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Dance of Demons
Slave. Soldier. Spy.
Daisuke’s heart has always wandered far from home, hoping for a life beyond what he’d have as a Northern Nomad raised in slavery. One evening, when he learns the Giahatio’s imperial military has arrived in search of recruits, he seizes his chance to flee Okara’s plantations and start anew. However, becoming a footsoldier isn’t the easy escape he expected, and he soon finds himself struggling for a place within the infantry and Giahatian society.
Obito knows he should be grateful for the opportunity to serve as one of the Empire’s elite intelligence operatives, the onmitsu—it’s one of few he’ll ever have in life, and the highest possible honor for a nobleman’s youngest son. But with demons of anger and shame haunting him as he tries to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a scandal, any pride to take in rank or family name is entirely hollow.
When an act of mercy is born from a senseless murder, the already unlikely friendship between Daisuke and Obito takes an unexpected turn. Not only are they now partnered together as onmitsu, but dark politics are on the rise, leading them toward an ancient, furious magic.
Daisuke’s heart has always wandered far from home, hoping for a life beyond what he’d have as a Northern Nomad raised in slavery. One evening, when he learns the Giahatio’s imperial military has arrived in search of recruits, he seizes his chance to flee Okara’s plantations and start anew. However, becoming a footsoldier isn’t the easy escape he expected, and he soon finds himself struggling for a place within the infantry and Giahatian society.
Obito knows he should be grateful for the opportunity to serve as one of the Empire’s elite intelligence operatives, the onmitsu—it’s one of few he’ll ever have in life, and the highest possible honor for a nobleman’s youngest son. But with demons of anger and shame haunting him as he tries to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a scandal, any pride to take in rank or family name is entirely hollow.
When an act of mercy is born from a senseless murder, the already unlikely friendship between Daisuke and Obito takes an unexpected turn. Not only are they now partnered together as onmitsu, but dark politics are on the rise, leading them toward an ancient, furious magic.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published March 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Lauseng
5 books18 followersAlyssa Lauseng is a fantasy writer who lives in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula and is a self-identified martial arts enthusiast obsessed with stabby-pointy things.
Find her on Bluesky, Instagram, and Tumblr @5FeetofRedFury!
Find her on Bluesky, Instagram, and Tumblr @5FeetofRedFury!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 30, 2025
Spoilers: Alyssa Lauseng’s Fantasy novel, Dance of Demons has a lot of positive attributes that keep it fresh and unique in a subgenre that can get repetitive with its tropes. It has a magnificent detailed setting inspired by Japanese culture, an engaging labyrinthine plot that engages the Reader with its multiple perspectives and points of view, and it has duo that are diverse in background and worldviews but make a convincing team and are on their way to becoming a charming gay couple.
In the land of Okara during the time of the Ghiatian Empire, Daisuke, a young slave boy, seizes an opportunity to escape to freedom. When a military recruiter arrives, Daisuke enlists and heads to Perena where he tries to adjust to a foot soldier’s life. Meanwhile Obito, a member of the Omnito, Imperial Intelligence, is stricken by a devastating loss when Itsuki, his partner in work and life, dies after they uncover a potential conspiracy involving members of Obito’s wealthy and influential family. Obito is partnerless and wouldn’t you know there is a young ex-slave and soldier who rose through the ranks to become an Omnito and is looking for a partner himself. Meanwhile, Lady Shadow, an enigmatic cult leader bonds with Kanashimi, a ruthless demon, to search for magical talismans which will empower her to defeat the Emperor.
One of the most outstanding attributes is Lauseng’s attention to the Japanese inspired setting. Many Epic Fantasies still have their toes in a Eurocentric old world and use European, largely Celtic and Norse, inspired Medieval settings and characters. After a while it gets old, cliched, repetitive, and even slightly xenophobic when authors rely on these tropes. Within the past 40 or so years thanks to the rise of diversity, there are finally Science Fiction and Fantasy novels that aren’t solely bound to European history and literature. Afrofuturism for example is inspired by lore, history, and aesthetics from African countries. There are many otaku fans of manga and anime all over the world that produce Asian inspired speculative fiction, one of the most prominent being Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Dance of Demons is set in a fictional world but it is greatly inspired by Japanese culture. The social hierarchy is based on the Feudal era with its imperial court and divine influence of the Emperor. There is a rigid structure which is practically impossible to break from but not unheard of. The Empeor’s rule is total and somewhat suffocating. The imperial court lives an opulent existence that is far away from the people down below so it’s very easy for corrupt officials and abusive slavers to gain prominence and power.
Their deities have names like Hikari (light) and Kuro (black) though have a remote standoffish approach to the mortals underneath, not unlike the human rulers. Characters like Daisuke even question their existence. Then you have those like Lady Shadow that are fanatic in their devotion.
Everything from costuming, art, culture, food, ceremonies, names, and mythology adheres to this certain time and place. While there is no known connection to Earth like in most Epic Fantasy novels, one could be led to believe that a team of Japanese astronauts may have found their way to Perena and took their history and culture with them so their descendents followed that progression. Lauseng is able to simultaneously capture a specific Earth culture and build a fictional world around it.
The plot is wound by various characters and their motivations. Chief among them are the motives of Lady Shadow. She is an intriguing character driven to near insanity and obsession by power and a desire to rid her world of the Emperor. Her drive to destroy the Emperor comes from a specific place of abuse, degradation, and powerlessness. We get hints of the ruined girl that became the unhinged woman.
Lady Shadow is controlled by Kanashimi but still has enough foresight and manipulation to sway human forces in her favor. This isn’t a case where the demon has more power and is in complete control. It’s more like he has a worthy partner that is his match in cunning and ruthless efficiency plus the ability to gain allies and conspirators in a variety of places.
There are conspiracies within conspiracies and sometimes it’s hard to find out who is allied with who and how wide these forces are. It becomes clear that Daisuke and Obito are being swayed by forces outside themselves. No matter where they turn, they may end up as pawns in someone else’s design.
Daisuke and Obito are commendable protagonists as individuals and as a duo. Because of his slave background, Daisuke gains an angry negative view of the world. This view is channeled by his fighting skills that he learned from the military and he brings a street tough don’t mess with me attitude to the Ominto as a spy and assassin. One that suspects everyone but is able to excel in self defense and defense of his colleagues. He is able to discern ulterior motives and has the discipline to know when to fight and when not to.
Obito is his diametric counterpart in background and experience but similar in goals and motives in making himself an independent mark. Through his family, he had the material goods that Daisuke did not but he is no stranger to being abused and dominated by others. Various family members connive and conspire against one another so Obito doesn’t feel safe around them.
Unlike Daisuke, Obito keeps his emotions inward and shows an air of quiet indifference. His real emotions for Itsuki are only felt when alone. He is aware of the higher political games that Daisuke is not. He has those airs of suspicion but is strategic and analytical about when he addresses and uses them.
Like many partnerships, Obito and Daisuke bring out each other’s better qualities. Obito is able to do his part to educate Daisuke in poison making and also in political structure to make him a consummate spy and assassin, while Daisuke frees the emotions that boil up inside Obito so he can actually act on them and become a protective fighting force. The two emerge as partners, best friends, and dance towards an intimate closer relationship.
Dance of Demons is a perfect dance of detail, intrigue, and richness that will please any Fantasy fan.
In the land of Okara during the time of the Ghiatian Empire, Daisuke, a young slave boy, seizes an opportunity to escape to freedom. When a military recruiter arrives, Daisuke enlists and heads to Perena where he tries to adjust to a foot soldier’s life. Meanwhile Obito, a member of the Omnito, Imperial Intelligence, is stricken by a devastating loss when Itsuki, his partner in work and life, dies after they uncover a potential conspiracy involving members of Obito’s wealthy and influential family. Obito is partnerless and wouldn’t you know there is a young ex-slave and soldier who rose through the ranks to become an Omnito and is looking for a partner himself. Meanwhile, Lady Shadow, an enigmatic cult leader bonds with Kanashimi, a ruthless demon, to search for magical talismans which will empower her to defeat the Emperor.
One of the most outstanding attributes is Lauseng’s attention to the Japanese inspired setting. Many Epic Fantasies still have their toes in a Eurocentric old world and use European, largely Celtic and Norse, inspired Medieval settings and characters. After a while it gets old, cliched, repetitive, and even slightly xenophobic when authors rely on these tropes. Within the past 40 or so years thanks to the rise of diversity, there are finally Science Fiction and Fantasy novels that aren’t solely bound to European history and literature. Afrofuturism for example is inspired by lore, history, and aesthetics from African countries. There are many otaku fans of manga and anime all over the world that produce Asian inspired speculative fiction, one of the most prominent being Avatar: the Last Airbender.
Dance of Demons is set in a fictional world but it is greatly inspired by Japanese culture. The social hierarchy is based on the Feudal era with its imperial court and divine influence of the Emperor. There is a rigid structure which is practically impossible to break from but not unheard of. The Empeor’s rule is total and somewhat suffocating. The imperial court lives an opulent existence that is far away from the people down below so it’s very easy for corrupt officials and abusive slavers to gain prominence and power.
Their deities have names like Hikari (light) and Kuro (black) though have a remote standoffish approach to the mortals underneath, not unlike the human rulers. Characters like Daisuke even question their existence. Then you have those like Lady Shadow that are fanatic in their devotion.
Everything from costuming, art, culture, food, ceremonies, names, and mythology adheres to this certain time and place. While there is no known connection to Earth like in most Epic Fantasy novels, one could be led to believe that a team of Japanese astronauts may have found their way to Perena and took their history and culture with them so their descendents followed that progression. Lauseng is able to simultaneously capture a specific Earth culture and build a fictional world around it.
The plot is wound by various characters and their motivations. Chief among them are the motives of Lady Shadow. She is an intriguing character driven to near insanity and obsession by power and a desire to rid her world of the Emperor. Her drive to destroy the Emperor comes from a specific place of abuse, degradation, and powerlessness. We get hints of the ruined girl that became the unhinged woman.
Lady Shadow is controlled by Kanashimi but still has enough foresight and manipulation to sway human forces in her favor. This isn’t a case where the demon has more power and is in complete control. It’s more like he has a worthy partner that is his match in cunning and ruthless efficiency plus the ability to gain allies and conspirators in a variety of places.
There are conspiracies within conspiracies and sometimes it’s hard to find out who is allied with who and how wide these forces are. It becomes clear that Daisuke and Obito are being swayed by forces outside themselves. No matter where they turn, they may end up as pawns in someone else’s design.
Daisuke and Obito are commendable protagonists as individuals and as a duo. Because of his slave background, Daisuke gains an angry negative view of the world. This view is channeled by his fighting skills that he learned from the military and he brings a street tough don’t mess with me attitude to the Ominto as a spy and assassin. One that suspects everyone but is able to excel in self defense and defense of his colleagues. He is able to discern ulterior motives and has the discipline to know when to fight and when not to.
Obito is his diametric counterpart in background and experience but similar in goals and motives in making himself an independent mark. Through his family, he had the material goods that Daisuke did not but he is no stranger to being abused and dominated by others. Various family members connive and conspire against one another so Obito doesn’t feel safe around them.
Unlike Daisuke, Obito keeps his emotions inward and shows an air of quiet indifference. His real emotions for Itsuki are only felt when alone. He is aware of the higher political games that Daisuke is not. He has those airs of suspicion but is strategic and analytical about when he addresses and uses them.
Like many partnerships, Obito and Daisuke bring out each other’s better qualities. Obito is able to do his part to educate Daisuke in poison making and also in political structure to make him a consummate spy and assassin, while Daisuke frees the emotions that boil up inside Obito so he can actually act on them and become a protective fighting force. The two emerge as partners, best friends, and dance towards an intimate closer relationship.
Dance of Demons is a perfect dance of detail, intrigue, and richness that will please any Fantasy fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Dance of Demons is such a fantastic read!
I started this book in the middle of a reading slump and was worried I wouldn't be able to finish the book, but it's so well-written and paced that even when I put it down I was thinking about it. I couldn't wait for the chance to dive right back into the world. It's like it consumed my every waking thought.
The worldbuilduing is incredible. It's gritty and dark, but the hopeful sparks are there, and you cannot help but cheer for those moments. TI got a warm fuzzy feeling as I followed Daisuke and Obito on their journeys- let's just say there is nothing I wouldn't do for those boys- The dialogue is brilliant and witty but Alyssa manages to weave in so many hints at the darker, and larger scope that they are dealing with.
I can't stop gushing about this book. The tender moments between Kulako and Daisuke at the beginning of the book drew me in, and watching Daisuke as he struggled to better his lot in life was incredibly realistic.
Obito's colder exterior hides his heart of gold, and the loss he endures early in the book would be a lot for anyone to take. Alyssa handled this moment with grace and dignity, as it is something people deal with regularly. While it would have been easy for Alyssa to let Obito become cold and jaded (not saying he doesn't) but she gives him an opening to grow from this.
The moment the main boys meet was adorable. Despite how brief the moment is, it sets up their future interactions incredibly well.
Lady Shadow is the epitomy of a complex villain. She does a lot of bad things (of course, she's the villain) but as the reader, you can follow why she's doing this.
I have re-read this book a couple of times since I recieved it (first as an ARC and then purchased) and each time I have found something that I missed in my previous read-throughs.
Also, there is so much LGBTQ+ represantation along with dragon demons, and gay panic, it's definitely worth a read!
I started this book in the middle of a reading slump and was worried I wouldn't be able to finish the book, but it's so well-written and paced that even when I put it down I was thinking about it. I couldn't wait for the chance to dive right back into the world. It's like it consumed my every waking thought.
The worldbuilduing is incredible. It's gritty and dark, but the hopeful sparks are there, and you cannot help but cheer for those moments. TI got a warm fuzzy feeling as I followed Daisuke and Obito on their journeys- let's just say there is nothing I wouldn't do for those boys- The dialogue is brilliant and witty but Alyssa manages to weave in so many hints at the darker, and larger scope that they are dealing with.
I can't stop gushing about this book. The tender moments between Kulako and Daisuke at the beginning of the book drew me in, and watching Daisuke as he struggled to better his lot in life was incredibly realistic.
Obito's colder exterior hides his heart of gold, and the loss he endures early in the book would be a lot for anyone to take. Alyssa handled this moment with grace and dignity, as it is something people deal with regularly. While it would have been easy for Alyssa to let Obito become cold and jaded (not saying he doesn't) but she gives him an opening to grow from this.
The moment the main boys meet was adorable. Despite how brief the moment is, it sets up their future interactions incredibly well.
Lady Shadow is the epitomy of a complex villain. She does a lot of bad things (of course, she's the villain) but as the reader, you can follow why she's doing this.
I have re-read this book a couple of times since I recieved it (first as an ARC and then purchased) and each time I have found something that I missed in my previous read-throughs.
Also, there is so much LGBTQ+ represantation along with dragon demons, and gay panic, it's definitely worth a read!
September 11, 2025
Stylishly written, this is an engaging read that pushes the envelope of the Fantasy genre.
The characters were interesting and the story draws you in from the very start.
The fantasy elements are intriguing and well thought out. I liked that while we are in a world of Demons, we also have military and political scenarios that are familiar.
A dramatic plot and uplifting resolution lead to a memorable read.
The characters were interesting and the story draws you in from the very start.
The fantasy elements are intriguing and well thought out. I liked that while we are in a world of Demons, we also have military and political scenarios that are familiar.
A dramatic plot and uplifting resolution lead to a memorable read.
September 11, 2025
The story leaps and twists with new mysteries, characters with things to question, and more.
The book isn't always intense, but there are moments of intensity.
The plot is interesting and really is unique.
I wonder how writers get their ideas, it was a well developed and beautiful fantasy, that was ultimately a fun read.
The book isn't always intense, but there are moments of intensity.
The plot is interesting and really is unique.
I wonder how writers get their ideas, it was a well developed and beautiful fantasy, that was ultimately a fun read.
September 16, 2025
Epic in scope, with a variety of interweaving plotlines, Dance of Demons is definitely worth the time and investment in reading.
There is a diverse number of characters and components shaping up this story. It created an exciting tempo.
A captivating fantasy adventure that blends duty and mystery with demons and politics.
There is a diverse number of characters and components shaping up this story. It created an exciting tempo.
A captivating fantasy adventure that blends duty and mystery with demons and politics.
June 4, 2025
He wanted more than being a slave on the plantation so he decides to join the army. He hoped it would be better but it is not as he thought it would be. They are the youngest son who needs to prove himself but a meeting with him may just change it all. See where it is all going to lead
January 8, 2026
LOVE these characters. Obito and daisuke work so well together as very different but complementary leads. Love seeing MCs start young and grow up. Excited for more in this universe.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews