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Dancing the Loom
Dancing the A fantasy story about nature as magic. This debut novel, by Carol Craig, is hailed as "Alice in Wonderland meets Mulan." A captivating tale filled with magic, danger and intrigue. Embued with rich and enchanting prose, it is at its heart a tale of friendship, sisterhood and love amid the perils of an ever changing world.
When Brigid Anne Dunsmore discovers a loom in the window of McGregor's Five and Dime, she has no idea it's about to change her life forever. Because this is no ordinary loom. No, this loom foretells the future. It forewarns her that the kingdom is in danger, and that she must find Henry Bookbinder if they are to have any hope of saving it. But who is Henry? And in danger from what or whom? Sinister forces are at work. Tired of fighting both the enemy and "the traditions" that hold her people in their spell, Brigid forms a women's army that marches on her nemesis, Alaric the Third, and his evil forces. But can she keep the kingdom alive amid the awesome forces of nature and the fearsome creatures that work to destroy her and her people?
When Brigid Anne Dunsmore discovers a loom in the window of McGregor's Five and Dime, she has no idea it's about to change her life forever. Because this is no ordinary loom. No, this loom foretells the future. It forewarns her that the kingdom is in danger, and that she must find Henry Bookbinder if they are to have any hope of saving it. But who is Henry? And in danger from what or whom? Sinister forces are at work. Tired of fighting both the enemy and "the traditions" that hold her people in their spell, Brigid forms a women's army that marches on her nemesis, Alaric the Third, and his evil forces. But can she keep the kingdom alive amid the awesome forces of nature and the fearsome creatures that work to destroy her and her people?
360 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 14, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 because of the strong message
“Dancing The Loom” is a novel of sisterhood with a lot of magic and a little romance thrown in. Brigid is an educated young woman forced to work as a maid after her family lost their home and scattered to different locations. She only has a locket to remind her of her family, which surprisingly plays a very small role in the story. And then she buys a loom that her family owned. But when the loom begins to craft a tapestry that tells the future, Brigid wonders what exactly is going on. At the same time, the evil ruler Alaric tries to steal the loom and threatens Brigid and everyone she knows and loves. It’s only when Brigid stands up in herself and receives help from friends and a group of women, native tribes and fed-up locals that she’s able to attempt to defeat the evil ruler, his plagues and the ever-changing world he creates.
I appreciate the message that women are strong, especially when they set aside differences and band together.
Likewise, Brigid decides to break traditions and do things a new way as she remains true to herself. Although she’s not considered “normal,” her uniquenesses are what wins the day. And she advocates for gentle training and compassion rather than punishments as a means of teaching folks how to behave.
The writing is simplistic in places and tells rather than shows. For example, the group went here or did that. Also, the word “phalanx” is repeated multiple times.
I would definitely read more books in this series, though, simply for entertainment and moral value.
Some of my favorite quotes:
[Henry] said, “Women can never be decision makers. They are too high maintenance.” Ironically, it was this that finally united the women because all sets of eyes turned to him in shock, his mother the first to rebut. “Silence, Henry. How dare you say that we are too high maintenance, as though you men are not high maintenance, always running off half-cocked, expecting women to drop everything at a moment’s notice to be at their beck and call whenever it suits them. Never thinking about how their absences affect us.” Amen mama!
“[Let’s make] a list of women’s strengths and attributes– how we can use them to help in our quest.” See the gifts each woman has and ask her to contribute that gift to the betterment of the whole rather than only to support her husband and his success or interests.
“Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it should always be done the same.”
“[C]hange starts with one person. And if we are to change things, we have to set the example.”
“‘They don’t want us to communicate with each other, so they keep us apart. By race, by class, by rumor, whatever it takes. They mean to keep power.” “Who are they?” I asked, still not understanding. “That’s just it, no one knows,” he said, throwing his hands in the air.’
“[W]e had begun to forget the differences between our groups and see the similarities instead. All doted on the children. [All shared their gifts and resources.] All helped in the chores, knowing that we each had a stake in our collective success.”
“[T]he adage that one must not cry, that women were to appear stoic alongside their men. But that had been part of the problem, had it not? That festering wounds were never allowed to heal under the ministrations of the body’s release of its toxins, its tears. Instead, people held them in, as society insisted upon. Buried the pain just as they had buried their dead, the sorrow and misery bottled and shaken until it presented in ways so much more violent and costly.”
“The best rulers are the benevolent rulers who see the good in their people and foster that. Shame and pain can never win out over kindness and cooperation. We have to retrain people to begin caring about each other again. I know we can do this.”
“Dancing The Loom” is a novel of sisterhood with a lot of magic and a little romance thrown in. Brigid is an educated young woman forced to work as a maid after her family lost their home and scattered to different locations. She only has a locket to remind her of her family, which surprisingly plays a very small role in the story. And then she buys a loom that her family owned. But when the loom begins to craft a tapestry that tells the future, Brigid wonders what exactly is going on. At the same time, the evil ruler Alaric tries to steal the loom and threatens Brigid and everyone she knows and loves. It’s only when Brigid stands up in herself and receives help from friends and a group of women, native tribes and fed-up locals that she’s able to attempt to defeat the evil ruler, his plagues and the ever-changing world he creates.
I appreciate the message that women are strong, especially when they set aside differences and band together.
Likewise, Brigid decides to break traditions and do things a new way as she remains true to herself. Although she’s not considered “normal,” her uniquenesses are what wins the day. And she advocates for gentle training and compassion rather than punishments as a means of teaching folks how to behave.
The writing is simplistic in places and tells rather than shows. For example, the group went here or did that. Also, the word “phalanx” is repeated multiple times.
I would definitely read more books in this series, though, simply for entertainment and moral value.
Some of my favorite quotes:
[Henry] said, “Women can never be decision makers. They are too high maintenance.” Ironically, it was this that finally united the women because all sets of eyes turned to him in shock, his mother the first to rebut. “Silence, Henry. How dare you say that we are too high maintenance, as though you men are not high maintenance, always running off half-cocked, expecting women to drop everything at a moment’s notice to be at their beck and call whenever it suits them. Never thinking about how their absences affect us.” Amen mama!
“[Let’s make] a list of women’s strengths and attributes– how we can use them to help in our quest.” See the gifts each woman has and ask her to contribute that gift to the betterment of the whole rather than only to support her husband and his success or interests.
“Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it should always be done the same.”
“[C]hange starts with one person. And if we are to change things, we have to set the example.”
“‘They don’t want us to communicate with each other, so they keep us apart. By race, by class, by rumor, whatever it takes. They mean to keep power.” “Who are they?” I asked, still not understanding. “That’s just it, no one knows,” he said, throwing his hands in the air.’
“[W]e had begun to forget the differences between our groups and see the similarities instead. All doted on the children. [All shared their gifts and resources.] All helped in the chores, knowing that we each had a stake in our collective success.”
“[T]he adage that one must not cry, that women were to appear stoic alongside their men. But that had been part of the problem, had it not? That festering wounds were never allowed to heal under the ministrations of the body’s release of its toxins, its tears. Instead, people held them in, as society insisted upon. Buried the pain just as they had buried their dead, the sorrow and misery bottled and shaken until it presented in ways so much more violent and costly.”
“The best rulers are the benevolent rulers who see the good in their people and foster that. Shame and pain can never win out over kindness and cooperation. We have to retrain people to begin caring about each other again. I know we can do this.”
March 3, 2023
A beautifully crafted tale of magic, friendship, and love in the face of incredible odds. Carol Craig's world-building is masterful, and her characters are complex and unforgettable. Brigid's journey is both thrilling and poignant, and the themes of sisterhood and empowerment are woven seamlessly throughout the story. I loved the unique twist on the traditional hero's journey, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a magical and inspiring adventure.
March 1, 2023
In Carol Craig's captivating tale, "Dancing the Loom," readers are transported to a world filled with magic, danger, and intrigue. When Brigid Anne Dunsmore discovers a loom that can foretell the future, she sets out on a perilous journey to save her kingdom from sinister forces. Along the way, she forms powerful bonds of sisterhood and love that are tested in the face of incredible challenges. This richly crafted tale is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
July 17, 2023
Dancing the Loom
Brigid, who came from riches to rags, the moneyed class to servanthood, finds a magic loom that foretells the future, in this warped fairy tale world. She must save Henry, whoever he is, from the forces of evil, hampered by traditions that limit what she can do. How she triumphs against the odds makes for an engaging, inventive tale.
This book is an entertaining read.
Brigid, who came from riches to rags, the moneyed class to servanthood, finds a magic loom that foretells the future, in this warped fairy tale world. She must save Henry, whoever he is, from the forces of evil, hampered by traditions that limit what she can do. How she triumphs against the odds makes for an engaging, inventive tale.
This book is an entertaining read.
May 17, 2024
I received a free copy via Netgalley.
After finishing this I was still unsure exactly what the loom was doing.
Although there was a good mix of Magic and action I had great difficulty relating to the characters.
This was really not for me.
After finishing this I was still unsure exactly what the loom was doing.
Although there was a good mix of Magic and action I had great difficulty relating to the characters.
This was really not for me.
February 6, 2023
A fun fantasy about good versus evil, friendship, love, and happy endings.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews