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Shadowdance
Paralyzed since birth, a young man named Innowen happens upon a sorceress along the road. She grants him the ability to walk, but there are two conditions: he can only walk between dusk and dawn and, to keep this ability to walk, he must dance each night. What at first seems harmless comes with a sinister price. Anyone who witnesses Innowen's dance is soon compelled to act out his or her darkest, most horrific desires. Eased of his physical affliction only to be burdened with a moral one, Innowen sets out on a quest to find the nameless with in order to lift the curse. What he finds instead are long-protected secrets that threaten to bring down an entire kingdom.
537 pages, Hardcover
First published December 12, 1991
18 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Robin Wayne Bailey
94 books40 followersRobin Wayne Bailey is an American fantasy and science fiction author and is a past president (2005-2007) of SFWA, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Robin also served as SFWA's South-Central Regional Director for nine years and has hosted three of SFWA's annual Nebula Awards weekends; two of those Nebula events were held in his home town of Kansas City, Missouri.
Bailey was one of the founders of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's Hall of Fame in 1996, which merged with Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Enterprises in Seattle in 2004 to become part of the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Robin continues to serve on its annual induction committee.
Bailey graduated from North Kansas City High School, and received a B.A. in English and Anthropology and an M.A. in English Literature from Northwest Missouri State University.
Bailey was one of the founders of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer's Hall of Fame in 1996, which merged with Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Enterprises in Seattle in 2004 to become part of the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Robin continues to serve on its annual induction committee.
Bailey graduated from North Kansas City High School, and received a B.A. in English and Anthropology and an M.A. in English Literature from Northwest Missouri State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 9, 2017
Okay, I was wondering how comes that the blurb of this book sounded so awesome but the rating was so low. Now I know :) I admit that, maybe, if I'd read it in 1999, I would've been ecstatic just because there were some m/m bits there. But now I am spoiled and I wanted a good story to go with my m/m.
The first 19% of the book were beautiful, though. So bright, and expressive, and memorable. All right, some things didn't make much sense, like But still, it was fascinating, and I was ready to go where the story goes, to learn more about characters, to find out how it ends.
And then... Five years passed. In the story. And it was like the author crossed out everything he did till then and started some new story. With a different plot. Different priorities. Different characters. I mean there is suddenly a new and very significant character, and we don't get to know anything about him (except that he's handsome and his beard is black) - not how he and Innowen met, not why they are loyal to each other... The problem is we don't get to know anything about any character any more. All the characterization we got - was in those 19%, and after that everyone is just... doing things. Yes, some scenes are pretty impressive - but they feel like that: like scenes you watch from afar. Because you don't get to understand characters, to sympathize with them. Even more so, some characterization established in the first 19% was tossed, and the characters felt like some strangers, opposite to what they used to be, which also didn't make me like them more.
And it was long. Maybe if it were tighter, and I didn't get bored with them "going here, going there, talking here, talking there", I would enjoy it more. As it is... it felt like there was something really good there but it got lost on the way.
The first 19% of the book were beautiful, though. So bright, and expressive, and memorable. All right, some things didn't make much sense, like But still, it was fascinating, and I was ready to go where the story goes, to learn more about characters, to find out how it ends.
And then... Five years passed. In the story. And it was like the author crossed out everything he did till then and started some new story. With a different plot. Different priorities. Different characters. I mean there is suddenly a new and very significant character, and we don't get to know anything about him (except that he's handsome and his beard is black) - not how he and Innowen met, not why they are loyal to each other... The problem is we don't get to know anything about any character any more. All the characterization we got - was in those 19%, and after that everyone is just... doing things. Yes, some scenes are pretty impressive - but they feel like that: like scenes you watch from afar. Because you don't get to understand characters, to sympathize with them. Even more so, some characterization established in the first 19% was tossed, and the characters felt like some strangers, opposite to what they used to be, which also didn't make me like them more.
And it was long. Maybe if it were tighter, and I didn't get bored with them "going here, going there, talking here, talking there", I would enjoy it more. As it is... it felt like there was something really good there but it got lost on the way.
April 21, 2015
Innowen is cursed. And blessed. And cursed.
Born crippled, one night his life is changed forever when his caretaker is bitten by a snake. The beautiful witch who comes to his calls for help not only saves his caretaker's life, but gives Innowen back the use of his legs, for a price. Every night he can walk -- but he must dance. Once the sun rises, his legs are useless once again.
But worse; if anyone sees Innowen dance, they are forced to enact their deepest, darkest desire. And that leads to tremendous consequences, not only for Innowen, but for his closest friends, and for his nation.[return][return]Raised up out of the mud and adopted by a lord with a past of his own, he sets out on a quest to once again find that beautiful witch who saved his life, and discovers that little of his life is exactly as it has seemed to be.
A dark fantasy in the truest sense, Shadowdance is a bronze aged exploration of the meaning of love, life and the essence of what is good or evil. Honestly, there is very little magic involved in this book – what is there, aside from the beginning of the book and Innowen’s salvation, is subtle, and only used by the witch.
Shadowdance is the very definition of a character-driven fantasy novel. The plot in this book is thin and sometimes very secondary, while Innowen’s own self-discovery remains paramount. But that’s okay, because if the plot was more dominant, the book simply wouldn’t work.
The plot itself is based on Innowen’s search for the witch, a quest that was inspired by his love. This leads to a number of different questions about love, as Innowen attempts to discover what love truly is. The search for the meaning of love covers a number of different areas, and doesn’t shy away from some of the darker topics, including that of rape, and the feelings of guilt and feelings of self-blame that follow it. Bailey also explores homosexual love, and how it can grow out of the extremes of friendship and loyalty; in the time period he chose to base his book, love between two men was not ethically questionable, which allowed him to talk about it without any of the ensuing baggage that might accompany it in any other setting. For his treatment of it, I applaud him.
I must admit that I don't tend to like Robin Wayne Bailey's books. A lot of them tend to come across as really shallow to me, but this one is worth a look. I've always enjoyed the absolute uniqueness of this storyline. So, if you are looking for a book to torment your soul, pass this one by. If you’re looking for epic fantasy, don’t bother. If you really like character-driven fantasy and/or enjoyed Lynn Flewelling's The Bone Doll's Twin, or the definitely take a look at this book. It’s dark, but not too much so, and definitely asks an interesting question. It reminds me a lot of a thought experiment more than a fantasy novel, and it works very well for what it is.
Born crippled, one night his life is changed forever when his caretaker is bitten by a snake. The beautiful witch who comes to his calls for help not only saves his caretaker's life, but gives Innowen back the use of his legs, for a price. Every night he can walk -- but he must dance. Once the sun rises, his legs are useless once again.
But worse; if anyone sees Innowen dance, they are forced to enact their deepest, darkest desire. And that leads to tremendous consequences, not only for Innowen, but for his closest friends, and for his nation.[return][return]Raised up out of the mud and adopted by a lord with a past of his own, he sets out on a quest to once again find that beautiful witch who saved his life, and discovers that little of his life is exactly as it has seemed to be.
A dark fantasy in the truest sense, Shadowdance is a bronze aged exploration of the meaning of love, life and the essence of what is good or evil. Honestly, there is very little magic involved in this book – what is there, aside from the beginning of the book and Innowen’s salvation, is subtle, and only used by the witch.
Shadowdance is the very definition of a character-driven fantasy novel. The plot in this book is thin and sometimes very secondary, while Innowen’s own self-discovery remains paramount. But that’s okay, because if the plot was more dominant, the book simply wouldn’t work.
The plot itself is based on Innowen’s search for the witch, a quest that was inspired by his love. This leads to a number of different questions about love, as Innowen attempts to discover what love truly is. The search for the meaning of love covers a number of different areas, and doesn’t shy away from some of the darker topics, including that of rape, and the feelings of guilt and feelings of self-blame that follow it. Bailey also explores homosexual love, and how it can grow out of the extremes of friendship and loyalty; in the time period he chose to base his book, love between two men was not ethically questionable, which allowed him to talk about it without any of the ensuing baggage that might accompany it in any other setting. For his treatment of it, I applaud him.
I must admit that I don't tend to like Robin Wayne Bailey's books. A lot of them tend to come across as really shallow to me, but this one is worth a look. I've always enjoyed the absolute uniqueness of this storyline. So, if you are looking for a book to torment your soul, pass this one by. If you’re looking for epic fantasy, don’t bother. If you really like character-driven fantasy and/or enjoyed Lynn Flewelling's The Bone Doll's Twin, or the definitely take a look at this book. It’s dark, but not too much so, and definitely asks an interesting question. It reminds me a lot of a thought experiment more than a fantasy novel, and it works very well for what it is.
July 28, 2017
Innowen grew up crippled below the waist and in the primitive society he lives in, there are no wheelchairs or other tools, so he's spent his life helplessly reliant on others to carry him around or having to drag himself along the ground. So when a witch comes along and gives him the power to walk every night, as long as he dances some part of the night, he is overjoyed. However, he soon finds out there's a dark side to the witch's magic...whoever sees him dance is compelled to act out their darkest desires. The story explores whether Innowen can find the witch again, whether he can break the curse, whether there are deities involved, the mystery to Innowen's origins and whether he has a fate to fulfill. The book answers all these questions, and nicely. But the path to the answers is a little too meandering for me, and there were long swatches without any urgency in the plot where I was able to put this book down for other reading.
I think I would have given this 4 stars if it had been half its length. Although this was very well written, and the idea of this story is fantastic, for me there was just not enough story to carry almost a thousand pages (on the epub version on nook). So, I got some enjoyment out of this book, but I guess my feeling is that for the amount of reading time I invested, I wanted a lot more enjoyment.
I think I would have given this 4 stars if it had been half its length. Although this was very well written, and the idea of this story is fantastic, for me there was just not enough story to carry almost a thousand pages (on the epub version on nook). So, I got some enjoyment out of this book, but I guess my feeling is that for the amount of reading time I invested, I wanted a lot more enjoyment.
December 12, 2012
I have mixed impressions on this most peculiar book: the five-star rating is a homage to the writer's skill and originality.
Set in a pre-historical, probably mycenaean, Greece -a hypothesis supported by garments' descriptions, warfares' strategies and proper names-, this book stands out from the many historical novels available because of the supernatural touch in it.
The plot is not particularly interesting in itself: the main character, a crippled boy healed by a mysterious witch, is on a quest to look for his past and for his true self. As other reviewers have pointed out, the plot twists are such as to shame any soap opera writer and this flaw taints the novel so much as to make it very slow at times.
On the other hand we are faced with a most talented writer: his descriptions are minute, detailed to the point of being fastidious. His use of the language is simply beautiful: night and shadow are a constant background but every description he conceives is lyrical. Mr Bailey pays much attention to everyday aspects of life but in a way he manages to sublimate them into poetical images.
His treatment of characters is understated: in a most dark, ambiguous, grim atmosphere which dims even the most gruesome deaths (and there is a lot of violence in this book, only muted) Innowen and the others slide silently as if afraid to stir the wrath of the rarely mentioned but omnipresent gods of their land.
Only in time we are explicitly told that the deep attachment of Innowen and Razkili is love: though we understand this love to be an extremely passionate one, we watch it on tip toe, fearful of disturbing the hero while he discovers he does not love the witch as he believed before and he slowly comes to admit he cares for his friend and companion of five years. By the way here is a major contradiction: in this world homosexuality is no issue for anyone and still Innowen seems ashamed to love his companion: I guess Mr Bailey wanted this to be a fear to love in general but he omitted any explanation and it looks like Innowen fears his love of men.
Luckily enough he does not forget anything else and though sex between the two is never graphic, well it is never mentioned as such, actually, we look with pleasure at the growing intimacy of their touching.
This is an original, interesting read suited for anyone (gay or straight) who is at least 16 y.o. provided he has some superficial knowledge of ancient history and a love for beautiful writing.
Set in a pre-historical, probably mycenaean, Greece -a hypothesis supported by garments' descriptions, warfares' strategies and proper names-, this book stands out from the many historical novels available because of the supernatural touch in it.
The plot is not particularly interesting in itself: the main character, a crippled boy healed by a mysterious witch, is on a quest to look for his past and for his true self. As other reviewers have pointed out, the plot twists are such as to shame any soap opera writer and this flaw taints the novel so much as to make it very slow at times.
On the other hand we are faced with a most talented writer: his descriptions are minute, detailed to the point of being fastidious. His use of the language is simply beautiful: night and shadow are a constant background but every description he conceives is lyrical. Mr Bailey pays much attention to everyday aspects of life but in a way he manages to sublimate them into poetical images.
His treatment of characters is understated: in a most dark, ambiguous, grim atmosphere which dims even the most gruesome deaths (and there is a lot of violence in this book, only muted) Innowen and the others slide silently as if afraid to stir the wrath of the rarely mentioned but omnipresent gods of their land.
Only in time we are explicitly told that the deep attachment of Innowen and Razkili is love: though we understand this love to be an extremely passionate one, we watch it on tip toe, fearful of disturbing the hero while he discovers he does not love the witch as he believed before and he slowly comes to admit he cares for his friend and companion of five years. By the way here is a major contradiction: in this world homosexuality is no issue for anyone and still Innowen seems ashamed to love his companion: I guess Mr Bailey wanted this to be a fear to love in general but he omitted any explanation and it looks like Innowen fears his love of men.
Luckily enough he does not forget anything else and though sex between the two is never graphic, well it is never mentioned as such, actually, we look with pleasure at the growing intimacy of their touching.
This is an original, interesting read suited for anyone (gay or straight) who is at least 16 y.o. provided he has some superficial knowledge of ancient history and a love for beautiful writing.
August 10, 2015
I had bought and read this book some years ago but didn't keep it--a sure sign that it wasn't "good enough." Recently I ran across a cheap copy and decided to reread because the premise was interesting.
Unfortunately, 174 pages in, I am giving up.
While the cover is amazing and some of the descriptions in the interior are quite lovely, I have issues with many other things. For instance: for a crippled child raised in the remote cottage of a woodcutter, Innowen is remarkably knowledgeable about local politics and academia ("Scholars say..."), as well as blindly confident enough to argue with--and at times be downright rude to--complete strangers, many of which happen to be holding weapons.
No characters are fleshed out well. I don't get a clear sense of why they're doing the things they do, except as demanded by the plot. Many times these actions come as a complete shock: Drushen did what? Minarik did what? Where did Razkili come from and why is he so devoted?
And how can there be only two named females in this story?
And why are all these fellows always feeling the cool wind on their nipples, petting shoulders, random hugging, and sliding into bed naked with someone else? It seems like there's A LOT of suggestion, so are they really not lovers? Sadly I don't care enough to find out.
Unfortunately, 174 pages in, I am giving up.
While the cover is amazing and some of the descriptions in the interior are quite lovely, I have issues with many other things. For instance: for a crippled child raised in the remote cottage of a woodcutter, Innowen is remarkably knowledgeable about local politics and academia ("Scholars say..."), as well as blindly confident enough to argue with--and at times be downright rude to--complete strangers, many of which happen to be holding weapons.
No characters are fleshed out well. I don't get a clear sense of why they're doing the things they do, except as demanded by the plot. Many times these actions come as a complete shock: Drushen did what? Minarik did what? Where did Razkili come from and why is he so devoted?
And how can there be only two named females in this story?
And why are all these fellows always feeling the cool wind on their nipples, petting shoulders, random hugging, and sliding into bed naked with someone else? It seems like there's A LOT of suggestion, so are they really not lovers? Sadly I don't care enough to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
This took me so long to get through because innowen is not the most likable character but once I was in, I was in. It’s super f***ed up. Left and right, just a lot coming at you and it gets graphic at times. But it was a good story and I love that it’s a low key a queer love story. Like that was a nice touch but it was really odd at times. So, only three stars from me.
November 14, 2014
I couldn't finish this book. Too much was about half naked men caressing each other, which wouldn't have been so bad if there was a decent story to go with it. For example, when the guy sweated, he didn't just sweat, the sweat "ran down his groin." Who ever says that?
July 25, 2024
SA trigger warning (among other related things):
A tonal mess, but was generally interesting. Dancing as an allegory for sexual desire was really great. Couldn't have cared less about the political intrigue, though. Also, has a really caring and beautiful m/m relationship in it that was a joy to read--reminded me of a canonically queer Locke and Jean from Gentlemen Bastards, although not written nearly as well--but I thought it was strange that in a book that contains needlessly brutal incest (like there was WAYYYY too much of that), a sex scene between the protag and a young "pure" virgin, and male-on-male sexual assault (don't get me started), that the author cut to black any time the only healthy couple (and a gay one at that) were gonna get down to business. I am not necessarily an advocate for more sex scenes in books, but that just felt like a weird blind spot to me. It was like the author didn't want to commit to them really being gay, even though they literally call each other "lovers." I guess the world was based on Ancient Greece, and that sort of relationship between men was more common and accepted, AND this was written in the '90s, but still felt odd. Like I said, a tonal mess. Read it if you've finished everything else on your TBR.
A tonal mess, but was generally interesting. Dancing as an allegory for sexual desire was really great. Couldn't have cared less about the political intrigue, though. Also, has a really caring and beautiful m/m relationship in it that was a joy to read--reminded me of a canonically queer Locke and Jean from Gentlemen Bastards, although not written nearly as well--but I thought it was strange that in a book that contains needlessly brutal incest (like there was WAYYYY too much of that), a sex scene between the protag and a young "pure" virgin, and male-on-male sexual assault (don't get me started), that the author cut to black any time the only healthy couple (and a gay one at that) were gonna get down to business. I am not necessarily an advocate for more sex scenes in books, but that just felt like a weird blind spot to me. It was like the author didn't want to commit to them really being gay, even though they literally call each other "lovers." I guess the world was based on Ancient Greece, and that sort of relationship between men was more common and accepted, AND this was written in the '90s, but still felt odd. Like I said, a tonal mess. Read it if you've finished everything else on your TBR.
May 6, 2018
Every now and then I get a book that’s meh, not bad but not very good. This is one of them. Shadowdance seems like it should be better than it is. The publisher’s summary is really good, but the execution is just not that great. The prose is good, but somehow it doesn’t convey the angst and the occasional horror all that well. I found this book by perusing some LGBTQ-themed book lists. It wasn’t nominated for anything, which I think is a good thing. It’s an okay novel, but really nothing worth recommending.
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Come visit my blog for the full review…
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November 7, 2016
This book had so much potential, but it falls flat due to weak dialogue and even weaker sexual scenes in the book, what should have taken a couple a days to read became a chore to finish. What started off to be a good story started dragging and all I wanted was for he book to be over and the ending left much to be desired.
1/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
1/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
July 2, 2021
This is such a good story. The world is reminiscent of ancient Greek culture, or at least that is the flavour that it left me with. Of the main characters, I loved Razkilli, although Innowen was somewhat boring to me. I wish the Witch and Vashni were featured more heavily, but all in all a good solid fantasy book.
August 27, 2022
The book was unexpectedly mediocre.
The beginning was interesting, but then turned indifferent, up until the final third, where certain revelations made it interesting again.
I was expecting more. Also, the happy ending was somewhat shoehorned.
Additionally, the protagonist is homosexual, which is a refreshing change.
The beginning was interesting, but then turned indifferent, up until the final third, where certain revelations made it interesting again.
I was expecting more. Also, the happy ending was somewhat shoehorned.
Additionally, the protagonist is homosexual, which is a refreshing change.
March 29, 2019
I loved everything about this book. I have never read a book that shows such beautiful gentle kindness of men towards men. All the characters were likeable the story was incredible and are you felt like my mind was blown. A must read book
December 27, 2021
DNF - Nope, nope, nope. I do not read stories with rape in them.
June 2, 2025
The story is interesting but I wish there had been more development with regards to certain characters. Overall though, it’s still an entertaining read.
April 7, 2015
this book wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't amazing, either.
firstly, the character development in Shadowdance is less than spectacular. Innowen remains the same more or less throughout the whole book, and he never comes to terms with his disability, like one might expect out of a book about a character with disabilities. i was looking forward to the ending, thinking, innowen will finally realize that you can still be a valid human being while also being disabled, but that moment never came.
speaking of which, i was less than impressed by the ending. innowen rides off with razkili into the sunset, completely abandoning his war-stricken and drought-riddled homeland... he is totally aware of his country's plights and totally uncaring of them. i thought he might assume the throne and step up to the responsibility of ruling ispor, but apparently not.
furthermore, Shadowdance is terribly lacking in its portrayal of women. i know that its set in a time similar to classical antiquity and that women are second-class in isporan society and all but that doesn't excuse bailey's complete and total lack of female representation. there are two female characters, one of whom is a virginal ~innocent~ princess who literally has no negative thoughts apparently?? and the other is a power-hungry bloodthirsty murderer who likes to fuck her immediate family members in her free time. and there's no in-between. furthermore, after dyan gets with innowen and after she sees him dance that last time she suddenly turns from absolute angel to satan-serving murderous despot???? like what??
i mean i know that it's the power of khoom and innowen's dance and all that change her but it just feels like such a cop-out. innowen gets no development whatsoever and then dyan gets a ton of "development" but nothing solid that fuels that development. it all feels like a poorly concealed excuse for turning her into another version of minowee
also one part sticks out in my mind: right before dyan and innowen fuck, he tries to explain his relationship with razkili and she hits the nail on its head. she says that innowen loves razkili, and innowen replies by saying, "no, i simply belong with him and he belongs with me, and men can have relationships as deep and complex as any two women's." which i agree with, except for the part where 1. innowen does love razkili even if it wasn't romantically at that time, and it felt like a very big and unnecessary excuse for him to sleep with dyan and 2. bailey doesn't portray deep and complex relationships between women, he doesn't even portray relationships between women at all??? that line felt so out of place, especially considering that while bailey doesn't say that innowen is a sexist woman-hater, he doesn't exactly prove that innowen disagrees with the treatment of women in ispor. in fact, innowen only ever describes their plight; he very tactfully never describes his own opinion on their situation.
that whole conversation was weird. i suppose bailey was just trying to show that innowen wasn't in love with razkili at the time in order to remove the blame from innowen when he has sex with dyan, which isn't a very good reason to include commentary on double standards in a fantasy world anyway.
at the same time, despite all of its flaws, i suppose there is some merit in the fact that it kept me reading to the end. i was a big fan of razkili and taelyn (didn't really care for basically every other character) so that's probably the biggest reason why. the writing was very poignant at parts, although i could have done with less nipple descriptions and a lot less sweat/blood/bodily fluid licking (which for some reason everyone did?? was there even a single chapter in which at least one character didn't "taste their own salt"??).
all in all this book was a disappointment.
firstly, the character development in Shadowdance is less than spectacular. Innowen remains the same more or less throughout the whole book, and he never comes to terms with his disability, like one might expect out of a book about a character with disabilities. i was looking forward to the ending, thinking, innowen will finally realize that you can still be a valid human being while also being disabled, but that moment never came.
speaking of which, i was less than impressed by the ending. innowen rides off with razkili into the sunset, completely abandoning his war-stricken and drought-riddled homeland... he is totally aware of his country's plights and totally uncaring of them. i thought he might assume the throne and step up to the responsibility of ruling ispor, but apparently not.
furthermore, Shadowdance is terribly lacking in its portrayal of women. i know that its set in a time similar to classical antiquity and that women are second-class in isporan society and all but that doesn't excuse bailey's complete and total lack of female representation. there are two female characters, one of whom is a virginal ~innocent~ princess who literally has no negative thoughts apparently?? and the other is a power-hungry bloodthirsty murderer who likes to fuck her immediate family members in her free time. and there's no in-between. furthermore, after dyan gets with innowen and after she sees him dance that last time she suddenly turns from absolute angel to satan-serving murderous despot???? like what??
i mean i know that it's the power of khoom and innowen's dance and all that change her but it just feels like such a cop-out. innowen gets no development whatsoever and then dyan gets a ton of "development" but nothing solid that fuels that development. it all feels like a poorly concealed excuse for turning her into another version of minowee
also one part sticks out in my mind: right before dyan and innowen fuck, he tries to explain his relationship with razkili and she hits the nail on its head. she says that innowen loves razkili, and innowen replies by saying, "no, i simply belong with him and he belongs with me, and men can have relationships as deep and complex as any two women's." which i agree with, except for the part where 1. innowen does love razkili even if it wasn't romantically at that time, and it felt like a very big and unnecessary excuse for him to sleep with dyan and 2. bailey doesn't portray deep and complex relationships between women, he doesn't even portray relationships between women at all??? that line felt so out of place, especially considering that while bailey doesn't say that innowen is a sexist woman-hater, he doesn't exactly prove that innowen disagrees with the treatment of women in ispor. in fact, innowen only ever describes their plight; he very tactfully never describes his own opinion on their situation.
that whole conversation was weird. i suppose bailey was just trying to show that innowen wasn't in love with razkili at the time in order to remove the blame from innowen when he has sex with dyan, which isn't a very good reason to include commentary on double standards in a fantasy world anyway.
at the same time, despite all of its flaws, i suppose there is some merit in the fact that it kept me reading to the end. i was a big fan of razkili and taelyn (didn't really care for basically every other character) so that's probably the biggest reason why. the writing was very poignant at parts, although i could have done with less nipple descriptions and a lot less sweat/blood/bodily fluid licking (which for some reason everyone did?? was there even a single chapter in which at least one character didn't "taste their own salt"??).
all in all this book was a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 21, 2016The premise of the book - that a crippled, young man is cursed with the ability to dance at the cost of evoking shameful desires in anyone who sees him - is ambitious, in that I imagined a million ways that it could go down a melodramatic route, or a gay-stereotypical route, or just awful, unintended comedy. By and large, I thought that Bailey handled it well, and the gender-bending aspect of this fairytale-like story was refreshing and surprising. I liked the fact that in Innowen's "world," his frailty and sensitivity were not traits to hide or overcome among his male peers. In fact, those characteristics endear him to just about everyone he meets on his journey, which is a nice twist in a fantasy story with a largely martial cast of characters. It's not a coming out story. Innowen knows who he is, and he is who he is from start to finish. A nice rendering of a gay fantasy hero.
December 29, 2012
This book wasn't quite what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. It had some squicky bits that I had to challenge myself to continue with (rape, incest, homo-erotic undertones) Clarification: I'm not against gay content, I'm just not used to reading it yet and when I picked up the book, I didn't realize it would have homosexual undertones so it kind of surprised me. That's more of a reflection on the fact that more books like this one need to exist. Anyway, besides the aspects that made me uncomfortable, it's a beautifully written, engaging story. Bailey has a beautiful way with words. The reason I picked this book up is because the first few pages drew me in so well. Our hero is dragging himself through a storm and the way the storm is described made me want to read more. And I got my reward! Bailey does best describing Minnowee's storms and Innowen's dancing; and I think that works well considering the supernatural power contained in both. I loved Innowen from cover to cover. His passions and pains are easy to relate to and you come to love those in his life as much as he does. I also really love Rascal for his unwavering loyalty and love for Innowen. It's not often you find a character who is as selfless as he. Overall, it was a little predictable. I knew what was going to happen with Drushen and I figured Innowen's heritage before it was fully revealed, but both may have been intended by Bailey -- it does add a certain dread factor. Overall, I'd recommend it. :)
September 4, 2015
Great little book from an author that was unknown to me. I picked this one up because out the title/cover/description combo and it proved to be a great little story. I loved the idea based on magic which gave him the ability to walk yet was a curse. Throughout the book though I was certain that Robin the author was female because of how HE depicted the scenes between rascal and Innowen. I wasnt expecting such a homo-erotic touch to the book but it did make some sense in the end. The ending however I wish was just a little different, I wish that rascal had died in the final battle and that Dyan still took innowens curse. That being said I wish that without rascal and the still need for Dyan to flee that Innowen would become Dyans carer. Innowen although not ready to accept the wind god would have reluctantly followed him again - maybe out of a condition that he nor Dyan would have to kill or make others kill in his name?
Overall I thought this book was great and the author was quiet efficient at keeping things a surprise even when you should of maybe guessed what was going to happen. I for one am usually great at figuring out the plots and this book kept me reading at a pace where I didnt have time to guess! I LOVED how the wind and shadows are described through the book especially when related to dance - this was extremely well done and I applaud the author for being able to connect the three so efficiently! If I could give half stars this one would definitely be a 4.5 but hence goodreads isnt that advanced yet and I must give a 4.
Overall I thought this book was great and the author was quiet efficient at keeping things a surprise even when you should of maybe guessed what was going to happen. I for one am usually great at figuring out the plots and this book kept me reading at a pace where I didnt have time to guess! I LOVED how the wind and shadows are described through the book especially when related to dance - this was extremely well done and I applaud the author for being able to connect the three so efficiently! If I could give half stars this one would definitely be a 4.5 but hence goodreads isnt that advanced yet and I must give a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2015
Overall I enjoyed this book, and found the language and descriptions very beautiful, often in a dark and haunting way. I do feel, however, that too much time was given to the imagery that could have been better invested in developing the character and their relationships. So many interesting characters and complex relationships are presented but never really seem to grow. Things are revealed to us about them, but the reader is never really given the chance to discover with the characters - which, in the end, makes it hard to really care. And I really WANTED to care. The concept was so intriguing to me, I love the idea of Innowen's curse, but I feel like everything that happened after the first quarter of the story was just... Half hearted. Rushed.
I really wish we could have seen Razkili and Innowen's relationship develop as well, probably more than anything else. Because Razkili was kind of just thrown in after an unexpected time jump, and then suddenly they're lovers. While I had the sense from the beginning that Razkili loved, was devoted to and in love with Innowen, I never felt that Innowen's feelings matched his, even at the end. It seemed to me he always had more of a connection (romantically, physically, even emotionally at times..) with Dyan. Which is a shame. Because I think Razkili's character in general and his relationship with Innowen had so much potential.
I really wish we could have seen Razkili and Innowen's relationship develop as well, probably more than anything else. Because Razkili was kind of just thrown in after an unexpected time jump, and then suddenly they're lovers. While I had the sense from the beginning that Razkili loved, was devoted to and in love with Innowen, I never felt that Innowen's feelings matched his, even at the end. It seemed to me he always had more of a connection (romantically, physically, even emotionally at times..) with Dyan. Which is a shame. Because I think Razkili's character in general and his relationship with Innowen had so much potential.
May 8, 2015
Robin Wyne Bailey's Shadow dance is epic fantasy at its finest. It is a pleasure to see this novel re-released in ebook form.
Innowen, born without use of his legs, yearns to walk and to dance. A chance encounter with the beautiful Witch of Shanalane grants him his dearest wish at a price. He may only walk from sunset to sunrise. In order to keep this ability, Innowen must dance each night, and anyone who witnesses his dancing is made to enact the darkest desires of his heart. The terrible cost of his gift drives him to seek the Witch. What he discovers are long hidden secrets that bring to light the nature of his gift and will shake the foundations on which the Kingdom of Ispor is built. Ravaged by a tyrannical king, and divided by war, Ispor's only chance for survival is Innowen.
Shadow dance is a beautifully written novel, with complex characters and a multi-layered story. It is a story of consequences, of what comes when choices are thoughtlessly made. It is true epic fantasy, meaningful as well as action packed. I highly recommend Shadowdance to any lover of classic epic fantasy.
I received a copy of Shadowdance from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Innowen, born without use of his legs, yearns to walk and to dance. A chance encounter with the beautiful Witch of Shanalane grants him his dearest wish at a price. He may only walk from sunset to sunrise. In order to keep this ability, Innowen must dance each night, and anyone who witnesses his dancing is made to enact the darkest desires of his heart. The terrible cost of his gift drives him to seek the Witch. What he discovers are long hidden secrets that bring to light the nature of his gift and will shake the foundations on which the Kingdom of Ispor is built. Ravaged by a tyrannical king, and divided by war, Ispor's only chance for survival is Innowen.
Shadow dance is a beautifully written novel, with complex characters and a multi-layered story. It is a story of consequences, of what comes when choices are thoughtlessly made. It is true epic fantasy, meaningful as well as action packed. I highly recommend Shadowdance to any lover of classic epic fantasy.
I received a copy of Shadowdance from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
August 27, 2015
Bloated, with stutter-stop pacing (two characters develop a plot-essential emotional bond during a five-year timeskip; a civil war briefly pauses so the protagonist can go off and explore his roots). I would give it an extra star for its attempt to mimic classic Greek tragedy, a mode rarely explored in genre literature, except it loses any goodwill it gained for its unusual setting by chickening out from tragedy at the last minute and letting its protagonist run away and escape all consequence. His land may be in ruins, but he doesn't seem to care.
I am also uncomfortable with the choice to explicitly depict incest and male/male rape, but to limit consensual male/male sexuality to cuddling and kissing and backrubs and spooning and ogling and bed-sharing and . . . basically anything you can think of that doesn't involve genitals. I'm curious whether this was the author's deliberate preference, or something dictated by the era in which the book was written. As is, it's hard not to take away the message that Sex Is Bad.
I am also uncomfortable with the choice to explicitly depict incest and male/male rape, but to limit consensual male/male sexuality to cuddling and kissing and backrubs and spooning and ogling and bed-sharing and . . . basically anything you can think of that doesn't involve genitals. I'm curious whether this was the author's deliberate preference, or something dictated by the era in which the book was written. As is, it's hard not to take away the message that Sex Is Bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2015
Stop what you are doing and get this book! Then curl up and enjoy!
This book was marvelous! I was not sure I was going to be able to connect with the story but decided to give it a go and I was NOT disappointed. I have never read anything by Robin Bailey. I will certainly read more after this book. There are some uncomfortable scenes, topics and disturbing family dynamics (very disturbing). The writing was wonderful. The story was unique and woven together masterfully. If you enjoy fantasy or even just a good adventure I definitely would recommend Shadowdance.
Thank you NetGalley, Open Road Integrated Media for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Lastly, thank you Mr. Bailey for creating a wonderful story!
This book was marvelous! I was not sure I was going to be able to connect with the story but decided to give it a go and I was NOT disappointed. I have never read anything by Robin Bailey. I will certainly read more after this book. There are some uncomfortable scenes, topics and disturbing family dynamics (very disturbing). The writing was wonderful. The story was unique and woven together masterfully. If you enjoy fantasy or even just a good adventure I definitely would recommend Shadowdance.
Thank you NetGalley, Open Road Integrated Media for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Lastly, thank you Mr. Bailey for creating a wonderful story!
August 8, 2011
Hard to find, but truly a gem. The setting was surprising, ancient greek/rome style with a fantasy twist; a violent, gritty world, where the whims of gods and witches are the rule and mortal creatures would do better not to attract their attention. There is passion, and imagery that tends to linger long after the book is read; the main revelation is rather anticipated, but what the main character uses it for makes keeping up with the story worth it. There could have been more between the lead (gay) couple; that is the only flaw in a very original, very poetic, bittersweet tale.
Finished this in literally one sitting.
Finished this in literally one sitting.
August 10, 2011
Creepy, disturbing, and engrossing is this fantastical look into the dark side of human nature. The characters in this book are great, but not one of them has much in the way of redeeming qualities, but you see your own foibles in them and realize how easy it is would be to fall given power or challenged with a disability. Its also a fantasy-laden treatise on lust and love and how these intertwine with power. Nice twists at the end in regard to who you think the bad guys/good guys are and about their relationships with each other. Haunting, as I often think of this book even though I read it over 12 years ago, and no longer have my copy of it.
February 21, 2013
Innowen, dragging himself through town to find someone to save his guardian, has a meeting with a Witch that changes the course of his life. She saves his guardian from a deathly snakebite, and asks her God to heal him and let him walk. Innowen does gain the ability to walk - but only at night, and he must also dance. The terrible catch is that whomever sees him dance will act out their darkest desire.
Transitions could have been smoother, and more detailed back story on some of the characters would have been appreciated and possibly would have better endeared me to them. However, this novel is strong in imagery and twisty plot. I really enjoyed this book.
Transitions could have been smoother, and more detailed back story on some of the characters would have been appreciated and possibly would have better endeared me to them. However, this novel is strong in imagery and twisty plot. I really enjoyed this book.
December 4, 2013
This was a random book find on the local Goodwill shelves, and I am happy to have picked it out. The author's writing, and Innowen's journey, is wonderfully breathtaking. Though there are some triggery events not for the faint of heart: those really add to Innowen's challenge.
I didn't expect to be swept away by a slow growing gay romance, since the story's focus is more on plot and the MC, but by the end of the book, I was seriously wishing the author wrote more.
So why isn't it 5 stars? Well, it's 4.5 because there were some boring and confusing parts to the story. Overall though, this will stay in my library for future reading. Loved it.
I didn't expect to be swept away by a slow growing gay romance, since the story's focus is more on plot and the MC, but by the end of the book, I was seriously wishing the author wrote more.
So why isn't it 5 stars? Well, it's 4.5 because there were some boring and confusing parts to the story. Overall though, this will stay in my library for future reading. Loved it.
June 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Having read other reviews of this book being beautifully written with a plot that was unique and dark, I was not disappointed. The revealing of dark desires I found particularly interesting and there was a sense of dread after learning a character had seen Innowen dance.
The imagery was so well described that I could literally see it in mind down to the details. The characters were believable and each had their own distinctive contribution.
I really have no complaints about this book. I loved almost every minute of it. I’ve already put other books by this author on my to-read-list.
Having read other reviews of this book being beautifully written with a plot that was unique and dark, I was not disappointed. The revealing of dark desires I found particularly interesting and there was a sense of dread after learning a character had seen Innowen dance.
The imagery was so well described that I could literally see it in mind down to the details. The characters were believable and each had their own distinctive contribution.
I really have no complaints about this book. I loved almost every minute of it. I’ve already put other books by this author on my to-read-list.
September 6, 2016
this book was stupid and it had nothing to do with the homosexual tendencies. 3 stars BECAUSE of the homosexual tendencies. because they weren't in love-men's relationships are complicated. but then rascal's hard on for innocent was going to be exploited? did not care enough about the bland characters to find out.
perhaps the crappiness comes from the overwhelming misogyny? though women do get in the way of the sweat covered muscular make bodies, the wind blown nipples and creamy froth on male thighs. though their eyes are down cast so they can't see any of it.
I stopped reading after chapter 17. after what happens there I just looked at the book in horror and closed it. done.
perhaps the crappiness comes from the overwhelming misogyny? though women do get in the way of the sweat covered muscular make bodies, the wind blown nipples and creamy froth on male thighs. though their eyes are down cast so they can't see any of it.
I stopped reading after chapter 17. after what happens there I just looked at the book in horror and closed it. done.
December 6, 2012
Good Iron Age-ish fantasy read. Not a whole lot of action, lots of introspection, but the sparse bit of magic that informs the main character's choices provides enough reason for that introspection, and his attempts at self-knowledge and discovery. The M/M relationship is handled very thoughtfully. A bit on the explicit side, and a couple of the "action" scenes inspired a surprised but amused "...What, now?" from me. (Mind you, those are NOT the M/M scenes.)
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