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A review by shilohskye
Scars of the Golden Dancer by NightEyes DaySpring
5.0
Scars of the Golden Dancer is one of the first furry books I picked up when I started really getting into furry fiction. It's one of those books I sought out the hardcover for afterward, and one that just keeps popping up in my brain from time to time. The book is a bit of an uncut gem--flawed yet full of heart--and that makes for an endearing read.
I think the primary theme in this story, intentional or no, is that of supportiveness. The romance here is defined by how supportive of each other Naji and Zayn are. The plot practically has them take turns helping and/or saving each other multiple times throughout. That element of their relationship is brought out in contrast with more malicious characters who offer support as a deception or who have been barred from receiving support due to their actions.
Speaking of support, I think the highlight of the book, even moreso than the romance, is the gay community that's featured. The Blue Door, a sort of bathhouse where the "mithly" folk hang out in the city, is an extremely supportive and safe place for the main characters. They find help there, take refuge there, and are able to love each other freely there. Plus, The Blue Door's side characters really make the place feel welcoming.
That theme of support, both individual and communal, is really what distinguishes the book for me. It features something that's very important to the gay community and does a good job of portraying it in a setting that may be unfamiliar to many readers.
Now, there are some rough patches, in my opinion. Naji and Zayn, though developed enough to be distinct as characters, can be a bit vapid sometimes. Some of the dialogue felt stilted, and a few character choices were confusing. I'm also surprised the book didn't have a map of the city the story takes place in, rather than of the whole region.
But these flaws certainly haven't kept the vast majority of people from enjoying the book immensely. Again, the book is an uncut gem--flawed, yet full of heart. It's hard to describe in this review exactly what I mean by that, though, which is why I think it's well worth a read so you can see for yourself.
I think the primary theme in this story, intentional or no, is that of supportiveness. The romance here is defined by how supportive of each other Naji and Zayn are. The plot practically has them take turns helping and/or saving each other multiple times throughout. That element of their relationship is brought out in contrast with more malicious characters who offer support as a deception or who have been barred from receiving support due to their actions.
Speaking of support, I think the highlight of the book, even moreso than the romance, is the gay community that's featured. The Blue Door, a sort of bathhouse where the "mithly" folk hang out in the city, is an extremely supportive and safe place for the main characters. They find help there, take refuge there, and are able to love each other freely there. Plus, The Blue Door's side characters really make the place feel welcoming.
That theme of support, both individual and communal, is really what distinguishes the book for me. It features something that's very important to the gay community and does a good job of portraying it in a setting that may be unfamiliar to many readers.
Now, there are some rough patches, in my opinion. Naji and Zayn, though developed enough to be distinct as characters, can be a bit vapid sometimes. Some of the dialogue felt stilted, and a few character choices were confusing. I'm also surprised the book didn't have a map of the city the story takes place in, rather than of the whole region.
But these flaws certainly haven't kept the vast majority of people from enjoying the book immensely. Again, the book is an uncut gem--flawed, yet full of heart. It's hard to describe in this review exactly what I mean by that, though, which is why I think it's well worth a read so you can see for yourself.