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Mistress of the Dancing Bones
Blood is currency in Avenesse. Mortals faced extinction from the undead legions of the Deathlands. Vampires called nephilim offered a bargain: protection for blood. Facing slavery or annihilation, many mortals submitted. Now blood is currency, vampirism is political power, and undead unsanctioned by the Lunar Emperor must be destroyed. Ashia Boucher is the mortal daughter of the nephilim who watches over the Deathlands border. Her father shields Ashia from Avenesse's harsh realities and turns a blind eye to her pursuit of forbidden necromantic blood magic. A new Terror haunts Ashia's family and all Avenesse. Lead by the outlaw Dualo, renegade vampires murder mortals and nephilim alike. With the help of the gunslinging witch hunter Etienne Dusang, the mischievous changeling Tamalandrea and the demon horse Uisthre, Ashia must face the Terror threatening Avenesse or die to her family's numerous enemies.
- GenresFantasy
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2013
10 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 4, 2013
I was fortunate enough to see that Thomas Alexander was giving away the Kindle version of his book via Glenn Reynolds' Instapundit. The brief description involving humans and vampires...excuse me...nephilim....I would not want to be rude...living together in support of each other.
This was an intriguing proposition.
The relationship between vampires and humans in literature has almost uniformly been presented as similar to the relationship between humans and cattle/pigs/chickens/etc. There certainly have been variations on the theme where the vampires are less hostile, but even in rare moments of cooperation the predator/prey dynamic is evident. As anyone in the meat processing industry will tell you, critters are not terribly willing to proceed peacefully through a slaughterhouse. It is hard to imagine humans reacting any more favorably.
And then I enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining book.
Mr. Alexander has created a 'verse that feels vaguely European with a wide range of human races and nationalities. It contains weapons (pistols, muskets, rifles) that suggest a world that diverged from our own at some point near the French Revolution with no further physical progress being realized for those devices; the mystical/magic progress is considerable. Many of the characters and titles as well as some of the terminology are also vaguely French as well.
This fictional 'verse hints at the possibility that it is really our own world gone drastically awry as supernatural beings washed across it. At least, that was my impression while reading the book.
My test of a good book is whether I can put it down. If I become so engrossed in a story that I cannot wait to pick it up and shut out the world, then it is a good book.
This is a good book. My friends and family had a hard time tearing me away from it.
There are four and a half criticisms that I would offer for this piece of work.
1) There number of nationalities and races is significant. That range of possibilities is complicated by having the potential of having a human and a vampire that share nationality/race. The initial description of those nationalities/races is very brief. There are not enough details for the reader to be able to differentiate between them besides the author simply saying that a character is of a specific nationality/race.
At the very least, the differences would be more meaningful if they were more reflected in the actions and attitudes of the characters.
It isn't quite as bad as the Star Wars literary 'verse where the range of beings/planets/etc. is so broad that a reader has to read Star Wars books almost exclusively in order to keep them all sorted out.
2) Most of the fantasy tropes are included in the story. Dragons, vampires, zombies/ghouls (the Deatheaters), astral planes, spirit beings, magic, disembodied experiences, shape shifters, portals to hell, spirit lines, etc., etc., ad infinitum. The good news about this "throw it against the wall and see what sticks" approach is that an awful lot of things stuck and stuck pretty well. The bad news is that the damned wall is a mess.
3) Editing. I found at least a dozen minor errors in the Kindle version. (punctuation, grammar, and spelling) This seems to be a trend in my SFF reading.
3.5) There were a couple of occasions where the characters slipped into 21st century jargon. The I can recall the most was the use of the phrase "I'm on it". It is not a big deal, but it does cause a minor disturbance in an otherwise very fluid story line.
4) This is Thomas Alexander's first book! I was prepared to immediately purchase some of his other works, but this is all there is! Please help support this budding author (and fellow veteran) by purchasing and enjoying his first book. It is well written, engaging, and entertaining. I cannot wait for the next installment.
This was an intriguing proposition.
The relationship between vampires and humans in literature has almost uniformly been presented as similar to the relationship between humans and cattle/pigs/chickens/etc. There certainly have been variations on the theme where the vampires are less hostile, but even in rare moments of cooperation the predator/prey dynamic is evident. As anyone in the meat processing industry will tell you, critters are not terribly willing to proceed peacefully through a slaughterhouse. It is hard to imagine humans reacting any more favorably.
And then I enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining book.
Mr. Alexander has created a 'verse that feels vaguely European with a wide range of human races and nationalities. It contains weapons (pistols, muskets, rifles) that suggest a world that diverged from our own at some point near the French Revolution with no further physical progress being realized for those devices; the mystical/magic progress is considerable. Many of the characters and titles as well as some of the terminology are also vaguely French as well.
This fictional 'verse hints at the possibility that it is really our own world gone drastically awry as supernatural beings washed across it. At least, that was my impression while reading the book.
My test of a good book is whether I can put it down. If I become so engrossed in a story that I cannot wait to pick it up and shut out the world, then it is a good book.
This is a good book. My friends and family had a hard time tearing me away from it.
There are four and a half criticisms that I would offer for this piece of work.
1) There number of nationalities and races is significant. That range of possibilities is complicated by having the potential of having a human and a vampire that share nationality/race. The initial description of those nationalities/races is very brief. There are not enough details for the reader to be able to differentiate between them besides the author simply saying that a character is of a specific nationality/race.
At the very least, the differences would be more meaningful if they were more reflected in the actions and attitudes of the characters.
It isn't quite as bad as the Star Wars literary 'verse where the range of beings/planets/etc. is so broad that a reader has to read Star Wars books almost exclusively in order to keep them all sorted out.
2) Most of the fantasy tropes are included in the story. Dragons, vampires, zombies/ghouls (the Deatheaters), astral planes, spirit beings, magic, disembodied experiences, shape shifters, portals to hell, spirit lines, etc., etc., ad infinitum. The good news about this "throw it against the wall and see what sticks" approach is that an awful lot of things stuck and stuck pretty well. The bad news is that the damned wall is a mess.
3) Editing. I found at least a dozen minor errors in the Kindle version. (punctuation, grammar, and spelling) This seems to be a trend in my SFF reading.
3.5) There were a couple of occasions where the characters slipped into 21st century jargon. The I can recall the most was the use of the phrase "I'm on it". It is not a big deal, but it does cause a minor disturbance in an otherwise very fluid story line.
4) This is Thomas Alexander's first book! I was prepared to immediately purchase some of his other works, but this is all there is! Please help support this budding author (and fellow veteran) by purchasing and enjoying his first book. It is well written, engaging, and entertaining. I cannot wait for the next installment.
May 16, 2014
This fantasy novel skilfully unites vampires, ghosts, and other supernatural beings without falling into monster of the chapter syndrome.
Daughter of a vampire noble, and destined to become a vampire herself, Ashia Boucher lives a life of privilege. However, when her unseemly interest in the magic of her mother’s people is discovered her future is cast in doubt. Rather than accept a mediocre life, she accepts the position of translator offered by Etienne Dusang, the most feared of witch hunters. But the renegade vampires Dusang hunts are only the tip of the threat against the land.
Alexander’s portrayal of a society ruled by vampires, and explanation for how it came to be, are both interesting and plausible. This is especially true of the several species of vampire.
It is therefore slightly unfortunate that Alexander chose the existing term ‘nephilim’ for his vampire nobles rather than inventing his own. The unfulfilled expectation of a divine nature detracts from what is the otherwise excellent idea that noble vampires use a euphemism for their condition,
Although the novel is as a whole fast paced and maintains immersion, some areas of the book do suffer from a reliance on exposition rather than demonstration. Particularly in the earlier parts of the book, the introduction of a new character is often accompanied by the narrator listing their history, character, or lineage to themselves.
Both Ashia and Dusang are well-rounded characters, defined more by personality than their respective powers. Alexander also makes good use of the contrast between Ashia’s sheltered naïvety and Dusang’s ancient cynicism.
The named supporting characters are similarly interesting, giving most scenes a feeling of occurring within other narratives.
However, Alexander’s diversity does slightly desert him when showing the broader picture. The various fiefdoms and races often have similar names or only the most basic of national characteristics, sometimes making it hard for the reader to see the differences that obviously obsess the characters.
The only real flaw is the ending. Ashia’s story builds with greater and greater speed and tension, then the book ends with a single sentence that does not resolve her immediate situation. This abruptness could the reader feeling this is only the first part of a novel rather than the first in a series.
I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking either vampire or traditional fantasy fiction.
Daughter of a vampire noble, and destined to become a vampire herself, Ashia Boucher lives a life of privilege. However, when her unseemly interest in the magic of her mother’s people is discovered her future is cast in doubt. Rather than accept a mediocre life, she accepts the position of translator offered by Etienne Dusang, the most feared of witch hunters. But the renegade vampires Dusang hunts are only the tip of the threat against the land.
Alexander’s portrayal of a society ruled by vampires, and explanation for how it came to be, are both interesting and plausible. This is especially true of the several species of vampire.
It is therefore slightly unfortunate that Alexander chose the existing term ‘nephilim’ for his vampire nobles rather than inventing his own. The unfulfilled expectation of a divine nature detracts from what is the otherwise excellent idea that noble vampires use a euphemism for their condition,
Although the novel is as a whole fast paced and maintains immersion, some areas of the book do suffer from a reliance on exposition rather than demonstration. Particularly in the earlier parts of the book, the introduction of a new character is often accompanied by the narrator listing their history, character, or lineage to themselves.
Both Ashia and Dusang are well-rounded characters, defined more by personality than their respective powers. Alexander also makes good use of the contrast between Ashia’s sheltered naïvety and Dusang’s ancient cynicism.
The named supporting characters are similarly interesting, giving most scenes a feeling of occurring within other narratives.
However, Alexander’s diversity does slightly desert him when showing the broader picture. The various fiefdoms and races often have similar names or only the most basic of national characteristics, sometimes making it hard for the reader to see the differences that obviously obsess the characters.
The only real flaw is the ending. Ashia’s story builds with greater and greater speed and tension, then the book ends with a single sentence that does not resolve her immediate situation. This abruptness could the reader feeling this is only the first part of a novel rather than the first in a series.
I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking either vampire or traditional fantasy fiction.
November 15, 2013
LIKED -
I read a lot of books (self-published and not), and I was impressed with the overall professional "feel" of the book. I spotted very few of the types of mistakes that often plague indie novels.
The author's rich descriptive passages added to the overall mood of the book. The varied elements made me think, at different points in the story, of Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkein, and George R.R. Martin.
Kick-ass heroine who doesn't need a man to save her, or one to fall in love with.
Vampires who weren't bad guys for a change.
THINGS THAT BUGGED ME -
While I enjoyed the mixing of creatures, I have a hard time with books where everyone, thing and place has a strange and unfamiliar name. I know a lot of people (especially fans of Sci-fi and fantasy) are into that. I just find it difficult to get through, and end up skimming over names a lot. In a book like this - with a huge cast of characters - this meant some of the time I had no idea who was who.
While there was a lot going on, tons of people, descriptions of a bunch of stuff, I never really felt I knew this world.
WOULD I READ ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR?
Yes! It's rare to find someone with an imagination this strong and the writing ability to back it up. I think he's going to get better and better with every book.
I read a lot of books (self-published and not), and I was impressed with the overall professional "feel" of the book. I spotted very few of the types of mistakes that often plague indie novels.
The author's rich descriptive passages added to the overall mood of the book. The varied elements made me think, at different points in the story, of Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkein, and George R.R. Martin.
Kick-ass heroine who doesn't need a man to save her, or one to fall in love with.
Vampires who weren't bad guys for a change.
THINGS THAT BUGGED ME -
While I enjoyed the mixing of creatures, I have a hard time with books where everyone, thing and place has a strange and unfamiliar name. I know a lot of people (especially fans of Sci-fi and fantasy) are into that. I just find it difficult to get through, and end up skimming over names a lot. In a book like this - with a huge cast of characters - this meant some of the time I had no idea who was who.
While there was a lot going on, tons of people, descriptions of a bunch of stuff, I never really felt I knew this world.
WOULD I READ ANOTHER BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR?
Yes! It's rare to find someone with an imagination this strong and the writing ability to back it up. I think he's going to get better and better with every book.
October 1, 2013
Mistress of the Dancing Bones (Sang Noir) by Thomas Alexander is such a wonderfully written book of vampires, shape shifters, demons and magic . There is many exciting adventures in this fantasy of blood as currency and with Ashia as the main character and learning how powerful she is becoming, this book held my attention and kept me turning the pages.
Very creative and with a different twist in this world I became invested in the characters and didn't want the story to end, which begs the question, where is the next book?
I can see a whole series in just this first book. I like collecting series, (especially any good vampire series) and this will be one that I would like to collect.
With a strong female lead that can heal or destroy and many characters that are too numerous to mention, (but very descriptive)every part of this book was easy to imagine and fun to get lost in.
I highly recommend this book but there is a warning: ADDICTIVE!
Very creative and with a different twist in this world I became invested in the characters and didn't want the story to end, which begs the question, where is the next book?
I can see a whole series in just this first book. I like collecting series, (especially any good vampire series) and this will be one that I would like to collect.
With a strong female lead that can heal or destroy and many characters that are too numerous to mention, (but very descriptive)every part of this book was easy to imagine and fun to get lost in.
I highly recommend this book but there is a warning: ADDICTIVE!
July 24, 2013
This story has many levels, and a ton of creative twists. On the outside the blood is everywhere, drank like wine by some and guarded by Ashia as she learns to travel, to heal, and to survive the scalding of power. On the inside is a lyrical lifeline force, threading through Ashia's head. Common weapons are difficult for her to master, but the bones, felt firm in her mind, fly where she directs. She travels with a Don Quixote sort of hero, aged a bit rugged, and a naughty, languorous two-tailed cat. If you're looking for a soft, light with predictable good and bad mores sort of tale (What I tend to write), you won't find it here. But if you want to try an unusual, packed with magical monsters and bloodthirsty (literally) bad guys, read on.
March 5, 2016
The author has seamlessly woven a world of pure and delectable fantasy in Mistress of The Dancing Bones, with vampires, ghosts, and various other creatures that any fantasy lover will drool over. The writing, plot, and characters are all fantastic. I found myself turning pages with a hunger for more. I can't wait to continue this series! 100% recommend this book!
March 28, 2015
Loved it
I loved the vivid descriptions of life in a world where vampires rule. It started a bit off but by page 50 or so your hooked. The action doesn't slow much after that.
I loved the vivid descriptions of life in a world where vampires rule. It started a bit off but by page 50 or so your hooked. The action doesn't slow much after that.
April 26, 2018
Once, vampires called nephilim offered the mortals of Avenesse a bargain when the latter were facing extinction at the hands of the undead legions from the Deathlands: blood in exchange for protection. Officially bound by a strict code supposed to keep humans protected and the numbers of nephilim easily sustainable by the mortal population, the nephilim hold the political power in the land and many abuse their station. Ashia, the mortal daughter of a nephilim lord and secret student of forbidden magic, has long been shielded from the harsher realities of life in Avenesse, but a new Terror threatens the land and the legendary witchhunter Etienne Dusang offers her a chance to help him defeat it, opening her eyes to ugly truths and allowing her to harness and unleash her true strength.
A well woven fantasy tale set in a richly imagined universe with intriguing magic and many promising elements I'd be interested in seeing explored further if that promised sequel ever happens.
A well woven fantasy tale set in a richly imagined universe with intriguing magic and many promising elements I'd be interested in seeing explored further if that promised sequel ever happens.
January 6, 2020
From the instant I began reading, Ashia, our heroine was captivating and her situation compelling. Her intensity and that of her world grew throughout the story keeping me engaged. I was rooted to the page withstanding disgust, terror and horror to see her stand strong.
Alexander is masterful in the integration of the intricately built fantasy world with this powerful coming of age story. Magic is in her blood and the politics of her world are her inheritance—she must come to terms with them to know herself, and she embraces them fully in an unexpected and oddly triumphant way.
At first I wished the novel carried more inner dialogue so I could know the characters better. But when I was done reading, I found I missed them and had come to know them well, especially the unquenchable Ashia. I hope the next in this series will be coming soon!
Alexander is masterful in the integration of the intricately built fantasy world with this powerful coming of age story. Magic is in her blood and the politics of her world are her inheritance—she must come to terms with them to know herself, and she embraces them fully in an unexpected and oddly triumphant way.
At first I wished the novel carried more inner dialogue so I could know the characters better. But when I was done reading, I found I missed them and had come to know them well, especially the unquenchable Ashia. I hope the next in this series will be coming soon!
August 12, 2016
Thomas Alexander's world in Mistress of the Dancing Bones is one where magic is realistic and woven organically throughout the story. The setting and the characters are so much a part of the landscape that I do not question their existence but instead ache as they thrust themselves into danger and am giddy when any trickles of romance play out. The characters were distinctive and robust and became increasingly intriguing to me as the web of relationships and allegiances was revealed, like a world shrouded in mist that becomes clear piece by piece as the mist drifts away. As I read through to the end of the novel, I realized I did not want to let go of the story. Reading a good book such as this one is like being on a sugar high, the visualization of the action and emotional attachment to the characters is so intense that when the lines of plot are smoothed out and the last word has been consumed, you are left feeling empty and disappointed that you were not there with Ashia - the Mistress of the Dancing Bones and main character - throughout her adventures. The next best thing is to continue on with her when the next part of her journey is revealed in the second novel.
August 7, 2013
The author has created a rich and complex universe in this book; Worlds within worlds. The problem with that is that he neglected to tell us about it. Starting this book was like diving into the middle of a book in the middle of a series, grappling with strange names of people, places, languages, races and more in every paragraph. As with all self-published books, there were some distracting typos and other editing needs. Combining the above faults, this book was a chore to read.
I tend to read author firsts because I like observing when the author finds his or her voice. Don't give up on this book, because I thought he found his voice about halfway through, somewhere around chapter twenty. That said, there were some brilliant moments in this book. Vivid descriptions of magic that were as unique as they were enthralling. Moments of horror from which I could not tear my eyes away. This book would make an excellent TV series and an even better game. I hope that this author will write a prequel to help me better sink my teeth into this universe, so to speak.
I tend to read author firsts because I like observing when the author finds his or her voice. Don't give up on this book, because I thought he found his voice about halfway through, somewhere around chapter twenty. That said, there were some brilliant moments in this book. Vivid descriptions of magic that were as unique as they were enthralling. Moments of horror from which I could not tear my eyes away. This book would make an excellent TV series and an even better game. I hope that this author will write a prequel to help me better sink my teeth into this universe, so to speak.
October 8, 2013
This book is a wild adventure into an incredibly imaginative world of vampires, undead and mortals. It’s always exciting to find an author that finds a fresh and truly unique take on vampires, Thomas Alexander has done just that in Mistress of the Dancing Bones. Ashia is a genuine and complex heroine who readers will love. This is a well-written saga but the reader has to pay attention, a lot is happening and at times it’s intense. Recommended to anyone who enjoys paranormal, fantasy and thrillers. This is the start of a very promising series. 5-stars.
October 27, 2013
Personally I'm not a not a fan of Fantasy but the story was written and set out well.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews