Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This feels like a read-alike to the Captive Prince series. Really enjoyed this!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Sword Dance, (Sword Dance, Book 1), by A.J. Demas
★★★★☆
265 Pages
POV: single character, 3rd person POV
Content Warning: mentions of past slavery, torture and war; deals with historical ideas of sexism, homophobia, and slavery. PTSD experiences.
Sword Dance is the first in a trilogy, showcasing a front-and-centre historical political mystery, with a side of romance and a slice of action/adventure.
CHARACTERS
With two central characters who capture and engage the reader from the beginning, the story begins with a group of strangers who come together for a weekend visit. Ebbing and weaving through a political mystery, then a murder investigation, it explores the backstory of the two main characters. Damiskos, an ex-soldier, and eunuch dancer, Varazda.
The story is told in Damiskos' POV, from arriving at the villa where the entire book takes place, to leaving the villa. I really liked him as a main character, as he was pragmatic, resourceful, and a skilled but wounded soldier. With a physical injury, and mental scars, Damiskos is relatable as well as someone that you believe in, trust to make the right decisions, but who is also real, because he makes mistakes, has doubts and second guesses his abilities.
Varazda – sometimes referred to by his dancer's name, Pharastas – is a really great character, and though he never got his POV, I felt he shone well off the page. He was fun, interesting, a little snarky and sarcastic, while being smart and sociable. He made a great compliment to Damiskos, balancing his serious side by being more laid-back and approachable.
Verazda is a eunuch, who has a history of being a slave and, thus, being forced to perform sexual “duties” before his freedom. There is some PTSD from this, and a nice, compassionate and sympathetic exploration of his needs. He comes across as non-binary, though these terms are, of course, not fully expressed in a historical/fantasy setting, and isn't asexual but has definite lines to his sexual interests/desires. I really appreciated the way the author explored this, as it was slipped naturally into his experiences with Damiskos.
I utterly loved them both as a couple. They bounced off each other, balanced each other, and still managed to be completely unique individuals that were easily differentiated on page. I never felt confused about who was acting or speaking. If there hadn't been any speech/action tags, I could easily have known who was saying or doing what. Their honesty with each other was lovely, even when it was awkward and embarrassing for them both.
PLOT
I liked the plot, a lot. I really enjoyed the sense of anticipation, that wasn't over-bearing or felt like the plot was rushing, but kept a steady pace that allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the story as it naturally unfurled.
The story begins with Damiskos, and his arrival at the villa of a friend, Nione. His insecurities and past as a soldier, the mental and physical scars left over from those days, and even his current task of a working holiday, are all nicely explored in the first few chapters. It does make the story start a little slowly, and I did wonder where it was going, what the friendly atmosphere and strangers-get-together would unfold into.
As the story continues, it evolves into a political mystery, that then leads to a murder investigation. Both these aspects bring Damiskos and Varazda together, giving them a reason to get closer and get to know each other better, to work in closer proximity. It felt natural for them to bond and learn more about each other, and their stories. The chemistry grew naturally, and their banter was a great addition to a story that could be quite tense and serious.
I equally loved that both characters got to show their personalities throughout the story. Damiskos' military bearing and knowledge is utilised throughout the investigation, allowing him to shine in a job that he's no-longer physically fit for. Varazda is both politically/socially capable and has swift feet and a quick mind that allow him to help Damiskos without being a burden. Seeing them work together, I never felt that one out-shone the other, or that one held back the other. They both brought different skills, different abilities, and various insights to every step of the investigation.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Honestly, this aspect is the only reason I didn't give this book a glowing 5* review.
Before anyone mentions it, there is a List of Places at the back of the book. BUT, this is at the BACK, after I'd already read the story, and didn't offer the pre-warning context that I needed when starting. If even the first paragraph of this page has been put on Page 1 or as a prefix to Page 1, I would have understood. However, its usefulness was rendered pointless, by appearing at the end.
For me, I felt the world-building wasn't intense enough. It was good, and I felt immersed in the world, but...some vital information was missing, that would have made it easier and more natural for me to slip into the story, from page one. It took me a few chapters to feel comfortable, because these parts were missing.
To start with, we are never given a time period this story takes place in. No location, no timeline, no year. A simple, but clear line under the first chapter heading could have easily solved this, even in this fictional world. Something like:
Villa A, off the coast of B, year C
This would have cleared up the idea that this was a fictional world, not a historical era, and given us a settled concept of the time, location and era. Even if it was something simple, like: Summer, Year X.
Secondly, the world-building lacked explanations. I spent the entire book without ever understanding what the Maidens were, what the Goddess Anaxe's purpose was or what her religion was; the importance of the Maiden's. I never understood what the Ideal Republic was – was it a religious movement, a political party, or an ideal thought similar to Hitler's Aryan master race? I was never entirely sure what it stood for, and how the Phemian purity fit into that. Whether they meant tightening border control, to keep out “foreigners” or whether it meant a complete annihilation of other races, leaving Phemian's without contact with other races/countries, and no marriage/sex between them. It was left unclear.
There was also a game mentioned a few times – the Reds and Whites – that was never explained. I never knew what it meant, or how it was played. It read a little like a version of bowls or croquet, but was mostly skimmed over so it was never clear.
Also, terms like Moon's Day, Seventh Day and Hesperions were never fully explored, in ways that meant I could read them and instantly understand what they meant.
Because these aspects were pivotal to the plot, and to the world-building, they had more importance – and a deeper need to be explained – than anything that is already familiar to the reader. It should have been easy to figure out what it meant, through reading the story, but there were a few times when I thought I understood only to be confused again. Perhaps clarity, through the students arguments could have been a good place to put this, as they argued amongst themselves what exactly the terms stood for.
OVERALL
I really loved the book. Sword Dance is an exciting, but romantic and fun, adventure through a political mystery. All of which sounds like there should be too much going on in one book, but it's actually well balanced and paced, so that it never feels weighted or over-loaded. There's a little bit of everything, all in equal measure.
I absolutely ADORED Damiskos and Varazda together. Their chemistry, their banter, and their playfulness, as well as how well they complimented each other, really worked to make sure that both characters shone equally.
The ending was positively satisfying! So perfectly planned, and though it was a touch abrupt, it felt right for the story, for the characters, and for the relationship they'd built together. It makes a perfect HFN ending, that makes me eager to read Book 2.
~
Favourite Quotes
“He collapsed gracefully onto it, pulling the covers around himself, and pressed his face into the pillow, drawing a deep breath.
“Mmmm. Smells like soldier.”
“I’m sorry,” said Damiskos stiffly.
One dark eye looked up at him from the pillow. “I don’t know if you’ve worked this out, First Spear,” came Varazda’s muffled voice, “but I fancy soldiers.””
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Sword Dance, (Sword Dance, Book 1), by A.J. Demas
★★★★☆
265 Pages
POV: single character, 3rd person POV
Content Warning: mentions of past slavery, torture and war; deals with historical ideas of sexism, homophobia, and slavery. PTSD experiences.
Sword Dance is the first in a trilogy, showcasing a front-and-centre historical political mystery, with a side of romance and a slice of action/adventure.
CHARACTERS
With two central characters who capture and engage the reader from the beginning, the story begins with a group of strangers who come together for a weekend visit. Ebbing and weaving through a political mystery, then a murder investigation, it explores the backstory of the two main characters. Damiskos, an ex-soldier, and eunuch dancer, Varazda.
The story is told in Damiskos' POV, from arriving at the villa where the entire book takes place, to leaving the villa. I really liked him as a main character, as he was pragmatic, resourceful, and a skilled but wounded soldier. With a physical injury, and mental scars, Damiskos is relatable as well as someone that you believe in, trust to make the right decisions, but who is also real, because he makes mistakes, has doubts and second guesses his abilities.
Varazda – sometimes referred to by his dancer's name, Pharastas – is a really great character, and though he never got his POV, I felt he shone well off the page. He was fun, interesting, a little snarky and sarcastic, while being smart and sociable. He made a great compliment to Damiskos, balancing his serious side by being more laid-back and approachable.
Verazda is a eunuch, who has a history of being a slave and, thus, being forced to perform sexual “duties” before his freedom. There is some PTSD from this, and a nice, compassionate and sympathetic exploration of his needs. He comes across as non-binary, though these terms are, of course, not fully expressed in a historical/fantasy setting, and isn't asexual but has definite lines to his sexual interests/desires. I really appreciated the way the author explored this, as it was slipped naturally into his experiences with Damiskos.
I utterly loved them both as a couple. They bounced off each other, balanced each other, and still managed to be completely unique individuals that were easily differentiated on page. I never felt confused about who was acting or speaking. If there hadn't been any speech/action tags, I could easily have known who was saying or doing what. Their honesty with each other was lovely, even when it was awkward and embarrassing for them both.
PLOT
I liked the plot, a lot. I really enjoyed the sense of anticipation, that wasn't over-bearing or felt like the plot was rushing, but kept a steady pace that allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the story as it naturally unfurled.
The story begins with Damiskos, and his arrival at the villa of a friend, Nione. His insecurities and past as a soldier, the mental and physical scars left over from those days, and even his current task of a working holiday, are all nicely explored in the first few chapters. It does make the story start a little slowly, and I did wonder where it was going, what the friendly atmosphere and strangers-get-together would unfold into.
As the story continues, it evolves into a political mystery, that then leads to a murder investigation. Both these aspects bring Damiskos and Varazda together, giving them a reason to get closer and get to know each other better, to work in closer proximity. It felt natural for them to bond and learn more about each other, and their stories. The chemistry grew naturally, and their banter was a great addition to a story that could be quite tense and serious.
I equally loved that both characters got to show their personalities throughout the story. Damiskos' military bearing and knowledge is utilised throughout the investigation, allowing him to shine in a job that he's no-longer physically fit for. Varazda is both politically/socially capable and has swift feet and a quick mind that allow him to help Damiskos without being a burden. Seeing them work together, I never felt that one out-shone the other, or that one held back the other. They both brought different skills, different abilities, and various insights to every step of the investigation.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Honestly, this aspect is the only reason I didn't give this book a glowing 5* review.
Before anyone mentions it, there is a List of Places at the back of the book. BUT, this is at the BACK, after I'd already read the story, and didn't offer the pre-warning context that I needed when starting. If even the first paragraph of this page has been put on Page 1 or as a prefix to Page 1, I would have understood. However, its usefulness was rendered pointless, by appearing at the end.
For me, I felt the world-building wasn't intense enough. It was good, and I felt immersed in the world, but...some vital information was missing, that would have made it easier and more natural for me to slip into the story, from page one. It took me a few chapters to feel comfortable, because these parts were missing.
To start with, we are never given a time period this story takes place in. No location, no timeline, no year. A simple, but clear line under the first chapter heading could have easily solved this, even in this fictional world. Something like:
Villa A, off the coast of B, year C
This would have cleared up the idea that this was a fictional world, not a historical era, and given us a settled concept of the time, location and era. Even if it was something simple, like: Summer, Year X.
Secondly, the world-building lacked explanations. I spent the entire book without ever understanding what the Maidens were, what the Goddess Anaxe's purpose was or what her religion was; the importance of the Maiden's. I never understood what the Ideal Republic was – was it a religious movement, a political party, or an ideal thought similar to Hitler's Aryan master race? I was never entirely sure what it stood for, and how the Phemian purity fit into that. Whether they meant tightening border control, to keep out “foreigners” or whether it meant a complete annihilation of other races, leaving Phemian's without contact with other races/countries, and no marriage/sex between them. It was left unclear.
There was also a game mentioned a few times – the Reds and Whites – that was never explained. I never knew what it meant, or how it was played. It read a little like a version of bowls or croquet, but was mostly skimmed over so it was never clear.
Also, terms like Moon's Day, Seventh Day and Hesperions were never fully explored, in ways that meant I could read them and instantly understand what they meant.
Because these aspects were pivotal to the plot, and to the world-building, they had more importance – and a deeper need to be explained – than anything that is already familiar to the reader. It should have been easy to figure out what it meant, through reading the story, but there were a few times when I thought I understood only to be confused again. Perhaps clarity, through the students arguments could have been a good place to put this, as they argued amongst themselves what exactly the terms stood for.
OVERALL
I really loved the book. Sword Dance is an exciting, but romantic and fun, adventure through a political mystery. All of which sounds like there should be too much going on in one book, but it's actually well balanced and paced, so that it never feels weighted or over-loaded. There's a little bit of everything, all in equal measure.
I absolutely ADORED Damiskos and Varazda together. Their chemistry, their banter, and their playfulness, as well as how well they complimented each other, really worked to make sure that both characters shone equally.
The ending was positively satisfying! So perfectly planned, and though it was a touch abrupt, it felt right for the story, for the characters, and for the relationship they'd built together. It makes a perfect HFN ending, that makes me eager to read Book 2.
~
Favourite Quotes
“He collapsed gracefully onto it, pulling the covers around himself, and pressed his face into the pillow, drawing a deep breath.
“Mmmm. Smells like soldier.”
“I’m sorry,” said Damiskos stiffly.
One dark eye looked up at him from the pillow. “I don’t know if you’ve worked this out, First Spear,” came Varazda’s muffled voice, “but I fancy soldiers.””
Splendid mashup of philosophical, political, and geographical elements, broadly (but not totally) corresponding to Classical antiquity, seasoned with original contributions from the author that achieves a congruent final arrangement that works wonders for me.
This couple? I love them a whole lot. They are in my own Characters' Pantheon.
This couple? I love them a whole lot. They are in my own Characters' Pantheon.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love this universe
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
I enjoyed this romance mixed with suspense and intrigue in a fictional ancient world. The protagonist is a decent guy, which I appreciate, in a world of alpha-male asshole characters. The love interest character is not what he first appears to be, in some respects, which is fun.
Having gone to philosophy grad school, I laughed at and liked the idea of philosophy student villains. It's all too plausible that they could prioritize Ideas over people.
I did feel like there were a ton of minor characters, who were difficult to keep straight and perhaps not all necessary. As long as Aradne wasn't edited out though; she was fantastic.
Having gone to philosophy grad school, I laughed at and liked the idea of philosophy student villains. It's all too plausible that they could prioritize Ideas over people.
I did feel like there were a ton of minor characters, who were difficult to keep straight and perhaps not all necessary. As long as Aradne wasn't edited out though; she was fantastic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Minor: Torture
I feel so impressed by the representation of Verazda. He feels like the kind of historical-inspired nonbinary rep I'm trying to teach people about on the ScriptLGBT blog when I can. There's thought and consideration to topics like worrying about being a chaser (not in that wording) and idk, the nuances of gender, a bit.
That said, it feels like every time I come across trans characters in fiction, they have a history with being sex slaves. If we're being realistic, the majority of trans people I know personally (including me) do have some kind of sexual trauma. But this particular trope is becoming a bit of a pattern in fiction.
Not saying this book did anything bad, just that the pattern of this being the case for the majority of all trans characters written is alarming.
The disability rep is good.
The sex scenes felt really well done for both trans and disability stuff.
I think I'm not rating it 5 stars because while it's a really good book, and definitely the kind of representation I crave, because:
- I just had a hard time keeping track of names and such. That's more a Me Problem but it felt like there were a number of people with A names? The personalities of the characters mixed with the context made it easy enough to differentiate
- I feel like there was other stuff that just kind of didn't hit as powerfully as it could have. It felt like most of the conflicts in the plot were easily combatible with strategy and cunning. Like if this were D&D, it's like they kept rolling between 16-20 on a D20. It's nice but it didn't feel as rewarding, idk
That said, it feels like every time I come across trans characters in fiction, they have a history with being sex slaves. If we're being realistic, the majority of trans people I know personally (including me) do have some kind of sexual trauma. But this particular trope is becoming a bit of a pattern in fiction.
Not saying this book did anything bad, just that the pattern of this being the case for the majority of all trans characters written is alarming.
The disability rep is good.
The sex scenes felt really well done for both trans and disability stuff.
I think I'm not rating it 5 stars because while it's a really good book, and definitely the kind of representation I crave, because:
- I just had a hard time keeping track of names and such. That's more a Me Problem but it felt like there were a number of people with A names? The personalities of the characters mixed with the context made it easy enough to differentiate
- I feel like there was other stuff that just kind of didn't hit as powerfully as it could have. It felt like most of the conflicts in the plot were easily combatible with strategy and cunning. Like if this were D&D, it's like they kept rolling between 16-20 on a D20. It's nice but it didn't feel as rewarding, idk
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lovely! Wonderful growth with MCs after only about a week in one another's company, friendliness, flirting, teaming up against foes satisfyingly. Female and underclass empowerment in the wider circle. And less stab, stab, kill, kill than I'd been afraid of having to wade through. An alternate olden times Mediterranean eque world. Recommended!