Dance of Thieves is almost here! ???? To celebrate the release of this highly anticipated and utterly thrilling companion to The Remnant Chronicles, we’ve asked Mary E. Pearson to answer some questions about her book.

What makes Jase and Kazi Fierce?
Jase and Kazi will stop at nothing to keep their promises, even if it costs them their lives.

If you'd met Jase and Kazi when you were a teen, would you have been friends?
Absolutely. I have a history as a thief. I stole a book when I was four years old.

Describe your book in 3 words.
Ha! The three word title says it all! But I will offer these three additional words: secrets, lies, kissing.

What's your favorite part of being an author?
The readers. They make it real. They find moments and words in my stories and make me think about them in new ways. They relate to characters in varied and surprising ways. It truly feels like a shared journey and I am grateful for those who go on it with me.

What's the most challenging part of being an author?
Balance. I love getting away from my keyboard and interacting with all kinds of readers and book creators, both in social media and travel.  But it can be a challenge to wear many hats, especially when there are writing deadlines!

What's the strangest or most interesting thing you learned while researching Dance of Thieves?
I learned about underground bunkers hidden all over the United States that can withstand nuclear attacks. One that has been revealed is the Greenbriar bunker—it was kept a secret for thirty years and was large enough to house all of Congress! The rows of bunk beds are pretty astounding and partly what I based the mountain "vault" on in Dance of Thieves.

Which 3 fictional characters would make up your team of spies?
1. Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer) because every spy team needs an expert mechanic.
2. Akiva (Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor) because FLYING.
3. Berdi (The Remnant Chronicles) because she is an older woman, experienced, badass, and she cooks a mean stew. Spies need equal parts wisdom and food.

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Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.

Start reading now.