Poison Dance: A Novella by Livia Blackburne ~ Review

Title: Poison Dance

Author: Livia Blackburne

Publication Date: 09-12-2013

Pages: 86

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Rating: 4 stars

Summary: James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out—if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison.

Poison Dance is the prequel to Midnight Thief, a highly anticipated read coming out this July!  I was given this e-book by the author after adding her upcoming novel on goodreads in exchange for an honest review and I am so happy that I accepted. The anticipation is now killing me for Midnight Thief!

I'll admit now that not only is this the first prequel I've ever read, but it's also the first novella I've ever read. Thank you, Livia, for popping two cherries in one go! I think Poison Dance was an excellent first for me, even if I was dreading those last few pages. I wanted more! So much more! Thalia and James, our main characters, had so little time. My suggestion if you read this: SAVOR IT! I know you'll want to rush and get through it so you can find out what happens next, but don't! Don't do it!!!

As the reader, we are mostly with James and his thoughts. Thalia is an enigma to begin with, she approaches James with understandable reservations. She presents to him an answer to his current predicament but there's strings attached. Neither of them realized that their hearts were on the line as well. 

I've read a couple posts from the author and if James is anything like this in Midnight Thief, then I can completely understand the need to give him his own story, even if it is short. Much, much too short. 

Thank you so much, Livia, for a glimpse into this fantastic world. July better come quick because Midnight Thief needs to be on my bookshelf and fast!!!