathomable concept to writers??). I also now have another ship I'm invested in (I was hoping this one was going to happen meep!) Plus the ending... with the sunset... and Rumy being an adorable bb... yes, my heart was very warm and happy. 😊
October 24, 2018
Just finished this one and I really enjoyed it. Dance of Steel is the middle book and it reads that way. Even though I Liked book 1 & 2 more this one was needed to explain and more to the series. 4 stars
May 28, 2017
I think I'd really give this one 4 1/2 stars...mainly because it was a very long book and Dara and Siv were apart for most of it. HOWEVER, it was filled with action and more peers to be wielded. There were several new characters who still remain to be determined whether they are ultimately good guys or bad guys (girls too). I do love Dara and Siv but I'm also happy to see a potential romance blooming for Princess Sora as she turns 18 and is maturing in wisdom and balancing the precarious position in which she now finds herself. I've also grown to really like Latch as we wait to see how he will figure in to the remainder of this series. Of course Vine keeps everyone in their toes and seems to be a major supporting character as the series continues.
I'm now going to move right on to City of Wind without even taking a break. (I went back and forth between reading in my kindle and listening to the audiobook. Great narration! As of today the last two books are not yet on audible but I'm hoping they are yet to be released as I want to share this entire series with my busy daughter who only has time to listen rather than read.)
I'm now going to move right on to City of Wind without even taking a break. (I went back and forth between reading in my kindle and listening to the audiobook. Great narration! As of today the last two books are not yet on audible but I'm hoping they are yet to be released as I want to share this entire series with my busy daughter who only has time to listen rather than read.)
January 14, 2017
This book was not as strong as the previous two in the series but it was still a solid 5 star book. Jordan Rivet has become one of my favorite authors and she keeps surprising me with how awesome her stories and writing is. I would have preferred this book to be a little shorter but it was not massive.
I loved getting to read from Sora's POV so that we got to see what happened in Vertigon now that Dara and Siv are on the run elsewhere.
I absolutely adored the aspiring romance between Sora and one of her guards (I won't tell you which one). They were so cute together and I actually, shockingly, preferred reading about them more than Dara and Siv.
To be honest Dara and Siv were separated for awhile in this book and that might have something to do with it.
As usual Jordan succeeded with the suspense and action in this installment aswell.
I cannot wait to see what happens in City Of Wind! Hats off to you, Jordan Rivet!!!
I loved getting to read from Sora's POV so that we got to see what happened in Vertigon now that Dara and Siv are on the run elsewhere.
I absolutely adored the aspiring romance between Sora and one of her guards (I won't tell you which one). They were so cute together and I actually, shockingly, preferred reading about them more than Dara and Siv.
To be honest Dara and Siv were separated for awhile in this book and that might have something to do with it.
As usual Jordan succeeded with the suspense and action in this installment aswell.
I cannot wait to see what happens in City Of Wind! Hats off to you, Jordan Rivet!!!
Read
June 12, 2023this felt different.
the majority of the book it's spent traveling and the early story line doesn't really make much progress during that time.
I mean yeah we have Sora fighting her kingdom on the other side, but I feel like Siv and Dara could've spent their time coming up with a strategy, instead of one sort of running away and the other chasing.
I will say that I liked some new characters. the romance was sweet (now I have two to babble about) and the action scenes were exciting. so it's wasn't all that bad. ;)
the majority of the book it's spent traveling and the early story line doesn't really make much progress during that time.
I mean yeah we have Sora fighting her kingdom on the other side, but I feel like Siv and Dara could've spent their time coming up with a strategy, instead of one sort of running away and the other chasing.
I will say that I liked some new characters. the romance was sweet (now I have two to babble about) and the action scenes were exciting. so it's wasn't all that bad. ;)
December 31, 2016
Just when you think you know which path Dara and Siv are going to go down, you are surprised yet again. Dance of Steel, third in the Steel and Fire series, is another read-on-the-edge-of-your-seat story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
June 5, 2018
DNF 50% series has lost momentum and feels like it’s going nowhere. A lot of filler pages with drawn out chapters that serve no purpose. I have a hard time with multiple characters switching viewpoints every chapter. Unfortunately lost interest in the 3rd book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews