Scars of the Golden Dancer

by NightEyes DaySpring

Life on the edge of the desert has never been easy, especially for the jackal prostitute and sword dancer, Zayn. After selling his wares at auction to a hyena sellsword by the name of Naji, Zayn realizes Naji can help him find a better life, Just as Zayn's dreams are coming true, problems from Naji's past catch up to him. The jackal will have to move quickly to save the hyena or risk losing him forever.




Content

The following work contents scenes of explicit male/male sex and deals with topics such as prostitution, abuse, violence, loss, and post-traumatic stress. This book is intended for adults only, and reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Fiction, Anthropomorphic

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2022

About the author

NightEyes DaySpring is an author who specializes in furry fiction. His work has covered a number of different genres with furry fiction as he continues to explore his voice.

Reviews

[Cassius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars of the Golden Dancer was one of the first novels I read when I finally ventured into the wider world of furry literature after a year of only reading—and rereading—the works of Kyell Gold specifically. As much as I love his work, I realized that if I was ever going to grow as a writer and a reader, I needed to branch out and explore something new. I picked up a few novels on the recommendation of a friend, but as excited as I was to read them, I was also a little hesitant. Starting new things has always been difficult for me; there’s an ease in sticking to what you know and what’s comfortable, so putting energy into something you’re not sure you’re going to like can be daunting. I’m hardly the only person who struggles with this, especially when it comes to the time commitment of reading, but if you find yourself wanting to try something new and hesitating to do so, consider picking up this novel. Scars of the Golden Dancer is a quick read that covers a lot of thematic ground that’s elevated by its stellar characters.

My experience reading this novel was odd at first. After getting so used to one author’s way of writing, the unique style of Scars of the Golden Dancer made my brain feel like it was being massaged by a large fox with strong paws in a hammam (once you read this book, you’ll understand). The novel knows what it wants to say and does so efficiently. Descriptions and actions are short and punchy, offering a to-the-point scaffolding for NightEyes DaySpring’s exquisite dialogue. While this approach can feel a bit utilitarian at times if you’re someone prone to flowery prose, it’s all in service of focusing on the novel’s characters and their relationships.

Scars of the Golden Dancer presents a mix of romance and drama in a fantasy world full of talking animals that takes heavy inspiration from the Middle Ages and the Middle East. I can’t personally speak to the cultural or historical accuracy, but NightEyes DaySpring does a great job of making this world feel immersive, incorporating Arabic terminology in a way that had me excitedly pulling out my phone to research anything I didn’t recognize. While that isn’t necessary to understand the novel, I had a lot of fun being exposed to these new learning opportunities nestled between the dramatic moments and steamy encounters.

Outside of teaching or exciting you, Scars of the Golden Dancer also has something to say. First and foremost, the novel is about the past and the way people let their past define their future. Both main characters come from sordid backgrounds that make it difficult to imagine anything beyond a present full of struggle and regret. Naji believes he is doomed to the life of a sellsword, always at risk of hurting the ones he cares about, and after learning of the tragedies he’s survived, it’s hard to blame him. Zayn is a dancer that sells his body to abusive men as a means of survival, resigned to a life of people taking from him without consideration. The novel paints a bleak picture of these characters’ lives, which makes it all the more satisfying to see their growth over the course of the story. As long as they have each other, maybe a better future is possible.

This novel is also about the importance of community and the way our communities help us thrive. Part of what made me fall in love with Scars of the Golden Dancer was Zayn discovering a sense of community at the Blue Door, a refuge for men that love other men. In a world much like ours where LGBT+ people are thought of as “lesser,” the Blue Door offers a safe space for Zayn to express himself without judgment—this mirrors one of my own experiences from nearly seven years ago. Like Zayn, I was born and raised in a rural town with little in the way of a supportive LGBT+ community. We both experienced prejudice and isolation due to our sexualities, and we didn’t believe our situations could get better than what we had. Then Naji brought Zayn to the Blue Door, and I went to Midwest Furfest for the first time.

It was a culture shock. Zayn wondered at the existence of a place meant just for people like him, while I was overstimulated by how many furries you could fit in the same registration line. I was surrounded by colorful people who lived and loved like I did. I was able to express myself without having to worry about being judged. While the material reality of my circumstances and Zayn’s couldn’t be more different, NightEyes DaySpring captures the heart of the matter excellently: we need community to thrive.

Throughout the novel, Naji and Zayn repeatedly have their lives enriched by the bonds they forge with their communities. When Naji and Zayn are in danger, friends old and new rally to protect them. When they are in need, friends open their doors or bail them out of trouble. Messages like this resonate with me because I wouldn’t be here without my friends or my community. Simple acts of love and care can have profound effects on the people around you, and shows of solidarity can protect the most vulnerable. Scars of the Golden Dancer is a loving reminder that no matter where we come from, life is better when we have each other.

We need novels like Scars of the Golden Dancer now more than ever. LGBT+ and adult spaces are under attack, but our situation isn’t hopeless. When I set out to leverage my platform to promote and review furry literature, I did so in hopes of supporting this wonderful community and an art form that changed my life for the better. Like Naji and Zayn, I had no idea if I had a future worth seeing, but this fandom showed me the truth: it’ll always be worth it if we do it together. Furry literature has given so much to me, so it’s my mission to use whatever means I have to give back. My art, my words, my time—I’ll gladly give it all. If I make even one person pick up a furry book for the first time, I’ll consider this whole experiment a success.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, you won’t go wrong starting here. We’d love to have you.

[Skunkbomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars of the Golden Dancer by NightEyes DaySpring is a gay furry erotic romance with elements of adventure and intrigue in a middle eastern setting. The dual protagonists, Naji the spotted hyena mercenary and Zayn the jackal whore, both try to escape their respective dark pasts while navigating their growing attraction to one another. I applaud the author for the combination of furry and the middle eastern setting since it’s something I’ve rarely seen. The author made great use of concrete details, from the scent of coffee to the overwhelming bustle of Aksu, to place the reader in the story. Admittedly, I felt the story was slow to give details I would have liked to know about the protagonists earlier such as what their overall want was in the story and the major misbelief they carried, though I feel both details are elaborated on later. The story is a little uneven in terms of sharing the spotlight between Naji and Zayn. The beginning feels more like Zayn’s story (and Zayn’s on the cover, which makes him feel like the more main of the two protagonists), but the latter half of the story feels more like Naji’s story. That said, I enjoyed the protagonists. Both felt distinct, and the story is filled with intriguing characters. My favorites were Fadel, the fennec fox owner of The Blue Door, and Abdellah the red fox coffee and tea seller. I would have read a whole book of those two going back and forth with their banter. The book also ends with a few loose ends, setting itself up for a sequel, which I hope to read one day. If you’re looking for your next furry book fix and are open to erotic elements, I recommend this novel.

[GuineaPigFalconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the beginning of the book to be a little slow, overall I enjoyed this well-developed world and these characters fighting for a better future. The action, once it picked up, kept me totally occupied and curious to know what was going to happen next— whether it be a revelation from the past, a scheme gone wrong, or just a peaceful slice of life moment. I enjoyed the two POV characters, Naji and Zayn, but I really thought the side characters shone just as brightly. Fadel, Naima, and Abdellah were some of my favorites.
I’d say if you’re a fan of Rukis’ work, I’d give this book a try, as well! The two are similar in the rich world building and continuous character development.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Scars of the Golden Dancer by Nighteyes Dayspring back in July. Much has stuck with me a couple of months later.

I felt completely immersed in Naji the hyena and Zayn the jackal's world for the entire book. My favorite part was their journey through the mountains. I loved the detailed descriptions of the ever-changing landscape and weather alongside the character's self reflections. Both Naji and Zayn are thoughtful and observant, which makes them relatable to me, and makes experiencing their environment feel not just satisfying, but also relevant to the plot. Other standout vivid settings are the city market and the bathhouse.

A fun surprise for me was the author's use of a few Arabic terms: I enjoyed a bit of learning when I looked up these words.

Great book overall, which stands well on its own but also leaves enough hope and hints for the reader to look forward to the sequel.

Finally, I can't talk about this book without mentioning Fadel! A perfect sweetheart yet also a bad-ass, brimming with the warm friendship and found family that I love finding in books.

Support the author directly by buying at https://nighteyes-dayspring.com/books/scars-of-the-golden-dancer

[Nick McLemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this almost a year ago, having bought a signed copy by the author at a convention, but it still remains one of my favorite books that I've read in a long time. I became very invested in the story between Naji and Zayn. I love Fadel and the Blue Door absolutely sounds like a place I'd want to go.

[Michael Miele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jackal and hyena's romance blossoms out in the desert amongst fears from their troubled pasts. I really enjoyed this book and its setting and world were thoroughly engrossing. The Blue Door was a great choice as a safe space for the characters and I felt like it was a great parallel to the modern equivalent of the local gay bar or hangout spot of choice. It was also just nice to see a space described where being gay was considered normal. Zayn's reaction to this realization that he didn't need to hide who he was at the Blue Door was a big highlight of the book for me. The action scenes had me hooked to the page and I loved the interplay of sword fighting and sword dancing that made appearances throughout. Quick shoutout to Zayn having a whole arc where he asks himself if he's really serious about Naji after moving in with him in a big city. Some experiences really are universal across time and cultures huh?

I felt like Naji having a kind of PTSD brought on by serving in the war was handled pretty well. I would have to talk to someone who has experienced those kinds of flashbacks to know if the descriptions were accurate, but it felt close to me.

As others have pointed out, the side characters are fantastic and help flesh out the story and interactions quite well. My favorites are Fadel and Usman out of the extended cast.

Heads up that there are erotic scenes in the book, but I felt like they happened naturally. The build-up to them and how they're handled was done well and I think they helped to show other aspects of the character's personalities.

This may be a byproduct of the long time this book spent in production, but I did feel like the amount of times that Naji or Zayn brought up the fact they had troubled pasts were almost trying to remind the reader of that fact. It felt a bit repetitive at times, especially when the situation they found themselves in was a direct result of one of their past actions. A small nitpick in the whole of the book though.

A small thing at the end of the review, but I really appreciated Nighteyes listing the books he used for research for the book. I may end up going through and reading those later and I felt like it was a cool thing to include for folks interested in reading more about the culture that provided the setting to the novel.

[Shiloh Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars of the Golden Dancer is one of the first furry books I picked up when I started really getting into furry fiction. It's one of those books I sought out the hardcover for afterward, and one that just keeps popping up in my brain from time to time. The book is a bit of an uncut gem--flawed yet full of heart--and that makes for an endearing read.

I think the primary theme in this story, intentional or no, is that of supportiveness. The romance here is defined by how supportive of each other Naji and Zayn are. The plot practically has them take turns helping and/or saving each other multiple times throughout. That element of their relationship is brought out in contrast with more malicious characters who offer support as a deception or who have been barred from receiving support due to their actions.

Speaking of support, I think the highlight of the book, even moreso than the romance, is the gay community that's featured. The Blue Door, a sort of bathhouse where the "mithly" folk hang out in the city, is an extremely supportive and safe place for the main characters. They find help there, take refuge there, and are able to love each other freely there. Plus, The Blue Door's side characters really make the place feel welcoming.

That theme of support, both individual and communal, is really what distinguishes the book for me. It features something that's very important to the gay community and does a good job of portraying it in a setting that may be unfamiliar to many readers.

Now, there are some rough patches, in my opinion. Naji and Zayn, though developed enough to be distinct as characters, can be a bit vapid sometimes. Some of the dialogue felt stilted, and a few character choices were confusing. I'm also surprised the book didn't have a map of the city the story takes place in, rather than of the whole region.

But these flaws certainly haven't kept the vast majority of people from enjoying the book immensely. Again, the book is an uncut gem--flawed, yet full of heart. It's hard to describe in this review exactly what I mean by that, though, which is why I think it's well worth a read so you can see for yourself.

[Dark End · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book two years ago and have been putting off writing a formal review for far too long.

This novel follows hyena sellsword Naji as he helps jackal sword-dancer Zayn to start a new life in the city of Aksu. It's also an erotic work and fans of NightEyes' other erotic stories will not be disappointed here. Zayn and Naji's romance builds to a satisfying climax (all pun intended) over the course of the novel.

But the real joy of this book are the wonderful places we visit. To my mind, if Kyell Gold is one of furry fandom's best writers for characters, and Slip Wolf one of the fandom's best writers for milieu, then NightEyes DaySpring may be one of the fandom's best writers for place. Every location in this novel - from the small caravanserai of Zaptu, to the grand market of Aksu and its spice stalls and coffee merchants and bookstores, to The Blue Door, with its hookah lounges and massage parlors and bathing spots - is richly developed. I wish I could actually visit these wonderful locales and didn't just have to read about them. I most of all want to visit Aksu for a coffee and a browse through the shops.

While I generally enjoyed my read-through, there were a few issues with tone in the novel. The first half of the book, which reads like a romance and travelogue, doesn't mesh perfectly with the second half, which reads like an action story and political thriller. Some plot threads are heavily foreshadowed to be importance and then never reappear.

But ultimately the question is, would I recommend it to others and do I look forward to NightEyes's next novel? And the answer to both is yes. This is a fantastic setting rarely trod in furry lit, and I'd love to see more of it.

[Spottystuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's cute, it's sweet, it's so well researched that it puts other books in the genere to shame. It's got hints of Orhan Pamuk in it's narratives. It's, in a word, complete. The complete experience. I enjoyed my time with Zayn and Naji immensely, and I look forward to reading more about them.

At times, the book could catch me out, and sometimes, it was very positive. Other times, I was left wondering a little. But we're talking about the odd sentence here and there that I'd merely have worded a little different. It's rare I find a book where I can't find a fault, but this one had very few, I will say.
Structurally, I found the way the characters motivations to be established to be believable, of course, but maybe a little too well-explained for my own personal tastes. But I've read a LOT of obfuscating, obtuse and opaque (and other O-words) literature, and I'm always hunting for meaning all the time. I'm well aware that's my own problem, but an honest review is an honest review!

I also noticed a few loose plot threads, but I am given to understand that there might be a sequel or a continuation of this world in a future book, so those threads are not even worth worrying about.

In the end, I am very happy this book was published, and I'm immensely proud of the author for having managed to deliver such a quality story exclusively through self-publication. Even without anyone hanging over their shoulders, they put out a wonderfully thought-through and sturdy story that will entertain anyone who chances across it. I hope many more recieve that privilege!

[Packwolf Lupestripe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a great deal to commend Scars of the Golden Dancer, which is a thoroughly engaging and absorbing read. It is clear that NightEyes DaySpring has researched the history and culture of the caravanserai extensively - as evidenced by the reading list in the Acknowledgements - and this is conveyed in his descriptive and immersive world building.

Running parallel to this are the strong characters. The chapters are written in the alternating perspectives of Naji and Zayn, the two main protagonists. This adds a richness and balance to the plot that enhances it overall. The side characters, particularly around the supportive environment of The Blue Door gay club, add to the sense of community, which is an integral theme. All of this makes the story more vibrant.

Despite being set in a pre-industrial world, there are many themes which can easily be transposed onto gay culture today. The importance of support, of familial loss, and the scars of our pasts are all explored here. There were frequent references to insecurities and doubts, which although perhaps repetitive, mirror exactly how insecurities and doubts are. The authenticity of the characters strengthens the story as a whole.

I would certainly enjoy reading a sequel, should one be forthcoming, as I think there's much more to discover about Naji, Zayn and their world.

[Rob MacWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A queer romance in a setting that tends to get overlooked, Scars is a story about disentanglement. The two leads struggle to shake free of pasts they had no choice but to have and now are trying to leave behind. It's fascinating watching them mirror eachother's struggles: each is an aspirational figure to the one, the one for his innocence, the other for his independence, and each needs the other in order to succeed in disentangling from his own past. But each fears entangling the other in that past.

I also have to give it credit for genuinely catching me. I was certain things were pointing at a "this character will die heroically and tragically to save the other, and the denouement will be the second character, years later and in a relationship with a third background supporting character, as both of them reminisce and mourn the loss of first character." It's very rare I find a story that can genuinely fake me out with the 'this is what kind of story this is, therefore this is the ending it is pointing at' structural cues, and still have the actual ending be satisfying and fully supported, but Scars pulls it off elegantly.

If you like heartwarming gay romance and don't mind that it isn't circumspect about the love scenes, try this out.

[Edwin Herrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Scars of the Golden Dancer' is a story about two characters from vastly different backgrounds who meet through random happenstance, and whose lives become enmeshed as things progress. All of this takes place in the backdrop of a historical fiction/fantasy world which pulls many elements from Arabian culture, yet avoids the pitfalls and clichés that often mar such attempts.

The anthropomorphic animal characters that populate this world feel right - it is not the arbitrary collection of random species that seems to inhabit many furry stories, but rather a selection that fits with the world and makes it all feel that much more cohesive. The characterizations are good as well, with characters that have depth and personality, and I found myself invested in them, eager to learn more about them and their world. And, of course, curious to find out what would happen next!

If you are a fan of historical fiction or fantasy, or like imaginative worldbuilding and interesting characters, I would definitely recommend this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it myself, and if a sequel comes along, I'll certainly be seeking it out.

[RunningRed NightBringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: NightEyes is a friend of mine and my review will be positively biased to ensure I don't fall off his Christmas card list.

Five stars, excellent book. Would enjoy reading more books with these characters or set in this world.

For any inquisitive reader who is not a furry, the story is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals. Lions, jackals, foxes, etc that walk on two legs and talk. Don't get hung up on what the "real world" versions of these animals can do, that does not matter. They are people. Enjoy their story.

For the inquisitive reader who is a furry, the story features species not used as often in furry fiction, jackals, hyenas, caracals,etc. Animals more appropriate for the desert environment.

If you're looking for porn where characters get laid three times a chapter, you'll be disappointed. It's not that kind of book.
If you think that, while sex is fun, sometimes you just want someone to come home to and cuddle with. Around whom you can drop your defenses. Then you'll probably sympathize with the protagonists and the struggles they have with their respective pasts and emotional baggage to get to that point. And you'll keep reading to see if they get there. Cause if they can, maybe the rest of us can find it too.

Enjoy.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scars of the Golden Dancer is a very entertaining read with plenty of worldbuilding in a middle-eastern setting. I appreciated the depth of detail offered in the book, the language used (I learned some new Arabic-rooted words), and the culture the author created.

The story itself is a fun read that goes by quickly. The pace is done well and kept me engaged throughout the novel. There are some areas I wish had more detail, such as the exploration of Zayn and Naji's relationship further.

Unfortunately, the book sorely needed a proofreader. There were numerous grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that made it into the printed edition of the book. The errors were quite distracting and took me out of the story multiple times. A good proofreader could have found many of these in just one pass.

Despite the grammar issues, I enjoyed and recommend this book to any furry fiction fan.

[Ty Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read it twice through now, I can easily say that Scars of the Golden Dancer is a great book from start to finish.

A sellsword, Naji, and a dancer, Zayn, have a chance encounter in Zayn's hometown. Their lives quickly become interlinked, and they try to navigate their budding relationship as Naji is forced to confront the darker elements of his past while Zayn looks towards his future. The story deftly alternates between Naji's and Zayn's perspectives, which adds to the narrative as we see the events unfold from each character's unique perspective. The world itself - which takes inspiration from pre-industrial Middle Eastern civilizations - is detailed, interesting, and clearly well thought out. NightEyes' writing is strong throughout, making the novel a very pleasant read.

Overall, this is an affecting and engrossing book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in LGBT+-themed fiction.

[Tiberiusrings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like romance, intrigue, a beautiful and descriptive world? You get it all with this book. I was drawn in by the cover and I am absolutely glad I did.

This was one of those books I paced myself with because I didn't want it to end. The author paints such a wonderful world and adds such little details that you can't help but feel it is a true living and breathing place while not being superfluous.

The characters are fun and layered. You can see their base level right away but as the story goes on you find that there's so much more to everyone, even minor characters, you can't help but enjoy it. I found myself invested and wanting more -- and when you want more at the end of the book you know the author has done their job exceptionally well. Give it a read!

[Felix818 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is something that I been longing for: a gay furry fantasy that has a nice blend of romance and action. I found jackal and hyena to be a good pair.

The two issue that I had with it was the overly use of said bookism, and I found the multiple povs being kinda unnecessary. I felt it was more Naji story than Zayn and it could've easily been told from Naji's pov only. Also a minor annoyance was the overly use of book saidism. I don't why writers start avoiding using "said". But most of the time, there is no reason to not use "said".

But saying that, I did enjoyed it and would recommended it.

[Jericho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars of the Golden Dancer was much more than I had bargained for when I had initially picked it up. The world feels alive, no doubt to the author's thorough research, and I absolutely finished wanting more. If anyone is a fan of budding love and tales of growing trust and companionship, this is the book for you.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully constructed tale of a growing love story, with plenty of unexpected turns that’ll keep you on your toes! The main characters are wonderfully gripping and the writer makes it very easy to root for them. Thank you for a wonderful read!

-Schande T.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in a richly and beautifully visualised desert setting, this is a great slice of escapism. There's danger, and emotions run high, but ultimately it's a feelgood love story populated with likeable characters.

[Poofy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book - one of my all time favorites

[Tim Copley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our final book of the year (2025) for our furry book club.

Wasn't sure how I felt about this one at first, but it grew on me over time as I read it.

I enjoyed the way the chapters alternate between perspectives of the two main characters.