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Dark Dancer
The Seligh crushed,
The captives found,
The barrier broken,
The balmorae freed.
A strange prophecy haunts the Seligh lords, rulers of the Fey and controllers of all magic in the Summerlands, a prophecy that foretells their fall.
A banished Seligh lord rules the Winterlands with an iron fist and his pets, the balmorae, patrol the borders against all intruders, guarding the secrets hidden beneath his icy lair.
A young woman rediscovers her heritage, a gift of magic and dancing that opens portals between worlds. She holds the fate of their world in her hands. All who live within the lands of the Fey must choose where they stand—beside the Dancer or opposed to her.
The captives found,
The barrier broken,
The balmorae freed.
A strange prophecy haunts the Seligh lords, rulers of the Fey and controllers of all magic in the Summerlands, a prophecy that foretells their fall.
A banished Seligh lord rules the Winterlands with an iron fist and his pets, the balmorae, patrol the borders against all intruders, guarding the secrets hidden beneath his icy lair.
A young woman rediscovers her heritage, a gift of magic and dancing that opens portals between worlds. She holds the fate of their world in her hands. All who live within the lands of the Fey must choose where they stand—beside the Dancer or opposed to her.
ebook
First published August 20, 2014
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About the author
Jaleta Clegg
74 books91 followersI write numerous genres including space opera, science fiction, fantasy, and comic horror. I've even dabbled in romance.
Find my space opera series at http://www.altairanempire.com and all my writing at http://www.jaletac.com
My day job involves a planetarium, a starship simulator and lots of school children.
Find my space opera series at http://www.altairanempire.com and all my writing at http://www.jaletac.com
My day job involves a planetarium, a starship simulator and lots of school children.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 1, 2014
Official rating: 3.5 stars. I rounded up to four, because it's a very enjoyable 3.5.
Original review appeared on amandakthompson.blogspot.com
Steampunk fairy land. That is what first drew me to this book, and it didn't disappoint. There are elves and pixies, mushroom fairy rings, magic, and machines. The world Clegg has created here is fascinating, part traditional fairy folklore, part steampunk. Strictly speaking, 'steampunk' isn't an accurate description, as steam isn't really what powers the machinery. Clegg went and invented a whole new 'punk' genre: Magicpunk. This blending of steampunk-style machines with magic was my favorite element of the entire book because it works. The steampunk and the magic aren't in conflict with each other, but symbiotic. Granted, there is some repercussion in the world because of this symbioses, but that's just a plot bonus. Clegg found a way to make something new out of the two elements, rather than to try holding on too hard to their traditional connotations.
My fascination with Clegg's world doesn't stop with the magicpunk. There's an interesting twist on the old English feudal system going on with the politics here, bindings and oaths, and a natural order of the fairy land tired of being ignored. There is so much about this world to learn, the pages go by fast.
The story itself is mainly plot driven, but interesting enough to keep my interest. The main character, Sabrina, learns she is the answer to a prophecy in the fairy land, and everyone wants her allegiance. Or her death. There doesn't seem to be anyone she can trust, except maybe the dashing elf outlaw pirate captain on board his airship. Yep. Dashing elf outlaw pirate captain. If Dark Dancer didn't have you at 'steampunk fairy land', Captain Joren and his airship should pull you in.
Aside from Captain Joren, there's a whole fun band of characters -including a rather short-tempered pixie, a personal favorite of mine. I did wish I could have gotten better acquainted with them all. Being primarily plot-driven, it didn't delve too deeply into character development or back story, which I would have really enjoyed. I got the same feeling with these character as I did when I first watched 'Serenity' before ever seeing 'Firefly' -namely that there's a great cast of characters, full of fun rapport, but you've caught them in the middle of something, and it would be better to find the beginning.
Bonus points to Clegg because this story presented the perfect trappings for a love triangle, or at least dual love interests, but she resisted, and the book was definitely better for it.
I wish Sabrina -and myself- had more of a chance to become better acquainted with the fairy land. A lot of what she learns about the world and its people is second-hand or from a distance. A sequel or companion novel to explore more of the world wouldn't be remiss, though isn't necessary. Still, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
While there was a lack of character development here, I think the fascinating world balanced it out. (I'd still love to see some more background info on Joren, like how Mikkle is previously acquainted with him, etc.)
The ending wrapped up the main story, but I still had questions. There were elements stretching back as far as Sabrina's childhood that weren't entirely answered, at least to my satisfaction.
The world building was steady, but not suffocating or overbearing. Clegg also managed the story well, balancing two villains and half a dozen conflicting sides throughout the story. The book is short and sweet, goes by fast, and leaves a sweet aftertaste of pure guilty pleasure reading. (Did you catch the bit about the elf pirate?)
Original review appeared on amandakthompson.blogspot.com
Steampunk fairy land. That is what first drew me to this book, and it didn't disappoint. There are elves and pixies, mushroom fairy rings, magic, and machines. The world Clegg has created here is fascinating, part traditional fairy folklore, part steampunk. Strictly speaking, 'steampunk' isn't an accurate description, as steam isn't really what powers the machinery. Clegg went and invented a whole new 'punk' genre: Magicpunk. This blending of steampunk-style machines with magic was my favorite element of the entire book because it works. The steampunk and the magic aren't in conflict with each other, but symbiotic. Granted, there is some repercussion in the world because of this symbioses, but that's just a plot bonus. Clegg found a way to make something new out of the two elements, rather than to try holding on too hard to their traditional connotations.
My fascination with Clegg's world doesn't stop with the magicpunk. There's an interesting twist on the old English feudal system going on with the politics here, bindings and oaths, and a natural order of the fairy land tired of being ignored. There is so much about this world to learn, the pages go by fast.
The story itself is mainly plot driven, but interesting enough to keep my interest. The main character, Sabrina, learns she is the answer to a prophecy in the fairy land, and everyone wants her allegiance. Or her death. There doesn't seem to be anyone she can trust, except maybe the dashing elf outlaw pirate captain on board his airship. Yep. Dashing elf outlaw pirate captain. If Dark Dancer didn't have you at 'steampunk fairy land', Captain Joren and his airship should pull you in.
Aside from Captain Joren, there's a whole fun band of characters -including a rather short-tempered pixie, a personal favorite of mine. I did wish I could have gotten better acquainted with them all. Being primarily plot-driven, it didn't delve too deeply into character development or back story, which I would have really enjoyed. I got the same feeling with these character as I did when I first watched 'Serenity' before ever seeing 'Firefly' -namely that there's a great cast of characters, full of fun rapport, but you've caught them in the middle of something, and it would be better to find the beginning.
Bonus points to Clegg because this story presented the perfect trappings for a love triangle, or at least dual love interests, but she resisted, and the book was definitely better for it.
I wish Sabrina -and myself- had more of a chance to become better acquainted with the fairy land. A lot of what she learns about the world and its people is second-hand or from a distance. A sequel or companion novel to explore more of the world wouldn't be remiss, though isn't necessary. Still, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
While there was a lack of character development here, I think the fascinating world balanced it out. (I'd still love to see some more background info on Joren, like how Mikkle is previously acquainted with him, etc.)
The ending wrapped up the main story, but I still had questions. There were elements stretching back as far as Sabrina's childhood that weren't entirely answered, at least to my satisfaction.
The world building was steady, but not suffocating or overbearing. Clegg also managed the story well, balancing two villains and half a dozen conflicting sides throughout the story. The book is short and sweet, goes by fast, and leaves a sweet aftertaste of pure guilty pleasure reading. (Did you catch the bit about the elf pirate?)
September 17, 2014
Review originally appeared at: trgoodman.net
Most of us, when we’re young, travel to other worlds through our imaginations, fantasy realms filled with magic and elves, danger and mystery, and plenty of adventure. But what if it wasn’t our imagination? What if our imaginary friend on the other side of the magic mirror wasn’t imaginary at all, but an elven lord beckoning us to step through? And what if, once we grew up, we did just that? In her novel Dark Dancer, Jaleta Clegg answers these questions and more.
Enter Sabrina, our main protagonist, though several points of view are explored throughout the book. After a traumatic past, after which she was taken away from the forests and meadows of her childhood to be raised by an aunt, she has returned to her childhood home for the first time in many years. Through the accidental power of dance, she is thrust into a world of magic, intrigue, and steam, wherein she is a Dancer, one of only a few with the power to open portals between worlds.
The concept of blending magic and steampunk is not a new one, but Clegg’s approach is unique. While there are indeed steam engines that power airships, robotic servants called automatons, and the like, the method through which the magic works has its roots in feudal society. All magic is concentrated in the lords of each realm, and through that magic, each lord not only fuels various steam-based machines, but also controls his people. It’s a clever take that mingles magic, steam, and politics.
The plot clips along at a brisk pace, so things move along quickly enough that the story never gets boring, but the downside to such a fast pace is that there is never enough time spent with a particular character or in a particular setting to get more than a superficial impression of them. I think the world would have been better served if the story were longer and spent more time delving into those characters and places that made it so unique.
Aside from the story, there are a few other nitpicks that need to be pointed out. While reading, there were a few times where words were missing or the wrong word was used. It was infrequent, but another pass by an editor would have eliminated them. There were also several times where the POV character shifted in the middle of the scene without a discrete break, which was a bit jarring until I realized the change.
Overall, Dark Dancer was an enjoyable read. It combined fae and steampunk in a quick story that never let up, though I would have liked to spend more time exploring the world and peering deeper into its inhabitants.
As the bard Davie Bowie once sang, Let’s Dance.
My Rating: 3/5
Most of us, when we’re young, travel to other worlds through our imaginations, fantasy realms filled with magic and elves, danger and mystery, and plenty of adventure. But what if it wasn’t our imagination? What if our imaginary friend on the other side of the magic mirror wasn’t imaginary at all, but an elven lord beckoning us to step through? And what if, once we grew up, we did just that? In her novel Dark Dancer, Jaleta Clegg answers these questions and more.
Enter Sabrina, our main protagonist, though several points of view are explored throughout the book. After a traumatic past, after which she was taken away from the forests and meadows of her childhood to be raised by an aunt, she has returned to her childhood home for the first time in many years. Through the accidental power of dance, she is thrust into a world of magic, intrigue, and steam, wherein she is a Dancer, one of only a few with the power to open portals between worlds.
The concept of blending magic and steampunk is not a new one, but Clegg’s approach is unique. While there are indeed steam engines that power airships, robotic servants called automatons, and the like, the method through which the magic works has its roots in feudal society. All magic is concentrated in the lords of each realm, and through that magic, each lord not only fuels various steam-based machines, but also controls his people. It’s a clever take that mingles magic, steam, and politics.
The plot clips along at a brisk pace, so things move along quickly enough that the story never gets boring, but the downside to such a fast pace is that there is never enough time spent with a particular character or in a particular setting to get more than a superficial impression of them. I think the world would have been better served if the story were longer and spent more time delving into those characters and places that made it so unique.
Aside from the story, there are a few other nitpicks that need to be pointed out. While reading, there were a few times where words were missing or the wrong word was used. It was infrequent, but another pass by an editor would have eliminated them. There were also several times where the POV character shifted in the middle of the scene without a discrete break, which was a bit jarring until I realized the change.
Overall, Dark Dancer was an enjoyable read. It combined fae and steampunk in a quick story that never let up, though I would have liked to spend more time exploring the world and peering deeper into its inhabitants.
As the bard Davie Bowie once sang, Let’s Dance.
My Rating: 3/5
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews