An elusive killer...a deadly obsession...and a woman who must destroy him--or become his next victim.
Some would kill to know what Caitlin Vasaro knows. For the secrets she’s kept hidden all her life are the kind that the rich and the powerful will do anything to possess. But not even Caitlin knows how much danger she is in--or how far someone will go to hunt her down. But she is about to find out when she enters a business deal with the mysterious and charismatic Alex Karazov and joins the hunt for one of the world’s most coveted treasures, the Wind Dancer, an ancient statue of legendary beauty and power. But Kazarov is a dangerous man who has an even more dangerous enemy and suddenly Caitlin is thrust into a shadow world of intrigue and deception, unable to trust anyone, not even the one man who can help. Now she must outsmart the cleverest of killers, a psychopath obsessed with the Wind Dancer whose ruthless plan spans continents and whose lethal rampage won’t stop at one death...or two...or even three--not until he finally gets what he wants: the secret Caitlin will die to keep.
Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
I received this novel from a librarian on eBay as part of a set of 100 thrillers. This was not one of my favorites. I didn’t know that this was part three of a trilogy, but I do believe it can be read as a standalone, since that’s what I did and wasn’t completely lost. Some details from the other books might have served to flesh out the plot and explain the motivations of the key characters, but not necessary. The story begins with Alex Karazov, who worked for the CIA as a code breaker/puzzle solver. He is retired but he is ‘convinced’ to return when his arch nemesis kills the sacrificial lamb/manservant/companion. (This happens within the first few pages: not a spoiler.) Motivated by revenge, Alex learns of a woman named Caitlynn Vasaro who owns an estate. She makes perfumes from the flowers that grow there, and has a strange (apparent familial) connection to the Wind Dancer a highly sought-after piece of art. The supporting characters: Chelsea, is an actress employed to sponsor the perfume; her daughter, Marisa, is a mature child who was abused by her father and protective of her mother; Jonathan is a rich benefactor who is running for President of the United States and enamored of Chelsea are all very realistic and profound characters. The problem lies in plot. It doesn’t hold together well because it seems overtly complicated and semi ‘kitchen sink.’ As if Johansen felt that she didn’t have enough story. She did, of course. It’s OVER 600 pages. An editor might have been able to make this story more readily fast-paced. As for me it was a bit of a slog. Middle of the road read for me.
The wrap-up to one of my all time favorite trilogies, Reap the Wind completes the journey of The Wind Dancer.
The Wind Dancer, by now one of the world's most famous pieces of art, is back in the hands of the original owners- The Andreas family. Reap the Wind is more about kin of the Andreas', however.
Starting with the coming together of an ex-cia, ex-kgb mastermind and the current owner of Vasaro, a plantation of flower fields in the heart of France, (first introduced in the previous novel). RTW takes us from the flower fields of France, to the shores of the Carolinas, to the hidden passages of ancient caves in Turkey- the Wind Dancer series has been a fav of mine because of the settings and this entry continued that trend, however bringing it to a modern time.
Caitlynn Vasaro, the owner of the Vasaro estate, agrees to Alex Karazov's generous but somehwhat suspicious offer to back the new perfume she is producing... because she has to, or lose her precious Vasaro.
Alex does indeed have his eyes on something bigger of course, although he instinctively believes in Caitlynn's passion for Vasaro. He's after revenge. And he needs Caitlynn's connection to The Wind Dancer to wreak it.
Meanwhile Alex's arch nemesis is obsessing on how to get Alex's attention once again- and it seems he's found the perfect leverage.
For those that have only read IJ's suspense books or if you have not read the first two in this series- best skip Reap The Wind. I have the original release, not sure how much they changed in the recent updated release- and I would think it would be incredibly confusing without reading the first two.
Still, even on re-read, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of the origins of The Wind Dancer. Far-fetched, pretentious, and ridiculous as it was. STILL, sigh. Tres romantic.
In the original release of Reap The Wind, (and I'm assuming it's the same here) there's an intense and sexual romance between Alex and Caitlynn which kept me reading. Lots and lots of side character we could have done without, and the last third of the book was just too much jumping around. But, the ending satisfies... sorta.
My opinion is this one is probably the weakest in the trilogy. But it's a must read if you've read the first two.
The wrap-up to one of my all time favorite trilogies, Reap the Wind completes the journey of The Wind Dancer.
The Wind Dancer, by now one of the world's most famous pieces of art, is back in the hands of the original owners- The Andreas family. Reap the Wind is more about kin of the Andreas', however.
Starting with the coming together of an ex-cia, ex-kgb mastermind and the current owner of Vasaro, a plantation of flower fields in the heart of France, (first introduced in the previous novel). RTW takes us from the flower fields of France, to the shores of the Carolinas, to the hidden passages of ancient caves in Turkey- the Wind Dancer series has been a fav of mine because of the settings and this entry continued that trend, however bringing it to a modern time.
Caitlynn Vasaro, the owner of the Vasaro estate, agrees to Alex Karazov's generous but somehwhat suspicious offer to back the new perfume she is producing... because she has to, or lose her precious Vasaro.
Alex does indeed have his eyes on something bigger of course, although he instinctively believes in Caitlynn's passion for Vasaro. He's after revenge. And he needs Caitlynn's connection to The Wind Dancer to wreak it.
Meanwhile Alex's arch nemesis is obsessing on how to get Alex's attention once again- and it seems he's found the perfect leverage.
For those that have only read IJ's suspense books or if you have not read the first two in this series- best skip Reap The Wind. I have the original release, not sure how much they changed in the recent updated release- and I would think it would be incredibly confusing without reading the first two.
Still, even on re-read, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of the origins of The Wind Dancer. Far-fetched, pretentious, and ridiculous as it was. STILL, sigh. Tres romantic.
In this version of Reap The Wind, there's an intense and sexual romance between Alex and Caitlynn which kept me reading. Lots and lots of side character we could have done without, and the last third of the book was just too much jumping around. But, the ending satisfies... sorta.
My opinion is this one is probably the weakest in the trilogy. But it's a must read if you've read the first two.
Iris Johansen’s Reap The Wind is wild in its best form. Unaware, I started on the third book of the Wind Dancer series; however, Reap The Wind can stand on its own. I was lured in by the novel’s connection to France and its art history. This is another one of Johansen’s contemporary suspense novels except it is intertwined with pretentious romance. That being said, Reap The Wind’s objective is weakened by a rather sexual relationship. Romance aside the novel was engaging enough to get through it all. To my knowledge, Reap The Wind was published in 1991 and continues the series’ plot of the Andreas’s family relationship with a priceless statue, the Wind Dancer. Particularly in Reap The Wind, the story follows Caitlin Vasaro and her perfumery in Vasaro, France. Her family, too has connections to the beloved Wind Dancer but no longer has tangible access to it. Caitlin is not the only one intrigued by the Wind Dancer… there are vile individuals eager to kill for the statue. Ms. Vasaro’s estate is in dire need of an investor to help secure her upcoming perfume and that is where Alex Karazov, a so called puzzle solver is thrown into her life. A tad desperate and perhaps too trusting, Caitlin accepts Alex’s business proposition. From there, the journey unfolds from the fields of Vasaro, to the coast of America and to the underground of the Middle East. The plot will move quickly depending on if the reader is able connect all the dots of the story. There are layers and a sense of a far-fetched reality but the faster the plot is deciphered the more predictable the story becomes. Brutal antagonists associated with the Black Medina exist and vengeance awaits on their leader and their victims. Alex’s past will slowly be revealed to Caitlin but in the meantime, the launch of her perfume is all that matters. Other secondary characters will aid or deviate Caitlin’s success. A horrid man with a foot fetish is to be stopped, a so-called friend, Kemal is to be instinctively trusted, and an attractive woman, Chelsea is to be satisfied. As Caitlin and Alex are business partners the roles of regulation should be relatively equal yet this is not the case. The balance of their “business” partnership is obstructed by miscellaneous emotional factors. Caitlin is too easy to shape into a mold due to situations Alex brought her into. Her independence is confused with love wherein actuality she is only being betrayed. She deserved to be a stronger, independent character who does not need the constant protections or pervasions from men. Likewise, romance contributed to the novel’s typical but disappointing end. Regionally, the novel deliberately moves from Vasaro, South Carolina, Versailles Nice, Paris, Istanbul, and then back to Vasaro. All in an order for business corporations relating to the perfume and the Wind Dancer. With the Black Medina, no artwork or those who stand in the way are safe. The city hopping Caitlin endures is a matter of protection Alex establishes. Reap The Wind relates to art theft of historic masterpieces and the investigations that the CIA initiate to retrieve stolen artworks. Also organizations such as the United Nations are referenced/ characterized in scenes of international crime throughout the novel. I found the timeline of the setting ( 1970s-1990s) easily understandable as it is not to distant from present day. On its own, Reap The Wind is similar to Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson because of romance being added to a historical fiction/suspense novel. The 1990s in American Literature is classified under the contemporary period so to that degree heteronormative romance in literature was common. Other than the similar genre that Reap the Wind has to Snow Falling on Cedars, the novel is unlike anything I had ever read before. However, I do not see myself reading another book by Johansen. Within the novel there are subjects future readers should be advised about. First, being the violent conduct of several murders. Secondly, as romance is a component to the plot so are a few sexual scenes. Third of all, the sexual abuse of children in are acknowledged. Lastly, it is highly suggested that one of the characters is a creep with a foot fetish. Taking the controversies into account, Reap the Wind is definitely not a children’s book but can be suitable for a high school reader. The novel at times is frustrating, but overall it is captivating.
It takes a while to get through the first half of this series of books, but once past the midway point, the rest flashes by. This one was no exception. The dread of what will happen next is eclipsed by the need to know, no matter how bad. By the end, the reader is usually fully invested in each of the characters and wants the best for them, except for the villains, of course. I wasn't too sure this one was going to end well, but I have to admit the ending was superb, if unexpected. Still, I doubt that I will re-read these again.
Iris Johansen is one of my favorite authors. She certainly did herself proud with this book. I have to admit I had a very difficult time putting it down. It keep me so engrossed all I could think of was turning the page to see what was next. I think you will certainly enjoy this book as much as I have.
This is different than the other books by this author I've read. This is the third in a series (that i did not read) about the Wind Dancer, which is a (presumably fake) antique statue dating back at least to the time of Troy. That's really old. The main guy is a rich genius, and an evil genius is in love with him and obsessed with him, and trying to play a game with him over the wind dancer and killing everyone that the main guy cares about, which seemingly will bring the main guy into the evil guy's arms, in his mind. The main girl is also obsessed with the statue, which belongs to another branch of her family. She is also obsessed with her flower farm, vassaro, in france. She farms and makes perfumes. This book is the story of the main people launching the perfume with the help of the statue, while traveling all over europe (with a bit of the US), and all the while trying to foil the bad guy, and a european art theft ring which has also stolen the mona lisa, among other things. there is some politics in there too. A lot going on...the very beginning of the book reads like a straight up romance novel..if you can get past that front part, it gets better, and you get a lot of action, fashion, travel, blowing things up, spies, etc. it also gets really sad at one point. you dont need to read the other books it works as a stand alone novel, that's how i read it.
I found this book in my ship library and at the time I didn't know it was part of a series. In truth I couldn't even tell is was part of a series even after reading it.
Google cleared that mess up for me.
But despite that, it was pretty much a stand-alone for me.
It was interesting and at times a little weird. I wasn't left wanting more, and I've never sought out the other books.
The romance was a little, how would you say it, forced and at times, to me, felt a little wrong. And in saying that, I felt that the whole thing moved a little too fast, or better yet, it had a bit of a disconnect.
But in all I did enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to others that want a mystery inside of a mystery.
Fascinația Dansatorului este o carte deosebit de spectaculoasă, foarte bine scrisă, dozând magistral suspansul, misterul și romantismul pe parcursul acțiunii.
I didn't post anything about the Wind Dancer until now, however having been an addict of yours for over 30 years, Ms. Johansen, I am glad I waited!
However, did I miss this series, since I remember the first Eve novel and so many since! Never the less, I am grateful I didn't find one at a time, I would have been crazy! Because of the historical necessity of the first two novels, I am thrilled I bought all three at one time! (Even if my Amazon account looks like the national debt already...)
What an amazing trilogy that spanned over 500 years, and in each case heroines you simply couldn't ignore, and heroes who learned there is MORE. I truly hope all who read realize in each novel leading up to the last, home, family, and love are most important! No folks, not a breaker, and certainly not am I ruining your reading enjoyment, simply must read to understand!
The author's notes, Ms. Johansen, THANK YOU! You given me a new research quest, it's an addict ion, and you provided me with so many springboards to begin with, lol, I shall end up as any typically ADD student I taught, and be going off on a million different tangents!
If you've never READ and Iris Johansen novel, this trilogy will make you begin hunting as many other novels of hers you can, after finishing, of course!
An absolute joy to read, and for those of you like me, rarely read anything historical anymore, this is NOT your average author! Read all three in order to truly enjoy!
Ms. Johansen, the ending of the THIRD book in the trilogy, YES!, somehow, I knew, you certainly gave a lovely path, not for all, but for someone whose been a fan since before Eve, I was estatic! Luis, PERFECT!
After reading this novel I realized it was the third installment in a trilogy. My fault which also leads to my rating. I stayed a bit confused over the piece of art known as the Winddancer. The premise states that Caitlin who runs the farm of flowers known as Vasero in the French country side knows all kinds of secrets about the piece. That made no sense to me. Yes she studied it but she alone knew no great “secrets”. I was more interested in Alex and his relationship with Brian Ledford. Alex is a puzzle solver living in the mountains with Pavel who I first thought was a man servant but later came to understand was a friend. It’s not a spoiler for it happens early Pavel is killed brutally. So Alex’s part of the story is revenge. At this point he picks Caitlin and her supposed knowledge of the Winddancer to catch Ledford. He doesn’t expect to fall for Caitlin. As for Caitlin she is desperate to keep the family farm afloat and develop a new perfume and Alex offers her a way to do that. From that merger we meet Chelsea a movie star, her daughter, Marisa who I would refer to as an old soul. She was abused by her father. Next we meet Jonathan Andreas a rich South Carolinian who wants to run for the presidency, the drawback is he is in love with Chelsea and his supporters see her as a negative. The last big player in this story is Kemal. Who is Kemal? All we know is he wants to be a rich man and wonder how far he will go in this game of players to get what he wants.
Everything about this book feels cliche and overly tropey. The romance came on way too fast, but it took way too long for the plot/action to start. It got really boring and I just waited for something to actually happen. It dragged even when more exciting things were happening. It's like there are two different books here and they don't combine them well. At some points it meets, but most of the time they feel like they take breaks between them. It was tedious to read. At least the climax was exciting and well paced.
Then there was the random part where the forty year old randomly falling for a sixteen year old. It's gross, no matter if you describe her as an 'old soul' or 'world wise'. She's still a kid and he would always come across as predatory, especially when it didn't have to go that way (I get they wanted a connection, but it could have been friendship since it went all of nowhere). Honestly, I don't like what they did with Marisa in general. It was weird (apparently she's a magnet for grown men).
The history parts and points were interesting. I was more invested in the historical mystery than anything else in the plot. There were times where you felt the gut punch when something happened.
On a side note that has nothing to do with the quality of the writing: it's funny how books can date themselves- what a wild idea, a unified Europe with one kind of money lol.
When I started this book I wasn’t aware that it was the last of a trilogy. Thankfully, it made sense as a stand alone. I loved everything about this novel. It sucked me in from the very first page and didn’t let me go until it was over. For me, it was one of those books that you want to read all over again just to “be with” the characters. I’m usually good at figuring out mysteries, but this one had many twists and turns and I never guessed correctly. Now I’m wanting to read the first two books.
What a mind blowing story, that has a cliff hanger ending. The wind dancer continues to live. The chase was great all across the world with Caitlin & Alex & Chelsea who gets in the mix. Vasaro is an unforgettable place & then to be a remarkable perfume who Chelsea is to endorse is great. This is definitely a page turner hard to put down book. Remarkable, spellbinding, riveting suspenseful is there going to be more??
Let me start by saying that I read this book 17 years ago and it's sill one of my favorites. It took me 1 month on the Subway to finish this 600 pages book and considering English is not my native language just tells me how much I liked it. I found this book amazing because it had everything in it ! A good plot, love story, thriller, betray... Recently I found out that we have this book in Hebrew and I can't wait to read it again! (and basically see if I got it right the first time :)) Highly recommended !
I guess it's okay? The suspence wasn't very hard to figure out, the romance wasn't sweet enough to make one feel nauseous.
Reap The Wind was probably the lightest read I could have found on my reader, which made it perfect for what I needed. Having the hard case of a reading crisis this is the kind of book that caught my attention and KEPT it. Hope it stays that way. :)
Bought during Audible sale because I love the first book in this series.
I was expecting a smoochy book but instead got a 16 hour long global political suspense with three different romances.
The first 13 hours of this book I was so over it and trudging through but the last three hours were worth it. I like how Johansen tied things up. Got to love that dang Pegasus statue.
Iris Johansen has written has written an exciting story that moves the reader from beginning to conclusion while providing suspense as well as romance. It is an excellent find!!
The Wind Dancer, Storm Winds and Reap the Wind follows a piece of art with a magical mystery through time. Part mystery, part suspense, part romance. Page turned and well written!
I guess I shouldn't really give it one star as I didn't finish reading it. Couldn't finish it. It was not what the cover claimed. I stopped at page 220. Still no story other than how to create a new perfume line.
But, I guess not wanting to finish a book is a review in itself.
What a great read! Been a while since I read a Johansen book but am so glad to have read this one. Love interests, great plot, world travel. It’s got it all. I wanted to know what would happen yet didn’t want the story to end.
A young woman desperate to launch a perfume and save her Vasaro gets mixed up in more than she bargained for. Now she, her mysterious business partner, and her new friends must solve a string of antiquity robberies before anyone else gets killed.
It was nice to read all of Johansen Wind Dancer books. They would be better read in order but I found #4 first. You will learn a lot of world history by reading this series. Johansen does great research.