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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
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2025
About the author
Alyssa Lauseng
5 books23 followersAlyssa Lauseng is a fantasy author living in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. When not working as a part-time writer or full-time daydreamer, she enjoys drawing, reading, obsessing over weaponry, and spending time with her family.
She can be found picking on her characters and crying over others' on BlueSky and Instagram under 5FeetofRedFury.
She can be found picking on her characters and crying over others' on BlueSky and Instagram under 5FeetofRedFury.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2026
Dance of Demons is the kind of fantasy that doesn’t rush to impress you. It pulls you in slowly, settles into your bones, and then absolutely wrecks you when you least expect it.
What stood out most to me was how deeply character-driven this story is. Daisuke and Obito come from completely opposite worlds, but both feel equally trapped by them. Daisuke’s desperation for freedom and belonging hits hard, especially knowing everything he’s escaped, while Obito carries this quiet weight of shame and expectation that makes his position feel just as suffocating. Their dynamic is not instant or easy. It is built on hesitation, tension, and small moments that slowly shift into trust.
The pacing leans slower, especially in the first half, but it feels intentional. This is a story that prioritizes emotional buildup over constant action, giving the characters space to feel real. The political undertones and class divide add depth without overwhelming the narrative, and there is a constant sense of something ancient and dangerous simmering beneath the surface.
And then… that ending.
Because tell me why this book takes its time building trust, tension, and emotional stakes just to rip the ground out from under you in the final moments. That cliffhanger does not feel optional. It feels personal. Everything that was quietly building suddenly collides, and you realize this was never just a slow story. It was a setup.
If I had one critique, I wanted a bit more payoff earlier on, but that final stretch reframes everything. It makes it clear this is a story playing the long game.
Now I’m just sitting here needing:
answers
consequences
the next book immediately
Because that was not a soft cliffhanger. That was a you will be thinking about this later kind of ending.
What stood out most to me was how deeply character-driven this story is. Daisuke and Obito come from completely opposite worlds, but both feel equally trapped by them. Daisuke’s desperation for freedom and belonging hits hard, especially knowing everything he’s escaped, while Obito carries this quiet weight of shame and expectation that makes his position feel just as suffocating. Their dynamic is not instant or easy. It is built on hesitation, tension, and small moments that slowly shift into trust.
The pacing leans slower, especially in the first half, but it feels intentional. This is a story that prioritizes emotional buildup over constant action, giving the characters space to feel real. The political undertones and class divide add depth without overwhelming the narrative, and there is a constant sense of something ancient and dangerous simmering beneath the surface.
And then… that ending.
Because tell me why this book takes its time building trust, tension, and emotional stakes just to rip the ground out from under you in the final moments. That cliffhanger does not feel optional. It feels personal. Everything that was quietly building suddenly collides, and you realize this was never just a slow story. It was a setup.
If I had one critique, I wanted a bit more payoff earlier on, but that final stretch reframes everything. It makes it clear this is a story playing the long game.
Now I’m just sitting here needing:
answers
consequences
the next book immediately
Because that was not a soft cliffhanger. That was a you will be thinking about this later kind of ending.
April 11, 2026
Wow what a cliffhanger to end on, with one of our two main characters fate hanging in the balance, I’m so glad I have the next book ready to jump into!
You follow the storylines of three main characters, a young slave who will do anything to escape his life including enlisting in the army of a nation at war, a high born youngest son, who will spend his life training to be a spy for the kingdom, and the Lady Shadow, who is doing all that she can to collect 6 talismans that will give her the power over demons she needs to enact her plans. You follow these characters as the two boys end up paired as partners and spend time training together and slowly becoming friends and lady shadows as she slowly increases her following and progresses her plans across the kingdom.
There are some darker topics in this book related to the slavery that’s widely accepted in the kingdom so be sure to check your triggers. The world building and the way that both boys are built up as characters as they both face their own challenges made me feel for both of them. It all sort of felt like the background or prologue of a bigger story that’s coming and they finally have their first interaction with what I think will become the villain of their story at the end of this first act! I can’t wait to see how that ending turns out and jump into the next book, my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow the storylines of three main characters, a young slave who will do anything to escape his life including enlisting in the army of a nation at war, a high born youngest son, who will spend his life training to be a spy for the kingdom, and the Lady Shadow, who is doing all that she can to collect 6 talismans that will give her the power over demons she needs to enact her plans. You follow these characters as the two boys end up paired as partners and spend time training together and slowly becoming friends and lady shadows as she slowly increases her following and progresses her plans across the kingdom.
There are some darker topics in this book related to the slavery that’s widely accepted in the kingdom so be sure to check your triggers. The world building and the way that both boys are built up as characters as they both face their own challenges made me feel for both of them. It all sort of felt like the background or prologue of a bigger story that’s coming and they finally have their first interaction with what I think will become the villain of their story at the end of this first act! I can’t wait to see how that ending turns out and jump into the next book, my rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
April 20, 2026
Different to what I'm used too but so, so good!
Three people is followed in this book and the unlikely friendships developed was so good! I like that it's japanese culture and the world building around it! So many books are from norse mythology or european views or american ones that this was refreshing!
It has darker themes so check your trigger warnings if you're not certain about it.
I am glad I had the arc for the next book because: cliffhanger!!
Thank you nerdfam for an arc of this book, the opinion and review is my own and left voluntairy.
Three people is followed in this book and the unlikely friendships developed was so good! I like that it's japanese culture and the world building around it! So many books are from norse mythology or european views or american ones that this was refreshing!
It has darker themes so check your trigger warnings if you're not certain about it.
I am glad I had the arc for the next book because: cliffhanger!!
Thank you nerdfam for an arc of this book, the opinion and review is my own and left voluntairy.
April 8, 2026
Rich world building
Compelling characters
Intriguing and authentic
Tropes:
Idiots to lovers 😉
Gay panic 😱
Forced proximity 💕
Unlikely friendship 💙
Shadow magic 🪄
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for this arc. Great read!!
Compelling characters
Intriguing and authentic
Tropes:
Idiots to lovers 😉
Gay panic 😱
Forced proximity 💕
Unlikely friendship 💙
Shadow magic 🪄
Thank you to the Nerd Fam for this arc. Great read!!
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.
April 29, 2026
WYVERN review:
Worldbuilding:
The world has vibes of medieval/feudal China or Japan, which as an anime nerd, I'm all for. If you enjoy the aesthetics of, say, Naruto, Dororo, Heaven Official's Blessing, and the like, then this is a similar vibe. The characters fight with Japanese weapons (tanto, kunai) and study martial arts. On the villain's side of the story, we also get a look at the titular demons, each one associated with something 'negative' and each one with a name which is the Mandarin or Japanese word for its attribute. For instance, in this book, we meet Kanashimi (sorrow/grief), a draconic-demon who develops an interesting relationship with the villain
Yelling:
DoD focuses on two MCs: Obito and Daisuke, young boys and partners in a spying/intelligence-gathering squad who we observe growing from around age 10 to 14 over the course of this book. Being the age they are, it's no surprise that I wanted to tell at them MANY times. They get into the exact kind of shenanigans you'd expect pre-teen boys to get into. The difference between them is that Obito tends to be cautious and "mature for his age" so when I yell at him, I feel bad afterwards because he knows better. I know Obito is internally yelling at HIMSELF after such instances. Daisuke, on the other hand, is an absolute donkey (affectionate) with a sassy tongue and when he gets in trouble, he does so knowing what's coming. AND YET, I must yell at him because he's from a marginalized community and if he keeps getting his ass in trouble, he will get into deeper shit than, say, Obito would if he were saying/doing the same thing. Damn it, Daisuke, please mind your manners around your boss!
Visualization:
This description of the scenery just before Obito and Daisuke interact meaningfully for the first time (they briefly passed by earlier, but c'mon, this is the real meet-cute). It's so beautiful and paints such a gorgeous and expressive painting of the moment
"The scent of rain held onto the spring air, pleasantly stirring with that of blooming cherry blossoms whenever the breeze picked up a bit. Water ran along the Palace’s outer wall on either side, flowing with a delicate trickling noise toward wherever it pooled. The grounds would remain in their soggy state for several days even if it didn’t rain more, but a distant chorus of singing frogs made the evening feel somehow warmer than it was—the clearing purple clouds against the evening sun and pink sky added to that sense."
Ethos:
This is a world of scheming nobles and downtrodden slaves, where an authoritarian empire is on the march to colonize the entire known world. It's a patriarchal empire, where a woman's place is in the home, save for small pockets of resistance. Most nobles are in favor enslaving those they've colonized, but again, we see pockets of resistance in the form of a few good individuals. The world is dark and oppressive, but there are heroic individuals, including some in positions of power, which gives me hope for the world's future. General Aki and the boys' teacher and boss, Master Yujin, especially, are rays of moral sunshine in this otherwise depressing land. Despite being in charge of military and intelligence, respectively, they both see value in Daisuke, a "slaveborn" boy, and are doing their best to steer their country in a better direction.
A subtle but touching moment of humanity with the two boys: Daisuke is learning poisons and is testing a new poison on a rat. However, he grows attached to the rat and feels bad when he has to put it down. In a touching moment of camaraderie, Obito deals with it instead. These boys have big hearts for each other and innocent people and animals, despite all the shit the world has thrown at them.
Rogues:
YO, so there's this INTENSE woman, right? She's called LADY SHADOW and she's SO COOL (and evil). She leads a cult of women who've been fucked over by the patriarchal aspects of society. She's on the hunt for these talismans which will summon demons and she's in a VERY interesting relationship with a nonbinary demon. Oh, and she is a badass with a variety of weapons, of course. She's just so damn cool. In my mind, I picture her as Lucy Liu's character in Kill Bill.
Neurons:
As much as I love to joke about the boys each having one brain cell and needing the other to rub them together, the truth is they're pretty clever when it comes to their specific skills. Daisuke learns gymnastics while Obito is a schemer, and they're both on their way up learning assassination and poisoning techniques. Several times, we see Daisuke getting up into a window or a ledge, then helping Obito up. Being that this is the first book of this series, we're seeing only the start of their friendship and teamwork, and I am eager to see what kind of techniques and plans they come up with in the future.
Worldbuilding:
The world has vibes of medieval/feudal China or Japan, which as an anime nerd, I'm all for. If you enjoy the aesthetics of, say, Naruto, Dororo, Heaven Official's Blessing, and the like, then this is a similar vibe. The characters fight with Japanese weapons (tanto, kunai) and study martial arts. On the villain's side of the story, we also get a look at the titular demons, each one associated with something 'negative' and each one with a name which is the Mandarin or Japanese word for its attribute. For instance, in this book, we meet Kanashimi (sorrow/grief), a draconic-demon who develops an interesting relationship with the villain
Yelling:
DoD focuses on two MCs: Obito and Daisuke, young boys and partners in a spying/intelligence-gathering squad who we observe growing from around age 10 to 14 over the course of this book. Being the age they are, it's no surprise that I wanted to tell at them MANY times. They get into the exact kind of shenanigans you'd expect pre-teen boys to get into. The difference between them is that Obito tends to be cautious and "mature for his age" so when I yell at him, I feel bad afterwards because he knows better. I know Obito is internally yelling at HIMSELF after such instances. Daisuke, on the other hand, is an absolute donkey (affectionate) with a sassy tongue and when he gets in trouble, he does so knowing what's coming. AND YET, I must yell at him because he's from a marginalized community and if he keeps getting his ass in trouble, he will get into deeper shit than, say, Obito would if he were saying/doing the same thing. Damn it, Daisuke, please mind your manners around your boss!
Visualization:
This description of the scenery just before Obito and Daisuke interact meaningfully for the first time (they briefly passed by earlier, but c'mon, this is the real meet-cute). It's so beautiful and paints such a gorgeous and expressive painting of the moment
"The scent of rain held onto the spring air, pleasantly stirring with that of blooming cherry blossoms whenever the breeze picked up a bit. Water ran along the Palace’s outer wall on either side, flowing with a delicate trickling noise toward wherever it pooled. The grounds would remain in their soggy state for several days even if it didn’t rain more, but a distant chorus of singing frogs made the evening feel somehow warmer than it was—the clearing purple clouds against the evening sun and pink sky added to that sense."
Ethos:
This is a world of scheming nobles and downtrodden slaves, where an authoritarian empire is on the march to colonize the entire known world. It's a patriarchal empire, where a woman's place is in the home, save for small pockets of resistance. Most nobles are in favor enslaving those they've colonized, but again, we see pockets of resistance in the form of a few good individuals. The world is dark and oppressive, but there are heroic individuals, including some in positions of power, which gives me hope for the world's future. General Aki and the boys' teacher and boss, Master Yujin, especially, are rays of moral sunshine in this otherwise depressing land. Despite being in charge of military and intelligence, respectively, they both see value in Daisuke, a "slaveborn" boy, and are doing their best to steer their country in a better direction.
A subtle but touching moment of humanity with the two boys: Daisuke is learning poisons and is testing a new poison on a rat. However, he grows attached to the rat and feels bad when he has to put it down. In a touching moment of camaraderie, Obito deals with it instead. These boys have big hearts for each other and innocent people and animals, despite all the shit the world has thrown at them.
Rogues:
YO, so there's this INTENSE woman, right? She's called LADY SHADOW and she's SO COOL (and evil). She leads a cult of women who've been fucked over by the patriarchal aspects of society. She's on the hunt for these talismans which will summon demons and she's in a VERY interesting relationship with a nonbinary demon. Oh, and she is a badass with a variety of weapons, of course. She's just so damn cool. In my mind, I picture her as Lucy Liu's character in Kill Bill.
Neurons:
As much as I love to joke about the boys each having one brain cell and needing the other to rub them together, the truth is they're pretty clever when it comes to their specific skills. Daisuke learns gymnastics while Obito is a schemer, and they're both on their way up learning assassination and poisoning techniques. Several times, we see Daisuke getting up into a window or a ledge, then helping Obito up. Being that this is the first book of this series, we're seeing only the start of their friendship and teamwork, and I am eager to see what kind of techniques and plans they come up with in the future.
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!
March 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars, rounded up)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC copy.
I went into Dance of Demons mostly blind, and for a while, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. The writing is incredibly descriptive, and there are some really compelling ideas at play—especially around the mythology, the artifact, and the slow reveal of a larger, more dangerous world—but it took me a long time to feel fully invested in where the story was going.
For a good portion of the book, I felt like I was reading out of curiosity more than emotional connection. There are multiple POVs and threads being introduced, and while they do come together, it sometimes made the story feel a bit scattered and harder to latch onto early on. I kept waiting for that moment where everything would click.
And to the book’s credit—it does.
The final stretch is where the story really finds its footing. The stakes finally escalate in a way that feels urgent and impactful, and the emotional core—particularly through Daisuke and Obito—starts to land much more strongly. Their dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book, and once the narrative centered more around them, I found myself significantly more engaged.
That said, I do wish we had gotten to that level of connection sooner. The payoff is there, but the pacing to get there felt uneven, which ultimately kept this from being a full 4-star read for me.
Overall, this is a solid read with strong worldbuilding and a compelling final act. If you enjoy slower builds that come together in a more intense, high-stakes ending, this one may really work for you.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC copy.
I went into Dance of Demons mostly blind, and for a while, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. The writing is incredibly descriptive, and there are some really compelling ideas at play—especially around the mythology, the artifact, and the slow reveal of a larger, more dangerous world—but it took me a long time to feel fully invested in where the story was going.
For a good portion of the book, I felt like I was reading out of curiosity more than emotional connection. There are multiple POVs and threads being introduced, and while they do come together, it sometimes made the story feel a bit scattered and harder to latch onto early on. I kept waiting for that moment where everything would click.
And to the book’s credit—it does.
The final stretch is where the story really finds its footing. The stakes finally escalate in a way that feels urgent and impactful, and the emotional core—particularly through Daisuke and Obito—starts to land much more strongly. Their dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book, and once the narrative centered more around them, I found myself significantly more engaged.
That said, I do wish we had gotten to that level of connection sooner. The payoff is there, but the pacing to get there felt uneven, which ultimately kept this from being a full 4-star read for me.
Overall, this is a solid read with strong worldbuilding and a compelling final act. If you enjoy slower builds that come together in a more intense, high-stakes ending, this one may really work for you.
April 7, 2026
Dance of Demons – 4⭐ | 0🌶️
This story follows Daisuke, a Northern Nomad raised in slavery who dreams of something more, and Obito, an elite intelligence operative trying to convince himself he should be grateful for the life he’s been given. Set against a backdrop of dark politics and ancient magic, their paths slowly begin to intertwine.
Going into this, I was honestly a bit nervous because it’s not my usual genre… but I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
The writing is beautiful, and I felt emotionally connected to both characters almost immediately. I just wanted to wrap them both up and protect them at all costs. Their inner struggles felt real, and it made their journeys even more compelling.
The world-building? Incredible. Rich, detailed, and immersive in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking right beside them, seeing everything unfold firsthand. It’s the kind of setting that lingers in your mind even after you’ve put the book down.
I will say, the beginning felt a little confusing and slightly jumpy, but once I got a few chapters in, everything started to click… and after that, I didn’t want to stop reading.
And let’s be honest… dragon demons? Absolutely here for it.
Really excited to see where book two goes.
This story follows Daisuke, a Northern Nomad raised in slavery who dreams of something more, and Obito, an elite intelligence operative trying to convince himself he should be grateful for the life he’s been given. Set against a backdrop of dark politics and ancient magic, their paths slowly begin to intertwine.
Going into this, I was honestly a bit nervous because it’s not my usual genre… but I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
The writing is beautiful, and I felt emotionally connected to both characters almost immediately. I just wanted to wrap them both up and protect them at all costs. Their inner struggles felt real, and it made their journeys even more compelling.
The world-building? Incredible. Rich, detailed, and immersive in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking right beside them, seeing everything unfold firsthand. It’s the kind of setting that lingers in your mind even after you’ve put the book down.
I will say, the beginning felt a little confusing and slightly jumpy, but once I got a few chapters in, everything started to click… and after that, I didn’t want to stop reading.
And let’s be honest… dragon demons? Absolutely here for it.
Really excited to see where book two goes.
April 18, 2026
Dance of demons by Alyssa Leung
Daisuke, fleeing slavery, joins the imperial army to escape his cruel fate. Obito youngest son of a noble family, has been sacrificed by treaty to the army. After a series of events, Daisuke is moved into the Omnituso, a specialised and exclusive spy sub-group of the Army and paired with Obito.
This fully immersive, slow paced fantasy, based around our 2 protagonists. Set in Japan, The world building is amazing and imagery is beautiful. We Follow the boys in book one from ages 11, on a journey of self discovery, friendship and inner strength , set to a backdrop of conspiracy and evil.
Book 1 is laying the groundwork for the fantasy series; if you love a slow paced book focusing on character development this is for you. There are some Dark themes in this book, Check the TWs.
This is book 1 and there's a lot of world building and scene setting.
Tropes
- Dual POV
- Unlikely friendship
- Class divide
- Shadow Magic
- Dragons
Highlights
-Daisuke's of humour to overcome some harrowing past events
- Snarky dragon 🐉
Overall Rating 4/5
Book 1 is available now on Kindle unlimited, Book 2 is releasing soon
#fantasyreads #bookstagram #dragons #romantasy
Daisuke, fleeing slavery, joins the imperial army to escape his cruel fate. Obito youngest son of a noble family, has been sacrificed by treaty to the army. After a series of events, Daisuke is moved into the Omnituso, a specialised and exclusive spy sub-group of the Army and paired with Obito.
This fully immersive, slow paced fantasy, based around our 2 protagonists. Set in Japan, The world building is amazing and imagery is beautiful. We Follow the boys in book one from ages 11, on a journey of self discovery, friendship and inner strength , set to a backdrop of conspiracy and evil.
Book 1 is laying the groundwork for the fantasy series; if you love a slow paced book focusing on character development this is for you. There are some Dark themes in this book, Check the TWs.
This is book 1 and there's a lot of world building and scene setting.
Tropes
- Dual POV
- Unlikely friendship
- Class divide
- Shadow Magic
- Dragons
Highlights
-Daisuke's of humour to overcome some harrowing past events
- Snarky dragon 🐉
Overall Rating 4/5
Book 1 is available now on Kindle unlimited, Book 2 is releasing soon
#fantasyreads #bookstagram #dragons #romantasy
May 10, 2026
First act in a longer drama, this book features a pair of captivating characters--this reader couldn't help but root for as these boys as they each fight to wrest their agency from the grip of their oppressive birthrights over the space of several years. The world building, borrowing elements from both dynastic Chinese and shogun-era Japanese culture, is complex, gritty, and dark while brimming over with snark and intrigue and death. (Alas, poor Squeaks, we hardly knew ye.) The POVs this reader appreciated most include those of the twin protagonists and the primary antagonist, an enigmatic cult leader so single-minded in her goal of assassinating the emperor she strikes a Faustian bargain with a demon god. Other side character POVs, none nearly as compelling, come and go, jumping around in an omniscient manner reminiscent of tales from generations past. Some readers may find such confusing or off-putting. Fortunately, our author tells the bulk of her story from the perspective of the main three characters, building them up through love and loss and levity and longing to a heart-pounding faceoff in the book's closing pages. Readers should prepare to be left on a cliffhanger, along with an insatiable desire to begin the next book.
March 26, 2026
This was outside the normal scope of what I normally read. For awhile, I honestly didn't know how I felt about the book or where it was going. The multiple POV's really threw me for most of the book. The book doesn't differentiate the POV at the beginning of the chapter and can be confusing. There are also so many different POV's that it can be hard to keep track of. However, that is my only complaint about the book. It was exceptionally written. I really enjoyed seeing the friendship between Daisuke and Obito evolve throughout the book. Daisuke is nothing but a trouble-maker and I'm living for it. Seeing Daisuke go from an almost illiterate slave to an established potion-maker and spy was inspiring. I can't wait for tge fantasy and magic elements to evolve and hopefully play a bigger part in book two. The cliff-hanger this left us on is almost criminal, but at least I have the second book loaded up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
3.5, rounded up.
Dance of Demons is the first from Alyssa I have read, and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
The story mainly follows Daisuke, a Northern Nomad raised in slavery, and Obito, an elite intelligence operative. When Daisuke escapes his owner and finds himself a soldier for the Empire his path eventually crosses with that of Obito. As the story progresses the two become unlikely partners and friends. A relationship I can’t wait to see continue to grow. I do wish the MCs were older - I found it hard to picture 11-14 year olds in their situations.
With politics, ancient magic and a cult uprising at play, there is a lot happening throughout the book. At times the jumping in POV and timeline was a bit hard to follow. By the last chapters things began to tie together and make more sense.
Overall, I enjoyed the pace and writing style. Will for sure continue with the series.
Dance of Demons is the first from Alyssa I have read, and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
The story mainly follows Daisuke, a Northern Nomad raised in slavery, and Obito, an elite intelligence operative. When Daisuke escapes his owner and finds himself a soldier for the Empire his path eventually crosses with that of Obito. As the story progresses the two become unlikely partners and friends. A relationship I can’t wait to see continue to grow. I do wish the MCs were older - I found it hard to picture 11-14 year olds in their situations.
With politics, ancient magic and a cult uprising at play, there is a lot happening throughout the book. At times the jumping in POV and timeline was a bit hard to follow. By the last chapters things began to tie together and make more sense.
Overall, I enjoyed the pace and writing style. Will for sure continue with the series.
March 8, 2026
I've been following the author on social media for some time and I've seen the relationship between MCs Daisuke and Obito grow. It was a treat to finally read how it all began.
The book moves fast. There are time skips sprinkled throughout the book, sometimes a few days, sometimes months. The book takes place over three years and covers multiple POVs. Because the book is on the shorter side, sometimes it feels a little rushed. An event that took place just a chapter prior was several months ago. I'm not a huge fan of large times skips in general as it messes with my time perception.
The book ends with a boom and a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to dive into the sequel!
The book moves fast. There are time skips sprinkled throughout the book, sometimes a few days, sometimes months. The book takes place over three years and covers multiple POVs. Because the book is on the shorter side, sometimes it feels a little rushed. An event that took place just a chapter prior was several months ago. I'm not a huge fan of large times skips in general as it messes with my time perception.
The book ends with a boom and a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to dive into the sequel!
March 21, 2026
In Dance of Demons, Poison and Opium #1, Alyssa delivers in a gritty fantasy that balances darkness with genuine heart. Between Daisuke’s grounded struggle to better his life and Obito’s hard won growth in the face of tragedy, you’ll find yourself fiercely protective of these characters from page one.
With worldbuilding that feels lived in and dangerous, a villain in Lady Shadow who is as complex as she is menacing, and dialogue that crackles with charm, this is a story where the "hopeful sparks" shine brightest. If you want a read that is as emotionally tender as it is dangerously addictive, don't miss this. 4 Stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With worldbuilding that feels lived in and dangerous, a villain in Lady Shadow who is as complex as she is menacing, and dialogue that crackles with charm, this is a story where the "hopeful sparks" shine brightest. If you want a read that is as emotionally tender as it is dangerously addictive, don't miss this. 4 Stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 28, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, it got my curiosity going with all the world building to villains. It also has time skips throughout the book spanning across a 3 year timeline, which i kinda liked because that way it didn't get dragged on by unnecessary events.
Seeing the way Daisuke got treated because he's a slaveborn was quite sad but I was glad when he eventually found a friend. The multiple POVs and political intrigue was also amazing.
I would say that there isn't too much fantasy going on, so it's a bit different to my usual reads. It also left on a huge cliffhanger but I don't want to spoil that.
Thankyou for this amazing ARC read
Seeing the way Daisuke got treated because he's a slaveborn was quite sad but I was glad when he eventually found a friend. The multiple POVs and political intrigue was also amazing.
I would say that there isn't too much fantasy going on, so it's a bit different to my usual reads. It also left on a huge cliffhanger but I don't want to spoil that.
Thankyou for this amazing ARC read
April 26, 2026
This felt like stepping into a really harsh world that still somehow gives you little moments to hold onto.
I liked how quickly I got pulled into the lives of the characters. I just kept wanting to follow them and see what kind of situations they’d end up in.
There’s also this constant feeling that things are bigger than what’s right in front of you, like something deeper is always happening just out of view.
It ended up being one of those reads where I stayed interested the entire time without really trying to.
I liked how quickly I got pulled into the lives of the characters. I just kept wanting to follow them and see what kind of situations they’d end up in.
There’s also this constant feeling that things are bigger than what’s right in front of you, like something deeper is always happening just out of view.
It ended up being one of those reads where I stayed interested the entire time without really trying to.
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
February 22, 2026
Really looking forward to volume 2!
What a great intro to this world and these characters! I can see what a fun pair they will be to watch on their adventures. So many fun things have been set up so solidly, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
What a great intro to this world and these characters! I can see what a fun pair they will be to watch on their adventures. So many fun things have been set up so solidly, I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
March 21, 2026
Thanks to The Nerd Fam for sharing this book!
Dance of Demons is a gritty fantasy with strong, in-depth world-building. It’s full of intrigue, twists, and character development, with moments of hope that help shape it into a truly captivating read.
Dance of Demons is a gritty fantasy with strong, in-depth world-building. It’s full of intrigue, twists, and character development, with moments of hope that help shape it into a truly captivating read.
March 25, 2026
Alyssa Lauseng does an absolutely fantastic job of world building and storytelling. Dance of Demons is brilliantly written and the characters are in depth and well formed. I love Obito buttttt Daisuke holds a special place in my heart!
Would recommend, looking forward to the next books!
Would recommend, looking forward to the next books!
March 25, 2026
This was amazing! I absolutely adore Obitio and Daisuke!! They've become my new favorite characters. Such menaces! The story itself is gripping and the plot is so intriguing. Demon Dragons? Yes, please. Of you're a fan of Danmei (like MXTX) you will enjoy this!
April 20, 2026
I definitely veered from my comfort zone and absolutely loved this!
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.
April 14, 2026
Dance of Demons was such a fantastic read. Loved the complex world-building. The plot hooked me, and I fell in love with the characters. This book has multiple POVs, and I love seeing the world through multiple characters' eyes. I also loved the friendship between Daisuke and Obito. What an epic adventure filled with secrets, ancient Gods, magic, and friendship.
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